Road trip

  Forecast called for a rainy day so a road trip was in order. We made the 50 mile trip over to Rockport. First stop was a walmart to pick up a new pot for Veronica. Saturday before Christmas and surprisingly it was not total craziness. Mission accomplished we moved on to the local Ace Hardware store. We have been told it is the second largest Ace hardware in the country. At any rate it is huge and has a large variety of items. Scored some item we were looking for plus some unexpected finds.

 Our next stop was Tackletown. A clothing, hunting and fishing gold mine of products. Once again we purchased some items we wanted. That left our lunch choice as the remaining stop. Paradise Key is a nice, casual restaurant we have visited many times. Consistent good seafood which we really enjoyed looking out over the bay.

 All and all a very nice day.

the adventure continues...

Lake Corpus Christi continued

  Part of the allure of this park is the fishing pier. They say it is 400ft and I believe that measurement. It is by far the longest pier at any state park we have camped in. I have watched others catching crappie but I have not been successful. Having said that, I have caught 19 white bass in the past two days. Too small to keep, which I would not do anyway, but fun none the less. As I told a man last night, they tug on my line and that is all i ask of them. Today we plan to drive over to Rockport for lunch. Will post photos and thoughts from our lunch date as well as scenes of other campers decorated for Christmas.

gather ye rosebuds while ye may

 

Lake Corpus Christi

  We have returned for yet another Christmas week at this park. I believe this is our third one. So far weather has been good and so has the fishing. Tomorrow plan is to drive over to Rockport for lunch.

more to come

carpe diem

Lake Brownwood SP

  On Friday, October 20th we left Meridian and made the drive over to Brownwood. While short in distance the drive was eventful and stressful due to construction. We have been here more time than we can remember, as comfortable as a pair of slippers. There was a family reunion or two taking place so it was fun observing them. Not surprisingly the lake was low. We enjoyed a quick visit over to Coleman to relive some memories as many relatives are buried there.

gathering rosebuds

Meridian State Park

  On Tuesday, October 17th we returned to this park after many years. The lake was very low like most lakes in Texas. However the facilities were in great shape and we enjoyed some hiking and nature in general. We were surprised it was not under burn ban so we had a campfire, first in a very long time. Nice park we plan to return to.

carpe diem

Return to Junction

  We decided to return to Junction due mainly to its close proximity to home. Much warmer than in April but still an enjoyable visit. New mods to Veronica performed as designed and some confidence was restored. Our last outing was trouble filled and we needed to erase those memories. Weather remains too hot to enjoy getting out so next trip not till October. That trip will take us to Sandpipers and the beginning of the winter season extended stay.

carpe diem

Plans changed

 Best laid plans are often unfulfilled. We were in route to Ruidoso New Mexico when our plans were changed.

 Ada Belle Hambric

April 14, 1927 to July 13, 2023

Rest in Peace Mom

carpe diem

Catching up

  Our spring trip was cut short by family needs. After Goliad we turned back toward home and then to Mansfield to help Mom. With deteriorating health changes had to be made. Multiple trips to Mansfield later we have done what we can.

 In mid June we needed to return to the area and decided to combine with camping. We reserved a camping spot at Cleburne State park for three nights. While the trip involved plenty of stress, nights lakeside at the park proved relaxing.

 July will be busy with camping trip to Ruidoso New Mexico, followed a week later with trip to Rockport Fulton area. Not much planned for August but have high hopes for September and remainder of the year.

carpe diem

Goliad part 2: History and special treat

  The Mission Espiritu Santo here at the park was protected by the Presidio La Bahia a mile or so away. The presidio has a long history of conflicts having been fought for it. It was here that Colonel Fannin and 341 of his men were executed under orders of Santa Anna, the Mexican general. It was also here that the woman who came to be known as the "Angel of Goliad" saved so many.

Grave of Fannin and his men

REMEMBER GOLIAD!

 We were just relaxing when I remembered I wanted to get shots inside the Mission. It was closed when I went up to it yesterday. Boy am I glad we did. We were in for a special treat we were unaware was taking place.

 The choir performed about 10 songs. All wonderful in a wonderful and special setting. A special treat indeed.

gathering rosebuds from sacred ground.

Goliad SP

  On Friday April 28th we made the move to Goliad state park. We left before the weather got bad and it will reach us before 10pm. We have stopped here 3 or 4 times previously. Nice park with a lot of history.

 I had dreaded the route thru San Antonio and it did not disappoint. Was better than expected in some spots, far worse in some unexpected construction zones. Never fun.

First things first.

Scenes of the mission.

 More to come from a history rich location...

gathering rosebuds

Day 14 Blanco

 

 A lazy day with no activities planned or scheduled. Started out with a long walk downriver to explore the wildlife and fauna of the day use area. Enjoyed that exploration. Decided we would go downtown to eat some bar b que and perhaps check out some shops.

 Nothing in the shops tempted us till we discovered a quilt store. Once again I bought a project and Mary did not. Crazy trend. The lunch was good then back to Veronica where naps were in order.

carpe diem

Visit with Dawseys

 

 We took advantage of our cancelled dental appointments and did some shopping on Monday April 24th. Our original plan had us dinning out with Tom and Diane after the dentist so substituting shopping for dentist seemed like a good trade.

 We enjoyed a good meal at El Chaparral Mexican restaurant, a place we had gone before. Then it was off to their home for tasty margaritas, lively conversation and a dip in the hot tub. Fun time for all.

 A short drive north brought us back to Blanco and we just relaxed. Decided the local chicken express sounded good for dinner and it was.

 Took several walks around the park and did a little fishing. Found one fool of a Bluegill who decided to attack my lure. Could see others in the clear water but they did not want to play.

 Some scenes around the park.

gathering rosebuds