The fires of 2011 were devastating, but there is hope being planted in Bastrop...

Our latest travel adventure was a short one, and we were very pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the park we chose.  We had watched from our TVs in 2011 how the fires consumed a large part of the Bastrop area - in particular the state park.  We had not ventured that direction until recently.  We chose to stay at the LCRA campground on Lake Bastrop, which is different and separate from the state park.  (news to us)  The Park is small and gives you the feel of a private camping experience.  We estimated there are about 20 spots for camping - all of which are nice.  The site we picked was a pull-thru and it was fairly level and easy for set up.  Site number 60 - just for future reference.  Although, next visit we may try one of the back-ins that have a more secluded feel. 

Mom joined us on this trip and it was nice having her along.  Hopefully it brought back good memories of her and Dad on all of their many adventures across the US.

We brought along and played a new game for us - Ladder Golf.  It is quite fun and Mom and Buck whooped my butt.  And I was the one who had practiced a little before the trip.  Geez. 

Here are a few pics of the park:

This photo is one that we took as we toured through the state park.  The fires were amazingly devastating.  Mile after mile of destroyed forest.  It was getting quite depressing as we kept driving, but toward the end of the park we started to see tiny pink flags.  We stopped to observe them and noticed they were marking seedlings that are being planted by Texas A&M.  Thousands of them.  Yes, it will take a generation or two to see that glorious forest again, but the little flags were a sign of hope. 

You can still camp in the state park - just an FYI.

 These photos are from our first travels of this year.  We went to our favorite spot - Inks Lake State Park.  We had to stop in Johnson City to get some treats from Whittington's.  They specialize in beef jerky (been stopping there since I was a kiddo), but they have all sort of yums.  I would highly recommend Fain's honey.  My Grandpa Mac used to buy exclusively from them and now I know why.  The best local honey by far - it has a unique flavor.

 This is the view from our trailer.  The weather was perfect and the lake was gorgeous as usual.  We got a great waterfront spot.  My only advice is to get there early for the best choices.

 Our little squirrel friend.  We are not supposed to feed the wildlife ($500 fine if you can believe it), but this little girl had a nest with babies somewhere.  We could see that she was nursing and begging constantly.  She would eat right out of our hands.  She's a cutie.

The sunsets are always beautiful...

2013 Travels...so far

We have had a slow start to our travels this year thus far.  We have spent a few days at the state park at Inks Lake with our besties Jeff and Deb.  Our latest trip was pretty exciting because... we were trying out our new home on wheels!   Yep, we went for it and bought a travel trailer designed for long term travel.  Our upcoming Colorado trip will be our "test case" for possible fulltime or semi-fulltime RV life. 

I will posting our reviews of the campgrounds that we visit as we travel, partly to keep a log of where we have been and our opinion of our experience and partly to pass on info to fellow travelers.  And hopefully I will figure out how to post photos too!  Be back soon...