Lady Bird would be proud!

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The LBJ Library here in Austin is a place I take tourists. There’s always a good exhibit. I took my electrical engineer niece to see the “Rural Electrification” exhibit a couple of years ago. We both enjoyed it.

There’s also a replica of the Oval Office with fun 60’s accouterments. The green phone built into the coffee table drawer is worth the trip upstairs. The library also houses all the usual stuff. Pictures from boyhood through statesman-hood etc.

But the best part of the library in my opinion is LBJ’s Lincoln Continental. I always picture him behind the wheel flying down 290 west on his way to the ranch in his trademark Stetson.

Richard and I found ourselves flying down the highway yesterday. While not in LBJ style what we saw would surely make Mrs. LBJ proud. It is wildflower season in Texas.

We went west on 2222, crossed over 620 and continued on Bullock Hollow Road. From there after an odd turn or two we headed northwest on 1431. You can pick it up off 183 in Cedar Park as well. But it’s not as fun or twisty.

From the moment we hit 1431 we were bombarded with one wildflower extravaganza after another. Yellows gave way to reds and oranges with a bit of blue thrown in for extra measure. I think our Sunday drive out to Inks Lake and back was the best wildflower show I’ve ever seen.

I have no pictures to show. We couldn’t bring ourselves to stop. We were in the thrall of the flowers and couldn’t wait to top the next rise or round the next curve. We saw complete fields of yellow. Bordered by reds and oranges and an occasional dark wine with a raspberry flourish. All the usual suspects were present. But the extravagance of the display was what really amazed us. I have never seen anything like it.

I assume the rain we had earlier in the season is what brought about this wonderful spectacle. To whomever or whatever is responsible I say a grateful HURRAH. What a show. So, take a trip west of town as soon as you can get away. Even if it’s an after work, grab something from a fast food joint and hit the road-road trip. It is really worth it.

I can see LBJ now, with “the Bird” at his side cruising down the highway admiring the flowers. I know she loved them, I sure do-and this is the season you will too.

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Here are a couple of photos I took with my iPhone at Inks. They don't really do justice to the sights on the way there and back but I can't resist including them.


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