An Autumn Get-Away pt. 2 - South Llano River

 Oct. 23

We've been to South Llano River State Park many times before so it feels "like home". We've never stayed more than one night however, as we're always on the way to somewhere else, and the park is fairly close to home. This time we're here for three nights, leaving  us two full days for exploring and absorbing the park ambiance. The drive from Lost Maples to South Llano River is only 75 miles, so usually under two hours, depending on the route you choose. We can't arrive before the stated 2 pm. check in however, due to turkey roosting season regulations, so we took our time. . 

Our check-in time was 2 pm and we arrived at the locked gate at 1:45. It was locked... in a few minutes a couple of staff showed up and checked their watches, we chatted for a few minutes and when it was exactly 2:00 the unlocked the gate. It turns out, this was the official end of of one of the Axis deer hunting seasons, so it was due to that activity that no one was admitted sooner. It may seem strange to have hunting in a state park, but it's common in Texas as there is very little public land that isn't included in a park, natural area or wildlife management unit. Many TX state parks offer multiple hunting seasons, some for archery, some for firearms, some for specific species too, so hunters (and anglers) need to know their species!

The entrance to the park is a bridge over the river for which it's named, and the river was a welcome site. It has more water in it than any of the other rivers we've seen lately, though it's been higher in the past, at least there's plenty of water for the wildlife, swimmers and tubers. 

This park is famous for it's wildlife, especially birds, the feathered residents have high priority here.  Starting Oct. 1 through March 31 specific trails are closed to hikers from 3 pm. until 10 am so the wild turkeys that are gathering here for the winter can settle into the trees along the river in the evenings without being disturbed. There are bird blinds here and there along the trails for those who want to wait and watch for that perfect photo op, and so many trails to choose from it's hard to make a decision. 

We were settled into our site by 3:00 ready to relax and enjoy the scenery. The shadows were beginning to creep across the mesquite duff covered ground partially disguising the  little armadillo (video) that was starting to nuzzle around under a bush nearby. Soon another one showed up a short distance away. They are common here, and not especially bashful as they seem to know they are protected. 

One little guy came up to me and Angel as we were walking through the campground and would have climbed up on my foot if I hadn't moved!!

According to the trails map we received when we checked in there are several leading to the river, so on our first full day we decided to check them out. most of the river access trails are short and fairly direct from a parking lot, making carrying a tube or other equipment fairly easy. Unfortunately the shores are quite densely covered with brush in some areas. That probably changes with seasons so visitors need to scope out the situation before heading out with all their "stuff". If you just want to take a leisurely walk along the river check with park staff and they can point you in the right direction. I made notes on my map as we explored so I have it for future reference. 

In the afternoon Missy Angel and I walked from the campground over to Buck Lake, which is between the river and the campground. 

The little off-shoot of the river is named for the Buck family that owned the property before it was given to the park. The lake has a small fishing dock which is probably the best location to fish from as the banks are quite steep and brushy, especially this year. On wetter years the water level may be higher.  It's a beautiful secluded area with a totally different atmosphere than the actual river. 

The trail from the camp is clearly marked across from space 42, and they make the bird blind the most noticeable, on the signboard behind it, they list Buck Lake. 

The bird blind is about half way between the campground and the lake so it's a nice place to rest in the shade and maybe catch a few good bird photos. 

The trail continues on all the way to the river if one chooses to hike further.  The lake shows clearly on Google maps and if you zoom in, using satellite mode, you can see the trails available. 

We had spent so much time sniffing (that would be the dog's job) and snapping photos that we decided to go back to camp, noticing on the way in the powdery dry path we followed that we weren't on a deer trail, we were following a raccoon trail! Those cute little hand prints are unmistakable. I was glad I took the photo then instead of thinking I'd go back. . . because . . . it was all washed away over night. 

A boisterous thunderstorm kept made for a restless night, so we weren't feeling too energetic in the morning of our second day. No worries, this place is made for relaxing. A few short walks with Missy Angel were sufficient for her (she was up most of the night too - not too fond of thunder) and then, there's football! That kept the wagon master busy. 

We depart tomorrow. It's been another great trip!

There are a few more photos of this trip in the album

We were home in time to prepare for the Halloween adventures. Kendra and Raylan collaborated on his costume and his mask. He knew exactly what he wanted it to look like, and Kendra figured out the engineering. . . it's all make of polymer clay. 

Raylan's character is a warrior from the future, or another planet?,  a hybrid design with elements from from Dune and the Star Wars series. His light saber came in handy as a night light when he was walking around the neighborhood.

An Autumn Get-Away - Lost Maples Natural Area

 When you live in the middle of a Hill Country forest it seems a little strange to say "get-away" when you go camping in the middle of another Hill Country forest, but there are advantages. For one, we can gaze at the ancient oaks and mesquites and not have to worry about which ones to trim this winter!

I my last post, in January, I mentioned that we had lost both of our dogs during the fall. We waited awhile to decide what to do about being "dogless", and then decided it felt weird. So, when the opportunity arose to adopt a 6 year old border collie that was being re-homed, we took up the opportunity. We adopted her in May, and we all seem to be adapting to the situation pretty well.  She probably thinks we're a little weird, and at times we think the same of her, so it averages out. She came with the name of Angel, but she's not really all that angelic, having a firm mind of her own, so we attached Missy as an alternative. She answers to both, as well as "dog" !  She's a pretty good trail companion and a lot easier to step over than the other two that were twice her size. 

October 20 - 23

Our first stop on this week long outing was  Lost Maples State Natural Area. The area is quite unique in Texas as there are very few native maples in the state. This area was isolated in pre-historic times, left behind when the area climate changed. Now it's about the only place in Texas where one might see fall color in the leaves. Unfortunately, that wonderful glowing red is dependent partially on low temperatures and adequate rainfall. . . neither of which we had this year. So, the hillsides are currently covered in a healthy showing of green, of all shades, but still green. 

This sad Virginia Creeper was the only plant that managed to have a little of the cherished red in its leaves. 

We had never been to this park before, so it was a new experience. There are several trails deep into the park area for those who do enjoy long hikes, but they have very rough and rocky river crossings and some really steep sections. They are not suitable for mobility aids or strollers. Bikes are only acceptable for the first mile, due to the trail conditions. We were more interested (as was Angel) in shorter hikes with fairly flat, stable surfaces.  There is a trail that parallels the road in to the campground that is accessible from behind the restrooms. It leads directly to the river and is a safe walking trail if one has dogs or children with them.  

In spite of the rocky and steep issues we enjoyed out hikes on the trails we did try out. There was running water everywhere in the creeks and little rivulets that feeds those stream. We were lucky enough to have good weather too!

There is plenty of parking at each of the trail heads, the parking area for the east-west trail includes an older house that belonged to a former concessionaire who ran a ranch and lodge on the property before the state purchased it. There are little surprises like that around the area if you explore and ask questions.

The park is nicely maintained and the sites are spacious, each having its own covered picnic table and fire pit. The restrooms are clean, sites are nicely mowed, making a clear space several feet past the spaces to minimize fire risk.  If you forgot to bring reading entertainment there's a little loaner library box out in front of the restrooms too.

The visitor center has a small information display about the plant and animal life in the area as well as the historical native tribes who occupied the area. There were plenty of staff to answer questions, as well as the usual cups, t-shirts, hats and pins for collectors. 

One thing we have learned about the whole state parks and natural areas systems is that even though the trails may say bikes are allowed, e-bikes are not. They are considered motorized vehicles.
Fortunately the campground was a pretty good sized loop.

On the day before departure we decided to go in search of a little fuel, so ventured down the highway a few miles to the little Lost Maples Country Store just outside of Vanderpool.. Their "grocery" items are few and far between, possibly due to seasonal demand,  but we did get the diesel we were after, and then decided to venture further up the highway to check out the little town of Utopia. 

Who wouldn't want to visit Utopia, especially if it's only ten miles away?! The little town was named such by its first postmaster, who thought the weather was so perfect that living there was like Utopia.  It's a very small town, peaceful and very tidy. They even have a website so you can read all about them. 

Tomorrow we move on to South Llano State Park.