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| Blue Bell Ice Cream factory in Brenham Texas |
We watched a cute video on the history of Blue Bell creameries and learned that they only serve fresh ingredients - milk, nuts, fruits, etc - that are grown LOCALLY within a 200 mile radius -- including SEASONAL flavors. The most recent flavor they were manufacturing (while we were touring) was cantaloup!
After the tour, we got our free ice cream (another generous cup) and we sampled triple chocolate, old fashioned vanilla and cookies & cream. They were all so good, but we were FULL of ice cream. Each small town afterwards, we'd spot Blue Bell ice cream at the stores and gas stations and groan.
Thankfully, Brazos Bend was opened after tropical storm Eduardo, so we were able to secure a camping spot!
 Keep distance from alligators |
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| beware of alligators |
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| alligator habitat |
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| Would not swim at Brazos Bend |
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| Alligators lurking nearby |
The first alligator we spotted was from a pier.
After leaving the pier, we bumped into a children's author who stopped to ask us questions:
"Excuse me, but does this park REALLY have alligators??!" We reassured her it does and watched her visibly shudder. She explained that she was on assignment and needed to write a story (for Disney) about the area. I asked her if she was taking pictures, and she explained that she didn't do pictures, just write. I couldn't imagine visiting the area and not taking pictures.
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| driving to Brazos Bend State Park |
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| American Lotus |
I had to research on these beautiful plants!
About American Lotus
American lotus is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including Texas.
It is known for:
- Growing in shallow lakes, ponds, oxbows, and slow-moving water.
- Producing large, creamy-yellow flowers during summer.
- Having leaves that can reach 2 feet across.
- Forming dense colonies from underground rhizomes.
Wildlife value
These plants are extremely valuable for wildlife.
They provide:
- Cover for fish and amphibians.
- Nesting habitat for ducks and other water birds.
- Food for turtles and other aquatic animals.
- Nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
The seeds are also eaten by ducks and other wildlife.
Lotus vs. Water Lily
People often confuse lotus with water lilies.
The easiest way to tell them apart is:
- American lotus: Leaves and seed pods are held above the water on stiff stems.
- Water lilies: Most leaves float directly on the water's surface, and the flowers sit much lower.
When we first arrived to the park, we drove the speed limit 30 mph, but couldn't understand why everyone else was crawling at 1o mph. We then realized WHY. Throughout our entire stay at the park, we had to slow down to keep from hitting animals left and right. The last thing we wanted to do was hit another deer like we did at Pedernales State park.
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| Armadillos everywhere |
Armadillo's on the side of the road.
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| Raccoons at Brazos Bend |
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| Wildlife and spiders at Brazos |
We stopped our car at one of the trails and noticed a raccoon walking towards us, getting closer and closer. It was odd looking (not the usual markings) and it didn't seem afraid. Not sure whether it had rabies, we had to climb into the car. It circled the car spying on us from the windows. We ended up driving away and parking at another spot. It followed us and kept approaching us. We tried to shoo it away several times. Thankfully it spotted a pick-up truck and climbed inside.
Golden Silk spiders were EVERYWHERE -- We dodged their webs while walking the trails. Some were 3 inches in size and very unnerving. Alan walked into one of their webs after dark. (One of the reasons why I refused to walk the trails at night.)
Overlooking one of the creeks.
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| Turk's Cap plant (I think) A delicate rose-looking wildflower. I sure wish I knew the name of this plant. It resembled a rose bud. |
Fishing off the pier. No fish caught, but lots of bites --- we did see some interesting fish jumping and hopping over the water. We didn't stay long as we wanted to tour more and set-up camp.
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| don't feed or molest the alligators |
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| a great fishing spot at Brazos Bend State Park |
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| This racoon is stalking us |
Raccoons were very friendly --- thus the reason we weren't supposed to feed them. Some were very aggressive.
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| Where we camped at Brazos Bend |
With the threat of a thunderstorm, we were reluctant to pitch the tent outdoors, so we secured a screened cabin.
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| Tent became our haven in a cabin |
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| beautiful sunrise over Brazos Bend |
Early the next morning, we hiked and enjoyed the sunrise. Off in a pasture, the mist was thick and we silently watched a herd of deer grazing peacefully. It was so beautiful.
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| Love these American Lotus plants |
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| Plenty of deer at Brazos Bend State Park |
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| Beautiful trees all through the state park |
We walked a trail to the observation tower and I spotted this gator. It reminded me of a dragon.
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| Close up of a gator |
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| Had to keep dog on tight leash with these gators around |
Gators were sunning themselves and unafraid as we approached. We had to step around them.
Overlooking from the observation tower.
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| Up close and personal with the alligators |
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| This is better than being at the zoo |
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| Galveston Island state park |
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| camping at Galveston Island beach |
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| Galveston Island off the boardwalk |
After playing on the beach, we pitched our tent and drove to the boardwalk to find a place to eat.
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| Galveston Island Crab |
About five-something in the morning, I noticed lightening in the sky. Worried we'd be packing in a downpour, we broke camp before the sun appeared. Feeling pretty good about getting an early start, we arrived at the exit and realized we were locked in! State parks lock their gates after 10pm and reopen at 7:00 AM. We couldn't locate the combination number that our ranger had marked on our entry pass. Finally, Alan had to search for an emergency phone number at the office bulletin and call for the pass.
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| Driving through Houston, Texas |
We're already planning our next Texas state park trip!
