Palmetto SP is located in Gonzales County near a little community named Ottine, TX. Our site #3 backs up to the San Marcos River with steep banks that flows wild and untamed. Named for the Dwarf Palmettos one is transported into a faraway jungle of swamps, lush undergrowth, Spanish moss, woody vines, and dwarf palmettos giving the feeling of a tropical paradise. This park was built by the CCC with the belief that nature is restorative to the soul. The CCC built outdoor structures with an architectural vision of people and nature. Being made from rocks and timbers, their structures were built to complement the landscape telling stories of the land.
We met a nice Russian young lady with 3 kids about the age of my granddaughter. They had a cute black & white Rex rabbit in a cage.
I was able to ride my bicycle for the first time since my fall in mid December. Was nice to ride again. Trying, though, to be very careful walking the bike when necessary instead of trying to push on.
J built a fire cooking chicken breasts that had a wonderful smoked flavor. YUM!
The Refectory (pavilion) is made of native sandstone splayed-boulder design created to look as if growing out of the ground. Its first roof was thatched palmetto fronds; but, now is of shake. Behind...down a steep/deep bank is the San Marcos River. Halloween of 2013 rains caused the river to flood over 32 feet in depth with 2 feet of water in this building. So, campers here are advised during rainy weather to be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.
Here is the stone and wood water tower built by the CCC 1933-1936. It started out with the side boards being vertical then changed in latter years to horizontal planks. All their wide trails were of hardened crushed pebbles making it easy to bike ride. On a late evening walk, we jumped a huge Jackrabbit. This area is host to over 240 species of birds chirping their spring tunes.
Across from the Park Office is a small area called Warm Springs named for the warm mineral springs and mud pools in the area. As told to me, these white buildings in 1950 made up the Warm Springs Hospital for polio victims who used the springs with their unique minerals for therapy. Now closed, it is owned by a nearby doctor with one wing still operational for brain trauma victims. There are warm mud pools here in Palmetto SP; but, they have not boiled since 1970.
Next door is the Elks Foundation who also have a RV Campground anyone can use.
An artisan well built by the CCC provides water during drought when the seep springs run dry. J tried his hand fishing in Oxbow Lake catching "time." This lake is seasonally stocked with Rainbow Trout. Turtles were sunning in the artisan pond while ducks stood on their heads...butts in the air...to gabble underwater food. Swallows were working the lake dipping to skip along the top of the water for bugs to take to their nests under the nearby bridge. Below I saw my first hydro-bike.
A trip to nearby Luling, TX, was interesting. Founded as a Railroad town, Luling became a rowdy center for cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail. Contempt of the law by the cowboys helped Luling become known as the "toughest town in Texas." In the late 1880's cotton ruled taming the town. The most historical event for Luling was the discovery of oil...black gold.
Home of the Watermelon Thump and world record watermelon seed spitting contest...their water tower is a painted green/white striped melon.
There are over 200 oil pump jacks inside the city limits. A local artist has decorated several along the highways with eye catching art.
Gonzales, TX, is where the first Anglo-American settlement west of the Colorado River was established. Attacked by the Indians, they fled...returning after several months to build a fort near the Guadalupe River for protection. A request to the Mexican government for a small cannon was granted only for unrest between the settlers and Mexico to cause Mexico to want the cannon back. The settlers refused. Then there came the creation of the flag, "Come and take it" and the first shot for Texas Independence.
A 3-story jail was built in 1885 to house about 200 prisoners. Now a museum of the county's law, order, and transportation...it features rebuilt gallows, original cells, sheriff's and jailer's quarters. Restoration is ongoing.
Here is a tear gas Billie.
Below is a prisoner's cell with stone floor and iron cot.
Below is the Courthouse.
The first Gonzales Courthouse burned in 1893. This 3-story courthouse building was built in 1896 with red bricks and white limestone trim in the Romanesque Revival style. Texas has some beautiful courthouses. This courthouse was added to the National Register of Historical Places and in 1966 became a Historic Landmark.
Gas at H-E-B was $3.06.9 per gallon.
Lunch was at the Rodeo Mexican Restaurant where I had my first taste of Tres Leches (a 3 milk cake). YUM! YUM! I'm definitely going to have to learn how to make.
A glitch in the State Parks system turned our 3 night stay into 2 which turned out to be great. Up early today (Saturday), we pulled out for I-10 and Stephen F. Austin SP near Houston, TX, where we will camp for 2 nights. We beat the rain to set up camp. Our rain here did not start until around 9 p.m. The Park Office said they lost quite a number of trees and limbs last week due to the last ice storm that came through. All sites on our loop are full hook-ups and pull-thrus. Nice! Everyone seems so happy to be here and the kids are definitely having fun. This upcoming week is spring break and the campgrounds are filling up FAST. This park is now FULL to the brim and running over.
Take care until next time. Travel safe. Remember to fast forward your clocks. See you by the campfire...
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