Texas - Garner State Park

We traveled from the Rio Grande Valley to Garner State Park in the hill country of Texas. 



Garner State Park is quite a large park with 404 camping sites and this weekend, President's Day on Monday Feb. 18 would see these sites filled with holidayers out from the cities.



the sites are spacious and the live oaks provide shade and shelter

We drove to another part of the park and walked along the Rio Frio (Cold River).



just love the sound of flowing water

the trees are Bald Cypress - notice how the bottoms are buttressed



this Spotted Sandpiper was walking along the weir

now that's one big Bald Cypress

had to take a pic of Clark inside a Cypress tree



The park was built by the Civilian Corps of Engineers in the 1930's and expanded in the mid 30's. 



the buildings were built using local limestone

At the back of our campsite there was a trail leading down to the river.  We ventured down and walked along the Rio Frio and marveled at the clearness of the water.

no fish but lots of river rocks



It is amazing to see cactus and oak trees and cypress trees growing together.

some of the surrounding hills

 On our last day at this park we went into the nearest town of Leakey to do the laundry.  Of course we ate out!



this was a very eclectic cafe but no we did not eat here!



We took a scenic route on the way home and came by some Black Vultures dining at the side of the road.

the boys were doing clean up work!



these deer were unusual as they had spots and they were not fawns