Wimberley, Texas

We woke up to light rain on Monday, February 27th. We don't like to hike in the rain, so we opted for a day trip to nearby Wimberley, Texas.

Wimberley is a small town about 25 miles east of Blanco in Hays County. Current population is about 2,500 people. Donna and I have passed through Wimberley a number of times over the years; in fact, our first time through there was just after we got hitched almost 35 years ago. At that time, it was little more than a spot in the road -- it hadn't really been "discovered" yet.

In recent years, Wimberley has become one of those towns that attract artists, which in turn attract boutique shops, which in turn attract tourists -- well, you can see where this is going. It is similar to Salado, Texas, in this respect. Since Donna and I first saw this place, it has grown considerably, with numerous subdivisions and other housing communities nearby.

The setting is very picturesque. The "downtown" area is situated along Cypress Creek, a lovely little clear water brook that babbles through town. Live oaks sprawl along the roadways and shelter the little shops. One of the favorite swimming holes in the state -- the Blue Hole -- is located in Wimberley and is surrounded by old growth cypress trees.

We spent some time this trip driving the streets of Wimberley. We then parked in one of the public parking areas and walked around the center of the community where most of the shops are located.

Donna on the streets of Wimberley. Tall trees in the background line Cypress Creek.

Typical of the shops and byways in Wimberley

Store fronts in Wimberley, Texas

If you are interested in learning more about Wimberley, you can visit these websites:

• Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center
• Visit Wimberley

Changing Parks

Sunday, February 26, was moving day for us. We had stayed the previous 7 nights at Parkview Riverside, and we would stay the next 4 nights at Blanco State Park, which I wrote about last year at this time (see post from last February).

We normally like to arrive at a new park on Sundays for that is the end of the weekend and people are usually pulling out as we are pulling in. Parks have their most activity on weekends while the weekdays are usually calm and easy-going. Of course, there are exceptions to this, such as during summer, Spring Break, and other holidays. By arriving on Sunday afternoon, we have a better selection of sites to choose from.

It takes about an hour or so for us to get the trailer ready for travel. I'll write an entry regarding this routine at another time. I usually get pretty dirty when doing this routine as I have to work outside. So, just before leaving the park, we stopped at the facilities and I took a quick shower in their shower house so that I would be clean for the trip.

After leaving Parkview, we stopped for gas up the road in Leakey and enjoyed some coffee and eats from Subway. Then we headed back north the way we came a week ago. About 30 miles north on US 83, we turned east on State Highway 41. It might have been shorter to travel due east from Leakey or the park on the ranch roads there, but there is no way I wanted to pull the trailer up and down those twisty highways. I opted to stay on roads that I knew had good shoulders and not so many twists and curves and steep inclines.

Highway 41 took us past the famous YO Ranch. After another 25 or so miles, we intersected with I-10, which we traveled only briefly before exiting on Ranch Road 479 north. This small, straight highway would junction in less than 10 miles with US 290 just west of Harper. This is familiar country to us. When we lived in Ozona in the 1990s, we made numerous trips from Ozona to visit Donna's family in Conroe, and this is the route we would take. It's good country, and we enjoy traveling there.

US 290 becomes 4 lanes just west of Harper and remains 4 lanes all the way through Austin and beyond. Of course, we weren't going that far today. We followed it into Fredericksburg, where we stopped to replenish supplies at Walmart and to refuel.

Fredericksburg has long been a favorite destination for Donna and me. We love strolling along Main Street and visiting the varied shops there. One of our favorite hiking destinations is just north of Fredericksburg at Enchanted Rock State Park. Seeing the town made us want to spend a few days there, so I guess that's another trip we need to plan.

But for today, we had another place to go, so we continued east on 290 out of Fredericksburg. From Fredericksburg to Johnson City -- a distance of about 30 miles or so -- is one of the more interesting highways in the state, not so much for scenery, but for the places located there. First, the LBJ State and National Parks are located there; I'll tell you more about those later since we did visit them this trip. But the businesses located along this stretch are fascinating.

On the north side of the highway about 5 or so miles east of Fredericksburg is Wildseed Farms. If you like wildflowers, pottery, and those types of things, then you'll like this place.

The Stonewall area has been known for its peaches for generations, and you'll find plenty of produce stands all along the way selling not only peaches -- and some great peach ice cream -- but other produce as well during growing season.

And then there are the wineries. When Donna and I used to make this trek going to and from Conroe, there were only 1 or 2 wineries, most notably Grape Creek Vineyards. Now there are perhaps as many as a dozen. Although some are located directly on the highway, others may be a mile or 2 down country lanes. And now tasting rooms are beginning to pop up along the highway as well. I'll not even try to list all the wineries, but as you drive along, blue road signs indicate their location.

At Johnson City, we headed south on US 281 for fewer than 10 miles to Blanco. We were able to secure the same camp site we enjoyed a year ago, and we quickly set up camp. After getting everything set up, we built a small fire and enjoyed the surroundings. I enjoy the state parks so much more than commercial campgrounds. Camp sites in state parks are usually larger, and there is much more of a natural setting. This is a good little park.

Parkview Riverside RV Park

We spent the week of February 19 - 26 at Parkview Riverside RV Park. I mentioned its location in a previous post.

This is a nice little RV park. It obviously has built a loyal clientele over the years, as many people return year after year. While there, we saw RVs with license plates from all over, especially the western United States and Canada. We probably saw half a dozen plates from Alberta, Canada, and Montana USA was well represented, too. About the second day we were there, a couple from northeastern Colorado pulled in next to us, and we socialized with them off and on over the next several days.

Of course, many people from northern climes journey to Texas to escape their colder winters. But what seems to attract many of the travelers to this particular park was the golf package available. That is what pulled our Colorado neighbors there. I don't play golf, so I know nothing of green fees and other costs, but they seemed delighted with a fee of $350 per month (per couple; $250 per person) to play at the nearby Club at Concan course. According to them, green fees at their local course were $50 per day per person. Again, I know nothing of golf fees, but if all this is accurate, then they were getting a great deal since they like to play 3 days a week.

Many of the residents at the park make the journey down to Texas about November and stay until late March or April. So for about half the year, they are full-time residents of Parkview. There is obviously a little community there, and people go about regular lives. While there, our site was next to 1 of 3 access points to the river, so every day we saw the same people come by on their way to the river to fish, walk their dogs, or simply take a leisurely stroll along this beautiful cypress-lined river.

Many of the RVers had large stacks of firewood at their sites, about one-fourth of a cord or so, and the park rented large propane tanks, about 25 gallons or so I would guess. These are indications these people are staying a while. People in RV parks love the outdoors, and it is great to see people living outside so much. Every day, people were enjoying fires, cooking on grills, or just sitting under their awnings visiting with neighbors. The people across from us were motorcycle enthusiasts, and several days while we were there they would leave in the morning for a ride and not return until late in the day. The couple a few trailers south of us were kayakers, and they put their boats in the water several times while we were there.

The park has just about the best facilities I've ever seen for the price we paid. The laundry room and restrooms were spotless. Normally, we use our facilities in the trailer, but on days when we pack camp to leave, I like to stop at the shower room and clean up before hopping in the truck for the drive to the next park; I get pretty dirty prepping the trailer to leave a park. This park had private shower stalls with locking doors for security. Plus, an access code is required to even gain entrance into the restroom/shower room.

There is also a store at the park that provides basic supplies with what I thought were very fair prices. One of our propane tanks ran out a day or two before we left, so I was able to refill it there for under $20; that is a better price than you pay at tank exchange places. I also bought a gallon of milk there for a price comparable to a regular grocery store.

Roads within the park are all paved; this is important to me as it keeps down dust. I don't like staying in places with dirt or gravel interior roads. Some sites were on dirt, but have been and are being upgraded to asphalt. This is a hilly area, so most sites are on inclines which require leveling your RV.

Although I don't have plans to return to the area -- I think we've done about everything there we enjoy doing -- I would not hesitate to stay at this park again.

Scenic Drives in the Southern Hill Country

If you like beautiful scenery, the southern Hill Country offers a number of drives where you can see lots of unique country. And depending on when you go, the country can take on a different look. I've been in that country in summer, in winter, in fall, when it was hot and sunny, and when it was foggy and misty. Each time, it can look different.

Most of the really pretty drives are on east to west roads. Since most of the rivers in the area flow north to south, carving canyons and valleys as they go, by driving east or west you can cross these valleys, canyons, and rivers. If you should happen to travel these roads, do so with caution. Even in the best weather and with the best road conditions, they can be dangerous due to hairpin turns, dips, blind curves, and other features.

One of the best drives is Ranch Road 337 from Medina in the east to Camp Wood in the west. Ranch Road 470 from just west of Bandera to just north of Utopia is another pretty drive. From Utopia, you can take Ranch to Market Road 1050, another pretty drive but not as dramatic as the two previously mentioned. Highway 16 from just south of Kerrville to Medina is one of the prettiest north/south drives in the area. Highway 39 west of Kerrville follows the Guadalupe River through some of the prettiest country in the area, and certainly some of the most developed with the tourist in mind.

While in the area, Donna and I stumbled upon a short drive down a country lane. In the community of Concan, County Road 348, locally known as the River Road, heads north from Concan near the intersection of US 83 and State Highway 127 along the Frio River for about 5 or 6 miles. Along this narrow lane are numerous "resorts" and other businesses catering to river rats. There are 2 low-water crossings over the Frio on this road.

A road we've not been on in over 20 years, US Highway 377 from Junction follows the South Llano River towards Rocksprings. The area around Telegraph is particularly lovely, with at least one high vantage point for enjoying the view. There are 2 low-water crossings of the South Llano, and these provide drop-in areas for those wishing to canoe or kayak the river to a take-out point at South Llano River State Park, about 3 miles outside of Junction. In fact, there used to be an outfitter just outside the park entrance; however, since I've not been there in about 20 years, I can't say if that outfitter is still in business.

The southern Hill Country provides some of the most beautiful scenery in Texas in a relatively small area. There's lots to see, and if you like water, there are numerous opportunities in warm weather for swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing.

Lost Maples SNA, Part 2

When we last saw our intrepid heroes, they had just reached the summit of an approximately 2200 foot hill. The terrain at the top of the hill is much different from that below in the canyons along the river and creeks. Much of the trail on the ridge is rock, similar to what I expect the Appalachian Trail is in Pennsylvania. The trees are generally shorter, and there is more grass. The views looking east are wonderful.

Trail atop the ridge; lots of cedars; usually more embedded rocks than shown here. There is a patch of large trees in one area.

At the trail junction atop the ridge, we choose to go look at the Scenic Overlook (see map). It is three-tenths of a mile to the overlook, making it a little over half-mile round trip for this look.

View from the scenic overlook. Those are park buildings in the valley. Sabinal River is the line of trees to the right of the buildings.

After returning to the main trail, we then continued our hike along the ridge. There are several good views just off the trail, and the following pictures were taken from the ridge.

Rock outcropping along the ridge. The trail follows this ridge. At the far end, it begins its descent; trail down can be seen in the left of the picture.

This is the Pond; it is formed by Can Creek. The trail down the ridge is to the right.

Trail follows the valley back to the trailhead. Note Pond in lower-right of picture.

What goes up must come down, so after enjoying the views from the ridge, it was time to begin our trek down the hill. This part of the trail is actually an old ranch road, but the loose rocks can be treacherous.

The trail goes down . . . .

. . . and down . . .

. . . and down . . .

. . .and down . . .

. . .and down.

Once at the bottom, we were next to the Pond.

The Pond

The remaining hike to the trailhead was about a mile and every uneventful. It consisted mostly of a level trail and 2 or 3 low-water crossings, like the one below.

Low water crossing over Can Creek near trailhead.

Lost Maples remains one of my favorite hikes. The elevation changes provide a good workout. If you hike the entire trail system, it is about 11 miles or so, with 3 opportunities to go up and down high hills of approximately 400 feet. The trees are beautiful, and there are plenty of places to enjoy the water. After hiking a few miles on a hot summer day, there is very little more enjoyable than taking off your shoes and socks and soaking your feet in the cool waters of one of the creeks. The carvings formed by the water erosion throughout the park are works of art, and the views from the hill tops are lovely.

Lost Maples SNA, Part 1

Donna and I decided to hike Lost Maples State Natural Area on Tuesday, February 21. We had hiked the East and West Trails at this park before, back in October 2005. I consider this to be one of the most enjoyable places to hike in Texas, so I was eager to return.

Our previous hike had been about 8.5 miles; lately, though, I've been having some lower back problems, so we decided to shorten the hike today and only do the East Trail (see map). Even though this is only about a 4.5 mile hike, I knew it would still be challenging because of the elevation changes. Elevation in the park ranges from 1800 feet to 2250 feet, and the East Trail covers that range. As my legs age, my ability to climb becomes diminished.

Lost Maples SNA is a unique environment. The steep, rugged limestone canyons and clear streams in the park provide a perfect habitat for an isolated stand of Big Tooth Maples. Their foliage in the fall can be spectacular when conditions are good.

The Sabinal River is the main waterway in the park, but Hale Hollow Creek and Can Creek also flow through the park. Beautiful examples of water erosion exist throughout the park.

Sabinal River at the base of the ridge has carved this canyon wall.

At the trailhead, we opted for the Maples Trail, which converges with the East Trail about half a mile up the trail. The Maple Trail is very scenic and provides opportunities to view stands of maples. The trail weaves through boulders lying between the river and the canyon walls.

Rock jumble along Maple Trail

The first mile or so of the trail is an easy hike. The trail follows the Sabinal along the canyon floor, so the terrain is essentially level. There is plenty of shade for summer hikes. Much of the river bed is dry as water tends to be in pools except during rainy times. However, there are obviously springs that feed the river and creeks at intervals, for there are steady flows in some places.

Donna standing in a grotto near Primitive Camping Area A

The sign doesn't lie; I paid for the climb that night

Just past Primitive Camping Area A, the trail goes up a large hill. The elevation change is probably about 400 feet. Think about climbing 40 flights of stairs, but with stairs, you have level steps and handrails. That's not the case at Lost Maples. And the trail went straight up more or less instead of using switchbacks. About halfway up, there is a ledge that allows for some good views.

The trail goes up . . . .

. . . and up . . .

. . . and up . . .

. . . and up . . .

. . . and up.

The climb is hard on old knees, but the view from the top is wonderful.

View from the top.

We stopped to rest at the top and eat some peanut butter crackers and drink some water.

Part 2 will detail the hike atop the ridge and then our descent from the hill.

Southern Hill Country Trip, 2012

It had been several months since Donna and I had spent any time in our travel trailer. After spending some time prepping and loading it, we hit the road early Sunday, February 19, for a little winter camping trip in the southern Hill Country.

To start the trip, we headed east on US 87. Just east of San Angelo, the land is flat in the area known locally as Lipan Flats. There is a great deal of farming done in the area of Wall, a small German community. Near Eden, the land begins to look more like the Hill Country. At Eden, we turned south on US 83, and the terrain became more rolling and wooded. We soon passed through Menard on the San Saba River. Menard is the home of Presidio San Saba and Mission San Saba -- both constructed in the mid-1750s by the Spaniards. The lost San Saba Mines, which Jim Bowie reportedly worked, are also in the area. Since there is so much history in this little town, I'm already planning a trip there, so more on Menard at another time.

As we approached Junction, the hills became more pronounced. Junction has long been a favorite place of ours. When our daughter was young, we would camp at South Llano River State Park and spend our days fishing and floating on that clear, spring fed river. Located at the junction of the South and North Llano rivers (hence the name), Junction is the county seat of Kimble County. It's a lovely small Hill Country town, and is a good stopover for travelers on I-10 traveling between San Antonio and El Paso. We stopped briefly for coffee and gas there, then continued south on US 83. I noted there was a Cooper's BBQ there, so I know where I'll stop on the return trip.

As we approached Leakey (pronounced Lay-key), the hills became higher and the valleys deeper, or so it seemed. The Frio River valley popped up on our left (east). There is a scenic overlook about 10 miles or so north of Leakey, and we pulled in there for the shots below.

East Frio River north of Leakey

East Frio River north of Leakey

East Frio River north of Leakey

We passed through Leakey about noon, and about 15 minutes later, we pulled into our destination, Parkview River RV Park.

The park is on the east bank of the Frio River and directly across the river from Garner State Park, arguably the most popular park in the Texas state park system. During warm weather, water rats from all over journey to Garner to tube down the clear waters of the cypress-lined Frio River. As much as we love state parks, we opted to camp across the river simply because Garner does not provide full hookups for RVs.

After setting up camp, Donna spent a bit of time fishing in the Frio River. Our trailer was located on a bluff directly above the river, so it took less than a minute to walk to the river.

Donna fishing in the Frio; our trailer is on the bluff behind Donna

Our trailer; taken from across the river in Garner State Park

After Donna finished her fishing, we spent the rest of the day huddled about a fire. A cool east breeze kept us near the fire. We grilled some sausage and ate them in hot dog buns as the sun settled behind the hills in the west.

The next day, Monday, February 20, we drove down to Uvalde for a look at things there. The first part of the trip continued the same type of scenery we had passed through the previous day. However, a few miles south of Concan, the terrain suddenly flattens out. While mostly ranch country, there are several sections of farm land, and we saw various healthy crops, including purple cabbage and onions.

We passed through Uvalde years before on a camping trip to Mustang Island, and my family and I visited the place for a couple of days when I was in the 4th or 5th grade. I was disappointed with the town on this trip. I wanted to visit the John Nance Garner Museum (see picture below), but it was closed for renovations. And there really isn't much more there. In addition to "Cactus" Jack Garner, who served as Vice-President of the United States from 1933-41, Uvalde is also the hometown of Dolph Briscoe, who served as governor of Texas from 1973-79.

John Nance Garner Museum in Uvalde

We stopped at a local Mexican restaurant where I had probably the worst Mexican food I've ever eaten. After a brief stop at Walmart for a few supplies and gasoline, we headed east on US 90 to the small town of Sabinal, located on the Sabinal River. The terrain continued to be mostly flat and South Texas brush country. From Sabinal, we headed back to our trailer at Parkview Riverside RV.

More trip report to be posted . . . .