Seattle to New Mexico (and on to Texas): Mar 25

Thursday we loaded up the camper and headed east to Tyler, TX for the weekend. Much like WA and the tulips, this time of year is azaleas and dogwoods in East Texas. I haven't been in years and thought this would be a great 'shake-down' camping trip to get us back in the groove. (Although, seriously, I think that camping will most likely end in May and will resume again sometime in September - too damn hot!)

I knew it would be warm so I wanted to take the hard-top off the Jeep but needed something to keep the dogs in while we stopped to look at the sights. So, I bought a 'cage' from Safari Straps - EXCELLENT product - I have a couple of things I'd improve on (better/quicker buckles for easier access) but otherwise they worked out great. I did buy the divider, that goes between the back of the Jeep & the front seat (which if you have a 75# dog that wants to ride on the itty-bitty console the whole time, this is the thing to have!). Below is a couple of photos reflecting just exactly how Hannah (said dog that wants to sit on said console), I think her expression tells it all.

Hannah wanting to get on console.

Waiting on our return

We stayed at the Tyler State Park (which I mistakenly thought it was ON Lake Tyler but isn't, although it is situated on a small lake). It is a beautiful park, very wooded and green. Throughout the forest of pine and deciduous trees are beautiful dogwoods. They just light up the forest. Hard to get a good photo due to lighting but take my word for it - very spectacular!

The lake, while small, was very pretty too. The setting I guess is what made it so nice. Surrounded by hills and forests right down to the bank. We found a couple of secluded spots where the dogs could swim and they loved it. You can rent paddle boats, jon boats, & something called a bicycle boat at the park store. When we arrived Thursday night (its about a 2-2.5 hr drive from Dallas) the park was empty as it was most of Friday but by Friday evening - it filled up. However, as full as it was, it was still a very, very quiet park. Surprisingly quiet - No one really stirs until after 8:30 - no screaming kids at 6 AM, wonderful!

When we got in on Thursday, you could see all the stars, and lightening bugs (I haven't seen lightening bugs in YEARS!!). But by Friday, everyone had their party lights out. It looked like a block party, I mean REALLY? You got out into 'nature' and bring 4000 watt party lights and string them between all the trees? Isn't that what the stars are for? It's a bit annoying to have your 'space' lit up with purple, blue, red, green, white, yellow... lights! Oivee, no more stars. I know the 'tent people' will roll their eyes because we 'camp' in an RV but at least we don't bring outside patio lights. Why not just stay in your backyard if you are going to light it up like one? Ok... so, enough of the rant. Other than the lights, the people were very courteous of the other campers.

There are miles of hiking/biking trails throughout the park and one that circles the lake.