A beautiful day dawned to help us on our way to Texas, about 100km west of Stanthorpe.
We passed through kilometre after kilometre of undulating countryside with occasional steep climbs up and down rocky hills. The road was excellent.
The countryside looked in good condition although our hosts at the Texas Caravan Park bemoaned the fact they have not had any rain lately. This is sheep and cattle country.
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| 301016 The countryside near Texas
On the way, we deviated to visit the Glenlyon Dam. Not a lot has changed since we last visited there in 2013. It is a mecca for freshwater fishermen and there were plenty of vans and tents in the camping area. The dam wall itself is quite sizeable.
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| 301016 Glenlyon Dam - the 445 m long causeway |
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| 301016 Glenlyon Dam - downstream |
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| 301016 Glenlyon Dam - upstream |
Silver was mined at mines near Texas, the Silverspur and Twin Hills mines. The former has not operated for many years although some of the tailings remain visible. It originally supported a town of 511 people in 1911 but there is no evidence of a town near the mine site now. The Twin Hills mine is not operating although it's owners are considering reopening it, subject to receiving the necessary approvals. It has several serious environmental problems, particularly if the tailings dams overflow and heavy metal contaminants enter the Dumaresque River.
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| 301016 Twin Hills silver mine |
Texas is a delightful, small and well maintained country town - very country. The name "Texas" was derived from the original farming property which was so named because the owners, the McDougall brothers, in 1840, had a tremendous battle with some interlopers who tried to take over the property. It reminded them of the battle for Texas' independence, when Texas USA was at war with Mexico in 1836.
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