Palestine, TX (USA)

Had planned to take Mollie back to the bike trail today, but the weather didn't cooperate. Plus, it turned out the kids had to do some heavy-duty homework. In the end, I decided to take a drive to see a few places nearby that I've wanted to explore for quite awhile. After finishing a few errands near the Ridgemar Mall, I started driving east - without even having a plan. In the back of my mind, I really wanted to drive down to Houston to spend the night. But, after getting to Dallas, I decided it would be too far - even with an overnight stay. Instead, I decided to drive over towards Palestine, home of the locally famous Dogwood Festival. There were several parks along the way - figured I'd check them out, too. Thinking back, I don't believe I've ever driven along I-45... Got off the interstate at Corsicana (took US-287) and explored the area around Richland Chambers Reservoir. Eventually, as I approached Palestine, I stumbled across the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. It was a very remote nature area - for birding, hiking, biking and hunting. I walked on a few trails (Dogwood and Beaver Pond) - very pleasant. I could only imagine the dogwood blooms - they are still about a month away... Got back on US-287 and continued towards town. Right before I arrived, I saw a sign for the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. This was another one of the reasons I wanted to visit this area - it was the area where the Space Shuttle debris fell to Earth in 2003. Unfortunately, it was closed (visitor's center is only open Monday to Friday). Luckily for me, the security guard came out to see me and told me a lot about the area. Just last week I read about the population drain in the East Texas counties - he confirmed that was true. After chatting for about 30 minutes, I drove into Palestine. It looked interesting, but by now it was raining. Stopped for lunch at Asian City (1530). There was a family enjoying the performance of a colorful chef in front of the hibachi - what a show (LOTs of food)! I opted for less excitement and a smaller portion, but it was all good. Drove back into town to see if I could locate anything else of significance (in case we come back for the festival) - I saw several signs of the town's pride in their dogwoods (murals, etc.). Took US-84 east until I located the Texas State Railway. It was closed for the season - but looked like it would be well worth a second visit. With the rain coming down a little harder, I took US-84 all the way back to the interstate. Crossed the Trinity River for the second time - realized I've been paralleling it for the whole day since I left the DFW area. Decided to continue on the same road towards Waco - turned out to be a good idea... Filled up the car with gas in Mexia and, after arriving in Waco, I explored the Texas State Technical College (it has an airport I've used several times for landings on trainer flights.) Weather improved, so drive home on I-35 was pretty easy. Arrived home around 2030. Interesting day, but it doesn't beat a ride with the kids on the bike path...