Houston, TX

Welcome to Texas.  One of the first things we noticed when we crossed the state line was the Texas state flag was everywhere. Texans take a true pride in their state. 

Our first stop in the State of Texas was a Lake Conroe, a Thousand Trails park, near Houston, TX. The park was in need of some TLC and the roads were pretty narrow for the RV. But, for a couple of nights the park was a fine backyard including a playground for the kids and a spacious clubhouse.

The park was located about an hour north of the city of Houston.  The traffic is just what would you expect. for the current 4th largest city in the US. We even checked out the HOV lane with the Dually. It was a little narrow and took us on an added side trip to downtown Houston.

Thursday, the day after we arrived, happened be Free Museum Day in the Houston area so we took advantage of that opportunity to see two museums;  the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

During the later phases of the Civil War, the US government enlisted African Americans. These soldiers of the 9th and 10th Calvary, had many hardships overcome, such as prejudice and discrimination but fought extremely hard with courage and honor to their country. The nickname, Buffalo Soldiers, began with the Cheyenne Warriors of 1867, with the actual translation being "wild buffalo."  The nickname was given out of respect and fierce fighting ability of these soldiers of these Regiments. Overtime, Buffalo Soldiers became the term for all African American soldiers who fought from 1866 through the Civil War.  These soldiers fought in some of the harshest conditions.

The Museum was opened in 2001, to educate and preserve the history of these soldiers.  The Museum is filled with artifacts, throughout different museum rooms. There is also a movie to view. Overall we spent an hour here learning and discovering more about the history of our great country.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Wonder and excitement filled the halls at the Museum of Natural Science.  We explored gems and minerals, learned about energy, and explored the halls of the Americas and Ancient Egypt. The highlight of the museum was the Hall of  Paleontology. By far our favorite collection of bones we have been on our adventure. The exhibit space is 30,000 square feet filled with prehistoric giants. A Fun, Educational and Free Day at the Museum, it doesn't get better than that.

Space Center Houston

3,2,1 Green Heart Adventure blasted off on a field trip trip to Space Center Houston.

We started off the day at the museum with a tram tour. First we toured the astronaut training facility.  Back on the tram we were brought to rocket park and Saturn V, a restored rocket on loan from the Smithsonian.

We got to touch a piece of the moon!