by Joe Snyder
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Kathy and I finally joined the crowds of nature-lovers last week and drove over 250 miles to the north and west of where we live, to see the color and excitement of field after field of Texas wildflowers. The farthest point north we drove was to Ilano, a county-seat town, where we stopped for lunch and discovered the best barbequed beef sandwiches we’ve ever tasted.
During our flower-day excursion we viewed Bluebonnets, Redbuds, Indian Paintbrushes and even some unnamed orange and yellow flowers in an area or two. It is hard to imagine 60 and 120 acre plots of ground covered with flowers – but there we were with the Lord’s mighty power spreading out as far as we could see. Yes, we did see some fields of white daisies as well but at present they are in a minority.
At one point we had been instructed to turn off the highway at Willow City and take what was called a "Loop Road." Somebody had told us it was a two- mile loop but they evidently forgot the other 18 miles. However, even though my arms ached before we drove "the loop," we were mighty happy we were told about it.
Not only did we see huge beds of flowers, but we were awed by several streams of clear water in a canyon of sorts. There were running streams of clear water through this region and one could look up and see impressive rock cliffs and hilly greenery on both sides of the road. During that side trip we must have passed over a hundred cattle guards. When we stopped once to take a picture, I had to meet face to face with a herd of Angus cattle, but they weren’t interested in me at all, content to fill up on grass that was eight inches high.
Kathy and I enjoyed the day. Enroute home we drove to Fredericksburg where we visited briefly with relatives, one of them, Charles Adams, a retired Air Force sergeant, now in a nursing home there. We have visited Fredericksburg ( a truly German community) several times. I wish I could describe to you the beautiful rock homes and business structures the German settlers built away back when. The Admiral Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War is a well known attraction there, as well. I am proud my experience in World War II is part of their archives.
Incidentally, it was in Fredericksburg that the only treaty with American Indians that was never broken, was signed in the center of town. The site is marked by a remarkable statue. I really like Fredericksburg, but it is expensive and always filled with tourists.
Again enroute home we also stopped at a huge Wildflower and Garden Center, not far from President Lyndon Johnson’s hometown. Acres and acres of flowers, both wild and domestic, including a whole field of Red Poppies! Plus, there was a gift shop, plus an animated "greeter" who welcomes you at the door!
It was a fun day and a chance to get out and see something besides traffic and organized confusion here in San Marcos.