Walking in Bastrop State Park

It's just a walk in the park
on this lovely autumn day.

After crossing over the bridge
and walking about 1/4 mile

Gertie & I came upon this pretty little lake.

Lots of berry bushes around this area
and the birds really love them.

We have lots around our house
that we keep watered & pruned
for the birds to enjoy.

They are also pretty to see.

I have a map of the trails
which are well marked
and color-coded.

Woo-wee, I am so glad to see this bench.
It isn't as pretty as some Angela sees on
her walks, but it is very inviting
after an uphill hike.

Gertie & I will take advantage of this little break.

After more up-hill hiking
we get to the overlook.
There really isn't much to
see in the distance other
than what we have already
walked through, but we'll take a little rest.

This is one of the structures built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.
(I'll have to check that date)

There are structures like this
as well as old water fountains
throughout the park.

Notice the stones in the passage way.

There are cabins in another
area of the park built by the CCC available for rent.
I think each has a fireplace, kitchen, bath.
On my next visit I'll check it out.

Mushroom/Toadstool
poking through the pine needles.

Pretty clear sky with the sun shining brightly.

We walk the same route back to our car.
Yes, there it is through the trees.

Time to head home.
We've been here about 2 1/2 hours
so I think our walk is over.
I know 2 beings who will sleep well tonight!

Morning Walk in the Neighborhood

The sun is just about to top the pine trees across from our house.

Gertie & my shadow are starting out on our little trek with my sun hat atop my head,
Gertie's leash in my left hand, and a small camera in my right.

Down the street & around the corner we begin our uphill climb.
You can see to the top of the first rise in this photo.

The road is cut into the hillside and you can see the trees growing at the edge of the cliff.

Just at the top of the hill someone has parked their old International Scout beside the road.
The little truck has Texas plates indicating it is an antique automobile.
I wonder if it in in working order?

Now we are on the second leg of our upward walk. The hard part is behind us.
Yesterday Gertie & I walked at 1 PM which put this road in bright sunshine.
It was too hot to walk then & we were both panting when we finished.
Later I found that the heat index was 106 for the day. Whew! I won't do that again!

The red clay is pretty to look at, but I wonder how the trees find any nourishment to grow.

I walked up the little hill & found a path down into the woods.
It is probably private property so we won't go down that road.

Here is a bit of Texas Blue Stem grass growing beside the road.
When we have rain it is very pretty.

Above and below are houses that I pass along the way.
They have pretty yards even in this dry weather.

Someone is watering and Gertie would like to run through the sprinkles.

Pretty little setting among the trees.

Here is a little area where the wild grasses are growing.
I suspect it caught a little shower last week otherwise it would be totally brown.

The last hill to climb and then downward to home.

This pine tree is growing out of the hillside.
Look at the way the trunk is curved at the bottom.
The roots can also be seen spreading outward.
It looks like a cross section of the hillside was done for an experiment.

Another pine tree struggling to support itself on the hillside.

Now we are on the way down the last hill.
We are about to pass the homes of some of our neighbors.

If you look closely our house can be seen through the trees.
We are almost home.
I hope we didn't tire you too much. It is good exercise.