Inks Lake Primitive Camping

We are really considering taking on a supported hike of part of the Colorado Trail next summer. It's the very last portion that ends in Durango. About 100 miles over 5-6 days...A lot of miles. Even though it is a group hike (about 12) with guides and meals provided, tents carried on to the next place...I'm still a little (really a LOT) concerned about my ability to do this. 

Our neighborhood is very hilly and provides challenging walks, so I've been hitting our streets most days. Most recently started walking w/ my trekking poles again. I think I can get in shape to walk the 15-20 miles a day, but my other concern is actually sleeping in a tent. On the ground. When it's cold. THEN getting up the next morning and hitting the trail. For 15-20 miles.

So, this weekend we tried out tent camping over at Inks Lake. I had not done this in ten years and last time we did it, it was in Colorado near Grand Lake. It was late May or early June and all I remember is how very cold I was and that I said I NEVER wanted to tent camp again. It was just a miserable night. So, I know I have to figure out if I can really sleep in a tent.

I was actually surprised at how well I slept at Inks Lake. In a tent. On the ground. (on a pad, really) I actually kinda liked it. I actually really liked the idea of packing everything in our backpacks and just striking out with all that we really needed.  We had a lot of fun. William did all the cooking and it was yummy. Dinner was a chicken teriyaki. Dessert was hot chocolate. He brought me hot coffee in the morning in the tent. What more could a girl want? 

So, next month we will try it again when it's much colder. AND we will get up and try to hike at least 10 miles AFTER we've slept in a tent. Oh boy.

Grandad's 80th!

This does not show everyone who came to Grandad's party, but I just love the way it shows us all getting ready to ask the blessing on our meal. Wow...how our family has grown in 35 years. Thanks to Pam for hosting ALL of us....We now have the 'adult table', the 'kids table' and the 'grandkids table'.  Not too many times that we all get together anymore, so this was an extra special day! Click on the picture to get the whole group shown.

Buescher State Park and Smithville

Do you remember Hope Floats starring Sandra Bullock? It was set in Smithville, TX which is only about an hour from Austin. We were out camping a couple of weekends ago at Buescher State Park and drove into Smithville (next door almost) to eat dinner and then breakfast on Sunday. 

We noticed Main Street was blocked off and had all these old cars and a bunch of 'models' and photographers practicing their "skill sets".  It was fun to walk around and watch...plus it is just a cute little old Texas town decorated for fall.

We spent Friday and Saturday nights in the R-Pod over at the park. So far, my favorite. 5 stars for easy access from Austin, clean restrooms, miles of hiking AND paved cycling roads, NOT affected by the Bastrop Wildfires a few years ago.

We tried out hiking all day in the rain. It was...uhh...WET. And MUDDY. What can I say. We did it. We are trying to convince ourselves that we can hike part of the Colorado Trail next summer (about 100 miles out of 485?) The next big hurdle is to see if Sue can actually sleep in tent on the ground. Last time I did that was 10 years ago and I think I said very loudly, "Never again!"

William is very persuasive, though.

I keep seeing this plant all over our area this year. Have no idea what it is.