Yoga, Palmetto State Park & the Big Fish Story

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I stayed at South Llano  River State Park in the Texas Hill Country last night. The overnight temperature dropped to 29 degrees Fahrenheit. J.J. left his wet slippers outside and found them frozen this morning  :-)

What a pleasure it was to be joined by Diane and Carol from Ontario, Canada to practice yoga. Diane was a little sheepish at first about the site I chose, right in front of the shower and restroom facilities, but the area was clean and more importantly, we were in the warm sun.

Lunch stop at Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill just outside of San Antonio. It appears to be a new franchise. Clean and attractive set-up offering healthy fresh Mediterranean style cooking. It suited our taste and budget. Inclusive of a small slice of tasty Baklava which J.J. and I enjoyed with our cup of coffee in Honu, our meal came out a little under $20.

Kelly, the manager was a cheerful and attentive, greeting customers, clearing tables and helping with grilling. Learning that we are originally from Hawaii, she eagerly told us that her 9 years old daughter was born in Hawaii. From the stories her daughter hears from her parents, she loves Hawaii and tells everyone that she is a Hawaiian! Kelly plans to take her daughter for a visit. We hope Kelly's daughter will find her island exactly what she has been dreaming of.

Palmetto State Park in Gonzales is located in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. The dwarf palmetto plants are found throughout the park as well as swampy woodlands along a nature trail. The San Marcos River, one of the 15 major rivers in Texas, flows through the park.

Wild flowers are beginning to bloom right outside of Honu. It reminds me of Lady Bird Johnson's love for wild flowers.

Finally, Jim and Susan from Port O'Connor sent us their catch of the day! They said that the sea was calm and the fish were biting!!! Huge Red Snappers!!!

We spent a relaxing evening.

Aloha -- Cathi

3 Texas State Parks -- Garner, Lost Maples & South Llano River

Aloha Everyone,

The Texas Hill Country where J.J. and I have been since four days ago is geographically known as The Edward Plateau which is the southern most extension of the Great Plains. This Plateau is extensive -- covering 36,000 square miles or roughly 17% of Texas.

State parks located in the Texas Hill Country are popular summer destinations for hiking, birding and water activities.

We obtained day use passes for Garner State Park and Lost Maple State Park to scout them for our future visits when the weather is warmer.

Garner State Park is known for the oldest outdoor dance in Texas with its tradition began during the CCC* period of the 1930's. *https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps

Lost Maples State Natural Area is famous for Uvalde Bigtooth Maples, relics from the last Ice Age. Both of these places are definitely worth return visits.

South Llano River State Park is located near Junction, Texas. It took us about 3 hours including two park visitations and a leisurely drive on State Route 83.

A 2,639 acres state park is home to many animals and birds. During the winter, the banks of llano River is a roosting ground for the Rio Grande subspecies of Wild Turkey. On a message board I read that 600 wild turkeys roost in the park.

Wonderful reunion with Diane whom we first met at Choke Canyon State Park. Joined by her husband Bob, who retired from a large scale construction management job, we exchanged stories of our travel adventures.

For dinner, following Bob & Diane's recommendations, we went to the town of Junction and purchased a take out plate of BBQ ribs and a slice of chocolate pie from Lum's BBQ.

Clay & Gloria at the Lam's BBQ

Delicious!

J.J. made me the Kale with shallots stirred fry

Another wonderful day in Texas.

Aloha -- Cathi

To The Entrance Of Garner State Park

Aloha Everyone,

One of the benefit of heavy rain coming down from Honu's ceiling vent is that the floor is now sparkling clean. Diane, whom we befriended in Choke Canyon SP wrote in her email that she experienced hail last night. We are grateful that all of us are safe.

Garner State Park is closed for the day. We are staying at Parkview Riverside RV Park. J.J. and I did 3 loads of laundry and enjoyed a reliable WiFi connection. On our very chilly evening walk along the bank of Frio* River (English translation, cold) we met a fellow camper walking his dog. He proudly pointed to the patio he built for his dog so his pet can enjoy the river view as well as a miniature trailer which he pulls behind his motorbike.

We are at 1,890 ft elevation. Tonight it's going to be 41 degrees low, but with windchill, it would feel like 35.

Today we dined in on wide array of fresh produce and deli items we purchased from H.E.B.

Aloha -- Cathi

Day Trip To Blanco State Park

Aloha Everyone,

It was raining steadily when we woke up. After our breakfast, J.J. and I took a day trip to Blanco State Park located about 40 minutes north from Guadalupe River State Park. Established in 1934, this 105 acres park is relatively small. With our annual pass, Honu was permitted to access the park at no additional charge. The main attraction is the river. To capture a dramatic view of Honu, J.J. suggested that I climb the river bank and he will come across. I am happy with the result.

This section of Texas is called Hill Country. On weekends with good weather, these parks gets filled with local visitors from San Antonio. Today it was very quiet with just a few fishermen on the river bank.

Texas, as in many parts of the country, has been suffering from droughts. You can see from the flood gauge how high the river could rise.

We noted interesting bird house designed to keep predators away.

Back at Guadalupe River State Park, J.J. and I went on a river walk and spotted a few birds.

Aloha -- Cathi