I saw this picture while we were driving through Johnson City in search of bluebonnets and it gave me pause. The bulldozer operator has stopped to take a picture of the beautiful bluebonnet field before he destroys it for a strip mall or a new subdivision. That's kind of sad.
The Texas Hill Country, and all of Texas, is spectacular in the spring with the explosion of bluebonnets. The rolling hills and fields are covered in them, and with the occasional majestic oak tree or red barn dotting the landscape, it's truly magical.
While I understand that progress keeps things moving forward and beautiful communities are built every day, often preserving as much of nature as possible, I hate the thought of those bluebonnet fields disappearing. I hope they don't.
There is a lovely drive in the Hill Country, north of Fredericksburg, where bluebonnets will likely remain. It's called Willow Loop and it's located off of N State Highway 16. The loop is 13 miles long and meanders on a small ranch road that winds through multiple ranches. Over the years, some of the ranchers have added to the beauty of the bluebonnets in various ways. One rancher placed old boots upside down, one on each fence post of his property lining the road. Another proudly displays the Texas state flag in the middle of a field. Even though the loop is just 13 miles long, plan on at least 3-4 hours to drive through it. Around almost every corner is a photo opp and there are many places to stop for a drink and a snack.
I am grateful for the wonders of progress that has been made over the years. Without it, we wouldn't have computers, airplanes, medical advancements, social media, and so much more. I am also grateful for the beauty and magic of the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet.
As time moves forward, I hope the desire for progress is balanced with the needs of nature.