It has been a while since my last solo adventure at Guadalupe State Park. I had spent a night with friends in freezing temperatures back in December, but that’s neither here nor there. As always, I noticed a few things…
#1 Needs Improvement
- I wrote this list down on paper and thought about posting scans of the pages. I looked at my terrible handwriting and thought better of it.
- I think I like taking Blanco Road up to the park instead of 281, fewer lights and a more relaxed drive.
- Also more jackasses tailgating you on the slower parts, but what can you do?
- Had to take a site with electricity due to the water-only campsites being worked on, oh well.
- Nothing like that OH GOD, PLEASE DON’T BREAK feeling when putting up tent poles.
- Of course the sun comes out after I set up the tent and go hiking.
- Sound that I don’t miss: Vehicles.
- Yes, I have my phone on me, for pictures. With the ringer muted and my smartwatch on, I don’t have to worry about missing calls.
- There aren’t many people here, which is nice.
- Since I don’t go outdoors as often as I should, I find myself constantly wondering what all the noises are.
- Lots of butterflies about, even managed to photograph a few.
- More work in the park being done near the river, not sure what’s going on there.
- Beginning of hike: Feels good! One hour later: Whew! Nearing camp on the hike back: OMG ARE WE THERE YET?
- Got spooked by a large bird taking off from the branches above me, nothing like that WOOSH of big wings flapping.
- As I neared camp, I wondered if maybe I should have packed sandwiches instead of canned food.
#11 Butterfly!
- Surprised I haven’t burned off my eyebrows from lighting my camp stove yet.
- It’s nice to have camping cooking equipment instead of borrowing from the kitchen.
- Upon further review, hot food for lunch hit the spot!
- Slightly disappointed that I still have a cell signal, but at the same time it’s good to know it’s there.
- I’d been going nuts trying to find one of my flashlights only to find I had left it in my tent when I folded it up back in April.
- Note to self: Take the picture first before trying to move in closer. Armadillos spook easily.
- Also: Don’t only pack food things that contribute to heartburn. Off to H-E-B.
- Yes, I always have to say ‘LET THERE BE LIGHT’ whenever I light my lantern.
- Had a story idea pop in my head mid-afternnon. It had an unfortunate ending until a more optimistic one came to me during dinner. Don’t write when hangry if you want happy endings.
- If you like them, they’re ‘critters,’ if you don’t, they’re ‘varmints.’
- They had better not be any awoo-ing while I’m trying to sleep tonight.
- Heard a bunch of what I hope were fireworks at around 8:24pm.
- This being Texas, gunfire isn’t necessarily unusual, though.
- Shop towels aren’t bad for washing dishes.
- Always gotta find that one dark spot in camp for, how can I put it, ‘taking care of business’ without having to walk to the men’s room 😀
- Got spooked by a pair of raccoons fighting in a nearby tree.
- I had put up my food and know to not feed the wildlife, so to the victor, go no spoils.
- I’m not saying I’m paranoid about raccoons, but I’m making damn sure the Excelsior (my Honda CR-v) is locked whenever I’m not nearby.
- Almost fell into temptation during the trip to H-E-B, but avoided stopping at the Whataburger across the street for dinner.
- Thing I forgot: Radio.
- Idea: Replace the ‘nut-buster’ tripod chair I use in the tent with a small beanbag.
- Nice to know the animal I’ve been hearing for the last half hour was just an armadillo
- Armadillos are noisy!
#17 A perfect fit!
- My battery pack can charge my phone all the way…now that I have a smaller phone!
- The overnight weather was perfect, cool without being too cold.
- I chose poorly at breakfast; sometimes a McDonald’s McGriddle isn’t worth the lousy service.
- Going to pass by my old office on the drive home, going to be hard to not flip the bird at the building as I pass.
Eduardo Soliz 