Lake Somerville Gathering

I had been looking forward to the 4th Annual Texas Gathering with great expectation. I had not been to Lake Somerville State Park, so I was really looking forward to what was in store for us there. I left Friday afternoon hoping against hope to make it before dark. The sun was just setting when I entered the park. I stopped at headquarters to get my campsite, when I looked over and there was Silver Eagle, Clueless collector and Baby Bear. How nice to see them again. After a little chat, they headed out to their camp site and I finished my paperwork.
The campsite we had was near the bathrooms and a really good spot. I loved this park. The campsites were really nice and the fishing pond was something I would like to go back to with Stinky Monkey and Roarin'Lion. I have decided that this year i will take them camping more and spend more time at the state parks. They are family friendly and clean which are two major selling points for me. I proceded to get all the equipment out and set up the tent. The tent was easy, but I have made a note to myself to take a 3 prong adaptor so I won;t have to work so hard to get air in the mattress. I worked up a sweat doing that little task. :) By the time Lucy Locket made it there, the tent was up, the chairs were out and the bed was made. We were ready for the night. I was especially glad to see LL drive up to our camp site. I was starting to get lonely since it was getting late and I was there by myself and no one was in the other campsites around me. I did have a radio and flashlight which helped a lot.
We sat out with blankets around us for a while talking and then decided we better get to bed. We were almost too excited to sleep. It got rather cold that night, but we were able to get some sleep. It had been a while since I had been camping and made some mental notes of what to do and not do the next time. I am planning a trip to Gander Mountain friday to check out some of their camping stuff. I am ready to do it again!
We woke with the daylight, and made our way out of the tent. With my backpack and boxes ready, I headed out to plant a couple of boxes. As I was walking to the trail, 4 deer crossed the road in front of me. There are a few advantages to getting out that early. What a treat to see them! I found the Family Fishing Pond, which I loved and hid A Little Lady's Blue Bonnet. I decided to plant Hat Trick there also. I had this one for a while and was glad to finally find a place to plant it. With the boxes in place, I headed back to camp to see what Lucy was doing. It was time to clean up and head to the gatherng.

The Journey to the Rock

After a short visit and a great lunch at Silver K in Johnson City, we continued our journey to Fredericksburg. We stopped along the way and found a perfect Christmas present for our Son and Daughter-in-law. It was a beautiful day as we came upon the outskirts of Fredericksburg. We checked into our hotel as it was getting late, and settled in for the night. I was anxious to get started the next morning. Silver Eagle has a box at the top of Enchanted Rock, and I was so excited to finally get the opportunity to find it.
Early the next day, we headed out to find this enchanted park. On the way, we stopped and took pictures of a wind mill and watering “hole”. The hill country is BEAUTIFUL!!!! It was my first trip and I am looking forward to going again. We saw lots of deer and the view was amazing! As we entered Enchanted Rock SP, I was amazed by the scenery. I love going to places where you can see for miles (that is one reason I love going to Love’s Lookout in Jacksonville). God’s beauty is all around us if we will only take a moment and look at what He has created. Sometimes our lives become so busy, we forget to “stop and smell the roses”. This is a great thing about letterboxing, it takes you to places you may never had even heard of, if not for the time someone took to place a box in a special place. Even my husband is more into it now than he was at the beginning because he too, likes exploring the parks and other areas where the boxes are. I think I have almost won him over! Anyway, I think I better get back to Enchanted Rock J
We got a map and headed with clues in hand to Enchanted rock to make the climb to the top. As we walked closer up the path, it seemed to get larger with every step. I have heard so much about this park and was determined to make it to the top. There were several groups of people going up and coming down. Which gave me the courage to forge ahead. About halfway up it levels off a bit and this is where we decided to rest a bit and take pictures. How can I describe what a feeling it was to see such an amazing sight? After catching our breathes, we continued on our mission. We made it to the top!!!! All I could think of was I had accomplished something I did not think I was capable of doing! I am SO glad I made this trek! I thought of what Mother of Five said one of her little ones described it as “sparkly” It truly was! After taking lots of pictures, we ventured done the other side a bit to stamp in the box………it was missing! I was disappointed but, not devastated. Making it to the top of Enchanted Rock will always be in my heart as an awesome experience for me.
Enchanted Rock SP and Pedernales SP are now at the top of my list for favorites. I was able to get 5 boxes while I was on this trip and have an experience of a lifetime.