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Finding The Autumn Color in Lost Maples State Natural Area (被遗忘在德克萨斯州的枫叶 - 寻找秋天的色彩)

Writer's picture: Kevin ZhangKevin Zhang


We lived in Canada for eight years. After we left there and moved to Houston for fifteen years, we missed many things in Canada, including the snow in winter. But the best thing we still remembered is the fall of Canada. The beautiful maples with gorgeous red colors are everywhere, and it is the best season of each year there.


This year many friends were showing the beautiful autumn in the north on their social network. But in Texas, I know the fall is not comparable with the northern area. Years ago, I heard Lost Maples State Natural Area is a good place to experience the fall in Texas. So we planned to visit the park in November before the Thanksgiving holiday.


About 10,000 years ago, the bigtooth maples used to thrive all over the Hill Country when the climate was cooler. As the climate warmed, maples could only live in sheltered canyons where the temperature was cooler. Maples trees still grow in shaded Hill Country canyons, but Lost Maples is one of the only public places to see them. In November of each year, the bigtooth maples turned spectacular colors of red, orange and yellow; and nature proves that Texas does have four seasons, after all.



On the road (在路上)


We left home for the trip at about 7:00 am. For the first three and half hours, we were getting upset gradually because we only saw everything in green. Until passing San Antonio, we started to see hills with trees in yellow. It re-ignited our hopes.


We were here! (目的地)


When we entered the park, the first tree was in our view and it was turning yellow! What else were we going to see?


Picnic (野餐)


After almost five hours drive, finally we could have our lunch in the park. Home-made dumplings and tea eggs are perfect for a picnic.


Birds (鸟)


Birds were chiming next to our picnic table. I grabbed my camera and got some photos of a Black-crested Titmouse and a Chipping Sparrow.


Hiking (登山)


After the late lunch, the hiking started. There are several trails. We planned to walk the east trail on the first day and finish the west trail on the second day. For the first two hours, the trail is flat and easy to walk. Then we saw some people returning back, and they told us the rest hiking would be really difficult for them. We decided to give it a try. Then we found out it was much harder than we thought. I even asked my wife if we should go back. But we didn't give up. Eventually when we arrived at the top, and the entire canyon was in our view. And the beautiful sunset made us feel all the hard work was paying back. When we went down the hill, the sky was getting really dark. Originally we thought three hours would be enough, it finally took us six hours to return to the parking lot. Luckily, we carried flashlights, otherwise, we might not know how could go back. After this, we knew a good plan and proper equipment are really necessary for hiking. Due to bad weather, we had to cancel the trip for the second day. We will come back next year to finish the west trail.


Travelers (旅行者)


We met many people on the trail: old people, parents with young kids, etc. Two women impressed us very much. We met one lady on the camping site. She already lived in the tent for one night already, and she told us she did this all the time in different parks. When we went down the hill, we met another young lady carrying a big backpack and was going up to the top for camping.


Monkey Rock (石猴)


You'll have no trouble spotting the unique limestone outcrop fondly nicknamed "monkey rock." Look for the plants growing on the cliff walls, supported by water that seeps from underground.


Grotto (石窟)


Enjoy the peaceful setting and cooler temperatures of this geologic wonder. Listen for the water that supports the growth of maidenhair ferns and other plants.


Camping (露营)


All the camping sites were booked a month ago. We had to find a camping site outside the park. It was 8:00 pm when we arrived at the site. This was our first time camping. Unfortunately, after half hour, I already felt neck pain because the ground was really hard. We knew it would be raining on the second day, so we decided to finish our trip early and return to Houston in the dark night. We packed everything and left the camping site, and finally arrived home at 3:00 am in the morning. Next time, if we still want camping, we may have to carry an air mattress.


Photographing the night sky (星空拍摄)


Photographing the night sky with stars is at the top of my to-do list. It is really difficult to find a place in the city without light pollution. Also, it is kind of scary and creepy to go to a dark place alone just for shooting stars. For doing this, camping outside is supposed to be a good chance. After we set up the tent, and looked at the sky, oh no! I didn't realize it was a night with almost a full moon. And clouds were floating around. This weather condition made shooting stars harder. Before the trip, I did some study about how to photograph the night sky. And after practicing this time, I am really confident about doing it now. So hopefully I will catch a nice night sky next time at Big Bend National Park at Christmas.


The slide show of autumn color in Texas (下面的幻灯片将带你领略德州的秋色)


Now, let me show you the autumn color in Texas you are expecting for. I was so excited to see this in the south. I believe I will go back again next year.


Thank you for staying with me this far. Hopefully, you enjoy it.

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