6/4-6/8/2023
Turkey Sink Loop Site 59 (decent site, lots of shade, short drive to the restrooms) – we drove the park to mark the best sites for next time and none really stood out, so this one is pretty good.
The forecast called for rain EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! It didn’t do that, but we did get some variety. Sprinkles welcomed us to the park just before we set up. Ashley, Travis and Megan met us there just a short 30 minute drive for both.
Travis and Megan wanted to make sure they got in some river time before having to head home that evening. The temperatures were in the high 80’s our entire trip, but the water wasn’t nearly as chilly as we thought it would be. Walking tacos for dinner & a game of Catch Phrase finished out the evening with tons sof laughs.
The next day we packed our coolers, tubes, canopy and loads of sunscreen (although Ashley still burnt to a crisp) to hang out in the water all day. The river was low, so we didn’t do a floating trip this year, but this was fun too. Walter even got in the water though he’s not the raving fan of rivers and lakes like Chewy was. He liked it enough to cool down and didn’t seem afraid (I can’t wait to take him out on the boat for the first time to see his reaction to that). It started raining at one point –BURR– so we hunkered under the canopy and waited it out. The sun popped right back out, and that was it.
It poured that evening, so we ate dinner and watched a movie in the camper. This is probably the heaviest storm we’ve been in while camping, and poor Walter is scared of storms. Cameron and I did shots together (of ranch, that is, to dip the VERY BEST PARMESAN CRUSTED GREEN BEANS that we got from our trip to HEB. Man, I love that store and can’t wait for the day we get one near us.
Spring Branch was the closest town about 15 minutes away (Walmart – check!) and several other stores and restaurants. We tried a Mexican restaurant that was “ok”, although Cameron grossed out because some of her taco meat looked like it wasn’t cooked all the way. We stopped at a huge (& pricey, might I say) “yard art” place on a mission to find another piece to add to the display by our hot tub at home. I found a cute bobble head gecko and Ashley got some number tiles and a cute rustic display for the front of her house.
We ventured out one night to eat at Richter’s Antlers, one of Cameron’s favorite restaurants – all due the fact they put BOTTLES of ranch (the good homemade kind) at your table. We were squirting it on crackers, dousing our salads, dipping those fries . . . healthy, healthy. . .LOL. I think this is the 3rd or 4th time we’ve been here and the chicken fried steak is some of the best I’ve every tasted. It’s become a tradition any time we’re near this area. Y’all, our drive home put us in awe – the sunset!! We were videoing and taking pictures like it was the last one ever. Plus the hill country is absolutely gorgeous. Good job God!
Cameron got to drive Kevin’s big ole truck for the first time and even backed it into the spot by the camper. My little girl is growing up. Less than 1 month until she turns 16 and will be driving on her own!
We always do an inventory on the wildlife we see each trip This time we came across an armadillo, some spotted deer, a snake and a stick bug that was the size of my foot! There was a clan of vultures hanging out by the picnic tables at the river that kept swooping around, and at one point Walter jumped up and snapped at one that came pretty low. We called them flying chickens. We were told Walter’s first family gave him up because he kept attacking the chickens on the farm next door. Also, the locusts in the trees at night were deafening (in a good way), but I love that sound and sitting out under the string lights at night. The only thing missing was a campfire but it was too wet and hot.
We hiked on one of few trails that was open due to all of the rain and mud. Not much to write home about, but we got some steps in. Played some games of Racko, 9 Square and Kings on Corners. The flies were horrible, but thanks to my new found contraptions (fly fans), we got to picnic outside keeping them away from our food and drinks. They’re so cool. You can reach your into the snack you’re going for and the reflective bands stop spinning, then start back up when you remove your hand. Shannon had them at her birthday party that we just went to. Game changer! Speaking of gadgets, we fired up the washer and dryer for the first time just to see if they worked. We were thinking about selling them, since we never camp long enough to need them, and thought turning that into a closed for more storage would be better. Turns out they measure about an inch wider than the door, meaning we’d have to take the door and trim off to squeeze them though after lifting the bed and hoisting them up over the dresser just to get them our of the bedroom. Weighing in at 175 lbs, we might rethink removing them. They worked great – pretty bouchée.
Our last night there we made fajitas on the Blackstone. Notice Cameron is cooking up the tortillas the “lazy man’s way”, sitting in the camping chair. That’s my girl . . . After dinner we went down the river and had it all to ourselves (and the flying chickens). Cameron and Kevin searched for the perfect rocks for the their skipping rock showdown. Kevin could be on ESPN with his talents. Cameron is still working on her techniques.
We had a great trip all in all. It’s not quite Garner State Park, where we’ve been the past couple of river trips, but it’s nice that it’s a little closer. One hiccup on the way out when we couldn’t figure out why the “service break system” warning light popped up and it smelled like burnt peanuts when we got out at the dump station. Turns out the emergency trailer brake cord came out when something hit it in the bed of the truck, locking up the brakes in the trailer. Kevin thought is was pulling a little heavy. But he figured it out and off we went.
P.S. Walter had the best of times. He’s getting into this camping thing. Such a good dog!
To Have And To Haas 