Well the WestMul Clan did it again. A few weeks ago we all got together for another "reunion trip", sans Jerry. All present included Joseph, Neighbor John, Patrick, Nolan, and myself, Longhair John.
We started out by meeting up at Bertolino's ranch as it was the perfect rally point for our next stop. Next stop: Lake Somerville Birch Creek State Park.
Though it's not necessarily the prettiest park in Texas, it's halfway between Austin and Houston, and has more than enough space to roam around and not be bothered. That's key. We don't like to be bothered, and quite frankly, we do this out of courtesy to others. We get drunk. We get rowdy. In fact, we're said to "get drunk and act like a bunch of idiots". And to ensure that we don't get bothered, we typically head out to an island somewhere on our wonderful Texas lakes so. This prevents youngsters from hearing our filthy language and parks rangers from pestering us about those damn public display of alcohol laws.
After scouting out possible campsite locations (for base camp) that would give good access to the lake, we settled on a spot, unloaded, and prepared for a recon trip to the island.
By this time, the sun was in full effect, the humidity was so thick you could cut it with a knife, and all we wanted to do was cool down. So after taking the boats down to the shore, loading them up the beer filled coolers, and chuggin' a few to "lighten the load", we headed off to the island. The island (dubbed Eagle Island for the bald eagle we saw as we approached shore) is about 1 mile from shore and is a decent paddle. Mostly heavily over grown it's something I'd like to explore in more detail during the winter when most of the vegetation has defoliated. For now though, our focus was getting out of the boats and jumping in the water. The heat had penetrated deep into our burning flesh, and the lake water was calling our names.
Though Texas had recently been bombarded by rain and all of our lakes and rivers were swollen and murky, we didn't care. Cool water is cool water when your over heating, and lake Somerville was no exception. Beers in hand, we waded out into the water, some questioning the presence of gators in the water, but only Nolan and I knew that no such critter lives in those waters. I say we goofed off for about two hours before we decided to scout the island. We didn't get far before we stumbled across what seemed the only semi-open spot on the place, and something about it said it was the place to be. Covered mostly in 6" sedge like grass, with scattered palmettos, and massive Muscadine grape vines, it was the perfect spot to drag the coolers and seek refuge from the glaring sun.
Patrick had brought along a little pony keg that we all chugged from and Joseph, the bartender, busted out the liquor and made drinks for everyone. I must saw that by this time we had drowned sobriety in the lake and were strolling hand in hand with inebriation. I couldn't help but think, while I sat down in that grass, how good it felt to be far from work and the responsibilities of life and just hanging out with my best friends. About this time the monkeys in us found great interest in the large muscadine vines and contests ensued on who's drunk ass could balance the longest.
Through all of this activity, hunger follow and dusk was approaching, so Joseph and I jumped in the canoe to go get food and bedding. I have never realized how nice an open lake is at night. The air is cool, the water is calm, and you really feel it when you are that close to the water. On the way back to the island, we could see and smell the thunderstorm in the distance. The others waited back on the island and enjoyed the chance to quietly watch the evening activity and try their hand a little fishing.
The night was peaceful and there was much activity in the air. Gadually it grew quiet and we all began to carve out some sort of bedding. For those who lacked hammocks, the sedge grass provided ample bedding for a comfortable nights sleep. As I lay in my hammock, I watched curiously as a boat skirted the shore of the mainland patroling the shore with it's bright spot light. I wondered if they would cast their bothersome lights upon us and wake us from our slumber. But alas, my eyes grew heavy and I drifted to sleep.
The next day we rose to the sunrise and sluggishly gathered our things. We weren't in any particular hurry, but the thought of coffee and breakfast will get you moving. Our paddle back was leisurely and it wasn't long before we were packed up and on our way back to the ranch. We made a few stops along the way to check a few things out, and to tell you the truth, I think we were stalling.
This leg of our journey was almost over. Since Joseph was only in town from Cali for a few days, he and his brother would be splitting off from the group and heading back to Brehnam to see their mom. Even if it was only for a day, having the whole group together is a blessing. When we got back to the ranch, I made my famous migas and sat back to enjoy the coffee. We unloaded the Lewis bags and prepared to make the journey to Junction, Texas. Destination: Llano River State Park.
Patrick, Nolan and I headed out to Junction around mid-day. It was still unclear to us whether or not that's where we were going as we were questioning the whether or not we should make that journey when all the drive up sites were taken. Normally we never do those type of sites, but we really just wanted to relax and make a steak dinner and the walk in sites didn't sound all that great. We planned on heading over to Guadalupe State Park but when we called along the way, we were informed that they were completely booked. We pulled off at bastrop State Prak to see what that place offered, but they too were booked. So we called up Llano River and booked the walk in. It's a good thing we did as they have to be some of the coolest walk-in sites I've been to.
They are a lot like the walk-in sites at Enchanted rock with the exception that there are a lot more trees suitable for hammocks. The park overall is geared towards RV camping, but walk in sites more than make up for it. We took our time setting up camp, hanging hammocks and setting up tents to keep our things dry should it rain. After gathering a few things we headed out to explore the park and see what she had to offer. Rain poured down on us as we headed out, but that didn't dtop us or keep us from enjoying ourselves. I recall the look son the RVers faces as we strolled by in the rain. Thought we were crazy. But funny thing is, the kids knew exactly what we were doing. Most adults forget how to play in the rain. The day seemed to fade away after the hike and I think we were just ready to get a good nights sleep.
When we woke on the following day, We made breakfast on Patrick's whisperlight stove and talked about the day ahead of us.
I think we agreed that the best plan of action was no plan at all. With that in mind, we packed up and headed out. We had walked by Buck lake the previous day and thought that that would be a good starting point. I regretfully left my spinning rod at the campsite, but Patrick had brought his along. He had this "as seen on TV" fishing rod about the size of a football. I teased him about it, but the damn thing worked. Granted, no prize fish were caught, but for a small contraption that fits in a backpack, it was fun. While Patrick fished Nolan and I sat in the shade of the Pecan trees and soaked it in.
The whole area was filled with these huge pecans that just made the area so cool you would have thought you stepped into an AC room. After doing a little fishing, We headed straight to the river. Cool and clear, the water was perfect. As we walked along the bank, we saw an island that looked perfect. Remember, we love islands. Once we got on the island, Nolan and I discovered the perfect place to hang our hammocks and chill. The river ran on either side of the island, but right through the middle lay a minor course that cut between sycamore trees at perfect spacing. We hung the hammocks so that sat about 6" above the water, allowing us to drag our feel in the refreshing current.
Again Patrick did a little fishing while we relaxed in the shade. We took some time to swim and body float the river. After a while we headed back to camp for lunch and then went back to the river for more. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and that evening we chowed down on burgers and beer. A man from Austin sat alone in the site next to us and strummed his guitar for us, playing a great selection of tunes. Night fell rather quickly that evening and before you knew it, all was silent.
The next morning we rose early and made eggs and bacon. We packed up quickly so that we could enjoy the rest of the day. After loading up the gear, we grabbed the fishing rods and tried our hand at the fish. It was a bit late in the morning, but we didn't care. Before long, we were back in the shade drink cold beer wishing the day would not end.
We sat there for a good while talking of all sorts of things. We watched people come and go. It really hit home how great the trip had been, and with the weather and mood so perfect, no one wanted to leave. Just one more day! Please! I sat and smoked my pipe and wondered when the next trip would be. When the crew would get together again. I also thought of how I couldn't wait to bring Amy here. We watched the park ranger drive by from time to time. Should we go to the river one more time? It was such a long drive ahead of us and boy is this beer cold! We ran out of the handful of beers left, and spent a while drinking water and rehydrating. Finally, Nolan broke down and slapped a bottled beer into his koozie. It was like a beacon. Sure enough, along comes the ranger. Walking towards us in that cowboy sort of strut. We knew what he was coming over here for.
Long story short, he made us pour out the beer and gave us the lecture on what "public display of alcohol" meant. On that note, we decided it was time to leave. We loaded up and headed off. One last stop:
Cooper's. IF you don't know, you're missing out. Pit style BBQ, served by some backwoods Cletis (is that mean?) who asks you, "You want that dunked". Killer ribs and definately worth the trip to Llano. After that, Patrick headed his way and Nolan and I headed back to Austin.
It was a great trip. one of the best I've had in a while. I always love spending time with my bros. The multi park trip is definately the way to go if you take the time. No plans, no problem. I look forward to the next trip. Until then, we all are off in our corners of the globe again, doing what we do. Where will the next trip be? Who knows. You know you can't plan that shit.
By the way, most of the pictures you saw were shot by
Patrick with a few shot by Nolan.
