Inks Lake SP, Burnet Tx

We had a pretty uneventful 265 mile drive with cloudy skies and a slight north wind.  We have been to this park a few times, it is really off the main Hwy I 35 but we enjoy the area and plan on being here for 3 nights.

Last year we left the valley at the end of Feb and missed the beautiful wildflowers.  Texas Blue Bonnets are in full bloom!  So lovely

The sun came out at about 1 pm and made for a beautiful afternoon and great time for a campfire! We had to buy wood!  This is maybe the second time in 30 years that Eric bought fire wood at a park.  For $12 they don't give too much.  It was a great fire so well worth the money.

It is also so quiet!  Especially compared to the last two nights with all the highway noise.

We went looking for the elusive Black capped Vireo, this was the 5th time we looked for this bird over the last 6 years.  We did hear it but did not see it.  When birding oral confirmation is generally more valid than seeing a bird since birds may look alike but do not sound alike.  So we are up one more life bird to 620!  yea for us...

Tues was a beautiful day for hiking and birding at Balcones NWLR.

Wed was pretty cloudy, we tried again to see the Black Capped Vireo but no luck.  We drove over to Russell Park on Lake George for some great hiking.  Stopped on the way back to pick up some fabulous brisket for dinner.

So sad to leave Texas.  Tomorrow (Thurs April 4) we head to Oklahoma.  its a long drive, about 285 miles.  We did make one last trip to the H.E.B. (grocery store) today.  One of the things we will miss is the H.E.B.  strange but true.