Bastrop State Park

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Chris and I visited Bastrop State Park today for a nice hike. It's been a few weeks since the last time we went exploring and Chris was really itching to get out there. Her goal for the both of us is to one day backpack so the sooner we start training, the better. 


Several years ago, wild fires destroyed homes, land, and public areas throughout Bastrop. The state park stands as evidence. Regrowth is happening, but it will be decades before the park is normal again. 


Despite the destruction, the park really is beautiful. It has vibrant fall color. The ground is speckled with mushrooms, ants, and wild animal scat. Our path led us over fallen, charred trees, but the trails were level and otherwise easily navigable. 



Entrance to the park is $4 per person 13 and over. We started our journey at the scenic overlook near the route 1C leading to Beuscher State Park. From there we picked up the Purple Trail until we found the Old Road Bed. We walked along that until we found the intersection of the Purple Trail and Brown Trail. We turned right on the Purple Trail and that lead us to the Orange Trail. We went north on that until we found the Purple Trail again. We traced that back west to the parking area. 



Many more trails are there to be explored. Thankfully, it only takes about an hour from Austin to get there. 

On a side note, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I made Chris and I a vegan feast with slowly roasted root vegetables, Field Roast, and a side of garlicky kale. For dessert, I made my mother's apple crisp recipe. Everything was wonderful. 

As the year comes to an end I hope that our adventures aren't put off too badly by the cold. Only time will tell...

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