Texas, (deep in the heart of...)

We spent 4 days at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, about an hour's drive from Mustang Island.

I found out I could buy a Texas Park Pass and save $15 per day on park fees. The total cost of our stay here was; the pass and our park fees were paid for out of our deposit, plus we got a $2.50 refund. Sweet deal!

It was here that I managed to fall off the bike for the first time on one of the trails. It was very narrow and winding with thorny bushes on both sides. I came around a tight corner and was almost whacked in the face by one of the fore-mentioned bushes. I ducked and swerved right and ended up on my ass in another bunch of the same bushes on the opposite side of the trail. No real harm done, just a few scratches, and the bike was fine.....for a while. 
A few hundred yards from our campsite it became very hard to pedal and felt mushy. 
A flat rear tire. There are no bike shops in Mathis Texas, so once again, off to the auto parts store for a patch kit and valve core tool. The tire had a thorn in it which had punctured the tube. All fixed in an hour or so. If you want it done right (or at all), do it yourself!

From now on I'll be carrying the patch kit with me. And maybe a few band-aids....and a blanket and a granola bar....Oh! and maybe a beer or two! 

Darlene has been working hard at mastering the skill of riding her bike. She never learned to ride as a child (overprotective mother) and is braving the possible consequences now.

Javelinas are often seen here. These pig-like creatures (actually more closely related to the hippopotamus), are mostly harmless unless cornered. Although they are herbivores, they have wicked fangs for the sole purpose of self defense. They usually travel in groups of 10 or more. This group of about 6 were right behind our campsite, 

Another hour's drive got us to Choke Canyon State Park. The park's dubious distinction is; this is as far west as you are likely to find alligators. (after here, it's just snakes).
And here's a fun fact, Texas has 9 different kinds of rattlesnakes plus the Texas Coral snake, the Cottonmouth and the Copperhead.
This poster was in the park office.

Wildlife is abundant here. Cardinals are seen in the hundreds. If you ever wondered where they go in the winter, this must be the place.

And deer are everywhere. When I opened the door this morning, these two were there to greet me. They are not shy or afraid. Hunting or feeding them is strictly forbidden in the park, and that makes for a harmonious relationship.

Next we head to Del Rio TX, the Broke Mill RV Park. We have stopped in here every time we're out this way. It's a great place to fill the fridge and freezer before heading into the "outback" of Texas. And diesel is 60 cents per gallon cheaper here than any place west. We'll be filling up here.