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Exploring Texas in Spring
Yahoo Message Number: 99148
Lorna's posts gave me the idea that the group might have some help in deciding in what order to wander Texas.  Two primary objectives are to see the Whooping Cranes before they leave and to see Big Bend.  We also will enjoy the Spring migration in the usual birding spots.
So.... assuming we get to El Paso the last week in February, should we head immediately for Aransas?  When is Big Bend at its peak?  Where in the state would Spring bloom first appear? Other than the wonderful state parks, are there any 'do-not-miss' camping spots?  And, for Pete's sake, why is there no Trader Joe's in all of Texas??  Okay, that last was parenthetical.
Thanks for any and all help.

Linda Allen, 2008 31' TB
Re: Exploring Texas in Spring
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99151
On Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:07:27 -0000, "Linda Allen" psclallen@...> wrote these inspiring words:

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When is Big Bend at its peak?
You asked several questions Linda. I will let others field the other questions, but some of locations will be in conflict with others. Of course, that only means you will need to repeat the trip another year.
 When Big Bend is at it's peak (for floral beauty) depends on rainfall and temperature. You can call the park in say March and ask for a floral forecast. Some aids are also available from BB NPS web site.
 The first two weeks of April 2007 were great, if that is of any help.
http://picasaweb.google.com/dmalpas/TheCatusTripSpring2007#
 You also need to consider Spring Break dates as BB is really busy at that time. A period to avoid, unless you like drunk college kids.

I am hoping that the couple that have volunteered at BB for several years will see this thread and ring in with better information.

Don & Dorothy A MB named Koko SE #21
Re: Exploring Texas in Spring
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99153
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You asked several questions Linda. I will let others field the other questions, but some of locations will be in conflict with others. Of course, that only means you will need to repeat the trip another year.
We adore Fredericksburg.  The folks who own the KOA there, Richard and Karen, are wonderful and fans of the LD.  It's outside of town, but we like it better than the campgrounds closer in.  Take a drive to Llano and eat at Cooper's for some authentic Texas 'cue and atmosphere.

The Hill Country usually starts blooming mid-March.  You can watch Wildseed Farms' website for their bloom alert which is pretty indicative of what surrounding native areas will be doing.

Oh, and late March is strawberry picking time in Texas - there's a nice farm, begins with an "M", south of Fredericksburg and another, Sweet Berry Farm, in Marble Falls.  Mid to late week on weekdays are probably best for picking and weekends, except early mornings, get pretty crowded.

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You also need to consider Spring Break dates as BB is really busy at that time. A period to avoid, unless you like drunk college kids.
Yes, here in north Texas, Spring Break is the week of March 16 and I think that's UT's timeframe as well.  Also usually that week you need to watch out for Austin and nearby around SXSW (South by Southwest), a big music, film, entertainment fest.

Places like Port Aransas also get pretty crazy with college kids on Spring Break, too.  The folks from our community who winter there come home by early March to avoid them.
 Ah, and the Republic of Texas biker rally.  I think the bikers hit FBG in the spring as well (maybe it's May).  Really nice folks, but it gets REALLY crowded when they're in town.

Michelle
Re: Exploring Texas in Spring
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99165
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order to wander Texas.  Two primary objectives are to see the
Whooping Cranes before they
 
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leave and to see Big Bend.  We also will enjoy the Spring migration
in the usual birding spots.
 
Quote
So.... assuming we get to El Paso the last week in February, should
we head immediately for
 
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Aransas?  When is Big Bend at its peak?  Where in the state would
Spring bloom first appear?

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Linda Allen, 2008 31' TB
I can help you with the dates for the trip North for the Whooping Cranes.  They start to leave in small numbers in April and by mid to late May, are all gone.  Much depends on weather here in South Texas.
If it starts to get warm/hot, they leave.  If it remains cool, they stay a little later.  Don't expect to see a large grouping in one place and also, don't expect to see a group in the air like geese when they leave.  It is normally just a pair or two going at one time.

Larry in South Texas 07 MB
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
 
Re: Exploring Texas in Spring
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99285
Thank you so much to the many people who provided many answers and new ideas.  Larry for Whooping Crane dates.  Don & Dorothy for wildflower info, Spring Break warnings, and, yes, the couple who volunteer at BB did write privately, but most of all, the confirmation that Texas will take several trip.  Oh, and the link to your 2007 photos.  And Michelle, the dates for Spring Break will help, the Wildseed Farms suggestion, Fredericksburg and STRAWBERRIES!  Also the several who responded 'off-list' with so much help.  I love being part of the Lazy Daze family.  Thanks.
Linda   2008 31' TB