Medina was good to us. It’s where we rode out the national lockdown, and it treated us well. There was a lot to see and do outdoors, and while there were places we would have liked to visit in the area had they been open for operation under normal circumstances (like Hamilton Pool Preserve), we’re just thankful for all that we were able to do amidst the pandemonium. Maybe we’ll be able to circle back for those other things in the future.
LAKE MEDINA
Located in Texas hill country just outside of San Antonio, we camped at Lake Medina for five weeks. Thankfully there was a lot to keep us busy.
Skipping stones, wading, and sitting by the lake with our feet in the water were regular activities.
(Skipping ripples in the background)
Rock tower constructed with our toes.
We rode bike on or walked the trails down to the lake pretty much daily.
I get a lot of compliments on this T-shirt.
The prickly pear cactus is the Texas state plant…
And they came into bloom while we were there
They have a beautiful yellow flower.
There were a lot of deer at the campground.
There were also jackrabbits (aka American desert hare)
The jackrabbits are about the size of a large house cat.
Wild Tom turkey
These rovers discovered a giant meteor on this planet’s rocky terrain!
We made a campfire and s’mores weekly. Coyotes howled by night, and we could hear their yelps and screams when they roamed close by.
Star gazing in the wide, dark sky
MEDINA RIVER NATURAL AREA
This is a 511-acre San Antonio city park. The Medina River flows through it, and it’s a beautiful place to walk. As it was springtime, caterpillars were out in abundance. At one point we were in the middle of the woods, and it sounded like rain drops were hitting the dried leaves coating the forest floor. But it turned out to be caterpillars dropping from the trees and landing on the dry leaves. They dropped onto us a few times. They were everywhere.
New growth prickly pear cactus
Rose-bellied lizard
Dry, cracked earth
This caterpillar dropped onto Jackson
As we walked by following a trail, this black vulture growled at us to leave his territory. We didn’t even see him until we heard his growl and looked up.
We mostly cooked at home, but thankfully we had plenty of curbside dinner options. This BBQ chain was one of them. It was drive-thru, but not junky fast food. Deelish.
ON THE MOVE
So now as the country starts to open up, we are on the move. Here in northern Texas, we were able to dine-in for the first time in nine weeks at a really nice place overlooking a marina. We were so thrilled that we went to the restaurant three times: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Here are some images from heading into northern Texas.
Can you spot the bull on the building?
Famous Texas travel plazas. When in Texas, you must stop at a Buc-ee’s.
Buc-ee is being cautious.
Check out this lightning storm on the Texas-Oklahoma border.
Thought of calling you all day and didn’t and it was so great to see your blog when I got to the computer. Wish I could have eaten that black burned marshmallow. Jackson, those caterpillars sure liked you! Yes, i saw the bull. Neat! Lexus was home from Austin, Texas . She flew back a few days ago. Coming home again in August. Was so good to see her again. Thanks for sending. Love You and stay safe! Gramma
Thought of calling you all day and didn’t and it was so great to see your blog when I got to the computer. Wish I could have eaten that black burned marshmallow. Jackson, those caterpillars sure liked you! Yes, i saw the bull. Neat! Lexus was home from Austin, Texas . She flew back a few days ago. Coming home again in August. Was so good to see her again. Thanks for sending. Love You and stay safe! Gramma
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