Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Fishin' & Wishin'


As promised, here are a few shots from my recent fishing trip to Lake Buchanan down in the Texas Hill Country.

The Bluebonnets were in full bloom.

At 2 miles, Lake Buchanan's dam is the longest multi-arch dam in the United States.

Fishing was tough this year. Matter of fact I did not catch a single striper that met the required 18 inch minimum length. I caught a few white bass or sand bass as we call them in my area and several undersized stripers and largemouth bass.

I've made this same trek three years in a row now and while this was the worst year for fishing, I had never seen so many wildflowers in bloom.

I could identify the bluebonnets and Indian Paints ...



but others I'm not sure of. Like these ...


No doubt some of you can name it.

And for those who emailed or left comments asking about the Amazon contest, I'm sad to report my entry got sacked like yesterday's groceries. I'll share my Publishers Weekly review once it is released in a few days. I'm proud to have made it as far as I did, yet bummed to be ousted. Now I've got to get on the ball and try to find a home for the novel as I truly do believe in the story.

15 comments:

Eric said...

Great pictures, Travis. I had not heard of that dam before, so that's interesting. I'm sorry to hear about your story getting sacked. I really liked it. Keep at it though, and I'm sure you'll find a home for it soon enough.

Bee said...

I'm sorry that the fish and publishers aren't biting. Better luck soon!

I just got back from Texas a few days ago. You're so right: one of the best-ever bluebonnet years. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures.

p.s. I'm fairly sure that flower is an Indian Blanket.

tera said...

Sorry about the story; keep trying!

I like the pictures, especially the pretty red "sunflower".
(Although, I think Bee is right, it looks like Indian Blanket.)

Stephen Parrish said...

As for the fishin, the scenery was clearly worth the time.

As for the wishin, name one great writer who launched his career by winning an online retailer contest. Keep plugging, you'll break through.

Melissa Amateis said...

I love those wildflower photos. This time of year is perfect for them.

Darn...sorry your story didn't make it. But that you made it as far as you did is a testament that you are on the right track.

Janna Leadbetter said...

It's all so gorgeous!

David Cranmer said...

Striking country.

Hilary said...

I just love that field of colourful flowers. Clicking on it just brings them to life. Beautiful!

Being Beth said...

Great photo's, Travis. We're heading down to the hill country next week. Can't wait to see those wildflowers.

Sorry about the fishing, and sorrier about the contest.

Dawn Anon said...

Gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry about the contest but I'm totally envious that you had something completed to enter and were brave enough to try. You rock.

Cloudia said...

Great Flowers!

Tomorrow I post a little something for you...not a lame award LOL!



Aloha from Waikiki


Comfort Spiral

Naomi Johnson said...

Bummer that the book didn't move to the next stage but that it got as far as it did does indicate the quality. Stay in there, keep slugging.

I believe that flower is gaillardia aka blanket flower. Pretty, innit? Gorgeous lake views. Any reason why the fishing was so poor this year?

Charles Gramlich said...

Such lovely wild flowers. We have some great ones here right now. We call 'em sand bass in Arkansas as well.

Writing Without Periods! said...

Publishing will break your heart if you let it. The key: write what you want and hope for the best. I love your blog, your posts.
Mary

Unknown said...

Indian Blanket, Gaillardia, Blanket Flower. I can't believe you don't have these prairie flowers growing around your home! The pictures were lovely. Sorry about the fishing and the writing...