We left Guadalupe River State Park and headed north again toward Austin on the morning of February 2nd, my birthday. Ground hog day to those who follow rodent weather forecasters. Our destination was Bastrop State Park about a half hour southeast of Austin.
We had read reviews of this park just like we do for every park we book. The comments referred to the beauty of the tall pines and hardwoods as well as the traffic noise from state highway 21. Both were understated. The bad news was that we arrived just ahead of a cold front that was driving night temperatures into the 20’s.
The good news was that the coach windows would be closed so we wouldn’t hear the traffic. The really bad news was that we could hear it, and it was LOUD! And we are here for two weeks.
Bastrop State Park has endured several damaging fires and floods over the past several years, one was just the week before we arrived. That fire was quickly contained and little evidence of it remained. But the bare and blackened trees covered thousands of acres from the fire that struck in 2011 that touched 96% of the park.
Still, the camping area was unharmed and the unique tall pines remain.
Here’s a link with more information and a video about of the fires. The Backstory: 10 years ago, the worst series of wildfires in Texas history devastated Bastrop County
In 2015 the Bastrop dam failed and sent raging flood waters through the park piling up the fallen trees from the fire and cutting deep gorges through the land. And STILL the only complaint I have of this beautiful, resilient land is the proximity to two major highways. We will not return to this state park for that reason alone.
The town of Bastrop is one of the oldest in Texas with a rich history due to the tall pines and hardwoods in the area that were harvested to build towns like Austin and San Antonio. Sections of the El Camino Real, or King’s Highway that ran from Mexico through Texas and beyond can still be found in the park.
The historic district of the town, only a couple of miles from the state park, encompasses just a few square blocks and is filled with quaint shops, bakeries, restaurants and of course, bars all overlooking the river. This area of town maintains the vibe of it’s much larger neighbor, Austin and is a nice place to visit.
On Valentine’s Day we met Duane and Dawn at a local pizza and micro brewery. Our mutual friend, Joel also joined us. We sat on the outdoor patio overlooking the river and a wonderful sunset while Duane and Joel exchanged stories about mutual musician friends and enemies. Seems there are plenty of both in the music world. .
Being “Margarita Monday” at Neighbor’s Pizza it was only neighborly that we enjoy half priced Margaritas and not wanting to be rude to our host restaurant, we had a lot of ‘em. At least Dawn and I did. When I emptied a glass I would scoot it over toward Joel or Tim so they didn’t pile up in front of me and Dawn. That just wouldn’t be ladylike.
Full of good food and good cheer, we finally bid farewell to our Austin friends for the last time this winter. Fear not, we are now heading toward Houston and more adventures. Giddy up.
As always, enjoying your blog! JB