Bastrop, Texas

It is officially summer but then again everyday sort of feels like summer.  I do not have many summer travel plans since now I can travel any time . . . it is so much cheaper to fly other times of year!  Of course, I am a bit bored sitting at home so I have decided to start off with a local-ish trip to one of my favorite Texas hotels but first a bit of a detour to check out a couple Texas State Parks in the area.  First up is Buescher State Park.  It is late May and already so hot so am I bit crazy to do some hiking?  Yes, yes I am!  I have to remind myself state parks are not as . . . I am not sure what word to use here . . . grand as national parks.  Don't get me wrong there are some awesome state parks around the U.S.   I spent about two hours wandering around Buescher State park checking off blocks by exploring the Big Tree Retreat trail, Winding Woodlands trail, and the CCC Crossover trail.

 

Don't be fooled by the overcast and shade from the trails . . . it is hot, but I am being smart about being in the heat!  I loaded up in the car and back tracked to another state park near by, Bastrop State Park.  Up until 2015 there was an active golf course on site.  In September 2011, the park suffered a major wildfire that wiped out about 96% of the park.  It was devasting!  So to the trails I go . . . it is still early enough that the sun is manageable but not for long!  I visit a few of the key areas such as the Wildflowers Historic Starter House, Refectory Historic Site, Pine Warbler Trail to see the Bracken Ferns.  It is a bit late for Texas wildflowers but there were a few patches hanging on.

And it was too hot to be hiking so it was time to just drive around the scenic park loop road.  I wanted to see if I could get a good view from the scenic over look where I could see the regrowth from the 2011 wild fires.

 

 

I called it a day as I was hot, thirsty and starving.  Is it even a Texas road trip if you don’t stop at Buc-ee’s.  The air conditioning was so welcoming and the smell of  yummy food was overwhelming, but I grabbed my food and headed outside to eat . . . there is no seating inside! 

Oh and let's not forget the frozen Dr. Pepper that was basically stuck to my hand!  It was so cold and refreshing.  And you know what makes you suddenly perk up?  Seeing the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort sign and knowing the next two nights will be so nice!

I can’t wait to enjoy the resort for a couple days!  Since it’s mid-week I was pretty sure I would get an upgrade; I did. This is the first time I got an upgrade to a Lone Star Suite. Who pays these insane rates?

 

I will be honest I sure can’t afford to pay that rate. The only reason I am here right now is because I had a free category one through seven free night about to expire and then used points for the second night so my stay is absolutely zero dollars . . . other than what I spent on food which isn't cheap.  By the way, the lobby smells so good!  I headed to Maude’s for a snack and zero proof Salted Rosemary Paloma. I’ve never been here when it was so dead granted it is a Tuesday but there are only two other people out. It’s crazy and sooo nice too.

Cant wait to explore and relax tomorrow too!