HODGES GARDENS, PART III

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Buddies!

Yes, there are even more photos from Hodges Gardens.  I have shown you a few areas of disrepair.  Sad.  But there are some areas where folks are trying to keep up.  While small, they are delightful.  So... just want to offer you a few shots of some really great places within Hodges Gardens.

We still have tomorrow to look at so don't give up yet!  There are a few fun things yet to come.  It was our last day there and the "hunt" was on.  Stay tuned for that!

One of the fun things was the telescope that pointed to Texas!  I remember it as a child and begging my parents to stop and let me look through it.  I wanted to "see" Texas!!  Unfortunately, it is no longer functional... but remains as a reminder of a time long, long ago... before satellites and Google Earth allowed everyone the ability to "see" the planet from above.

So... just a slow drive around the Gardens will reveal a whole lot of things going on.  Amazing how it seems so quiet and remote but yet is managed by concerned individuals.  I can appreciate that.

If you are tired of the Hodges Gardens revue, know that there is only one more post to finish it.  :)  I hope you can stay with me for it.

Until next post...

HODGES GARDENS, PART II

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!!

So, there are just so many beautiful things about Hodges Gardens, I wanted to share some more photos with you.  I will try to select the very best to limit the number!  I hope you can enjoy the feeling of peace and serenity there.

Without further introduction (as it is not needed):

Unfortunately, among the beauty are the hidden areas where neglect has wrought havoc.  :(  Very sad.  But it's the old "good with the bad" situation.

Well, we enjoy the parts we can and hope things will improve for the park.

After the first "visitors" our first evening there, we had an even larger group arrive for the second evening!!  What?!?  Did a memo go out?!?  :)  I didn't even know these little guys could RUN!!!

So... I hope you have a little better feel for the park.  I have some more photos for you in the next update on Hodges Gardens!  Even while there is some deterioration, there are those who persevere in making the park a place to enjoy and learn.

Until next post...

HODGES GARDENS, PART I

Heidy-Ho, Blogging Pals!!  Welcome back!

So... the spousal-unit figured I needed a little break last month.  He had heard about Hodges Gardens State Park from some folks and checked it out online.  He rented a cabin for two nights.  Our adventure began with checking in and finding our cabin!

First things first.  Unload and check out the cabin.  That done, relax on the back deck with a refreshing adult beverage and enjoy the lake view.  That's when the first "guests" arrived.

So... we talked to them... they honked at us... there was a mutual unstated agreement we would remain on our deck and they would remain on the ground below.  They eventually waddled off back to the lake.

We did some driving around that afternoon.  I had visited Hodges Gardens many years ago with my family when the Gardens were privately owned.  I remember how gorgeous they were then.  Unfortunately, having been donated to the State and with funds becoming difficult to get, a lot of it has gone into a state of disrepair that is sad to see.  There were still some very nice areas that we visited on a drive around the park.

A few pictures to give you an idea of the place.  There will be more posts about this trip as I have a LOT of pictures but don't want to post all of them at once!  Overload!

Our First Wildlife meeting... along the edge of the road on the way to the cabin

We drove to the Visitor Center/Gift Shop... but they were closed as we were there during the week.  Still pretty to see.

Alrighty!  You have seen a few of many photos.  More will be coming in the next few days.

Bottom line:  We had a great time!  It was a little toasty but there was nearly always a breeze.  Going during the week meant very few other visitors there with us so we really had the run of the place!  Very enjoyable.

Stay tuned!!

Until next post...