Krause Springs is Almost Heaven

Since moving back to Abilene last year, my parent's friends have also become my friends. And when your parent's friends are your friends, sometimes you get invited to do things with your parent's friends without your parents. Hence, an invitation to spend a few days in Spicewood during the week of 4th of July with my parent's friends, who are also my friends. Apparently, a few of these friends make an annual trip to this lovely little place in Spicewood called Krause Springs, and I opted to join them in the shenanigans this year. I had never heard of Krause Springs and was just expecting another campsite that fits the norm of what most other campsites look like. I was kind of wrong. It is so much better than most other regular camping grounds. I was met with beautiful scenery that included a forest full of lush green trees, waterfalls, and spring fed swimming holes. Basically, Krause Springs is almost heaven. 

     

KimE was kind enough to give me a tour when I first arrived. She showed me this tiny little tree that is probably close to around 1700 million years old. I wonder how many rings are inside that thing?

A far off view of the swimming pool. It's a man made pool but is still spring fed. The owners of the place have a pretty neat irrigation system in place that feeds water from the spring in and out of this pool. It's gorgeous… and really cold. 

A stone diving board.. because why not? 

My first morning waking up, I got up pretty early and did some exploring and found my way down to the natural spring swimming hole. It was super quiet and peaceful when I was there in the morning taking pictures, but a bit more crowded when I went back later in the day to do some actual swimming. 

Pictures never do the real life version justice, and this isn't a great picture, but if you look closely you can see one of the waterfalls. To the left is a rope swing that you can swing into the water from and behind that is a cliff to jump into the water from. I partook in the rope swinging during my visit but never did make it to the cliff. I fully regret that and plan to make up for it next visit. 

Another waterfall I discovered on my morning exploration..

I have become terrible about taking pictures of people, but I tried to be mindful about it this trip. I didn't do great, but I got a few.  This one is me, KimE (who is the one that invited me on this lovely trip), and Debbie who I met for the first time on this trip. I was warned Debbie might scare me away. No such thing happened. The verdict is in and I freaking adore her. She is pretty much the best. 

Look! Another picture of people.. I was on a roll. This was on actual 4th of July when a few more people showed up to join the shenanigans. Most of us wore some patriotic stuff to celebrate the occassion. Michelle and Debbie rocked some pretty awesome festive hats. 

Debbie and Diane! Diane did wear some super cute patriotic stuff too.. she was just slower getting out of her jammies, because we were camping and who cares? Anyhow, I was done taking pictures by then. Sorry I don't have a picture of your cute festive head bow, Diane! 

Eddie was there too so I guess I should include him. Although I just realized I got zero pictures of Mark. Knowing him he probably isn't too upset about that though...hopefully.  That's all I have of the people.. apologies. I also had a prior commitment to spend actual 4th of July on Lake Granbury with some other loved ones, so I left the Krause Springs party that morning, but it really was a great trip and I'm so thankful for the invitation to join this year. This group of people are pretty rad and I love that I get to hang out with them from time to time. 

My days at Krause Springs were filled with excellent scenery, excellent swimming, excellent company, and excellent margaritas (thanks to the Dillards). Who could ask for more? Sincrely, thank you guys for having me out this year! I truly enjoyed every minute of it. 

And just because.. a short video of the fantastic firework show we saw out on the lake in Granbury on the 4th. That was as equally of an amazing trip. I am so lucky to know so many wonderful people who welcome me with open arms. I love you all.

Farm Trip 2019

This is the story of our trip to the Farm Easter weekend back in May.  I know it is currently almost July.  This is the way my life goes these days.. apologies.  So.. Easter was coming up and it was the boy's weekend to be with their dad.  Those weekends only happen about once a month but I always dread them because of the traveling.  Either I have to drive to Dallas two days (Friday and Sunday), or I have to drive to Carthage on the Sunday that their weekend with him is up.  It's just a lot when you're a single working mom, going to school, and every weekend day is precious time that really can't afforded to be sacrificed.  But as such is life.  Anyway, the point is, while I always try to make the best of those traveling weekends, my mom knows what a toll it is on me. So she had the brilliant idea to go to the Farm in Livingston on Easter weekend so that I would be closer to Carthage on Sunday and she could help with the driving.  Brilliant.

Later, mom asked if I minded if our friends, Lenny and Dave, tagged along with us since Lenny hadn't been to the farm in several years and Dave had never been.  Of course!  Then some other friends, Eddie and Michelle opted to join in on the whirlwind traveling shenanigans too.  We had ourselves a legit adventure now! A couple of days before the trip, I was informed that I would be picking the boys up in Dallas instead of Carthage, which kind of defeated the initial purpose of this trip.  But it was already planned and I was still excited to go, so bring on the shenanigans!     

6 hours and one chipped windshield later, we made it to the Farm. We were immediately greeted by the cows. 

Of course, the newbies had to be given a tour the land, so we loaded up on the mule and four-wheelers.  Gosh, it really is lovely out there. 

Once everyone had done some exploring and nightfall came, we visited on the front porch.  Nights on the Farm are just as lovely as the days on the Farm. 

If you're looking for Eddie, he's the one that is glowing. Because safety first. 

The next morning, we were greeted with the lovely mist of the pond.  I've seen it so many times, but it never gets old.

Lenny is pretty much always the breakfast maker when traveling with her.  Because she is a professional.  Look how cute she is in her farm apron.

There just isn't much in this world that is better than fresh farm eggs. 

Even the syrup was happy about Lenny's delicious breakfast. 

The men, with their full bellies, started doing man stuff.  Actually, I just made that up. I have no idea what those two were doing here.

And the women started doing women stuff.  Ok, I made that up too.  No need to start calling me a sexist or anything, k?  Look how cute they all are in their Easter hats!

Later, everyone did some practice target shooting.  Lenny collected the shells. 

My mama in one of her happy places - on a four wheeler, ready to do some more exploring!

The rest of us motley crew rode the mule this time.  Mike was being camera shy and tried to avoid getting his picture taken.  Don't worry, Mikey... there is still a picture of you somewhere! Muhaha!

Hi, Michelle!

My buddy, Cami, is the best farm dog around.

I think some conspiring was going on here...

And my mama2, Lenny, taking out one of the four-wheelers..

On Easter day, I snuck away from the Farm for a few hours to visit my dear friend, Rita, who was also spending Easter in Livingston.  My gosh, it was so good catching up with her. I don't usually enjoy leaving the Farm when I'm there, but that day, I very much enjoyed my time away from it. 

When I got back to my other people, it was time for my papa and I to get some good four-wheeling time in; the muddy kind.  It's sort of become a tradition for us to get some father-daughter time in like this when we are at the Farm.  It's my favorite. And there was a nice mud hole nearby that provided an excellent spot to get nice and dirty in. This was not that mud hole. It's just the creek. We stopped by after our muddy shenanigans.  

Will someone please hose down those four-wheelers? And us?

Then it was bonfire time. Actually, I think was from the previous  night and just ended up in the wrong spot on here. Whatever.  Anyway, bonfires are one of my favorites.  And there's Mike on the mule... don't worry though, Mikey, I still got a better picture of you later.. you can't avoid it forever!

How cute are my parents dancing by the fire, y'all? I mean seriously...

There were some jokes made about the little camping chair I was sitting in and how I could move up to a big kid's chair if I wanted.  But I'm short.  And I like my feet to touch the ground.  So y'all just leave me alone, k?  This red chair isn't the one I was sitting in, but it was also dubbed "Cassi's Chair" since it was apparently my size. Everyone's got jokes. 

Diane!! It was also her birthday weekend and she finally decided to grace us with her presence after visiting some folks in Spicewood.  Sorry you didn't get more photo time this trip, birthday girl! Come a little sooner, next time?! 

Kayla made it in a picture too! She was traveling with Diane. They stayed for much longer than the rest of us did, but were only there for the tail end our short weekend there.  Thus, not as many pictures. Sorry, guys.  And Aby!! The kindest, most sweetest woman I know. The Farm is hers, but she makes it seem like it really belongs to all of us.  She really should have made it in more pictures.  

But look, Mike! I told you an actual picture of you existed! 

This last picture is also out of order, as it occurred on the day we arrived.  This was my first crawfish season not living in Houston where I had access to it whenever and wherever I wanted. And it was rough, because I LOVE crawfish.  But my Aunt Karen and Uncle Rick, who live close by, stopped in for a visit and brought me some.  Oh my gosh, I was so happy.  It was the only time I got crawfish all season.  Also, why I don't have pictures of them, I don't know.  I'll try to up my game next visit.  Anyway, it was a trip too short, but still so worth it.  Thanks for the adventure, people!