Texas Hill Country

With the Warrior's wounds healed, we were motivated to do some driving. We drove through the bayous and swamps of Louisiana as day turned to night and then kept right on driving. 

Texas welcomed us with sleeping children and bluegrass. We wanted to make it as close as we could to Texas Hill Country. After midnight we decided to call it a day. 

We've only been on the road 5 days, but we seem to be finding a pattern of park camping one night followed by boon-docking the next. Aided by our iPhones, we found a rest stop that allows travelers to stay for up to 24 hours. Perfect! These little gems are sprinkled throughout the state, established during the  Depression Era when weary travelers needed a spot to rest. 

We woke early the next morning to get to Hamilton Pool Preserve, about an hour west of Austin.  Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool that was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago.  Stalactites grow from the ceiling high above. The ceiling and surrounding cliffs of the grotto are home to moss, maidenhair fern and cliff swallows. The staff only let so many people into the park at a time, and there is often a line of cars waiting for a car to leave. We arrived early and were astounded. 

   After exploring the climbing canyons and rivers of nearby Reimer's Ranch, we settled for the day at Pedernales Falls State Park. We enjoyed a rugged bike-n-hike to the falls, followed by a healthy meal (a challenge on the road). The kids even did the dishes!

Early this morning Lotus and I went for one of our treasured early morning walks. We were rewarded with lots of rare sights: gorgeous wild flowers, a water snake on the move, and a fresh baby fawn. 

Now we're back on I-10... man, Texas just keeps on going. We've left the Hill Country, and are now surrounded by plateaus, oil rigs, wind turbines and not much else. We're headed to check out the Caverns of Sonora on our way to New Mexico. More soon. Much love, Sarah