It’s an hour’s drive south through some of the most picturesque parts of the Hill Country from Whitney to Mother Neff State Park.

We’ve traveled through 45 states sampling a variety of state parks—none can equal the beauty and tranquility of Mother Neff, one of the first state parks in Texas. It was deeded to the state in 1921 by Isabella Neff.

In our new, ultra-comfy RV, we could live here forever if they would let us. The camp sites are spacious, handicap friendly, and without a doubt the most beautiful of any we’ve seen.

In our book, we have named Mother Neff “The Healing Fields,” where in the “Renewal Season,” the meadows spring to life—pictured here is the Texas Prickly Poppy used by Native Americans to treat a variety of illnesses.

Fields of wildflowers including Indian Paintbrushes and Bluebonnets fill the fields with color in the “Renewal Season.”

Indian Paintbrush was used by Native Americans in moderation (large amounts can be toxic). Paleoindian medicine women must have had intimate knowledge of the use of these plants.

The Bluebonnet, although toxic to ingest, was revered by Native Americans for its beauty and sign of nature’s season of renewal.

The Bluebonnet has been the Texas State Flower since 1901.

Butterflies, like Native Americans, have found thistle plants highly beneficial. Their stems, leaves, and roots have been brewed in teas for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.

Daisy fields attract the bees that attract the hunter-gatherers to their honey.

Shady, wooded trails with steps to make it more accessible to hikers.

The steps lead down to a spring-fed pond used by the CCC as their bathing pool.

The trails are accessible by a paved road running through the park which is great for bicyclists.

The trails wind around and through the park, each one highlighting natural habitats for creatures of all sizes and species. This rock overhang must have been a welcome shelter for a group of hunter-gatherers.

A dry shelter of warmth and safety.

All this lush green growth requires blessings of water overflowing from the Leon River. Mother Neff is truly a “Healing Field for Spiritual Renewal.”