Orange Texas

Made it to Orange Texas today..  it was mostly overcast and we had some hard rains but not too bad of a trip.  We did get $2.99 gas!!  seen two live javalinas on the side of the road.  went through Refugio Tx, the birthplace of Nolan Ryan!  did not see a monument to him, maybe on the way back we can make a quick stop and look.. 

Went to do the laundry once we got settled at the hotel.  then stopped at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

Since the publication of the book Lost Horizon in 1933, the term “Shangri La” has represented a place of beauty, peace and enlightenment. In Orange, Texas, a modern Shangri La has been recreated with the best of both nature and gardens.
Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Texas, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private foundation whose mission is to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas and encourage and assist education. The unique ecosystem of Shangri La presents an ideal opportunity to further that mission as well as carry on the vision of H.J Lutcher Stark, the man who originally developed it more than 60 years ago.
The formal Botanical Gardens contain more than 300 plant species in five formal "rooms” as well as four sculpture “rooms.” Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry.

we only had 50 minutes to take a look before closed. One of the volunteers let us in on his pass for free!  we were willing to pay the $12 but...  free is better.  If you get this way make sure to stop for an hour or two, well worth the time and money.  (use bug spray, I was getting bit up!)

lots of good ideas brewing after walking through the gardens. 

Marshmellow Hot Fudge sundae for dinner.  Right next door to our hotel is a Tractor Supply store.  Eric roamed around there for a little while..    they have an outdoor pool here so no pool time tonight.