Delayed Birthday Trip…
Eric and I had initially planned our annual getaway for my birthday, but those plans went through a couple of changes. Finally, on Saturday, October 1, we were able to embark on our next adventure.
Our destination for four days and three nights was Choke Canyon State Park, located between Three Rivers and Tilden, Texas. Choke Canyon is divided into two units, Calliham and South Shore, and features a 26,000-acre reservoir known for its large-mouth bass and alligator gar. Additionally, there is a smaller 75-acre lake within the park, which is a paradise for birdwatching. It’s the same area where the Spotted Rail made a rare appearance in January 2021.
Day 1: Our planned departure time was 10 AM, but we ended up leaving at 10:45 AM. Before we even left town, one of the tire pressure sensors stopped working, so we had to make a stop at a Flying-J Truck Stop on the north side of town. Navigating through that place was more dangerous than any interstate, but we managed to survive. We made a mental note to use Love’s next time. We picked up a couple of batteries, only to find out that the ones I had purchased the night before were the wrong size. It seems the manual was not correct. Despite the tire pressure sensor still not working, we said a prayer and hit the road. With little to no traffic, we made good time to the park. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by two friendly ladies who provided us with maps, park literature, and some “park swag.” Site 101 exceeded our expectations, being level, spacious, and private. The only thing missing was sewage, but overall, it was a great spot. It’s worth mentioning that Eric and I still consider ourselves RV newbies, and this was our first time camping with power and water only. We were constantly mindful of our tank levels. After setting up and taking naps, we ventured out to explore the park and were delighted by the wildlife we encountered, including deer, a rafter of turkeys, a cute rabbit, and javelinas. Back at the RV, we took Navy showers and settled in for the night. Life is good!
Day 2: Waking up without an alarm clock is priceless! We decided to explore the park by riding our bikes, which brought back memories of childhood bike rides. It felt wonderful to be outside, soaking up the sunshine and absorbing Vitamin D. However, we ended up riding too far and the outside world caught up with us through my phone, which started buzzing with messages. After attending to the important ones, we headed back to camp. As we sat outside in the “onion hut,” a beetle made its way in and seemed confused by its new surroundings. While observing the beetle’s futile attempts to escape, I drifted off to sleep. There’s something so refreshing about sleeping outdoors! When I woke up, I looked around for my beetle friend but couldn’t find it. It had found the freedom we all seek. The evening wildlife drive was a success, as we spotted plenty of deer, a couple of Tom turkeys, and several crested caracaras. After dinner, we retreated to the onion hut. The moon’s waxing crescent was hidden behind clouds, casting little light. Even after my eyes adjusted, it was difficult to see my own hand. The night came alive with the sounds of nature, creating a comforting and exciting ambiance. In the distance, we could hear the sound of a boat on the reservoir. Is it dedication or insanity? Our tank levels were good, so we took another Navy shower. Life is grand!
Day 3: I woke up and realized I had overslept to witness the sunrise, but it was still early enough to experience the day coming alive. While Eric continued to sleep, I enjoyed a bowl of grapes and a glass of orange juice before heading to the onion hut. In the next campsite, I spotted two does who briefly assessed me before returning to their grazing, unbothered by my presence. I couldn’t help but appreciate the well-maintained facilities at Texas state parks, including this one. People come here for different reasons, but we all share the purpose of reconnecting with nature and finding relaxation. However, it was time to return to reality as the deer, with their bellies full, retreated into the brush. Inside the RV, I heard sounds indicating that Eric was awake. He had set up his Blackstone grill the day before and was eager to cook. It always amuses me to see men with grills, as if they were the first to discover fire. It’s a moment that brings out their testosterone, albeit not to the extent of pounding on their chests, but a noticeable rise nonetheless. I chuckled at my inside joke while watching my caveman emerge with uncombed hair. The evolution of man might be slower than that of women. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to find the dam that was built to create the reservoir. We weren’t on a great expedition like Lewis and Clark; it was just a short drive down the road, about 5 miles away. We spent some time exploring the South Shore area of the park, which also had a boat ramp and several day-use picnic areas. Yesterday, a man informed us that the reservoir was down 20 feet, making it hard to imagine what it would look like at “normal” water levels. However, I could easily envision families gravitating towards the area, spending their days swimming, grilling, and bonding. Leaving the area, we decided to make a short drive to Three Rivers to check out Tips Park. It’s a city-run park where RVs can park for only $15 per night and provides power and water hookups. We had been looking for a place to spend a night while heading out of the valley, to break up the longer travel days, and this park seemed like the perfect option. Back at our campsite, it was nap time, which had become a cherished daily routine. After waking up feeling refreshed, we set off one last time to observe the local wildlife. By now, we had become familiar with their favorite spots—the young buck and doe at the bend in the road, the two Tom turkeys, accompanied by a small group of deer, near the boat ramp, a rabbit by the shelters, and the squadron of javelinas wherever they pleased. I tried to capture each of them in photographs, to create lasting memories of the joy they had brought us. Life was truly glorious!
Day 4: We bid farewell to Choke Canyon, knowing that we had experienced numerous benefits during our stay. However, the most rewarding aspect was the lack of connectivity to the outside world. It allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature and connect with each other on a deeper level.
As my birthday trip came to an end, I reflected on the passing of time. Turning 59 reminded me of the list I had made when I turned 49, detailing things I wanted to accomplish before hitting the half-century mark. Ten years ago, this wasn’t the life I had envisioned. Now, as I stand on the brink of turning 60, I’m not sure if I will create another list of goals. I trust that God has a plan for me, and it’s amazing to witness it unfold.
