After two days of making arrangements and getting things ready, I headed out for Balcones Canyonlands NWR. I dropped Emma off at the kennel first thing, and then got the refuge vehicle loaded with my stuff for an overnight visit. It was over a 250 mile drive that included going through both Houston and Austin. That was enough driving in one day for me, so I made arrangements to stay overnight on the refuge.
I went from the coastal marshes to the Texas Hill Country. What a difference in terrain in one day. I’m here to drop off the little Ford and pick up a big van that will be used at the Anahuac Wildlife Expo on Saturday.
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I’m not staying up at the Flying X ranch as I thought I might, but at a different house that is located on refuge property. It’s way up on top of a hill also. One other person is staying here also, so it’s not as lonely and isolated as it could be. There are a bunch of bedrooms, a big kitchen and living room, and two bathrooms. Rather expansive living for me compared to the motorhome. At least I haven’t tried to flush the toilet with my foot yet.
This is the view from the front porch. I’d like to sit outside and enjoy that porch this evening, but the cold front that moved through late yesterday precludes that. Last night and tonight will get down into the thirties.
I did go for a walk this afternoon in the hills, but it’s pretty quiet around here at this time of the year. Although my house mate did say that there is a pretty good sized bunch of coyotes that visit during the night now and then.
Since I don’t drive after dark, I packed two lunches before heading here this morning. One I ate along the way, and the other I just finished for my dinner. No hot meals today, but I think I’ll be stopping at a What-a-Burger on my trip back in the van tomorrow. Haven’t had a What-a-Burger in about five years.
I hope tomorrow’s trip back will be as uneventful as today, although a little less traffic and construction would be nice. Since it’s still a weekday, I know that’s not going to happen.
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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That is a beautiful view from your front porch...perfect for sitting and just doing nothing. Too bad it's so cold. Hope there is some good heat in the house.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a pretty place, too bad Emma couldn't go along. Travel safely:)
ReplyDeleteGlad you arrived safely. It's cold here in Freeport, FL too!
ReplyDeleteTexas Hill Country is lovely. . .even in the cold. . .enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYou passed right by us here in Houston and didn't stop? Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteWe love Hill Country. Gorgeous area.
Balcones looks like a very beautiful place, and I'm glad you have good housing. I hope you hear the coyotes - I love their sound.
ReplyDeletevery nice... the Hill Country of Texas is very pretty... nice front porch view .... it's in the 20s at night here.... way toooo cold .... you going to replace that crab picture soon?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely location. You might say it is one of the rare perks of the job. Great comment about not using your foot to flush the toilet.
ReplyDeleteAnd, What-A-Burger. Love them. Good fries, too. Enjoy.
Note to Carolyn: I like the crab photo. Reminds me of my high school English teacher.
ReplyDeleteHa Ha! I had an English teacher that looked like that too. "Crabby" old bi*&@! I'll never forget her name... Mrs. Haas. :P
DeleteHAHAaaaaa .... note to George and Sandy ... man! that must have been one helluva English class... !
DeleteWe love the hill country of Texas. Too bad the weather is cold and you can't sit on the porch and listen to those coyotes. Hope you have an uneventful trip back to your home base.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I like your assignment. Travel from one lovely place to another and pick up a burger on the way back. Wish you could have enjoyed the front porch. Sounds like it's cold everywhere. 34 tonight in South Carolina. Thanks for the smile about the flush.
ReplyDeleteWhat a view from the porch. To bad it was to cold to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip back and enjoy the burger. I haven't been to what a Burger in years either.
Texas hill country is one of our favorite places!
ReplyDeleteHaven't had a What A Burger. We did cheat when in California and had an In and Out Burger though. Yep, it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteWhat in heck is with this weather?
Texas hill country is beautiful!
Nice assignment.... the Hill Country is so beautiful... only thing nicer would be in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
ReplyDeleteHad my first What a burger in Gulfport MS,wish I would have known you were going to Austin. my niece Tammy just moved there, she is single and would love you couchsurfing.Have a great day.and give Emma a pet for us when you pick her up.
ReplyDeleteWe always stay at Canyon Lake , North of San Antonio...There is an Army Corp park called Potter's Creek and it is just beautiful...Also a little town of Gruene, TX to the South that is home to Texas oldest dance hall..We end up staying in the Hill Country at least 2 weeks. It's is especially fun over Christmas (which we hope to do this year ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks a lot Judy for mentioning whataburger!!! I still have not gotten my fix yet, but will be ready for one in about a month from now.
ReplyDeleteNice scenery. I've never had a What-a-burger. How 'bout a pic??
ReplyDeleteToo funny! That's exactly what I did yesterday morning after showering at the campground's bath house ... trying to flush with my foot! Hey, you're halfway to Big Bend, might as well push on a little and visit us :-).
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty views. That blue sky is gorgeous. All that wide openess certainly gives you plenty of space to wander and think.
ReplyDeleteHad a Whataburger for lunch on Tuesday. Good stuff!!
ReplyDeleteHad a Whataburger for lunch on Tuesday. Good stuff!!
ReplyDeleteNothing like cold weather to ruin a perfect porch view. :c(
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your Whataburger, is it called that because you don't really want to know what is in it??? :cD
Looks like a most interesting winter. I need to try the Texas refuges for birding sometime. It's off to Florida this winter though....
ReplyDeleteI guess I got behind on your blog and didn't know you made this journey. Its too bad you couldn't have brought Emma for company. It looks like very pretty country.
ReplyDeletePretty up there!
ReplyDeleteHey Judy - your bunk experience reminds me of being in the Army in Germany - one roommate from Minnesota was always opening the window (brrrr!) and this Texas girl was always closing it. We never did get along. I also used the Swamp People photo in our new Gator Gossip powerpoint to show the adult gator's greatest enemy (meaning humans.) Gets a laugh. Your friend Marilyn is great - what a whippersnapper! She will really be an asset here at Oke. Glad the Expo went well - it looked like the Banks Lake Fishing Derby kind of thing. Great fun!
ReplyDeletep.s. Burger King whopper beats What-a-Burger any day. (Try the Angry Whopper!)
ReplyDelete