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.
