I had my first vacation of the year and have been waiting to take my pup Sasha camping for the first time. I had other plans for the weekend but wanted to get at least one night in camping. I had never visited Garner before, mainly because I had heard it was very crowded. I went on a Wednesday and believe me, it's the best thing to do for any TX state park with a refreshing river in May!
Garner is absolutely gorgeous, with the pristine Frio River, tons of rocky trails and high hills, and a first rate campground setup. I purchased a new Wally World big arse tent (the night before) so there would be plenty of room for Sasha and the inflatable bed and such.
Loaded up the cooler, packed the Jeep and headed off to the park with a very excited puppy. Sasha loves to ride in the backseat with her leg propped up on the arm rest while she looks out the window. After a bit she'll get tired and start to nod off, but refuses to lay down. She'll give in after a while but won't lay there for very long.
We arrived at the park and it was the first time I have seen 4 different booths inside with a digital number box much like the DPS. Luckily, I was the only person there...I had asked the park person lady about it and she replied almost snobbishly "we're the #1 state park". Well OK then! Got my window sticker and proceeded to my campsite.
I pulled up to #8, a tent site with water backed up against a steep, tall hill. The park lady called it a mountain but I know better.
I put Sasha on her tie out chain and started to unload my shtuff.
I poured a refrishing drink and put up the big arse tent for the first time, while Sasha looked on rather curiously..
After the tent was up it was walk time. We went down the park road towards the river and stuck our feet in. It lived up to it's name and I thought after getting hot and sweaty it may feel more inviting...
We strolled lazily and Sasha called attention to herself with her playful pouncing and licked a few toddlers on the cheek and pissed off a few geese. Life was good. The weather was perfect and I had my doggy with me ath the park during vacation. I was getting hungry though and I had dinner to cook so we headed back to camp.
I rustled up a sirlion burger, chicken breast, and sauteed mushrooms with mashed baby red's and gravy. Sasha shared dinner with me which is rare because she's not a table fed dog. I made and exception well, because I'm the mommy and I can do that!
After dinner we relaxed for a bit then went for another walk. This time we headed up the steep rocky hill to check out the trail. Kids, please don't try this at home with a spry dog on a leash! Sheesh I tell ya, that little dog is great going up, better than a trekking pole, but on the way down will darn near kill ya! DO NOT attempt to climb rocks with a dog on a leash! We had a blast, though. I told her we'd come back in the morning to do it again.
We walked around a bit longer on low ground by the river and crossed into a shallow area. Sasha pranced around in the water and rocks and I've rarely seen her happier. Musey too. After about an hour we headed back to camp and Sasha came to take a shower with me. It's cool because the shower is in it's own lil private room, not in the restroom. I guess Garner does so much business that they're able to keep their facilities fancy and new. Oh, yes of course she didn't come in the building with me, as that would have been against regulation....
I sat and fixed the Coleman lantern planning to read a bit of Abbey in the tent. I laid Sasha's blankie down next to my bed and put down her bone and bunny. She walked in the tent and laid right down. What an awesome dog I have! I prolly read 2 pages of Abbey before I turned off the lantern and looked at the stars falling fast asleep. No rain fly tonight. She was an angel and we slept really soundly. I turned over a few times when the wind picked up but it was refreshing. We awoke to the birdie's as usual and did our morning routine as I made coffee then changed for our morning hike.
We climbed higher on the rocks this time, and I also had a camera in my hand. Fun stuff..
So glad that "Rick" decided to tag that rock, so we can all remember his name forever!
We went down by the river again and I snapped a few more:
Hollowed out tree..
It was a perfect time in the park. Just a girl and her little dog...
