A Week In The Lost Pines

Since arriving in Bastrop, Texas, we have learned that this area has long been known as The Lost Pines area of Texas. A few years ago when we were in Texas, we visited The Lost Maples area. As you may recall, thousands of acres of woodland burned in this area just a month or so ago. It was devastating to drive mile and mile and see charred remains of trees and lost houses everywhere. (no pictures - too awful) The Bastrop area may keep its title but the majority of its pine trees are gone. The park in which we are staying, the one in which Debbie and Richard are working, was spared but its counterpart on the north end of the lake was destroyed as was 90% of the state park across the road. The signs cannot be missed in the park and all around the area. I even saw an announcement on TV about not welding outside; it is definitely still a drought area.

LRCA South Park is still rich in wildlife. This deer is seen every evening.

There is a blind for watching birds and I have enjoyed visits there. My favorite bluejays
and cardinals are there in abundance.

The female cardinal looks so feminine as she performs her morning bathing ritual.

The monarch butterflys are migrating south and spending some time in Texas; they are everywhere!
And then there are the squirrels. Before going to the bird watching area one day, I was chatting with some other camp hosts about how so much bird food was consummed. With this picture, I showed them where some of it was going. This hungry guy crawled right up the inside of the squirrel barrier!

One day Debbie and I visited the
in Austin and enjoyed all it had to offer. This is the Austin city skyline as seen from the botanical garden.
Miss Debbie walking by one of the ponds.

I loved the water lilies - so many colors.

This dragon fly has a most unusual color... or is it not a dragonfly... don't know for sure.

It is fun walking with a friend and fellow photographer.

Figure this one out...
The flowers,

and the butterflies - WOW!

Another day, Mike and Debbie and I went to an area town festival. The town of Elgin (hard g like in begin) is very serious about the pig theme...

Of course, it is Texas and Texans are serious about ... Bar-B-Que

BIG toys,

drinking beer and their state!

This state symbol was a shut off handle on the Bar-B-Que grill.

Oh, and let's not forget ...

There were a f ew left for us to sample - YUM!

Of course, the very best part of visiting Texas is spending time with Debbie and Richard. They are comfortably settled into their host position at the campground and welcomed us warmly.

During the week, we enjoyed an adult beverage or two, shared wonderful food and even better companionship. We taught them how to play Hand and Foot which Richard has given a Texan name... Hand and Boot! We all enjoyed it in our own way...

Deb always has a bowl of candy - we both remembered this from Richmond days 5 years ago.
They have expanded their family. Traveler

and Belle are good little watch dogs and cute as can be!


It was great to see Richard feeling good and to see both of them looking so good.


It was a great week in The Lost Pines.