Thursday, June 07, 2007

Day Trip to Lake Whitney State Park






I took a day trip to Lake Whitney State Park today. I picked up a friend this morning, and we drove the 90-ish miles to this place just West of Hillsboro, TX. I had been wanting to take a day trip for a while, as I can get antsy if I am in town for too long. Out amongst Nature, I can't hear the cars, the sirens, the noise of the city. It was a lovely trip.

We've had so much rain in the past 5 weeks that the wildflowers are still bountiful and vibrant, as evidenced by the above pictures. Never before having been to Lake Whitney, I packed some wading shoes and a change of clothes (because I always fall down at least once whilst wading), and I do so love to play in water. But the storm surges had their own agenda. The boat ramp to the lake was blocked off, as was one of the lower-lying campgrounds, and the 'beach' was under several feet of water. The tops of some picnic tables and charcoal grill stanchions were barely visible. Such things quickly persuaded us not to venture into the water.

Today is a very windy day, and there were actually breaking waves at the shoreline. Large birds of prey appeared to soar effortlessly on the strong winds while several deer crossed the road and studied me while I tried to snap their picture. I walked amongst those bright yellow flowers, and their pollen covered my pants legs. For a few moments I felt like a giant insect, helping to pollinate the vast fields of flowers.

I've decided to go camping at Lake Whitney some time this fall, when the weather is cooler and the lake level is a bit lower. I thoroughly enjoyed myself today, and I wouldn't mind repeating it.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

those yellow flowers look like black-eyed susans. they grow everywhere here, it's the state flower. you're not supposed to pick them, but i'm sure many people do. what a pretty picture, thanks for sharing.

jilly

CatBoy said...

Great pictures. Sounds like a very nice day you had.

CatBoy said...

I was thinking of you today. I was outside, all hot and dirty and I wanted something really cold and really tasty to drink.

I may order some of that Dr. Pepper syrup and buy some seltzer.

Jenny Robin said...

oh, you naughty boy...
you were thinking of me while you were all hot and dirty, hmmm?

CatBoy said...

Why do I always walk right into things like that?

The Broards said...

GORGEOUS flower pictures!