Category Archives: Paddling

CEDAR HILL STATE PARK

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Cedar1634

I grew up north of Dallas and we’d go on family camping trips all over the state, but we always traveled outside of the metroplex.  I guess that’s why I was surprised to learn that Cedar Hill State Park was only about an hour from where I went to elementary school.

I had to be in Dallas for work on Saturday, so I drove up a day early to enjoy the park.

I packed my camping gear and borrowed a kayak to paddle Joe Pool Lake, then drove north.  When I got to the park, I was even more surprised to find out about a little gem called Penn Farm.

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PALMETTO STATE PARK

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Palmetto1969

Every June I make a stop at Palmetto State Park during the Texas Water Safari, an annual canoe & kayak race.  I stay for the evening, watching teams come in and out of the race check point via the San Marcos River, but I’ve never really gotten to see what the park has to offer.

It turns out there’s quite a bit more to this place than paddling.  (*gasp!*  Safari folk, I’m not betraying you, I promise.)

Let’s start with a few clips from my video diary.  (Keep reading for more photos.)  Unfortunately, the trip started with rain.

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BUESCHER STATE PARK

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Buescher5853

It’s that special time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the To Do lists pile up with gift shopping, meal preparing, house cleaning, party planning, seeing family and friends, traveling, eating and generally stressing.

When I go “home” for the holidays, I exhaust myself trying to see as many people and do as many things as I possibly can.  That was the case during the Thanksgiving holiday and I came back feeling completely overwhelmed.

Fortunately central Texas heated up for a few days, just long enough for me to have an escape to Buescher State Park near Smithville, TX.

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CADDO LAKE

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Caddo 5242 Landis

East Texas swamp beauty.  No, really!

I’ve always thought of east Texas as a humid, mosquito-infested, muddy swamp full of frogs.  I’ve never been a fan of frogs, with the exception of Kermit (of course).  I live in constant fear that they will jump on me and that their slimy skin will touch mine.  It’s irrational, I know, but I was willing to set aside my fear, think of Kermit and travel to Caddo Lake in east Texas.

I arrived at Caddo Lake State Park late in the afternoon on a Tuesday and had the place to myself.

The park has several options for accommodations.  I rented a two-person cabin that was very comfortable and clean, perfect if you’re not a big camper or you plan to spend time in a Texas state park in August, or if you live in constant fear of frogs.

After unloading the car, I took a drive around the park with my camera to see what there was to see.  This was my first view of the lake.  What a beauty!

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