The Frio River

We have finally traveled outside of the Austin area for a Texas family vacation. Our destination was the Frio River in Leakey, TX just outside of Garner State Park. Leakey is a town that could be compared to Mackey, ID. There is one gas station and a mercantile where you can buy the essential groceries. We stayed in an old farm house which had been added on to, and added on to etc. I was grateful for a clean and fully functioning bathroom and kitchen, the mouse droppings aside.

We we were accompanied by our good friends they Brysons, who live down the street. We have found ourselves spending most of our free/play time with them. It's so nice to have friends so close that we really enjoy spending time with, not to mention the benefits...(Jeremy is our Chiropractor). The kids play together really well, however Berkeley has a strong aversion to Dani (who is 2) going into his room. It has become rather humorous to hear him dish out instructions to keep her OUT!
Our story begins as only a Hilary story could...With confusion, some serious packing, and a down pour of rain for good measure. As Jeremy (who had the day off, by chance) helped Kellie load the truck, they were bombarded by the rains coming in from Hurricane Dolly. Needless to say we were pretty wet by the time we left (especially Jeremy). Tim and Jeremy stayed behind to work the next day, so it was me, Kellie, and the 5 kids piled into the truck. It poured rain off and on the entire drive, which should have taken 3 1/2 hours but ended up taking about 6. Before we had even gone 10 miles, Berkeley had an impatient bladder. The trouble was that we were stuck in bumper to bumper rain traffic. After much anticipation, and bouncing in the seat, we finally got off the freeway and stopped to pee. Other than the rain the trip was uneventful until we got to Leakey. By this time it was very dark and still raining. Oh how happy I was that I didn't have to set up a tent! Due to a misunderstanding about which flashing light to turn at, Leakey has 2, we were headed down the wrong road. This wouldn't be so bad except the road was covered with a thick layer of mud and sand. It was like driving in a very slippery snow storm. Kellie was a bit nervous and I was getting irritated. There were so many little roads off to the side, who knew where we were supposed to turn, not to mention the truck was covered with mud. Finally we got phone service and called the place where we were staying. They came and took us to the farm house which was just around the corner from the Texaco. By this time the kids were so ready to be there, and so were Kellie and I. Fortunately they had a hose at the house, so I sprayed as much of the mud off the truck and we unloaded, and went to sleep.
The next day we went to the actual Clear Water Ranch, the farm house isn't on the ranch. There we sat in our camping chairs with our feet in the water and read all afternoon. The kids played in the water, chased the fish, and tubed the river. This is my idea of a vacation! The water comes from a spring. It is so clear that you can see to the bottom of the river. There was an area that made a pool for the kids to swim in, and plenty of shade for the mom's. Later that evening the dads arrived. Oh Happy Day!!! We roasted marshmallows and made smores. It was now Daddy time.

The next morning we got up and went back to the river. Jeremy took the girls in a raft while Berkeley explored the pool for Catfish. It was yet another relaxing day in the river. The weather was perfect. It didn't get too hot and there was an occasional cloud to keep the sun at bay. There were these tiny fish that were eating our feet there. I have to say that it tickles like crazy, but then it feels good. Brooke was especially attractive to them. When she would sit by me they would come to my feet, when she left they left too. Apparently there is some special pedicure where fish eat your dead skin. This was similar except I didn't have to pay for it.
Later in the afternoon we headed back to the farm house for lunch and naps. Did I mention this was my kind of vacation? We spent the evening playing volleyball, croquet, horseshoes, and reading. After dining on Jeremy's perfectly cooked hamburgers it was off to bed for the kids, and the adults visited for a while. The end of a very relaxing day.

Sunday morning we woke up and started packing up to go home. Before leaving Leakey we went to the river one more time to fish. The kids were beginning to loose hope, when Brooke caught a fish!!! This is her first fish ever. She was so excited. Soon, after many tangles with the trees, Natalie caught a Catfish. It was fun to watch Berkeley sit so patiently, waiting for the fish to come. It isn't often that he does that. I'm glad we made the effort to let the kids fish, they had a great time.



On the way home we stopped in a town called Fredricksburg. If you ever come to visit we will take you there. It reminds me of Park City. There is a lot of WWII history there. The main street is lined with little shops and places to eat.
I neglected to mention that Dixie went with us. She went into the water voluntarily and seemed to have a great time. She was great company.
When all is said and done, we will definitely go back next year, however we will stay at a different resort owned by a lady in our ward. It's a bit nicer.