Thurs. April 8, 2010 - Aransas Nat'l Wildlife Refuge

We drove the 125 miles south to Aransas Nat'l Wildlife Refuge from Columbus TX...This 115,000 acre refuge complex sprawls mostly across the Blackjack peninsula. Storms and waters of the Gulf of Mexico constantly shape this vital refuge, home to over 400 different bird species.

The drive here was just so pleasing to the eye...everywhere you look there was beauty.

Keith especially liked this plant blooming.

I can't stop myself from taking more photos of flowers.

Don't you just love this color?

From late Oct. to mid-Apr., crane families feed in the saltwater marshes. Often you can see a family of whooping cranes from the 40-foot Observatory Tower, which is equipped with telescopes. This is the view from up there...It was windy, but warm and we did see a pair of whooping cranes but my camera can't show you:(

We took the 16-mile Auto Tour Loop and saw many snakes, deer, alligators, ducks, pelicans, herons, egrets, and more.

This guy was just sunning himself way out in the marsh area. Yes, we were in the car and just 25 ft away.

In the welcome center we saw this baby whooping crane...so cute.

Whoopers normally lay two eggs but usually raise only one chick successfully. So, in 1975 scientists and wildlife officials decied to use a new technique to start a second wild whooper flock. Eggs from Canada were taken to Gray's Lake Nat'l Wildlife Refuge in Idaho. They were placed in the nests of sandhill cranes, who raised the chicks as their own. NEAT!

Whooping Cranes, white with black wingtips. Wingspan: 7 ft. Height: 5 ft. Flocks of 2 to 7 sometimes migrate with sandhill cranes.

This year there were 276 whoopers at Aransas. Once nearly extinct, whoopers appear to be on the upswing, from a low of 15 in 1941 to over 450 cranes in North America today. 150 are in captivity. 2010 was a very good year for them. The majority of the 276 left about 2 weeks ago...but you can still see many if you take the boat tour...we didn't have time to do that:(

By 3 p.m. we were starved and went to the suggested Bayside Seafood Rest. for a scrumptious grilled seafood dinner. The birthday boy was very happy:)

Surprise!! the waitress brought this keylime pie for dessert...it was just what we needed to top off a great meal...and a wonderful day.

April 8th 2010 - Happy 65th Birthday Keith!

Yep...he's now a Senior Citizen, on Medicare BUT doesn't look it!!

April 6th, 2010 - Courts at Verde Valley

When we left Verde Valley they were planning to redo the courts and put Oland in charge of the volunteers. Carol and Dale sent this photo to us and said this was being done on Monday and waiting for the paint on Tues.
Thanks to ALL the guys for helping to make these much better courts.

April 5th & 6th 2010 - Colorado River, Columbus TX

Another thousand trails campground. Drove from Medina Lake in driving wind. So glad to be in a spot for the night.:)

The field behind us in the campground is just a blanket of TX Blue Bonnets:)

Tues... Keith's back has been bothering him for several days so we decided to take it easy and drive to Brenham, TX to the Blue Bell Creameries an easy 35 miles up route 109. What a good idea! It was another windy day but still very warm and humid. A GREAT DAY FOR ICE CREAM :) mmmm

Their first refrigerated truck used in 1929.

This company uses the milk from 200 farms in the area. They employ 850 at just this plant. Our tour was at 12:45 and lasted about 35 min...ending with a dish of ice cream. It's a good idea to call before you go: 1-800-327-8135 for tour hours etc.

The drive home was a stop and go as I wanted to take photos of EVERY field we passed. Each one was so different with colors. The orange flowers are Indian Paint Brush.

Close up of the TX Blue Bonnets.

March 29 to April 5, 2010 - Medina Lake, TX

Thurs. looked like a really nice weather day so we drove to San Antonio to tour the Alamo.

We were so very impressed with the town. It was so beautiful, clean, easy to get around.

The first thing we did after we parked was spend time walking the grounds and taking photos outside as we were not allow to use the camera inside. I took so many photos but AGAIN had to choose just these few...sure hope it inspires some to take the time to stop and see the Alamo .... and the River Walk!

Just across the street from the Alamo ..and down a few steps is the River Walk.... Keith and I were told by EVERYONE...you must do the River Walk. We had NO IDEA how great that would be. The water falls were so impressive. It has such a calming, cooling affect on a hot day.

You follow the water thru the buildings and out into the "canal" area.

Here is one of the dozens of boats waiting to take passengers on the 35 min. tour around the town.
After we had lunch, we found a place to buy our tickets....and we relaxed in the sun on the boat. I just LOVED IT!

Driving into Medina Lake Thousand Trails we were in awe of the roads that seemed to go on and on. The trees were blooming more and more as the week went on.

We were driving down to the lake to look for a site when Keith realized that our friend Jack was trying to catch us on his bike. There was a spot right next to them and he wanted to escort us there.:)

That's Jack and Diane's 5th Wheel to the left. They have been here for 2 weeks and would be leaving the same day as we would.

Everyone told us about the MANY deer here. First thing in the morning they come out from everywhere. Some will eat right out of your hand. They came to our place again in the evening once they knew we had the corn they wanted.

At one point we had 14 deer on one side of the RV and that many on the other side. What a thrill.

Jack and Keith took charge of building the fire for Wed. nights' happy hour.... Planned by Diane, THE QUEEN OF HAPPY HOURS:)

And...here she is...THE QUEEN OF HAPPY HOURS...DIANE!

Jim is Diane's brother...and here he is with his wife, Marlene. We met these 4 in Hershey last Aug. when they showed up at the pickleball courts and started to play:) We've ALL come a long way with the game and it was so much fun to play with them everyday.

Sat. night Marlene and Jim planned a pre Easter dinner of Ham and Turkey. Everyone else made food and here we are...enjoying the GREAT MEAL..

Easter morning DIANE and Jack planned a brunch. She made french toast and egg casserole. Jim and Marlene provided the mimosas among other things. Everyone brought items to compliment the meal. There was so much food...and it was so good.

The syrup that Marlene is putting on the french toast came from Canada...mmmmmm

New pickleball friends, Jo and Sharon, and full timers for ? years. They are world travelers and so very interesting to be with.

Diane and her mother, Laura (Mickie) who will have her 90th birthday this year. What a great lady. She flew into San Antonio to spend a few weeks traveling with Jack and Diane who are full timers also.

This is Butch who comes from Douglassville Pa...but is now full timing it with his wife Bev. She was not feeling well so I didn't get her photo:(

March 29, 2010 - Meeting Dick and Pat

We stopped in Kerrville on the way to Medina Lake TT northwest of San Antonio to meet Dick and Pat. Dick and my Dad were childhood friends. It was as though we knew them all our lives...they were so much fun and just like family. The day went by WAY too fast. By 3:30 we had to be on our way to the campground...but we will stay in touch! Thanks for a great day Dick and Pat.!!!

March 27, 2010 - Cattleman's Steak House AGAIN!

It was about 2:30 p.m. when we arrived at Cattleman's Steak House in TX . This would be our second time enjoying a meal, buying some meat for our freezer and staying the night.

While we waited for our dinners...Keith took these great photos of the view from our table.:)

It was sad to leave the restauraut as this would be good bye. We sure did enjoy getting to know Cattleman's Steak House!