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.