Turn Key

Temps got a bit lower in the last few days so I decided to take my grandson out in the ‘yaks. I hadn’t been out to Granbury for a number of years so decided to head out there. Since my last visit, the town has built a new launch facility just off of Business 377 as you enter town from the east off of US 377. You’ll see it on your right as you pass over the first lake bridge. The facility is well equipped with four ramps, each divided by concrete curbing to help prevent accidents. The ramps are sloped well with good “reach” into the water. There are also two piers, one equipped with a “black” water pumping facility. Approaches are very good and there is parking for about 50 TV/trailer combinations. You will also find a well kept washroom for your use. The entire area is very well lit, making the launch area usable for those of us who like to get out VERY early or stay out VERY late. The entire facility is set back about a third of a mile into what looks to be a man-made channel keeping the launch area out of the wakes of faster moving boats on the main part of the lake.

In addition to the new launch facility, the city has re-built their public beach area. This beach is located about a half a mile further down Business 377, on your left. They have spent a great deal of time and money on this area adding sand and covered picnic tables. There are also washroom facilities in this area. Being the only ones around, my grandson and I paddled into the area to have a closer look. GS decided that he wanted to test the water and since he can swim and had his vest on, I said go ahead. Well he misjudged the depth a bit as he jumped in faster then he should have. Ever seen the cartoon where the bad guy jumps into the water, goes straight down leaving his hat on the surface and then comes straight up under his hat? Well, that’s what my grandson did. Couldn’t help but laugh!!! After getting over the original surprise, he said he never touched bottom so I’d figure it to be a good 8’ deep at that point.

The City of Granbury has done a real nice job on these two facilities. You might want to keep them in mind the next time your in the area.

Happy Camping!

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Retro51

When you leave the ramp area, go under the bridge, and past the new Hotel on your right, instead of going all the way to the beach, you can take the first channel to your right. This goes back where there are houses and docks along the channel, and eventually narrows down to a creek running through the park downtown. It's too shallow now to go all the way, but it's an interesting trip.

BTW the beach swim area is separated by a long dock running parallel to the beach. When I went there, kids were diving off, in spite of warning signs. The swim beach is not patrolled. I also beached by the RR and went for a swim.

Another public ramp is on the Glen Rose Hwy - 144, before you get to the 144 Marina and bridge. It's called Rough Creek Park. There is a small park w/public restrooms and a ramp and dock. You can go to the left onto the lake, under the 377 bridge by the Groggy Dawg floating restaurant, or go to the right and under the 144 bridge to explore the back bays there.

Turn Key

Went up that creek about 1/2 way. Enjoyed poking around all the boathouses and looking at all the different "houses". Saw a small travel trailer that had been added on to to the point that it was probably near about 1000 square feet. Had a metal cover over the whole works. Another guy has parked a huge K-Z toy-hauler "5th" in there. Guess he has no intention of moving it soon as he's mounted 3 window unit AC's in the thing. Saw some other interesting rigs. Guess what ever "floats their boat" works. Will be taking DW there soon to let her het a look.

Happy Camping!

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Retro51

Ha - I did the same thing. 2-story garage/sheds for RVs, double-decker boat docks, houses with decks, attics, or rooms added on. Very interesting "neighborhood", obviously shaped by being on the bay of the lake.

Coincidentally, my friend from FW came down with his Kansas friend, and we went out on the lake. When they got ready to leave, we were looking for a place to have a drink, and wound up at Irby's Burgers and Catfish joint, which sits right on that bay. Next time, I might beach the Kayak and walk up to have a Coke. It would even be a good "put-in spot" to Kayak that area, if they would let you use the parking lot.
Here's one of many links from Google:
Irby's Burgers & Catfish - Granbury, TX - BooRah

Turn Key

Temps are to be at 68 degrees with a wind speed of 5 MPH Thursday morning. Guess where I'll be:cool:? Thanks for the tip, Retro. Might give it a try come lunch time:thumbsup:.

Happy Camping!

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Retro51

If the lake gets any lower - I'll have to add wheels to my boats.
I was set to go camping at Benbrook today (Friday), and take the boats and bike, but the rains came in. We may go out on Granbury if the rain lets up. Wouldn't be much fun getting cold and wet (as opposed to getting wet when it's hot).

Turn Key

Yeah, thought about taking the boats out this morning again (Friday), but the rain pretty much took care of that. Might have gone to Benbrook. Our two new "Bostons" haven't been in the boats yet and we were thinking about giving them a try to see how they'd do. Tilly used to go with us even though I doen't think she really liked it. Just liked being with us.

Looks like we're going to have a pretty good chance of rain all the way through next Thursday (got 1.6 inches since about 3 AM with more to come.). We need the rain and I won't have a chance to get the boats out all next week any how (b'day party for DW & GS and I need to get the TV in and have the brakes checked). So it looks like I'm "beached" for the next 2 weeks. Oh well. Maybe they'll show more Olympic boating on the "tube".

Happy Camping & Boating!

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Retro51

It cleared up nicely (Friday) and I got a call to meet my friend at Benbrook. By the time I loaded the boats on the trailer, we met at Mustang Park about 4. We paddled across to a primative area, beached the boats and looked around. Followed the coastling by Longhorn Branch Park (well, not that close), beached the boats swam and looked around for 30 min. Found soem neat fossils and shells. Then we went across to the other side, and 2 ft waves started coming up. It was rough going, so once we were near the other side, we headed back to the ramp around 8 or 830.. Pretty rough going, waves hitting broadside and taking on water. So the first have was smooth going, a swim and couple of wanderings along the beaches. The second half was "rough seas." A fun adventure, topped off by Italien food in Benbrook. Turned out to be a great day.