We decided to go camping Thanksgiving weekend. When we made the decision in late October, the weather was still pleasant. Thanksgiving weekend turned out to be COLD.
We spent the first night, Shane's birthday, at Lake Whitney State Park. It was very peaceful, only a few campers. Our campsite had an amazing sunset view. It was chilly but we managed. The bathrooms at Lake Whitney State Park are few and far between and in order to get to them you need to drive. That was a new experience for all of us. We also had a bit of trouble with our air mattresses.
The second night was the big event: Dinosaur Valley State Park. Dorothy is our paleontologist. She knows all the dinosaur names and where they lived and when and so this park was just up her alley. When we checked in, we asked the ranger where we could purchase a new air mattress. She gave us directions to the nearest Wal-mart and suggested we also buy a heater. I'd never thought about putting a heater in a tent but it sounded reasonable to me considering how COLD it was already.
After we set up camp, we set out for Wal-mart. It took us an HOUR to get there, an HOUR to shop (it was Thanksgiving weekend) and an HOUR to get back to camp. This was the first time I'd been inside a Wal-mart in YEARS and I quickly remembered why I avoid them. Blech.
We ventured out to find some dinosaur tracks. We found lots of people and a few tracks.
At dusk, Dorothy and I went to see a bird of prey show and actually TOUCHED a red tailed hawk. It was sooo soft!
The heater was an excellent idea.
The next morning, we went on a short trek down to the river and found LOTS of tracks and no people. We also found the old fashioned swimming hole. There are tracks lining the edges of the natural pool. We are definitely going back when it's warm so we can swim with the dinosaurs!
FYI - do not FREEZE potato salad, macaroni salad and coleslaw. I'm not divulging details.
We had a great time. Enjoy the movie!
