Today, we are going on a trip to view some wild Texas bluebonnets. These are the state flowers of Texas.
I tried to grow some from seeds, but none of them made it this year. Fortunately, I have found a nice patch of wildflowers today!
Yep, these are bluebonnets alright! They really do look like a bonnet when you take a look up close. There are also some red flowers in this patch. They are called Indian Paintbrush or prairie-fire flowers.
I wonder what this yellow flower is.
Viewing wildflowers is such a popular springtime activity here that many tourists will do anything to get the perfect photo. Sometimes this trespassing annoys the property owners so that they have to mow down the beautiful flowers to stop them from coming. But today, we have found a very generous and kind owner who opened their family farm to everyone for free.
The weather also worked out today!
"HEY YOU!" said a familiar voice behind me.
"Let me guess," I said, without turning around. "Droopy?"
"Yeah, it's me! Funny seeing you here. Again."
If you have been following my blog, you'll know that Droopy and I seem to have the same travel agent.
This tractor is awesome! I think I need one of these for my farm.
And these bales of hay are huge!
The bluebonnets have a light, sweet smell to them. I see bees buzzing around too!
It was such a beautiful day looking for wildflowers!
( This post is a bit delayed - everything has been delayed as a matter of fact! I need a new secretary!)
Earlier this year, I took a trip to San Jacinto Battleground & Historic Site, just outside of Houston, Texas. As some of you may know, I spent the cold winter down south for a bit!
This monument stands 567.31 feet high, which is even taller than the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. It commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto which was a decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.
The weather was beautiful as you can see, just a little windy perhaps! No camera filter needed here.
Now as I walk up the stairs, I can see there is something carved at the bottom of the monument. It's a story about how Texas was born. Texas used to be a part of Mexico, but as Mexican rulers became more hostile towards Texas colonists, a revolution started.
There were many battles that led up to this battle. The Texas side was led by General Sam Houston and Mexican army was led by General Santa Anna. In the end, the Texas side won, and this battle would eventually lead to the annexation of Texas by the United States.
And did you also know that --- huh... DROOPY?
"Hi Ajdin!" Droopy said.
"Droopy, what a coincidence to see you here! We must have the same travel agent or something," I replied. (Do you remember when we bumped into each other in Iceland and Chichen Itza?)
Here's another shot of the monument looking up.
Just across the road from the monument is also the location of the USS Texas, a former United States Navy battleship. Let's go take a look!
The USS Texas is famous for being the first US battleship to become a permanent museum ship. They were renovating the ship inside so we could not go on a tour - maybe next time. She is also famous for being one of only 7 remaining ships to have served in both World Wars.
While she enjoys a mostly quiet life now, the USS Texas was also known for being a ship with lots of new technology at the time. She was the first battleship to mount anti-aircraft guns, the first battleship to launch an aircraft, to control gunfire with high-tech computers, and the first to receive advanced radar systems.
What a career! Thank you for your service, USS Texas!
Last month over the recent holidays, I had the chance to visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas! Have you been there before?
Here I am on North Alamo Street. There are lots of touristy things to do and eat there. I am walking closer to the Alamo.
Here is the Alamo Cenotaph monument, dedicated to the defenders of the Alamo. I must be getting closer.
There was a beary large Christmas tree so I stopped to take a selfie with it. Oh look, you can see the Alamo in the background.
Ah, here's the Alamo! Do you remember it?
The Battle of the Alamo was an important event in the Texas Revolution in 1836. Texas used to be a part of Mexico, and when the Mexican government shifted towards more dictatorial policies, well, they didn't like that so much. The Texians started to rebel and pushed the Mexican troops out of their land.
For 13 days, Mexican troops launched an attack on the Alamo Mission. There were less than 100 Texian troops at the Alamo, but more than 1,500 Mexican troops. Ultimately, Mexico won the battle.
William B. Travis, age 26, was a lieutenant colonel in the Texas Army and commander of the Alamo during the siege. He wrote the following letter titled, "To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World". Here's a snippet of the letter:
Fellow citizens & compatriots... I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch—The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country—Victory or Death.
There's more to see at the Alamo. Let's check out the map.
There is a courtyard section in the back.
You also may have heard of someone named Jim Bowie. He helped command troops at the Alamo, but unfortunately died in the battle. There is an exhibit about him and his famous Bowie knife. Let's check it out.
The exhibit is inside! Follow me...
Jim Bowie was an pioneer known for his fighting skills. He was very proficient in the use of a knife, and a knifemaker named James Black created a fighting knife for him. They called it the Bowie knife.
Wow, these things look beary sharp! And it says here that Bowie also hunted frequently... err... animals like... umm... alligators... *gulp*... and bears... and... you know what, I'm getting out of here!
Okay phew, I got out. That exhibit turned dark quickly!
Anyways, I also see this really fantastic tree in the courtyard. There is also a water well in the middle.
There's also a pretty little fountain pool. But it was cold that day so I didn't dive in.
There's also some actors doing re-enactments of the Alamo battle. Wow, history is so interesting, isn't it?
What a great visit to the Alamo! On the way back to my hotel, I made some new friends - pigeons! Check out the video below:
