Early bluebonnet photos from Texas

[Jock Scot]

Wow! What a vivid blue. I have to confess that I really had no idea what a "bluebonnet" was, until now. Do they stay in flower for long? Smashing pictures, by the way.

[Downunder Kilt]

Great pics of the two loves of your life Shaun and I echo Jocks comments on the bluebonnets. Looks like the family had a grand day.

[ShaunMaxwell]

Thanks, all for your kind words.

Jock, the bluebonnets (which are the state flower of Texas) bloom typically in late March and generally last until early to mid-April, depending upon the amount of rainfall and temperature. They don't last long, but on a good year, there are areas where there are flowers practically as far as you can see. They are often interspersed with Indian Paintbrushes (which are red). (See image here: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...%3Divns&itbs=1)

It's a tradition for many Texans to take the family out for the annual bluebonnet photo.

Given the abundant rainfall, and warm temperatures we've experienced (already up in the 80ºF range), the flowers seem to have come a bit early this year, but I'm hopeful that they'll stay with us 'til mid-April.

Cheers,

SM

[macwilkin]

Thanks, all for your kind words.

Jock, the bluebonnets (which are the state flower of Texas) bloom typically in late March and generally last until early to mid-April, depending upon the amount of rainfall and temperature. They don't last long, but on a good year, there are areas where there are flowers practically as far as you can see. They are often interspersed with Indian Paintbrushes (which are red). (See image here: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...%3Divns&itbs=1)

It's a tradition for many Texans to take the family out for the annual bluebonnet photo.

Given the abundant rainfall, and warm temperatures we've experienced (already up in the 80ºF range), the flowers seem to have come a bit early this year, but I'm hopeful that they'll stay with us 'til mid-April.

Cheers,

SM

Let's hope so, as we'll be down in the Hill Country in mid-April to visit family (Driftwood/Austin).

T.

[ShaunMaxwell]

Todd,

If you're in Driftwood, I hope you'll have time to take in a meal at The Salt Lick. (If you've been to Driftwood before, I'm sure you've been there... If not, now's the time!)

http://www.saltlickbbq.com/

SM

[macwilkin]

Todd,

If you're in Driftwood, I hope you'll have time to take in a meal at The Salt Lick. (If you've been to Driftwood before, I'm sure you've been there... If not, now's the time!)

http://www.saltlickbbq.com/

SM

Several years ago, my brother-in-law sent us a bottle of their BBQ sauce for Christmas, and it was very tasty. Texas BBQ is on my agenda -- I'd love to go to Lockhart, but we'll see what happens. The National Museum of the Pacific War in Frdericksburg, the TX Military Museum at Camp Mabry and the Alamo are the three top items on my list.

Years ago I was in San Antonio for a wedding with my ex-fiancee, but a series of unfortunate events, including a tornado at Lambert Field in St. Louis, delayed our arrival in SA until the day of the wedding -- I never did get to the Alamo, and that's one of the reasons why she is an "ex".

T.

[Jack Daw]

Todd,

If you're in Driftwood, I hope you'll have time to take in a meal at The Salt Lick. (If you've been to Driftwood before, I'm sure you've been there... If not, now's the time!)

http://www.saltlickbbq.com/

SM

I have not been there before, but the menu looks delicious!

[Tobus]

Wow! What a vivid blue. I have to confess that I really had no idea what a "bluebonnet" was, until now. Do they stay in flower for long? Smashing pictures, by the way.

They generally flower in the spring, and will stay in bloom into summer. But when it gets hot and dry in late summer, they wither out and go away. Here in Texas, the blooming of the bluebonnets is sort of a cultural celebration of spring. Lots of people take to the roadways and drive around looking for scenic views of them. In some locations, there will be entire pastures (dozens or even hundreds of acres) full of bluebonnets. It's quite breathtaking.

Some examples (randomly pulled from the internet):