The rivers of Texas, at least those in the Hill Country, drain the Edwards Plateau and generally flow from springs  through limestone hills and become clear, clean, and cool. Their banks are typically lined with large cypress trees and are home to many species of birds and animals. They are the life blood of the Texas Hill Country.

Many rivers drain the flat, level plain called the Edwards Plateau. These rivers cut through the limestone to form vast valleys and steep canyons throughout an area referred to as the Hill Country. The area is covered by live oak forests, and fed by clear streams flowing over limestone ledges. Huge cypress trees line the banks of the clear streams. Deer and turkey abound throughout the region.

Texas is blessed with hundreds of miles of coastline with the Gulf of Mexico, all interesting in their own way. From the swampy areas on the Louisiana border to the bright dunes of South Padre Island and the Mexican border, the coast is mostly protected by a series of barrier islands, inhabited by wonderful sights and people. As the rivers of Texas drain the land, they supply the bays and estuaries of the coast with nurtients and fresh water. These, in turn, provide artists and fishermen ( of which I am both ) with subjects to be painted and eaten!! The life on the coast is abundant and very, very beautiful.

The brush country of south Texas is a world all of its' own. Near Del Rio, it merges with the Chihuahuan Desert and shares many flora and fauna with its' western neighbor. On its' northern reaches, it rises to become the Texas Hill country.

The brush country is characterized by low, thorny scrub, mesquite thickets, and cactus of various types (all of whom have more thorns than the traveler would like), hard soil, and wildlife of all kinds. Beautiful country, but hard on humans. The scrub is low but the sunlight and heat are high and shade fugitive.