Kerrville-Schreiner Park, June 2015

We spent June 25 to June 29 (Thursday - Monday) at Kerrville-Schreiner Park. This was our second visit to the park, the first occurring less than 2 months before (see Kerrville-Schreiner Park). On our previous trip, we spent most of the time in our trailer because of the heavy rains that this area of Texas was receiving at the time. On this trip, the skies were clear for the most part, although we did get a nice rain one afternoon.

On our last trip, only a handful of campers were in the park. This time, the campground was almost full. People come to this park to play. Once each day began to warm, loads of park visitors would load their water flotation devices (inner tubes, inflatable rafts, etc.) and head to the river. If you don't own you own floats, you can rent them in the park. Later in the day, guests would return to their campsites, hang out their wet clothing, and spend the evening hours grilling, eating, and enjoying the park.

Our camping area, Deer Field Loop, looking east. All of these sites would be occupied by the end of the day except for one.

Deer Field Loop looking west from our campsite. All of these sites would fill up.

At Lost Maples, we had only seen a single deer in the park, but at Kerrville-Schreiner, we had deer visitors to our campsite every day. Usually the deer would make at least 2 passes through our site, once in the morning and then later in the day. They would graze about 25 or 30 feet from us, but they kept wary eyes on us. Sounds and sudden movements would startle them, but as long as they weren't threatened, they would usually stay close.

Our daily visitors. The picnic table in foreground was under our awning, just outside our door, so you can see how close they would approach.

I zoomed in for this photo of our little friends.

We stayed in site 123, which offered good shade.

While staying at the park, we visited a couple of local places, which I'll review soon. Additionally, we spent a rainy afternoon watching a movie, Jurassic World. We saw the 3-D version. I won't review the movie other than to say, while entertaining, it was not as enjoyable to me as the other 3 Jurassic movies.

Some Beautiful Hill Country Drives

A lot of people think strictly of Fredericksburg and that area when they think of the Hill Country. And I love that area. But some of the most scenic areas of the Hill Country are located just south of Interstate 10. While staying at Lost Maples, we got out one day and made a loop along some of the prettier roads.

From Lost Maples, we took highway 187 south through Vanderpool to Utopia. The highway crisscrosses the Sabinal River numerous times, and most crossings are rather scenic. There isn’t much in Vanderpool, just a post office, fire department, and a few houses. There is a winery just south of Lost Maples, and there is even a bike museum in the area.

Utopia is a small community, but certainly larger than Vanderpool. It has a school and numerous businesses, including the Lost MaplesCafé, which I’ve heard about a few times. One of these days, perhaps we can stop in for a bite. Utopia is a nice little town, but not what I would call scenic or quaint.

From Utopia, we headed east to Bandera on Highway 470. The east-west roads in this area are usually some of the more scenic highways, as they crest upon dividing ridges and offer some of the best views in the Hill Country.

We made a pass through Bandera, just to see how it has changed since our last visit there about a year and a half ago. We’ve visited Bandera numerous times over the years, and I’m amazed with its steady growth. One of these days, I hope to visit the Frontier Times Museum located there.

From Bandera, we took Texas 16 northwest to Medina, the "Apple Capital of Texas." The highway follows the cypress-lined Medina River to the small community. At Medina, we stopped for lunch at the Patio Cafe in Love Creek Orchards. There are actually 4 or 5 interesting looking places to eat in Medina, but I thought I had read a review of this place recently so we decided to try it. I’ll review our meal in another entry soon, along with other places we ate during our trip.

From Medina, we headed back to Lost Maples, taking Highway 337 which follows the Medina River to its headwaters. There are 2 or 3 scenic ranches along this stretch, and once again, there are good views from the crest of the ridge.

When we left Lost Maples to go to Kerrville for the second leg of our trip, we took Highway 187 north about 10 miles, then followed Highway 39 east all the way to Kerrville. About 7 or so miles up Highway 39, the road begins following the South Fork of the Guadalupe River, often crisscrossing it on low water crossings. As you near Hunt, resorts and camps begin to appear, and there are some really pretty places. People flock to this area, mostly to take advantage of the river, but the hills and trees are beautiful as well. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
 

Hike Report: Lost Maples SNA 2015

Donna and I have hiked Lost Maples State Natural Area 3 times now. The first time was in 2005, and the second time was in 2012. You can review both of these hikes, and others we have taken, on the Hiking page of our website, Living the Good Life. 

I’ve always considered the trails at Lost Maples to be among my favorites. But I have to admit, this most recent hike brought our mortality home. We certainly aren't getting any younger.

Trails are not always the same. Depending on the weather, time of year, and other factors, trails can change, and they can have Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personalities.  We experienced a bit of this on our most recent hike at Lost Maples.

Previously, we had hiked the East Trail, Maple Trail, and the West Trail at the park; however, we had never hiked the West Loop Trail. So, I targeted that section of trail on our recent hike.

When hiking Lost Maples, it is important to know some general information about the park. First, elevation changes range about 400 or more feet in the park. There are 3 trail sections where this really becomes a factor. The 3 major trails (East, West, and West Loop) all have steep ascents to and from ridges in the park. Second, there are numerous streams in the park. These include the Sabinal River, Hale Hollow Creek, Can Creek, and Little Can Creek to name the major ones. Depending on time of year and local rainfall, these streams can be almost dry or they can be torrents.

On our recent visit to Lost Maples, the area had recently undergone some historic flooding. As a result, Donna and I found ourselves in a lot of water during our hike. There were numerous crossings on the trails, and it was challenging to find our way at times.

I wanted to hike the West Loop Trail since that was the only section in the park we had not hiked. We parked our truck at the East/West Trails trailhead (see map). We would hike in from there to the ponds at Primitive Campsite C, then take the West Trail from there. We would then veer off for the 2.37 mile West Loop Trail, and return through Mystic Canyon on the West Trail. According to the map, total mileage should be 7.16 miles.

The hike took us 5 hours, and it really challenged us. Perhaps we need to accept that our combined age is 124 years. Perhaps we need to limit ourselves to easier and shorter hikes. Perhaps we need to stick to trails that are level, or trails that are dry. I don’t know, but I know we were both spent at the end of this hike.

Actually, we did fine the first 2 miles, even though we found ourselves frequently crisscrossing gentle streams of water. But the ascent of the West Loop Trail really made us aware that our legs just aren’t what they used to be. To top it off, the ridge atop the West Loop Trail did not even reward us with views like we had enjoyed on the East Trail on previous hikes. 

Can Creek crossing near the start of the hike. Fortunately, there are some good stepping stones here. We would not be this lucky throughout the day, though.

Our trail goes off to the right -- through the water.

Much of the trail was high and dry, though. Lots of shade for summer hikes, but the canyons limit the breeze.

The hard work is worth it, for you are rewarded with views like this.

View of the pond near Primitive Campsite C

The descent on the West Loop Trail also challenged us, mainly because of all the loose rock, but we finally reached bottom and make our way back to the West Trail. Then we were faced with working through Mystic Canyon, where much of the trail actually followed the stream bed. We found ourselves working our way through water much of the way. When we weren't working our way through water or up and down steep slopes, we were picking our way through fields of rocks and boulders. Our progress was slow.

Example of the rocky beds we found ourselves traversing throughout the day.

This is near the start of the West Trail Loop. The rocks from the dry stream bed almost look like a sidewalk.

Trail along the ridge atop West Loop Trail. Lots of ash juniper, but no views to speak off from this higher elevation.

Through much of Mystic Canyon, the stream bed is the trail. Note the arrow sign post in the very center of the picture on the tree.

Once through Mystic Canyon, we then had another steep ascent to the area where Primitive Camps E and F are located. We stopped near the top, and once again just below the ridge. Our legs were simply giving out, and we were truly struggling at this point. Then we were faced with the descent. It was about this time that Donna informed me that she could see herself living a life without me, especially if I should ever suggest a hike like this again. She even tried calling her lawyer, but she had no cell service in that remote location.

View from ridge on West Trail as we start our descent. Only a little more than a mile and a half to go.

The power of nature! It's amazing that a little stream like Little Can Creek can sculpt limestone this way.

Again, the trail follows the stream bed (see sign at left). This time, though, we got lucky. The stream was almost dry and the large, solid rocks were easy to walk upon.

I guess we need to accept facts. We are not as young as we were 10 years ago when we first hiked these trails with no problems. We are aging, and we need to find trails more appropriate to our abilities. But the scenery on these trails was truly outstanding. I love the streams and the limestone sculptures created by water erosion.

Lost Maples State Natural Area (SNA)

Donna and I took our trailer to Lost Maples State Natural Area on Monday, June 22, and spent 3 nights there. Only a few state natural areas are scattered around the state -- as opposed to parks -- and they are set aside for minimal development. If you look at a map of Lost Maples, for example, you will see that the road stretches only a short distance into the park, and all facilities are located just within the entrance to the park. The bulk of the park is left undeveloped.

Headquarters building located near park entrance

Lost Maples is one of the more scenic parks in the state. In the fall, the area comes alive with the vibrant colors of the Uvalde bigtooth maples. Most of the maples are found in the rugged limestone canyons carved by the Sabinal River and its tributaries. If you are willing to venture into the back country, you will be rewarded with beautiful views and scenery.

Canyon wall behind restroom indicates type of scenery you can expect in the park.

Developed camping is limited, with only 30 campsites available. There are no full hookups, but sites do have water and electricity with modern restrooms and showers located in the campground. A trailer dump station is located just inside the park's entrance, near the first low-water crossing. There are 40 primitive camp sites scattered among 8 camping areas within the park's nearly 2,200 acres. All of the primitive camp sites are walk in, meaning you pack in and pack out on foot.

Our campsite -- # 23 -- had good shade. Note covered picnic table and fire ring.

The campground. Notice the place is virtually empty. This is looking west from our campsite.

From just west of our campsite looking east. Notice hills surrounding us.

The park is very popular during peak color in the fall, especially on weekends. The web site posts when these times are. During the remainder of the year, it is fairly easy to get a site there. Activities are pretty much limited to enjoying the fall colors, hiking, and bird watching. Fishing and swimming are also possible in the park's streams.

Day use area in the park.

The rugged limestone has been sculpted by the Sabinal River, which runs along at the base of this hill.

Clear pool of the river is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Low water crossing on the Sabinal River just beyond the headquarters. This photo looks upstream.

This is the scene behind our campsite. One evening as the sun was working down, Donna and I sat and watched a pair of mountain sheep scamper across this hill. Donna used her binoculars to get a clear view. They reminded us of the pair we had seen in "Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada" last October. Since mountain sheep are not native to this area, I suspect there is an exotic ranch on the neighboring property. The park boundary ends at the base of this hill, so the hill itself is on private property.

On our first night there, only one other spot in the in the campground was occupied. On the second night, tent campers arrived to occupy 3 separate sites while a Casita trailer from California pulled into a site a few spots away from us. On our last night, numerous other campers arrived.

During our stay here, we could not receive a TV signal (we only have cable and aerial), a radio signal, or phone service. This is an isolated area in a canyon-like setting. There is a small store about 4 miles down the road in Vanderpool that sells basics and gasoline. Utopia, with a population just over 200, is the nearest town, located about 16 miles south. Leakey is a long 20 miles west. Kerrville is about 50 miles north and east.

2015 U. S. Open

If you've read my blog, you know I enjoy golf. Oh, I haven't played since college. I really can't afford it. But I like to watch it. Of all sports, it is the one perhaps where a person plays not so much against others, but really against himself'/herself and the course.

Perhaps the greatest challenge in all golf is the U. S. Open, which is held at a different location each year. Normally, the course is prepared to challenge the golfer. Often fairways are narrowed, roughs are allowed to grow taller and thicker, and pin locations are placed to challenge the greatest golfers in the game. Scores normally hover around even for the 4 day event, and occasionally the winner will have a score above par. The Open is truly golf's greatest test, and that is as it should be.

This year, the Open was played at Chambers Bay, located on Puget Sound south of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. At first glance, the course looks like a links-style course, similar to those in Scotland and Ireland. There is only 1 tree on the entire course, and it does not factor into play. But Chambers Bay is not a true links course; it just looks like one.

The elevation changes of the course challenge players with shots that go up and down. The players also find themselves walking up and down -- a lot. In fact, it takes 10 miles of walking to play the course. The grass, both in fairways and greens, is mostly fescue, and when mixed with other grasses gives the course a dry, splotchy look. Greens are not level, and balls can roll longer distances than on most courses. Sometimes that is good, and sometimes it isn't.

Some players were complimentary of the course; others weren't. But at the end of the day, those at the top of the leaderboard were the best players in the world, and that is what a challenging course is intended to do. Only the best golfers in the world should hoist the US Open trophy.

The winner this year was Jordan Spieth, a 21 year old from Dallas, Texas. Spieth also won the Masters earlier this year, so he has achieved half of golf's grand slam so far this year. The next major tournament this year is the British Open, which is being held at the home of golf, St. Andrews. Now, that should be fun to watch.

Texas Rising

When I first heard of Texas Rising, the History Channel's mini-series on the Texas Revolution, I was excited. According to the website, this show is "a series event on HISTORY that details the Texas Revolution and the rise of the Texas Rangers." Since it was being produced by the History Channel, I was hopeful that it would be historically accurate.

Boy, was I disappointed.

From the setting to the characterizations, I saw very little that resembled reality. But then, Hollywood is not known for being too concerned about reality on the screen or in real life.

Most of the scenery in Texas Rising was more appropriate for the area around Big Bend than for the coastal plain and East Texas. When the first scenes appeared on the screen portending to be the area around San Antonio and showed arid mountains, I should have turned to another channel. But I persisted to the very end. I guess I just wanted to see how far these folks would go in distorting reality. Perhaps I like to suffer.

There was a character named Lorca, portrayed by Ray Liotta, who climbed out of what appeared to be a mass grave for the Alamo defenders. He would go on to become the Alamo's avenger, using anything including rattlesnakes as weapons in his quest for vengeance. Billy Anderson, played by Brendan Fraser, was some sort of Native American wannabe, who even had a Comanche son. Empresario Buckley, played by Robert Knepper, was still distributing land after the fall of the Alamo, even when history tells us everyone else was fleeing east in the Runaway Scrape. And poor Deaf Smith. The producers killed him off a couple of months after the battle at San Jacinto rather than let him live until he actually died, which was November of 1837, roughly a year and a half after the battle. And the list goes on and on.

Late in the production -- after the Texan victory at San Jacinto -- a combined band of Mexican soldiers and Comanches attached the detail escorting prisoner Santa Anna to Louisiana in an attempt to rescue him. We are told the attack is on the Texas/United States border. The scenery was, once again, what I would expect to see in the western portions of the state. I guess the producers are unaware that there are 4 national forests in East Texas, and the entire region is heavily wooded with numerous rivers and streams.

In fact, Comanches played an unusual role throughout the production. They played no such role in reality that I know of. And I've never read of their roving as far east as the Louisiana border in any instance, though I've not read everything ever written about them by any means.

And I'm still trying to wrap my head around the use of the Rangers in the production.

The period of Texas history from 1821 to 1836 is fascinating. It does not need embellishment. Just tell the story the way it actually happened. Bring history to life.

The Plan

Since late in 2014, Donna and I have been working on the next phase of our retirement. The purchases we've made since that time have been part of the plan. Let me share that with you at this time.

Donna and I are always on the lookout for a better place to live. Now, we're perfectly happy with San Angelo, so we aren't really looking to leave this town. But we're always looking for a better house, a better neighborhood, and a better lifestyle. We think we just may have found the best situation for us.

There is a retirement based family of communities in San Angelo called Rio Concho. The communities include Rio Concho Manor, Rio Concho Terrace, Rio Concho Patio Homes, and Rio Concho West. Depending on your desire and your needs, there is a community for you. For Donna and I, Rio Concho West looks like a good fit for this time in our lives. When we first shared this news with our daughter Courtney, she was a bit upset, for she felt we are too young for a retirement community. But Rio Concho West is not an assisted living retirement area -- it is just a community of retired people our age or older.

Homes are individually owned. The plans we are looking at are the same size as our current home, perhaps a bit larger. But what makes this place special for us is that there is no maintenance. Once you purchase your home, you then pay a monthly maintenance fee that includes various services, including lawn care, house insurance and maintenance, including appliance maintenance except for washer and dryer,  and basic services such as cable TV and trash collection.

Within the community, there is a community center with salon, exercise room, billiard room, meeting rooms, and so forth. The community plans monthly events from trips and dinners to theater outings as well as various group projects. The area is ideal for walking; I've already measured a 1.5 mile loop. For us, there is even parking for our RV, complete with electrical connections and a dump station.

It will be a while before we move out there, though. We put our names on the list in December 2014. At the time, we were number 17 on the wait list for the floor plan we requested. I checked again in March and we had only moved up to spot 14, so it may be a while before a house becomes available. It looks like we are moving up about 1 spot each month. I figure when we get somewhere between spots 5 and 10, we'll put our house on the market. I'm gambling our house will sell first. If so, then we'll move our belongings into storage and take off for an extended trip in our travel trailer. So, this is one reason why we decided to buy another travel trailer.

But once we do move, we expect to take longer trips in the trailer. After all, there will be no regular maintenance I have to perform on our home, such as mowing the yard, so we'll be free to travel. And should something need to be done with the house, then maintenance will take care of it.

So, we're looking forward to this next phase.