Day 15: 255 Miles
Starting location: Palmetto State Park, Gonzales, Texas – 50 degrees
Ending location: Seminole Canyon State Park, Comstock, Texas – 45 degrees
Major Stops: None
Weather: Cloudy and coolDay 16: 0 Miles – a Zero day in the desert!
Hikes: Canyon Rim Trail 3.5 miles
After the deer spotting noted in the last post, we got onto highway 10 which was going to be our best friend into San Antonio. Fortunately, being a Sunday, the drive through San Antonio was non-eventful, and we made good time along the highway.
One thing I’ve noticed about Texas now that we have driven through Houston and San Antonio, is that the houses are pretty much all the same color. They are tan with brown roofs. Some have brick, but even the brick is tan or brown. They also look like they were all built about the same time. Maybe it was during the oil boom in the late 80’s? OK, my Texas friends, please don’t become upset. This is merely an observation coming from a Michigander.
Entering the Desert and Checkpoints
The terrain became drier and drier especially as we left San Antonio in the taillights. US 90 became a two lane highway fairly soon after leaving the big city since the area is so sparsely inhabited. It was Clarice and a few semi’s out there on it. We just kicked back, running about 65mph (speed limit is 75), slowing down so anyone who wanted to could pass, and watched the desert roll by. That is, until we came to a vehicle checkpoint.
This was the first checkpoint I drove into and it was not clear what we were supposed to do. The sign said “All Vehicles Must Stop”. In this case, we did not need to stop due to the direction we were going. Later we would be subject to these “inspections” and the markings would be clearer. Those going the other way had to stop, go through a vehicle inspection which included a dog and officer walking around the vehicle, visible check of the inside of the vehicle, and presenting proof of citizenship via your drivers license or passport. Ironically, no one had left the country.
Unusual Desert Sighting
One odd sight we came upon, was Amistad Reservoir. It was stunning to see mass amounts of water in the dry desert, so I did not pull over. So I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures.. This is a National Recreation area where people boat, fish, off-road and camp. According to this site, the water is 56.2% owned by Texas, and the the rest is owned by Mexico via treaty. The reservoir is at 48.5% capacity versus 63.7% just one year ago. The edges are virtually cliffs sloping down to the water, and whole arms are dried up completely. This image from the national park website shows what it looks like. The bridge in the background is the one I drove across when seeing this sight. This speaks to the complete burning band in all west Texas and just how dry it is here.
Seminole Canyon State Park
A little ways beyond the reservoir, was our target for the next two nights. The campground sits on the top of the highest point overlooking the entire area and has two loops. I did not have any cell coverage here; it was surprising as high up as we were. I guess there is nothing close by!
The wind was blowing and it was cold the entire time we were here. But, we made the best of it and took a hike to see the canyon on our down day. It is beautiful, if desolate.