As I took a trip back from Wimberley, Texas a couple of weeks ago, I decided NOT to take the usual trip down 35 through Austin. I HATE THE TRAFFIC anyway, so I decided to take the "back roads" back to Wise County. The majority of this trip is Highway 281. Almost at the end of my trip just as I was approaching Mineral Wells, I noticed a familiar site from my childhood. It was the old Rock Stage Depot.

Entrance to Stage Depot (Cactus are wildflowers too, RIGHT?)

Actual Depot
See Iris at the bottom of the steps?

 Wild White Iris

More Wild Iris.

During my pre-teen years, my family lived in Mineral Wells while my Dad served in the Army. He was a helicopter instructor at Fort Wolters after returning from Viet Nam in the late 60's. ANYWAY....there it was. I had not been in this area for more than 30 years and I didn't even remember that it was on this stretch of road. I immediately remembered my Momma having Daddy stop there one spring to get a sampling of the white Iris that grow wild all around the place. Just as that memory floated in my mind, THERE THEY WERE...just as I had remembered them. I had to stop and take a couple of pictures. The place is not abandoned anymore as someone had moved a trailer in on the property. I dared not stop and do more than take pictures. Since my Momma passed away almost a year ago, you can't know the temptation to try and grab a bunch of bulbs myself.  While snapping the shots of the Iris, then I noticed the very small patch of Blue Bonnets. I had to Zoom WAY in on them because they were so small but decided to share that shot as well.

Blue Bonnets at the Stage Depot

Indian Paint Brush TOO!

HAPPY SPRING and enjoy whatever kind of flowers you enjoy. THAT'S what makes Spring so special. God Bless all.

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