NOTE: Also see Bill Purcell's trip reports
http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/forums/2598/ShowPost.aspx
And his update below: http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/forums/2676/ShowPost.aspx#2676
Shock and Awe of Bluebonnets
Today (3/13), I traveled 300 miles covering 3 counties and several major routes.
Bottom-line: Based on what I saw today, I believe the areas around Llano and northern Mason County hold the best promise for outstanding views.Roadsides are coming along and will likely be in full bloom by Easter or earlier. Fields are lagging behind as they usually do, but given what I saw in some fields by the roadside, I think we will have some very nice views by the 9-16th. The key might be to scout out some of the side roads and find some new spots, but some of the old favorites will also perform well.
Some of what I saw was shocking and some was awe-striking. First let me point out the highlights of the best I saw:
The Awesome List
1. SH 71 from Llano to Fredonia was awesome! The entire route with the exception of a few stretches had plants along both sides from the edge of the road to the fence lines. Many of the stretches with bluebonnets were over 60-80% covered. There is a wide area where Fly Gap Rd intersects with SH 71 and it was 80-90% covered. Many of these plants are mature plants with less than 10-15% with early buds and blooms. There were a few spots with early blooms and some of those in full bloom, but overall the plants are not yet ready to bloom. However, we all know that roadsides usually bloom first (roadways tend to radiate heat and are more open to heating during the day).
- Pontotoc: The special spots in Pontotoc were not as impressive as in past years. Saw very few plants around the front of the ruins of the house along SH 71. There were plants along some of the side roads.
- Union Band Cemetary: Good coverage in the field in front of the cemetary. Spotty coverage in the cemetary itself.
- Fredonia: Evidence of plants in some fields but not easy to spot. I think those plants have not yet bushed up.
- Fly Gap Rd and SH 71: 70-80% See photo:
2. Keyserville Road (Loyal Valley) was also very impressive. There are lots of plants covering most areas 70-80%. This will be a great spot for close up along the road photos. I reported on this road in 2007 (http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/photos/hillcountry/images/2024/700x500.aspx )
See Photo this trip:
3. FM-152 from US 87 to Castrell to Llano: This is one of the "old wildflower routes" advertised back when Llano had wildflower festival (they are planning one this year). The road was also covered well and will be a great Easter Sunday drive. There are not many spots to pull over to photograph the flowers, but the view should be worth the effort.
4. RR-2323 from SH 16 to Prairie Mountain School: This road has several sections covered very well along the road. I did see some sign of plants in fields but once again they are not as mature as the roadside plants. Prairie Mountain School with the swing set is a bit disappointing this year. There are plants, but lots of bare spots around the swings and in the field in front of the school.
See Photo this trip: http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/photos/hillcountry/images/2632/original.aspx
5. SH 16 from Oxford (CR-113) to Willow City Loop: Plants were numerous along this stretched, but the coverage was nothing like SH 71. However, there will be some very nice spots to view. Sadly SH 16 along this segment has very few spots to pull over safely.
6. Willow City Loop: This was a mixed bag. I saw some segments with good coverage, but many of the "favorite" views are just bare. Plants varying from bushy mature to healthy albeit immature plants. I did not spot any early blooms. One segment as you come out of the valley and climb to overlook that large field is covered very well. Some interesting shots will be available with bluebonnets flowing down the side of the rocky slope there.
See photos this trip:
North End: http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/photos/hillcountry/images/2633/original.aspx
Middle: http://community.wildflowerhaven.com/photos/hillcountry/images/2634/original.aspx
South End:
The Shock and Horror List:
1. I-10 from Loop 1604 to Boerne: If there are plants there, I could not see them. This is an area that upsets me, because it used to be so beautiful. I have watch contract mowers come and mow down bluebonnets and other wildflower before they went to seed and then scalp the ground in late winter. Could this be the reason there are now no bluebonnets? I do not know for sure..The medians look green with winter (rye?) grass - planted? I do not know. Whatever the reason this section no longer looks like it used to.
2. I-10 from Boerne to Comfort: DEAD!...the medians look like someone sprayed grass and weed killer. This also used to be awesome and now NOTHING!...What has happened???? Visitors to Texas along this route will likely not see any of our beautiful wildflowers. I dare say if the late Lady Bird Johnson saw this she would have cried...SHOCKING!... Can you tell I was upset!!
3. US 87 from I-10 to Fredericksburg: Very few plants until you get close to Fredericksburg.
4. US 87 from Fredericksburg to Loyal Valley: Some plants but nothing like 2004 or even 2007. The roadside picnic area has some spots covered 40-60%.
RichO
Hunting Texas Wildflowers
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