Bastrop, Texas...flowers and fire

Texas paintbrush

In Bastrop County, about 30 miles east of Austin, a fire started on September 4, 2011. In 9 days, over 34,000 acres were scorched with only 70% of the fire contained. More than 1,600 homes were also burned, as well as a big portion of the Bastrop State Park. The fire started at two different points, both from sparks igniting dry grass after trees fell on power lines during high winds. Referred to as the Bastrop County Complex fire and considered the single most destructive wildfire in Texas history, the affected areas are only just beginning to rejuvenate.

Map of the burned areas near Bastrop

As we drove along Hwy 71 and then turned down a street that was heavily hit, we saw lots of burned trees and barren forest floor. The houses that once stood in the neighborhood are now just a cement pad, driveway and mailbox. Some residents have started to rebuild, others are living in temporary trailers near where their houses once stood. The damage is startling.

Indian blanket

Bastrop State Park contains over 5,800 acres of loblolly pine covered hills, known as the Lost Pines. These pine trees are the westernmost stand of loblolly pines in the U.S. and are in stark contrast to the scrubby vegetation in the surrounding area. Sadly, some of these acres burned in September. Fortunately, tiny new pine trees have begun to sprout, according to the ranger we spoke with. Much of the park will re-open on April 13th this year, though the heavily burned areas will remain closed indefinitely.

Yellow flower that
stubbornly eludes identification

Winecups

Texas paintbrush and bluebonnets

We continued on to Bastrop, an adorable little town of small shops and very friendly people. We stopped in a few of the stores and several folks chatted with us about the town, inquired where we were from and gave us some ideas for things to see nearby. We really appreciated the hospitality. So friendly!

Ken surfing the web in our RV
littered with tourist brochures

We drove back to Austin to meet Don for lunch at the 888 Pan Asian restaurant, still not wanting to return to Mexican or barbeque just yet. We had a nice meal and lovely chat again with Don, said our goodbyes and headed toward the RV.

Ken was sweet and stopped the car for me at least three times so I could take some more pictures...this time of the wildflowers we've been admiring on every trip out of the RV park.

We spent a relaxing afternoon in the RV, not driving or sightseeing. Ken made us a great home cooked dinner, we caught up with family, and plotted our next move. Fun, low-key day!