Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation - View Single Post - South Llano River State Park

campermom · 04-30-2006, 08:02 PM

We just got back from 2 1/2 days @ South Llano, April 28, 29, and 30. Upon arrival, it was cloudy with an occasional, sporatic drizzle. The Ranger informed us at check in that the park was in the path of a storm. If the need arose, they would drive thru the camping loop, honking, and sirens on....all campers head to the safety of the restrooms, tornado warning. Luckily we did not experience that. We did get our tents staked well, and tarped over the table area. After dinner, I headed to the shower with my son. The first wave of the storm blew thru and we missed it, but it didn't miss that we forgot to completely close the tent door. With the tent staked so tight, the rain fly seams seeped water into the tent. The clothing bag was on the floor so it got wet, along with the air mattresses and sleeping bags. We put stuff in the truck and went to be early, before the next wave. The storm raged all night. In the morning, I noticed my in-laws were not in their tent. Turns out they woke between the waves of storm and slept in their Altima. If the sun wasn't out, we might have all headed home.

The rest of the trip was great. We hiked to the scenic overlook, and made our own trail down the mountain. We visited the bird blinds and saw Painted Buntings, Wilson's Warbler Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Vermillion flycatcher, wrens, scrub jays, indigo buntings, white tails, swallows, humingbirds, and turkeys. The deer were plentiful this trip also.

Today we took a hike. My son saw a ranger planting seed where the feral hogs ( which were lingering about the riverside this afternoon ) had dug up the ground. My son wondered if he was "the boss of the place". "Well, go ask him?" We spent about an hour with him, my son planting seeds while listening.

The staff at this park and volunteers are just great. They enforce the rules, (bring coozies for the beverages), but aren't nasty at all. They are very happy doing their job and pleasant. During the weather incident it was clear they knew they were the average campers only link to the outside world. Most of us go without tv and radio so won't get the latest weather reports. They really want everyone to have a great time, and really enjoy every aspect the park has to offer.

04-30-2006, 08:02 PM	#6
campermom Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NE San Antonio Posts: 325	Re: South Llano River State Park - Junction TX We just got back from 2 1/2 days @ South Llano, April 28, 29, and 30. Upon arrival, it was cloudy with an occasional, sporatic drizzle. The Ranger informed us at check in that the park was in the path of a storm. If the need arose, they would drive thru the camping loop, honking, and sirens on....all campers head to the safety of the restrooms, tornado warning. Luckily we did not experience that. We did get our tents staked well, and tarped over the table area. After dinner, I headed to the shower with my son. The first wave of the storm blew thru and we missed it, but it didn't miss that we forgot to completely close the tent door. With the tent staked so tight, the rain fly seams seeped water into the tent. The clothing bag was on the floor so it got wet, along with the air mattresses and sleeping bags. We put stuff in the truck and went to be early, before the next wave. The storm raged all night. In the morning, I noticed my in-laws were not in their tent. Turns out they woke between the waves of storm and slept in their Altima. If the sun wasn't out, we might have all headed home. The rest of the trip was great. We hiked to the scenic overlook, and made our own trail down the mountain. We visited the bird blinds and saw Painted Buntings, Wilson's Warbler Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Vermillion flycatcher, wrens, scrub jays, indigo buntings, white tails, swallows, humingbirds, and turkeys. The deer were plentiful this trip also. Today we took a hike. My son saw a ranger planting seed where the feral hogs ( which were lingering about the riverside this afternoon ) had dug up the ground. My son wondered if he was "the boss of the place". "Well, go ask him?" We spent about an hour with him, my son planting seeds while listening. The staff at this park and volunteers are just great. They enforce the rules, (bring coozies for the beverages), but aren't nasty at all. They are very happy doing their job and pleasant. During the weather incident it was clear they knew they were the average campers only link to the outside world. Most of us go without tv and radio so won't get the latest weather reports. They really want everyone to have a great time, and really enjoy every aspect the park has to offer.