I’m having post Memorial Day blues. This past weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a very long time, and I can’t tell you just how much I needed it! Isaac and I were originally going to go camping an hour west of San Antonio with some of our friends, but when the chance of rain for the weekend didn’t go away, we changed plans at last-minute and I’m glad we did!
Instead of roughing it at a primitive campsite with two of our closest friends, Matt and Brittany, we stayed at my aunt’s house in San Antonio (which I’ve talked about here, here and here… can you tell I love going there?!) and went hiking at the Pedernales Falls State Park outside of Johnson City. Brittany and I were happy because we had running water, showers and toilets- quite an upgrade from what we were going to have at the campsite. And the Pedernales Falls State Park was gorgeous, so you know we didn’t complain a bit!
We went hiking at the park on Sunday, and were a little worried about getting in because of the high traffic due to Memorial Day and the river and creeks rising because of all the rain. However, it all worked out and we were able to get in for only $6 a person! A couple of the trails were closed off because the river was too high, but they still had over 30 miles of trails open for hiking. We decided to go on the Wolf Mountain Trail (6-7 miles) and laughed at the 4 hour estimate given by the map. We thought we could do that hike in half the time… But after two long stops to wade and swim in some creeks, we realized we didn’t even have time to finish the hike before heading to Johnson City for dinner. So we looped around Wolf Mountain and headed back, hiking a commendable 5.5 miles.
I loved this state park! It’s definitely the best one I’ve been to so far. Because of all the rain they’ve been getting in the area lately, the grass was lush and green, the wildflowers were still in full bloom and the creeks were flowing swiftly. It was a very hot day, but the cool creek water was refreshing and there was some shade that gave a nice break from the sun. The outlook gave us a gorgeous view of the rolling hills and green trees. I could have stayed there forever!
I can’t wait to go back again. Next time I’d love to go camping, and Brittany and I have decided that we need to go back during the fall when all the trees change colors. I’m sure it’s beautiful then!
We are seriously so blessed to have friends like Matt and Brittany. We met them the first time we visited our church and have been almost inseparable ever since. They were the first newlywed couple Isaac and I met after getting married, and it’s a lot of fun to hang out with people in the same stage of life that we’re in. We are so similar it’s kinda weird at times, but it makes for such fun memories together! I have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past months and I know we’ve formed friendships that will last forever. Here’s to more adventures and laughter!
So tell me… Where is your favorite place to hike or camp?
Love these sweet photos! That sounds like so much fun. My favorite place I’ve ever hiked was the cinque there in Italy last year. I love going to beavers bend in Oklahoma to camp.
Thanks! I’ve never been to Italy, but now I have to try it out. My husband has gone camping in Beaver’s Bend before, but I’ve never made it up there. I’ve heard its gorgeous, though!
Beautiful! What a fun activity!
Thanks JeeYoung! It was so much fun.
Wow! Looks like a beautiful and wonderful hike! <3
Oh it was! The weather was perfect and I’ve never seen it so green in the hill country before. Definitely a beautiful place to hike.
Fantastic photos and what a great adventure. I’ve been dreaming of such escapade since some time ago as my paths consist of smooth surfaces and easy entrances. But once my baby boy is born we’ll definitely going on a rougher adventure – baby carrier and sturdy shoes essential :)
Thank you Elisabeth! This place was great because the path was wide and clear, but you could also go off the path a little to get to the creeks and outlooks. A great mixture of easy and hard.
Oh that sounds wonderful! I’ve wanted to visit Canada for years… Maybe now I have to! Thanks for the idea Nellwyn!
The wildflowers are so pretty! I love getting out and hiking, exploring new parks! This looks like a really great experience with good friends, too!
Oh it was so much fun!! Thanks for stopping by, Rachel! :)
What a beautiful place to hike! Great photos too!
Thank you Sara!
Those are some really great nature shots. I love a good hike! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Rica! It was a lot of fun.
Looks like a great place to go hiking!!
I just got back from camping over the weekend… Well, the main purpose of the trip was 4-wheeling and the concerts at the event. It was a huge event in Tennessee called White Knuckle (It’s a Brimstone, which is on 20,000 acres of land with over 300 miles of trails for riding. It attracts over 10,000 riders). Everyone there camps out or brings their campers, but everyone rides during the day (and some people ride at night).
Wow that sounds like so much fun!! I’ve actually never been 4-wheeling, but I’d love to try it out someday. Looks like you had a lot of fun :)