Random thoughts after a tour of five state parks

Feral cats behind a Dumpster near the historic Big Spring.

We stopped by five state parks on our way to a wedding Amarillo. The weather was a bit unsettled, so our plans changed a couple of times. But that was part of the adventure.

Big Spring State Park: One of few Texas state parks with free admission. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the three-mile roadway loop to the top of the scenic bluff and some buildings. The sunset view from the top is supposed to be remarkable, but we were there around noon on Memorial Day and didn't see many people. The playground near the pavilion was empty.

We wanted to see the historic Big Spring, but discovered the spring has its own park. Alas, it was closed for renovation. It looked like trails and landscaping were being added behind the chain-link fence. It should be nice when it reopens.

I think this is a spotted ground squirrel hiding in the shade at Lake Colorado City State Park

Lake Colorado City State Park: This a park for camping and boating. We hiked the rocky shoreline trail among the mesquite and cactus while rain clouds threatened.

Lake Brownwood State Park rents cabins that were built by the CCC.

Lake Brownwood State Park: Spent the night in a CCC cabin on the lake. A rain storm blew in and we didn't have wifi to check on the severity of the storm, but figured a cabin built into the hillside was a pretty safe place. There are several CCC-built trails, benches and fire pits that are quite impressive. CCC also constructed the recreation hall with a rooftop view and a walkway to the water.

The next morning the canoes looked inviting, but it started raining again.

An easy trail with plenty of wildlife.

Abilene State Park: This is where we saw deer along Elm Creek Nature Trail and on the hike to the bird blind. Saw lots of campers and families but not many on the trails. I think most were more interested in the lake and the CCC-built pool.

Not much tree cover along the trails at Copper Breaks.

Copper Breaks State Park: I liked this park because the terrain was so different on the trails. It was also hot without tree cover. There is nice museum at headquarters featuring Comanche and Kiowa tribes, with a section on Cynthia Ann Parker.

When asked about the longhorn herd, the ranger said if we honked our horn at the fence, longhorns might walk up. We decided not to honk because we didn't want to seem obnoxious.