Texas neighbors and Blue bonnets?

[tlcmommyx4]

I am wanting to take a road trip to my Texas neighbors and see if I can capture some of those wonderful wild Blue bonnets that I saw posted last year. If anyone has spotted any sign of them yet? I would love to have a couple of go to locations, so if anyone can help me out I would love it! I just can't wait for SPRING.

[goopysolelady]

We're "down south" (75 miles west of Houston) and not a sign of a bluebonnet yet. My niece lives in Dallas area...(lot closer for you!)...I'll send her a message to let me know if she spots any. :thumbsup2 I'm a fall/winter person so not really looking forward to spring/summer that much (way to much yard work needs to be done :rotfl2: and I'm not a "yard work person" either) but do always love spotting the first bluebonnet. And-sitting in the middle of a field, enjoying the SMELL is Heaven :lovestruc! DH is out and about more than I am and he says probably another good 2-3 weeks down here. Our area has had a very dry winter which usually is not good for the flowers. You may want to check County websites in north/northeast Texas. Good luck and have fun. Looking forward to some posts of the Official Wildflower of Texas. :yay: :tink:

[tlcmommyx4]

Thanks, I am just trying to make a plan, and an idea of where to go with gas going thru the roof a plan is needed:rotfl2:.

[photo_chick]

Look closer to Easter. That's usually when they're getting going and we risk life and limb illegally stopping on the side of the freeway. Ennis, Texas (I-45 south of Dallas) has a Bluebonnet Festival in April when they're blooming profusely there and that area is on the Bluebonnet Trail.

[oogieboogieman]

Snakes LOVE Bluebonnets!!!!

[mom2rtk]

Snakes LOVE Bluebonnets!!!!

Note to self...... Bring telephoto lens......:lmao:

[tlcmommyx4]

Look closer to Easter. That's usually when they're getting going and we risk life and limb illegally stopping on the side of the freeway. Ennis, Texas (I-45 south of Dallas) has a Bluebonnet Festival in April when they're blooming profusely there and that area is on the Bluebonnet Trail.

Thank you so much this is the info I was looking for:thumbsup2. I will look up the festival and plan around my trip then.

Snakes LOVE Bluebonnets!!!!
I do have a very competitive friend who wants to go as well I will just send him in first:rotfl2: just kidding.

[mom2rtk]

I do have a very competitive friend who wants to go as well I will just send him in first:rotfl2: just kidding.

LOL! :rotfl:

[k5jmh]

A couple more weeks and they will start to come out of hiding. I would try and hit the Willow City Loop north of Fredericksburg, TX if you want to see amazing bluebonnets.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/817135/Boards/Willow.jpg

https://s-hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/26107_1262144549858_1117025522_30624662_365044_n.j pg

[turtleclanscott]

It still too early for them in the D/FW area. We had a freeze the other morning.

We're driving down to San Antonio next week during Spring Break. If we see any blooming, I'll post it and let you know.

[tlcmommyx4]

A couple more weeks and they will start to come out of hiding. I would try and hit the Willow City Loop north of Fredericksburg, TX if you want to see amazing bluebonnets.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/817135/Boards/Willow.jpg

https://s-hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/26107_1262144549858_1117025522_30624662_365044_n.j pg
Thanks so much for the map!!!!

It still too early for them in the D/FW area. We had a freeze the other morning.

We're driving down to San Antonio next week during Spring Break. If we see any blooming, I'll post it and let you know.
We had a freeze here the past couple of nights and today was cold:scared1:. Spring can't come soon enough for me!

[r1lissa]

It won't be too much longer- there are two in my front yard right now.
The Bluebonnet Trails in Ennis are def the place to go. I live ten minutes from there.

[r1lissa]

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab324/mlanoue/101_0702.jpg


This one was taken on our land.

[tlcmommyx4]

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab324/mlanoue/101_0702.jpg


This one was taken on our land.

This is the best shot!!!! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing:banana:

[photo_chick]

I'm on I20 on the Tarrant / Dallas county line and they've popped up in my yard but there's no signs of flowers on them yet. We've got good southern exposure here. Once they start in on the southern exposed areas you have a couple weeks before the north facing hillsides really get going.

[tlcmommyx4]

Thanks so much, we start our spring break tomorrow and I was going to try to drive down on Friday and see maybe we will have to just take two trips lol

[tlcmommyx4]

Just wanted to get any updates on the bluebonnets! We are thinking about leaving for Dallas on Thursday, just wanted to see if we have any signs or if I am just going to have to make a trip in a couple of weeks??? Thanks for all the information.

[photo_chick]

No signs of open blooms in the Dallas area that I've seen yet. It's still a little early yet. The ones in my yard have flower's on them but are not quite ready to bloom. I'd say about 2 more weeks.

[tlcmommyx4]

Thanks Danielle, I guess I will just have to make two trips. While I'm there this weekend can you tell me where is the best place to take some night skyline shots?

[photo_chick]

If you want Dallas from a distance there are several freeway overpasses on 35 south of downtown that are great. The bad thing about those is that they are in really bad parts of town so it's better to shoot while someone else drives. If you want closer shots, the West End and Victory Park areas offer some interesting areas. Or along the frontage roads around the DMA on Wodall Rogers Freeway offers some good views... but there's a ton of construction (they're building a park over the freeway) so I'm not sure what you'd get right now in that area.

There's a huge hill on I20 where it meets spur 408 (south Dallas) that offers a really nice view into the Grand Prairie and Arlington areas... you can see Six Flags, the Rangers Ballpark and Cowboy Stadium from there. But you have to stop on the shoulder, there is no frontage road, or have someone else drive while you shoot out the window. Spur 408 is also a popular place for side of the highway bluebonnet pictures.

If you want day shooting walk around Dealey Plaza and the West End. You can get some great shots of Reunion Tower and other buildings from the grassy knoll. And of course there's all the history that goes with Dealey Plaza.

This one is actually in Dealey Plaza across the street from the book depository.
http://photo-chick.smugmug.com/Other/my-stuff/20080223-IMG0621/735349272_aFqWr-S.jpg

[tlcmommyx4]

Thanks for all the info on the great spots! We are leaving in the morning and I cant wait to get down there and see what I get. My family is knida weird, in the fact they think its so cool to stop on the highway to get shots! Its all fun to someone gets hurt! Thanks again
Michelle

[scoot241]

Saw some on the median on TX-288 in Houston. Probably not the most picturesque place to shoot them, plus I'd say it's a rather dangerous place.

[tlcmommyx4]

Saw some on the median on TX-288 in Houston. Probably not the most picturesque place to shoot them, plus I'd say it's a rather dangerous place.

Thanks Scott, I think Houston is just a little far for me. We are on a road trip to Dallas and I haven't even got my camera out yet:scared1:, I have done to much shopping. I do plan on trying to get some nightscape shots of dallas tonight.

[mom2rtk]

Thanks Scott, I think Houston is just a little far for me. We are on a road trip to Dallas and I haven't even got my camera out yet:scared1:, I have done to much shopping. I do plan on trying to get some nightscape shots of dallas tonight.

Can't wait to see!

[tlcmommyx4]

Well the quest for my bluebonnet's will have to continue in a couple of weeks.

As for my nightscape pics well........:rolleyes1 they didn't turn out that great, but thanks Danielle for the great spot on the 408 spur and I20 was wonderful. I would need a bigger lens.

I do have to say, trying to get some photography time with the family is one of the hardest things to get done. We ended up looking at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, looking for new golf clubs ect. I'm coming down next time for just photography and leaving the DH and DS at home!!!

I did get some keepers from the Aquarium, that was an amazing place!!!! I will see ya in a couple of weeks for my shots!

[photo_chick]

Ahh.. Coyboy Stadium. I used to live right in that area. I'm at I20 and highway 360 now so you probably drove right by my house!

The bluebonnets in my yard are still a ways from opening up yet. I'll let you know when they start.

[turtleclanscott]

I saw some small patches of Blue Bonnets along the side of I-30 in Arlington today near Six Flags Over Texas. With the warm weather, it probably won't be long until there are big areas of them along the road.

[photo_chick]

Yay! I have class tomorrow at UTA and will actually be shooting in that area. I may have to detour over to 30 and have a look see.

[tlcmommyx4]

You are going to make me so jealous! I was just there two days ago, or well I want to see some great shots!!!!
I am going to try and come back the 1st of April, I hope they are still beautiful, I'm sure there will still be some out and looking wonderful. Hope you have fun,

[photo_chick]

We officially have blooms starting in our yard. They're not wide open yet, just a hint of blue. One of the houses by my kids school is now in full bloom, but they cultivate the flowers there where as I just let whatever happens to pop up in my yard go.

They will be out for a long time still. Like I said before, the south facing hills bloom first, then the north facing hills a little later. The generally start going to seed in May around here, which is about the time the grass is starting to overtake them. The plants won't completely die until it gets really hot in July.

[tlcmommyx4]

We officially have blooms starting in our yard. They're not wide open yet, just a hint of blue. One of the houses by my kids school is now in full bloom, but they cultivate the flowers there where as I just let whatever happens to pop up in my yard go.

They will be out for a long time still. Like I said before, the south facing hills bloom first, then the north facing hills a little later. The generally start going to seed in May around here, which is about the time the grass is starting to overtake them. The plants won't completely die until it gets really hot in July.

You might just have to take a couple of shots to post for me to help my fixation, until I can get back there! I kinda laugh at myself because I don't even have really anyone to put into those beautiful flowers. That still won't stop me from sticking my daughter in them (she is deaf\blind) and she dosen't take very good photo coaching, ya just gotta wait her out hahaha.

[turtleclanscott]

They are all over now... These pictures were at Beltline Road and the President George Bush Turnpike in Irving. There is a nice place where you can park on a side street and it's not on the freeway. (It seems much safer than the people who like to park on the side of the interstate.)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu350/turtleclanscott/20110406_35-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu350/turtleclanscott/20110406_29.jpg

[goopysolelady]

Thank you for posting! :thumbsup2 We are down in south central Texas (70 miles west of Houston) and our bluebonnets are "thin" this year! Our area is SO DRY and wildflowers are few and far between.:sad2: Guess I'll have to get my "bluebonnet fix" via photos this year. Now...if you could just figure out how to "post" the SMELL...it would be perfect! :lmao: :tink:

[MichelleVW]

Thank you for posting! :thumbsup2 We are down in south central Texas (70 miles west of Houston) and our bluebonnets are "thin" this year! Our area is SO DRY and wildflowers are few and far between.:sad2: Guess I'll have to get my "bluebonnet fix" via photos this year. Now...if you could just figure out how to "post" the SMELL...it would be perfect! :lmao: :tink:

They are thin in my area too, we need rain sooo bad.

[photo_chick]

They're blooming everywhere now I think. I read somewhere that on a scale of 1 to 10 this years "bloom intensity" is like a 6, where as last years was like a 10. They're thin compared to last year in the Metroplex, but we've had worse years.

[tlcmommyx4]

They are all over now... These pictures were at Beltline Road and the President George Bush Turnpike in Irving. There is a nice place where you can park on a side street and it's not on the freeway. (It seems much safer than the people who like to park on the side of the interstate.)

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu350/turtleclanscott/20110406_35-1.jpg

http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu350/turtleclanscott/20110406_29.jpg
I love these!!!! I am going to have to try and make a trip down there maybe nexrt weekend. I am in a cast for the last two weeks, I have torn the ligiments in my ankle and due to get an MRI we think maybe torn tendon. My shooting has been put on the back burner untill I can really learn how to walk in this cast and carry my camera gear :rotfl2:

I love your shots!!!!

[turtleclanscott]

They aren't everywhere like they were last year, but it is still pretty easy to find a good spot in the D/FW Mid-Cities.

I haven't been out of the city in a couple of weeks, so I'm not sure if it's any better. It might be in East Texas, they had a good rain last week.

[goopysolelady]

Down here in south central Texas we're still finding them "few and far between". Houston Chronicle article today is really depressing too. The U.S. Drought Monitor has changed our drought classification to the worst category..."exceptional" :sad2:. Also shows 98% of Texas in a drought with more than 86% in a severe drought or worse. :sad: :tink:

[mrcricket]

Taken south of Benbrook (which is south of Fort Worth for those not familiar with the area). The bluebonnets weren't very thick this year, as others have mentioned, but that doesn't mean they aren't as beautiful.

http://jriceco.smugmug.com/Nature/Nature/DSC0029-Edit/1245561130_8bxD7-XL.jpg

[photo_chick]

Hey mrcricket my in-laws are in Benbrook. The Hubbie went to WHHS.

What is it about this thread that makes me sing It's a Small World?

[mrcricket]

I work in SW Fort Worth, but live in Grapevine. Yep 30 mile commute, but that's livin in the metroplex. Big metroplex. Small world.

[MichelleVW]

Took this today of my youngest DD.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5607735801_859eb45eec_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55581642@N08/5607735801/)
10apr4 (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55581642@N08/5607735801/) by michellevw04 (http://www.flickr.com/people/55581642@N08/), on Flickr

[tlcmommyx4]

Took this today of my youngest DD.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5607735801_859eb45eec_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55581642@N08/5607735801/)
10apr4 (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55581642@N08/5607735801/) by michellevw04 (http://www.flickr.com/people/55581642@N08/), on Flickr

Great shot, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful Blue Bonnets and your DD!

[photo_chick]

The storms last night beat up the blooms in my area pretty good. :(

[tlcmommyx4]

The storms last night beat up the blooms in my area pretty good. :(

Oh no, did you have a tornado, or just wind and hail? I hate to here that, hope everyone is doing well!

[llaxton]

Here are my girls before the storms hit the flowers last night

edited - I can't seem to figure out how to post a picture from Facebook!

[tlcmommyx4]

I have been missing my DIS boards and was in Texas for our spring break this year and guess what I found all over even in Denton Tx. You got it, the Blue bonnets that I couldn't seem to find anywhere. Just wanted to share.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/2012/Dallasarboretum244of148.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/2012/Dallasarboretum243of148.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/2012/Dallasarboretum240of148.jpg

Hope you enjoy these as much as I did finding them.

[MichelleVW]

They are coming up so pretty this year!! Last year we didn't have any rain and they were just so sparse and hard to find!

[tlcmommyx4]

You would have thought I won the lotto or something! I just think these are just beautiful!!!

[wdw_monster]

took these last week near Blanco, texas
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4529.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4527.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4543.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4546.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4551.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4558.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4552.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4557.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4560.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4566.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4563.jpg
http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n500/msbigbadmonster/IMG_4569.jpg