Day 3: Rewind

If you remember we ended day 3 at Bastrop State Park. Bastrop county, and this park, suffered a severe wildfire in 2011. I had pointed out that we had camped at certain site and provided a current view of it.

 As a recap, here is 2014 view:

 Now for a view of the same campsite circa April 2007:

 Puts the devastation into perspective don't you think?

Day 9: Epilogue

A short 2 hour trip home to wrap up this little adventure. We bought this class A on the belief that we would like to travel in it. After this 9 day trip we KNOW we do. While this coach is not nearly as fancy or elaborate as others, it suits us quite well. Grew more and more comfortable driving it. We covered 1030 miles in those 9 days, never coming close to leaving Texas. Visited some old haunts, but plenty of new places as well. Ready to go again unfortunately next RV trip will be some time. Stay tuned to a return to Broken Bow for the folklife festival.

 A few pics of Lake Whitney.

Day 8: Homeward bound...

Left a warm and humid Houston after saying goodbye, for awile, to Dan and Rhonda. Stopped and visited with Gary and Hillary, oldest son and daughter in law. A cold front and squall  line was approaching so visit was short. Went through quite a bit of rain till just south of Waco.
 Decided to treat ourselves to late lunch at Casa Ole. Boss lady loves the green sauce and only gets it when we travel south. Lucky enough to find parking room.

 Stopped for night at Lake Whitney SP. Have been here numerous times. Still 2 hour drive to reach home tomorrow,  then back to reality.

Day 7: Just a swinging...

A day of pop corn, ice cream and relaxation. A few more views of park and a surprise

Color scheme of motor coach and Rolls Royce match, don't call me trailer trash!

Day 6: OK, so I lied...

We left Brazos Bend to head to Houston. I failed to provide pictures of the park, so here you go.

We are now at Lakeview RV resort near Medical district in Houston. Many people, including Dan and Rhonda stay here while undergoing treatment at one of the hospitals. Very nice facilities.

Overheard the receptionist tell a caller that some have lived here for 9 years. No thank you but a week or month certainly tolerable. Nice clubhouse, free WiFi, nice pool area.

Dan is at hospital having lab work done. Will visit with them this evening.

Rhonda, Mary and Dan

Day 5:: Nothing to see here folks, move along

Well what should  have been about a 40 mile day turned into twice that. Part driver error, part missing road sign so blame TXDOT. At any rate we are now at Brazos Bend SP. Home of moss covered trees and aligators. Just hoping Mary does go all Marie LeBeaux on me! (Not sure what that means? A old Jim Stafford song)

 Now for something personal. I really appreciate my friends following along on this journey. This includes Dr. Mark and Sharon Hoelscher. They are touring England at this time and stats show viewer from Great Britain. When we left Alvord Saturday  morning temp were in the 40's, since then it has been record heat. What the hell happened to fall? This is October! This travel blog will go quiet for a couple of days, resuming on Saturday. We routed this trip to come to Houston, and will spend the next 2 nights at Lakeview RV park. Our dear friend,neighbor, and traveling  companion Dan Lange is battling Leukemia at MD Anderson. We are here to provide aid and comfort, as best we can, to Dan and his sweet wife Rhonda. Please have them in your thoughts.

 Next post from Lake Whitney

Day 4: Rumors spreading around, 'bout that Texas town...

Did you figure out by the lyrics where today's history lesson takes us?

Does this help?

How about this?

You probably guessed the town but missed the true destination! The infamous chicken ranch house was moved long ago. Still can visualize "Marvin Zindler, Eye witness news". If not familiar with the story, Google is your friend

 No, our history stop was

Further information

Monument and crypt

Next stop on todays history tour

And finally our home for the evening

Random thoughts...

I, and I think a lot of people, find comfort in the familiar. Things being the same as you remember them. This park was built in a dense pine forest where a pine forest should NOT be, hence the name "lost pines". The dense canopy of the pines kept out the hard woods, such is not the case now. Suspect it never will be again, something lost forever...

 Do you recognize this?

 A old, comfortable companion who has been with me 35 plus years. Dependable, reliable, familiar.

 Last night and the next two nights are in State parks. Our preference. The Kerrville stop was at a commercial  RV park. While nice, our friend Bill would be appalled at the cost. Bill and Jeannie have been gone for 4 plus months touring the east coast. Ron and Maureen head out in January as full timers...we are WAY behind and need to catch up!

Day 3: East bound and down...

Can you name the TV show that came from?

 Pulled out of Kerrville around 9am. Enjoyed our stay but it was time to move along...

First blast from the last was here

We had been there 30 plus years ago. A lot had changed, still a lot remained the same

Then it was off to Austin after a quick stop at Wildseed farms just east of Fredericksburg.

Welcome to Austin!

Then on to visit an old friend. We last camped at Bastrop in 2007. Texas has been in a severe drought and in 2011 a wildfire destroyed the lost pines forest. In 2007 we camped at the exact spot where Mary is standing, very different then

The wildfire destroyed many acres both in and out of the park.

But they saved the main building built by the CCC's back in 1934. The fired reached the parking lot beside the building.

More history tomorrow. ..