The Accidental Tourist with a “general perspective”
If you’ve ever heard of Texas in any form, you probably know something about the bluebonnets that show up every year in mid-march. It’s a visual right of passage here. Thousands of tourists rush to open fields, putting their children in the middle of the flowers to capture what may be iconic images. Later in life, these children, (now adults) are often shamed by these same photos at weddings and other social events. After leaving Washington, DC and the White House in the late 1960’s, President Johnson’s wife, Lady Bird Johnson pushed hard to plant wild flowers in open fields and valleys to celebrate the beauty of Texas.
That’s the history. If you ever travel to Houston in early spring and you’re looking for something to do, hop in your rental car and head for route 290. As soon as you hit the Washington County line, you’ll see a huge sign identifying this as the birthplace of Texas. I’ll have more on that topic in another blog.
After having a historically bad Tuesday, I woke up on a mission, mainly to enjoy myself or the moment, or both. On this trip, I had a familiar feeling and presence with me, one I haven’t felt in a long time. It was good in many ways, a throwback to a happier time.
Driving down 290 and quickly turning around, I found myself on the side of the road taking pictures of cows and flowers. Those cows were tourists in their version of paradise, in some way hoping the fence in front of them was gone. But, in others feeling safe and secure from the fast moving cars, trucks and obnoxious tourists stopping to take their picture. In the beginning they were nervous with the bull (broken horn still attached) letting me know that I may need more than a fence to keep me from being a news story on College Station television. The sky behind the cows was filled with fluffy white clouds. The flowers were robust and beautiful. The younger bovines were the most curious. If not for the bulls, they would have likely let me pet them.
Down the street and to the right, amazing scenery dominated the landscape. I pulled over after a few minutes in front of another group of cows. Were cows a theme? I dunno. There, I was silent and still. No fast moving vehicles, just vast fields and amazing vistas. I could only marvel at the beauty of my surroundings, thinking about the people who live here, calling this region home. I wondered what they thought of the plethora of people who invade their space once a year? While a pain in butt, it’s also an economy boost for the region. Those same people who take pictures, also stop at the restaurants, gas stations and assorted other stores along 290. One street reads “Bluebonnet Way.” What does that tell you?
I then looked for the place I visited last year. Wandering down a non-descript road that included the police station, a batting facility and sprawling properties, I found the turn that lead me to Bethlehem Cemetery. This year this open field surrounding the cemetery was barren of flowers. While a few flowers were there, it was miniscule, compared to last year. During that visit, my Koshka was there with me with me in mind, body and spirit. Things had changed. This field was a clear indicator of the change from a year ago. Hunger was calling. Walking back to the car, I could not help but notice a new tombstone in the field of 2-hundred-year old markers and fences (Back then, families put fences around the graves to keep wild animals from digging up the bodies). Here, a couple of #Tonka Trucks lined the grave, and a bright beautiful “Happy Birthday” sign. A young child, who had family here, was laid to rest. It was the first burial in this place in perhaps 100 years. Out of respect, no pictures. Also, this is another reason to love the people who mean the most to you. Tomorrow is not a given.
On the way to find lunch, I stopped several times along this quaint road. There I found wagon wheels, mailboxes and fences lined with the iconic flowers. Texas is beautiful, serene and powerful. Today was an indicator, another sign that I was right. A year ago in this same field, I witnessed a woman on horseback galloping through the field of Bluebonnets. I tried again to shoot a video of my travels before departing. I also met an elderly couple from Colombia, exploring like me. They took pictures, looked at the sky, and of course marvel at Gods work here.
Nathans BBQ is in Brenham. They boast of live music, long lines and people who were enjoy this slice of Texas dining. Me? After ordering brisket and sides, I thought it reminded me of Arbys with BBQ sauce more than anything else. Perhaps they were having a bad day. I’ll never know.
It was on to Manor, Texas. About an hour or so away, was the most photographed church in Texas. At least that’s what the travel blogs told me. After a gas/bathroom break I found myself in vast, open fields. I could see the New Sweden Lutheran church for miles in the distance. Slow winding roads led me to this place. A small church, I can only imagine what this place looked like at sunrise or sunset. For me, it was just after 3pm. I pulled out my tripod and tried “again” to record a video of my travels. For this, framing was an issue this time. Looking back at the video, it was also a focus issue. Shooting video is challenge. This little known fact, from a former television news photographer.
The next destination was southwest, a 2 hour drive to a little known destination called Edge Falls. That drive, bypassed Austin. I could see it to my right. Then, 45-60 miles down I-35 south past San Marcos and then to a road along the Blanco River and to a region known as Devil’s Backbone. I took this route a year ago and it was creepy then. Aware of the creepiness, I stopped at a vista to capture the moment, it was a vast expanse of Texas beauty. I was thankful to witness this part of the journey. The last part of this journey took me down Edge Falls road. It was an adventure. There I saw signs that said “wandering cattle” everywhere. Here, I saw, sheep grazing, deer wandering, and me worrying that I will soon hear the theme song from the movie “Deliverance.” This was “OLD” Texas. The people didn’t acknowledge me as I drove. I almost felt like bait. When I found the falls, it was amazing. Another Hill Country secret discovered. How many times is this for me? 10? 12? Once parking the car “in a no parking zone” I ventured to the “no trespassing” zone and of course crossed. The falls were amazing. I took probably 40-50 photos of this God made marvel. I reflected on where I was and the journey before heading back to the car. Now, it was time for the journey home.
Calculating, I can only capture the sunset in Dripping Springs. Making my way back. I saw perhaps 40-50 deer in a field, the Blanco River, sprawling fields, a wild pig and the sound of the radio.
I captured the sunset on a remote road in Dripping Springs, and then ventured to a local eatery for dinner. There, I discovered the harsh realities of my wants, needs and feelings versus reality. These are the things you experience on the road, but probably not to this extreme. My mood had changed. While the drive in the sunshine held so much promise, darkness brought on feelings of loneliness and despair. I thought of the poem “Invictus” several times. “In the fell clutch of circumstance.”
The ride home was a personal reality check. It had been a pendulum of emotions on this day, fitting in perfectly with the week I’d experienced. Life works like that I’ve learned.
Back home, I was thankful for the entire day both good and bad. And like every evening before bed, I thanked GOD for all that he’s done and taught me. It was long after midnight now, and a new day of hopes, dreams and aspirations were mere hours away. A journey to Cuba loomed just over the horizon. Between now and then, perhaps I’ll have a story or two to share. Follow me at glennejonesphotography.com, instagram.com/glenn.e.jones.photography and Facebook.com/Glenn E Jones Photography.
From one Accidental Tourist to another, thanks for reading.
Glenn
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