Texas - Stephen F. Austin State Park

We traveled towards Houston an hour and a half to a state park by San Felipe, Texas.  The weather is very warm for this time of year and the humidity is high.  We have had 70+F days and high 50's and 60's at night.


large campsites and lots of oak trees

 

 Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas came to this area in 1823 and established a community along the Brazos River.  San Felipe de Austin was the social, economic and political center of the Anglo colonies in Texas.  It served as the capital of the provisional government.
Unfortunately when the Texans retreated from the Mexican army in 1836, they burned the town to the ground hoping to stop the Mexicans from crossing the Brazos River.


"Father of Texas"



replica of Stephen F. Austin's cabin



the chimney is built using the original cabin's bricks


Sunday, December 16th, thunder, lightning and heavy rain in the night and early this morning.  We bundled up in wet gear and headed out for one of the nature walks.  Came across some turkey vultures drying their wings.  They spread their wings and do a 360 on the branch.  It was neat to see.

The Sycamore trail took us by the Brazos River.



banks were slippery from the rain so we stayed on the high ground



my partner in crime!