Busy day

We did a lot today. I went into Columbus to pick up my mail. I put a forwarding on it from Dayton to my Livingston mail forwarding service, and had Livingston send it to General Delivery in Columbus, Texas. Across from the Post Office in Columbus is the second largest live oak tree in Texas.

We also checked out a kennel, Emo will be boarded for one day and night tomorrow while I go to Corpus Christi to see the USS Lexington. It is an aircraft carrier that my Dad was on in WWII, turned into a museum. Look here for pictures later this week.

We also went to Bastrop and Bischer State Parks, and got maps. We hiked a small trail about a mile. The maps show two good day hikes, 6.8 and 7.7 miles. I am re-thinking my opinion on user fees for state parks. Ohio had a minor revolt when fees were proposed, but the parks here in Texas are an order of magnitude nicer than Ohio parks. Not that Ohio parks are bad, I love them, but it's the difference between spotless toilet facilities with hot and cold running water, and pit latrines. Campsites are nicer, trails are wide and well maintained, none of this crashing through sticker bushes. I see lots of maintenance activity, and the roads are well maintained. It is not too painful to buy a yearly ($60 in Texas) pass and present it when entering.

On the way back, I once more dropped the vegetarian routine and stopped at the oft-suggested Peter's BBQ for lunch. It was great, and prices are low. I also spoke with an older lady who was sitting at my table, we had a nice chat. Quite an enjoyable lunch.

So, big trip tomorrow (3 hours each way) to see the Blue Ghost (the Lex). I've got the dishes done and plan a salad for the President's address tonight, I'm skipping AA for him. Political theater at its finest. Ya'll take care, and thanks for the comments.