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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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Lost Maples Folage report Nov. 7, 2007 Published Nov. 15, 2007 TPWD photos taken on 11/07/07 by John Stuart    Report for Nov. 7 - We are about a week to ten days from peak color at this time. This will not be the best year for color on the Maples. Too much warm weather has been the main culprit, along with many Maples producing large amounts of seed. Maples that produce lots of seed will not make color. The best color in the park is on the East Trail and in the Picnic area. The West Trail is just starting to show small bits of color on the Red Oaks and Lacy Oaks.     Low temperatures for the next week are predicted to be in the 40s and low 50s with highs in the seventies. Low percentages for rain are predicted, so it will be excellent camping and hiking weather again this week. Remember weekends are very busy so come out during weekdays if possible. Road construction is almost finished on Hwy. 187, but you may still encounter some delays between Utopia and Vanderpool.     Lost Maples State Natural Area is located on FM 187 north of Vanderpool. Phone number is 830-966-3413. According to personnel with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are 25 visible, live springs inside Lost Maples State Natural Area. Many more springs hide in Can Creek and the Sabinal River, both of which flow through the park.

Here's what else is in this section of the Courier:

Lost Maples Folage report Nov. 7, 2007	Published Nov. 15, 2007
Foliage Report Oct. 31, 2007	Published Nov. 8, 2007
Lost Maples Foliage Report Oct. 17, 2007	Published Oct. 25, 2007
Lost Maples State Natural Area Foliage Color Change Report	Published Oct. 11, 2007
Lost Maples Foliage Report	Published Oct. 4, 2007
Fall foliage report	Published Dec. 7, 2006
Lost Maples Foliage Report	Published Nov. 30, 2006
Vanderpool weatherman lives on top of the world	Published Nov. 23, 2006
Lost Maples Foliage report	Published Nov. 16, 2006
Lost Maples Fall Foliage Report	Published Nov. 9, 2006
Lost Maples: waiting for the color change	Published Oct. 19, 2006
Fall Foliage Color Change Report from Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool.	Published Nov. 10, 2005
Lost Maples State Park	Published Nov. 10, 2005

Foliage Report Oct. 31, 2007 Published Nov. 8, 2007 TPWD photos taken on 10/31/07 by John Stuart    Report for Oct. 31 - The maples dressed for Halloween again this year. Lots of orange and yellows showed up along the Sabinal River in the park. Most of the maples have started turning; even a few Red Oaks and Lacey Oaks have started. Last week, we had sunny days and cool nights, perfect weather for the Maples to turn. Some of the maples seeded out very heavily, so those will not do well for colors. It takes a lot out of the tree to make seed. The best colors are on the East Trail going to Campground A with decent color as you head toward the ponds. Next week we’re expecting temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 70s with low percentages of rain. It’s still excellent weather for camping and hiking, as well as for color change, so come out and enjoy. There is still road construction on Highway 187, between Utopia and Vanderpool, so expect short delays.     Lost Maples State Natural Area is located on FM 187 north of Vanderpool. Phone number is 830-966-3413. According to personnel with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 214 bird species are found in the park, including the green kingfisher, the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. The park provides 30 water and electric hookup campsites and 50 walk-in primitive camping sites. Fall camping is typically a popular event, so reservations are encouraged.

Lost Maples Foliage Report Oct. 17, 2007 Published Oct. 25, 2007 TPWD photos taken on 10/17/07 by John Stuart    Some subtle color changes are occurring through most of the park. It has still been too warm for good color, however we are expecting a cold front today, and another on Monday. Most of the changes have been on the East Trail and along the canyon rim on the one-mile drive in the park. We are expecting low temperatures in the fifties this week and highs in the low eighties and upper seventies. Low percentages of rain are expected, so it should be excellent camping and hiking weather. Due to the creation of bicycle lanes, road construction is still occurring on Hwy. 187, between Utopia and Vanderpool, so expect short delays.     Lost Maples State Natural Area is located on FM 187 north of Vanderpool. Phone number is 830-966-3413. According to personnel with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 214 bird species are found in the park, including the green kingfisher, the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. The park provides 30 water and electric hookup campsites and 50 walk-in primitive camping sites. Fall camping is typically a popular event, so reservations are encouraged.

Lost Maples State Natural Area Foliage Color Change Report Published Oct. 11, 2007 TPWD photos taken on 10/03/07 by John Stuart State Champion Big-Tooth Maple    10/03/07 Report: There is slight change in very few of the maples so far. Maples change from the top down and the State Champion Big Tooth Maple has started changing a little on the top. We have not yet had the cold weather that kicks off the change. The walnut trees have turned yellow and dropped leaves and nuts, but they are usually the first to do so every year. The pecans are still very green, and the oaks are still waiting as well.     Expected weather conditions call for low percentages for rain in the coming week, which is good because for the leaves to turn in the best show, they need cool, dry, sunny weather. However, cold weather is not on the horizon, which is what really triggers the color change.     Camping in the drive-thru areas is available during the week, but the weekends are booked. Primitive camping is available on the weekends and during the week. Always call ahead for reservations for camping.     Lost Maples State Natural Area is located on FM 187 north of Vanderpool. The phone number is 830-966-3413. Over 200,000 people typically visit Lost Maples State Natural Area each year during October and November to see the spectacular seasonal foliage, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife department. Visitors are asked to stay on the trials to keep from damaging the shallow root system of the maple trees.

Lost Maples Foliage Report Published Oct. 4, 2007 State Champion Big-Tooth Maple TPWD photos by John Stuart Sept. 19    09/19/07 Report: With the recent cold fronts that have passed through the area, we are seeing some slight changes in the foliage. The black walnuts have started turning yellow and dropping their leaves as well as their nuts. A very few of the maples have started turning on the top. The State Champion Big Tooth Maple is showing a little color at the top. Maples turn from the top down, it is about a three week process from start to end of color change on each tree. We have had a very rainy year so far, which has added a lot of new growth to our trees. The weather predictions for the coming week are low percentages of rain and temperatures in the 80s in the day and mid 60s at night. This is ideal camping weather, so come out and enjoy.     Lost Maples State Natural Area is located on FM 187 north of Vanderpool. Phone number is 830-966-3413. Visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, backpacking, sightseeing, hiking, photography, birdwatching, fishing, swimming and nature study. People should stay on designated trails, because maples have a shallow root system, and soil compaction from walking can damage the trees. Also, many natural hazards exist due to the steep and rugged terrain. Do not hike or climb on rocks or hillsides. As the color change continues, visitors will become more numerous and locals should go during the week to avoid the crowds.

Fall foliage report (2006) Published Dec. 7, 2006    11/29/06 Report: This will be the last fall foliage report for this year. The Maples have most of their leaves on the ground. There are just a few Maples left in the Park that have any color. The Texas Red Oaks and Lacy Oaks are turning shades of red and yellow. Some of the Red Oaks are quite brilliant.     We are expecting a freeze this coming Friday (Dec. 1) morning, which will finish off the color change for the year. The high winds expected with this front on Thursday, may put most of the leaves left, on the trees that have turned already, on the ground. We had better than expected color this year even with the warm weather. Come out and enjoy the hiking trails for the exercise even if you missed the best colors.

Lost Maples Foliage Report (2006) Published Nov. 30, 2006    11/22/06 Report: The last of the Maples just turned, and the Texas Red Oaks are just starting to turn. There is still a lot of color in the Park. The best color is on the one-mile drive from the Park Headquarters to the Picnic area. The last of the Maples that turned are on that drive. About 70 percent of the Maples leaves on the hiking trails are on the ground, but there is still good color out to Campground A as the Red Oaks are turning as fast as the Maple leaves are dropping. The West Trail up to Campground D is getting very pretty. We should have good color for a few more weeks, with the Oaks, however the Maples may not last past this weekend. We have finally had some cold sunny weather which has aided the last explosion of colors. Days have been in the 70's and nights in the 30's the past four days, we are expecting a slight warming trend for this weekend. Come out and enjoy the holidays with us.

Vanderpool weatherman lives on top of the world by Stephanie Day BCC Staff Published Nov. 23, 2006 For the past 45 years, Vanderpool's Stuart Haby has recorded and tracked Bandera County rainfall. He has the only rain gauge this old "in captivity that still works" and has replaced the crumbled wooden stand with metal. It measures rain down to .01 inches. Staff Photo by Stephanie Day Washington D.C. came all the way to Bandera County's divide to present Stuart Haby with a plaque in 2002 for 40 years of "outstanding accomplishments in the field of meteorological observation."    Vanderpool rancher Stuart J. Haby, 78, was honored by a delegation from Washington D.C. in 2002 for 40 years of "outstanding accomplishments in the field of meteorological observations." Because of his perch on top of the world­or at least "the divide" in Bandera County­one rain gauge in his yard measures rainfall that determines how high two different rivers rise, the Medina River and the Sabinal.     Rainfall runoff from his front yard feeds the Sabinal River. Rainfall runoff from his back yard feeds the Medina River. Up until the past few years with improved weather technology, this information was vital in warning those downstream of impending flood danger. Not only does Haby make monthly reports to the U.S. Weather Bureau in New Braunfels, but they call him for additional reports when severe weather sits down over the divide in Bandera County. Haby also reports monthly to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.     Wife Clare, who watches the rain gauge when her husband is absent resents the job occasionally: "in the middle of the night in a thunder and lightning storm when New Brunfels calls and wants information." Never-the-less, for the past 45 years, the antiquated rain gauge in the Haby's yard has kept an accurate account down to .01 inches. The original wooden stand that once held the rain gauge decayed and fell apart and Stuart constructed a new metal stand for the gauge. Clare has never quit babysitting the gadget when her husband is gone. As for Stuart, even two knee replacement surgeries have not slowed him down. And during those 45 years, the pay has remained the same­zero.     "When they came from Washington D.C. to bring me my plaque," Haby jokes, "I told the woman who gave it to me, ‘I'd rather have $500!'     "This is voluntary. The only thing we get out of it is a telephone and writing pens once every 10 years."     Haby says the present Bandera County drought looks suspiciously like the epic 1950s drought. "We're two years into a drought already. I usually run 100 cattle. I've cut down to 60 and I still have too many. Everyone around here has had to cut back on the number of cattle­they can't afford to feed them. There are less deer, too.     "Within the last six weeks, we've had some good grass rain and a warmer than usual fall to help the grass grow but we're behind in rainfall. March is usually a wet month. We only got 1.31 inches in March, not enough to make the rocks get soft."     Haby keeps a record of rainfall in Bandera County, which amounts to 25.79 this year, far below the 10-year average of 39.9 per year. Rainfall amounts for 2005 also fell short.     January ushered in 2006 with a mere .72 and February followed with .33. The most rainfall so far this year occurred in September, 5.63 inches, nearly all of which fell during one rain event.     Since keeping rainfall records pays nothing, Haby ranches for a living­which he says pays almost the same thing–nothing. "I was the last one on the divide to run goats because of the predators­Russian hogs are the worst. And wildlife experts wouldn't believe it, but I've seen Mexican eagles­golden eagles­come in and fly off with a kid when it comes out from under it's mother and the nanny stand there bawling after it. It's heartbreaking. A mother goat will face off an eagle­but if the kid comes out into the open, the eagle snatches it. Then there's coyotes. We don't get many mountain lions, but when one comes in, it leaves a trail of dead goats.     "One night I heard squealing and went to the barn to find a momma pig with five babies. She had killed one goat and was eating it and had killed another one and her babies were eating it.     "Well, the predators won that round. I had 700 angora goats and never sold a one. When they got down to the last 33, I sold them.     "Ranching has to be in your blood. You have to love it to stick with it. I grew up on this place. So did my dad. My granddad bought it in 1880 and the Haby family has been kicking the same rocks around ever since."     Gone now are reminders of that 1880 purchase, a corncrib and barn built without nails, the cedar logs so perfectly notched and fit together that corn would not leak out of the crib. "Those people didn't mind working," Haby notes.     Haby's mother actually started keeping rainfall records in 1932, starting a tradition that has continued for nearly three-quarters of a century. "Dennis Cook at the weather bureau in New Braunfels says I have the only rain gauge of its vintage in captivity that is still being used."     Haby loves reminiscing. "I'm the oldest one up here now and I've been here the longest. People are always asking me for stories about how it was. When I don't remember, I make something up!     "Kenneth Leighton used to run a feed-grocery store and post office in Vanderpool for years. All us neighbors used to know each other. It is a 45-mile trip to Kerrville and before the road was paved, it took all day. So our parents would stop and visit with any neighbors they met on the road.     "The Humble Pipe Line Station C booster station took 17 people to operate and a little camp sprang up there. We had a one-room, seven-grade school. Then four of us had to go to Utopia for high school. Our parents took turns taking us to school. I rode with three girls. I thought I was in heaven!     "Before SH 187, the only road went through the middle of Lost Maples Park. It crossed the river 22 times at low water crossings­no bridges. So when we got a big rain, we got to stay home from school.     "I took that road to high school for four years and never saw a maple tree! Then Lady Bird Johnson went through when Lyndon was President and saw fall color. One man­a bachelor named Warren Murphy­owned that land and wouldn't sell it because he didn't want a park there that would bring in a lot of people. So the government started condemnation hearings. He told them, ‘I'm going to bulldoze down the maple trees and then you can have your park.' So they rethought their position and offered him a better price and he sold it even though he lost his home and had to build another.     "He's still here. He's a good neighbor­always ready to help."     After graduating from Utopia School, Haby went to Texas A&M and found himself lost on the huge campus. He studied veterinary medicine for two years, then took a summer job with Humble Oil Company that turned into a 10-year career. Uncle Sam jerked him out of the oil industry by drafting him into the army during the Korean War. He wound up in Alaska on ski patrol. He had seen snow only twice in his life and never seen a pair of skis.     "I have no regrets about not having finished school. I'm back here ranching­what I would have wanted to do with my life anyway."     Haby relates a story about Clare. "She was my sister's roommate in college in San Antonio. When Clare left, she left her iron at the dormitory. I've always wondered if it was bait." Clare interrupts. "You can't call it ‘bait.' I didn't know if I would ever see you again. I didn't know if I wanted to ever see you again!"     But Haby took the iron down to Clare in Corpus Christi. On dates, Clare would only eat half a hamburger and give Stuart the other half and he decided that she was "cheap to keep." So they got married and had three children and came back to live on the family ranch­a happy ever after ending for the weatherman on the top of the world looking down on creation from Vanderpool.

Lost Maples Foliage report (2006) Published Nov. 16, 2006 TPWD photos taken on 11/08/06 by John Stuart    11/08/06 Report: There is excellent color on the East Trail going out to Campground A from the Picnic area, also good color at Ponds and on the trail to Ponds. The West Trail is showing more color, however it is still a little early for the Red Oaks on that trail. The maples are very near peak color, as most have turned or started to turn. About 20 to 30 percent of the Maples have yet to turn, as we have not had enough cold nights to kick them off. This could still happen in the next week or so. It is great camping weather as nights have been in the 50s and 60s and day time highs have been in 70s and 80s. Weekends have been very crowded so try to come on the week days if possible.

Lost Maples Fall Foliage Report (2006) Published Nov. 9, 2006 TPWD photos taken 11/01/06 by John Stuart    11/01/06 Report: The Lost Maples State Natural Area is really decked out for Halloween. Brilliant displays of orange and gold appeared in the last few days after a cold front passed.     Look for the best colors on the East Trail going back to campground A. Awesome displays are also in the Picnic Area and going back to the ponds. We will only see more color in the next two weeks, as most of the Maples have started to turn. A few Red Oaks have had some branches turn bright red on the West Trail.     This could be a very good year for color as conditions have been good, with little rain and just a few cloudy days. Just a little more cold air will bring out the best. Still good camping and hiking weather with highs in the 70s and low 80s, most night's have been in the 50s. Beat the crowds and come out during the weekdays.

Lost Maples: waiting for the color change (2006) Published Oct. 19, 2006 TPWD photo by Chase Fountain taken Nov. 24, 2005    With the drought this year, will the fall color of the big-tooth maple trees at the Lost Maples State Natural Area put on their show? The report from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Oct. 11:     No change in colors this week. We had a cool front come through yesterday (Tuesday, Oct. 9) that brought 1.3 tenths inches of rain and cooler temperatures. We are expecting a much colder front with Canadian air mass to pass through in the next few days. This could start the fall process if temperatures fall into the upper 30s at night. More rain is expected with the front (Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15), which could mute the colors if not followed by cool sunny days.     The park is filling up on the weekends, so try to plan a weekday visit to avoid the crowds. Night temperatures have been in the 50s and day temperatures have been in the 70s to low 80s, great weather for camping.

Fall Foliage Color Change Report from Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool (2005). Published Nov. 17, 2005 Photo from Lost Maples Nov. 8, 2005 TPWD photo by Jesse Rubio    The Texas Parks and Wildlife reports weekly on the fall foliage color change at Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool.    11/24/05 Report: Visitors to Lost Maples this Fall were treated to some of the best leaf color seen in several years. The lovely Maple leafs have now fallen to the ground. Lost Maples is a beautiful outdoor destination in any season and the Park welcomes your next visit. Look for the Texas Oaks that dapple the Hill Country to be turning vivid red these last weeks of November. This is the last report of the 2005 season.

11/16/05 Report: For the past two weeks, visitors to the Park have enjoyed some of the best leaf color seen in several years but strong winds from the recent cold front have now caused most of the leaves to drop. A few trees still have a little color in the sheltered canyons of the hiking trails. Look for the Texas Oaks to begin changing these last weeks of November. We still expect heavy crowds on weekends so please plan a weekday visit if possible.     11/09/05 Report: At this time, we are still seeing color in the Maple leaves. Since the cool spell we had at the end of October, the trees that began changing have continued to do so, with some now dropping their leaves. Look for leaf color remaining along the one-mile Park entrance road and the canyon portions of the hiking trails. Unfortunately, the warm and humid weather this past week has delayed any more significant overall change. The area needs a much cooler and drier weather pattern for the color change to continue. The majority of the Texas (Red) Oaks are still green and normally change color during late November. Expect very heavy crowds through the remainder of the month.     11/02/05 Report: Last week's cool nights and mild days left the leaves showing more color. We are seeing yellow, orange, and red colors along the canyon walls, on the drive into the Park, and up on the trails. Currently, the Maple Trail is a good bet for color, as is the mile hike on the East Trail to Primitive Area 'A'. The color change should continue this week, but please note that the color and trail conditions can change quickly due to the weather. Expect very heavy crowds each weekend through Thanksgiving. Please call again for weekly updates and cherish the day.     10/26/05 Report: There is little overall color change to report at this time, but we're happy to report that this past week brought the first cooler and drier weather pattern of the fall season with the first frost recorded on Monday, October 24th. It's still a bit early for the primary color change to occur, but there is some sporadic color up in the canyons where it remains cooler throughout the day. The trees will need a prolonged period of drier and cooler weather soon for a significant color change to occur. Reservations are recommended for overnight visits. If you'd like to visit just for the day, it's best to come early on the weekdays.     Visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/foliage.phtml for the current foliage report.     The Fall foliage Color Report will be a weekly feature of the Bandera County Courier during the fall season to keep visitors informed on the color changes at Lost Maples State Park in Vanderpool. Please, too often we forget the beauty in our own back yard. Watch this report in order to plan the best time to visit Lost Maples and drink in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Parking space at Lost Maples State Park allows only 250 vehicles, so plan your visit during the week if possible. Accessibility for the disabled: restrooms and picnic tables; you can drive approximately 1 mile into the park to view foliage from your vehicle. The park is located 86 miles northwest of San Antonio and 5 miles north of Vanderpool off Ranch Road 187. If you need further information, please call Lost Maples at 830/966-3413. Campsites for weekends go quickly. To make reservations or check on campsite availability, go to the reservations page or call the Central Reservation Center at 512/389-8900, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The information, herein, is provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Lost Maples State Park Information from the TPW Web site Published Nov. 10, 2005    The Lost Maples State Natural Area is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna. It is a combinations of steep, rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes, and clear streams. It features a large, isolated stand of uncommon Uvalde Bigtooth Maple, whose fall foliage can be spectacular. Generally, the foliage changes the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November. The park is extremely popular during the fall and is often crowded. Parking is limited to 250 cars, so for maximum enjoyment and serenity, we suggest visitors schedule trips during the weekdays, if possible.     Rare species of birds, such as the Green Kingfisher, can be seen year-round. The endangered Black-capped vireo and Golden-cheeked warbler nest and feed in the park in spring and early summer. Wild animals include gray fox, white-tailed deer, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, rock squirrel, and javelina.     Elevation: Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 2,250 feet.     Weather: Average Rainfall 35.1 January average low is 31 degrees; July average high is 94 degrees.     History: Lost Maples State Natural Area covers 2,174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River. Acquired by purchase from private owners in 1973-1974, the site was opened to the public on September 1, 1979. The annual visitation is approximately 200,000 visitors.     Archaeological evidence shows that this area was used by prehistoric peoples at various times. In historic times, which began with Spanish exploration and colonization efforts in the late 17th century, the Apache, Lipan Apache, and Comanche Indians ranged over the land and posed a threat to settlement well into the 19th century. Activities: Visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, backpacking, sightseeing, hiking, photography, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, and nature study. People should stay on designated trails, because maples have a shallow root system, and soil compaction from walking can damage the trees. Also, many natural hazards exist due to the steep/rugged terrain. Do not hike or climb on rocks or hillsides.     Visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/     Lost Maples State Natural Area     37221 FM 187     Vanderpool TX 78885     830/966-3413