I’ve found myself with over an hour to kill before it’s time to take Weston to game 1 of his team’s district tournament. So while I’m keeping an eye on these kids making sure they don’t get overworked before our hours in the heat this evening; I’ll try to knock out this post! 😆

Back in March, before baseball took over err day all day, we took the 21st-23rd for a rather impromptu camping trip. Basically, I saw that the temps were finally going to be reasonably warm and put together a plan and supplies in about a week. Haha. This would be my first trip with the camper alone, so I opted for a park close enough to be an easy drive, but far enough to make good use of some overnights. Science, y’all. 😉 Dinosaur Valley fit the bill and we’ve been excited about this park for a while.

I chose back roads for the trip out thinking it would be easier with a trailer than driving with the crazies on I-20. Wrong. Took us ALMOST twice as long to get there due to the windy/curving roads and had a couple of nerve wrecking moments over some very rough road conditions. But we made it with plenty of day light still! Surprisingly, backing her up, leveling and popping up was streamlined and manageable! There was an older couple that had walked by and stopped to chat that commented they couldn’t tell this was my first solo trip! Hahaha Ashlyn was a huge help on the slides and support poles and the boys kept Sally entertained!

We had ourselves a snack and decided to hike a trail before dinner time. We picked a trail that required we cross the Paluxy river but would take us up to a scenic overlook. Maybe even a sunset opportunity! Well, we planned this thinking there would be a bridge of sorts for the trailway across the river, but quickly were reminded what happens when you assume.

We’re not ones to quit so soon and we did give it one very honest attempt to cross with socks and shoes in hand, and Weston and Ashlyn did make it all the way across but not before falling multiple times defeating the purpose of keeping their footwear dry for the remaining hike. Archer, Sally and myself made it mid way before both the 4 yr old and the dog freaked out wanting me to carry them both. Not happening. So Ashlyn and Weston were summoned back and as they stumbled and splashed their way over, I snapped a pic of one very wet and distraught looking puppy 😆

Once back at the camper, we set our soaked hiking boots and sneakers in the sun and switched over to our water shoes. Which, I know, would’ve been the intelligent choice from the beginning. Hindsight, right? The evening was not lost, however. We took the roadways over to the infamous dinosaur statues and took advantage of some photos ops.

I didn’t want to mess with campfires or Coleman stoves this initial trip so meals were simple no cook or pre cooked and in the cooler. Muffins, fruit and protein bars for breakfast. Sandwiches and chips for lunches and cold chicken, pasta and veggies for dinner. I even found packaged “s’mores” for desserts! 😆

The next morning, the kids woke up ready to swim in the crystal clear Paluxy, but I convinced them it needed to at least be in the 70’s before doing that. So to kill time, we headed out for the main dinosaur track hiking trail that also connected to a different scenic outlook location. We still had to cross the river for this activity, but the amenities were much more conducive with just a touch of adventure. I think the rock hopping was the kids’ favorite part of the whole thing!

The dinosaur tracks were really cool too! Apparently they are known worldwide by paleontologist for their remarkable depiction of a carnivorous theropod stalking and ultimately attacking a sauropod.

The rest our hike to the top of the ridge was simple and pleasant and we enjoyed some “I spy” while up there. And on a related note, taking a photo with all 3 kids that includes some background is proving quite difficult these days. I’m definitely not one of those moms that always wants to be behind the camera. So don’t be surprised if I go full narcissist soon and purchase a selfie stick! 😜

Finally, after some lunch back at the camper, it was time to swim! And now, looking at the time, makes this a good stopping point for part one of this post. Haha! The other day and a half of trip to be continued! Y’all wish Weston good luck on his games!

-Lindsay