Monday, April 10, 2017--Ft. Stockton, Texas to Lost Maples State Park, TX--312 miles.

     It was still dark at 6 am, and the temperature outside was 61. We left the RV park at 8 am with partly sunny skies. 

     The first thing we saw was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher sitting beside the road. Luckily we were on a frontage road so we could stop and enjoy this spectacularly beautiful new life bird!

     Interstate 10 was smooth and not too busy with traffic. We drove and drove. We are beginning to appreciate the size of Texas.

     The vegetation gradually increased in size and greenness, with a few wildflowers along the road—mostly yellow daisies, a few reddish flowers and very sparse blue flowers. Most welcome to our eyes! 

      Moving into “hill country” we were surprised to see by the road cuts that the “hills” are solid rock! 

     Arriving in Kerrville we hoped to find a repair shop to look at our coach AC. However, the earliest appointment was a week away. We abandoned that idea and stopped for groceries and gas, then headed for Lost Maples State Park deep in the hill country.  

     We were surprised that the winding country roads were posted at 70 mph. They looked to us like 55 mph. Other cars zipped around us. 

     We arrived at 4:30 at the Visitor's Center which closed at 4:45. Whew!

     The bird-friendly habitat of Lost Maples. After settling in to this beautiful and quiet campground, we enjoyed our caesar chicken salad. 

     Then we were eager to walk up the road and explore the lush habitat for birds. Immediately we saw our first-of-the-trip red Northern Cardinal and his lady love.

At the end of the road, a fully-stocked bird blind beckoned to us. And we were excited to find this life bird, a Clay-colored Sparrow

      Our eyes popped with this closer look at the Northern Cardinal. A White-tipped Dove prowled the grounds.

     Chipping Sparrows and House Finches aplenty visit the feeders. The Black-chinned Hummingbird follows directions!

Today Our Eyes Were On

The ever-constant highway stretching before us (at 80 mph)

The beautiful ever-changing views of Texas hill country

The ever more colorful birds