Oh Christmas Maple!

Lost Maples State Park still had a few maples with leaves the week before Christmas

Our week before Christmas was spent in Lost Maples State Park.  We did the same thing last year and it was such a great way to relax right before all the holiday craziness that we just did it again. 

 

Every time I visit Lost Maples I am struck by just how out in the middle of nowhere it is.  In the park there is no cell service and you can forget about Internet unless you have a satellite dish (which we don’t).  There is a tiny store with a few groceries about two miles away and the nearest restaurant of any note is more than 25 miles away.  But nature and solitude are available in abundance.

 

Along the West Trail

 

Karst rock formation and reflection in pond along the West Trail

 

So the lost maples worked their holiday magic again.  Although most of the leaves had fallen and the colors faded there was still so much beauty.  The winter nights were cold, clear and full of stars.  The days were mostly clear though we did have one day of rain.  The campground was practically deserted and we saw only a handful of hikers on the trails.  We had a couple of days of leisurely hikes and then two days of fairly intense hikes.  And we rested well.  All in all it was a great way to get in the holiday spirit of peace and goodwill towards man.

 

Crossing the Sabinal River

 

 

We have just had a lovely Christmas with family.  As our friends and families grow older (my parents are both 81 this year) I know it will not always be so.  And that makes each Christmas we are together very precious indeed. 

 

Llano River at South Llano River State Park

A peaceful day at South Llano River State Park on our way home for Christmas

With camping in state parks out of Internet range and spending time with family I have been very remiss in keeping up with the blog.  We are spending New Year’s in Ft. Davis and will be out of touch there as well, but as soon as the holiday visiting is done and we are have regular connection again, I will be better about keeping up with our adventures.  In the meantime, I hope your holidays were blessed with love, friends and family.  And Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

David's Stats:
Days Hiked  8

Rain Days    1    
Total Miles Hiked    36.08   
Ave. Miles per Day      4.51
Total Elevation Gain     2,254
Ave. Elevation Gain per day   282