After a scorching hot, yet scenic drive, 6 TEXMOGGERS arrived at Oakdale Park in Glen Rose early Friday evening: Harris/Simmons, Boyles x 2, and Murphy x 2.  Art & Patsy welcomed us at our cabin.  Bob, in his DHC, opted for the more direct route which was hopefully "cooler" (read LESS HOT) and showed up about half an hour later.  Once everyone staked their claim to a bunk and cooled off somewhat, we all headed off for our evening meal.  We went in search of one restaurant listed on Bob's trusty GPS, but we were unable to find it and ended up somewhere else.  (Can you ever REALLY trust those darn GPS things?!?)

 

Having eaten dinner, we made our way back to the "Old Corral," only to find the door locked. Art & Patsy had the key.  Thankfully, they arrived shortly- they had stopped for dessert at the local Dairy Queen!  Finally, we went inside and settled in; unpacking the cars and hauling in numerous armloads of stuff (at least I was).  Bedtime was decided upon by everyone's level of exhaustion!  Though 8 of the 9 people enjoyed sleeping in the well air-conditioned cabin, Art got too cold and couldn't put on enough clothes or covers to stay  warm.  Thus, he opted to sleep outside in their PT Cruiser.

 

After Judi prepared a quick breakfast for us, the "tubers" headed out to catch the shuttle bus to take us to the Brazos.  Being Saturday, water was let out of Possum Kingdom Lake to allow enough water flow for a relaxing 2 1/2 hour float downstream.  It was an enjoyable day with no notable injuries or other happenings.  A few "pale-faces", including myself, suffered sunburn in streaks that were missed when applying sunscreen.  But an application or two of aloe vera soothed the pain.

 

After returning from the river, folks cooled off in the cabin and had yummy sandwiches thanks to Barbara & Chuck.  We then got changed/cleaned up for our next excursion to the Bluff Dale Vineyards for a wine tasting.  (Yes, MOGMOG, a wine tasting !)  Art & Patsy had a rally route with questions planned for our journey back to the cabin.  Bob left soon after we returned, as he wanted to beat the heat and darkness.    

 

Perhaps I might have been compared to "MacGuyver" by my fellow MMCC members.  I mention this only because a round or two of "what DIDN'T Traci bring" ensued while waiting for the coals to get hot enough for grilling Saturday evening's meal of hamburgers.  I suppose that my "preparedness for anything" can be attributed to the fact that in my younger years, I went on many camping and river tubing trips with my family.  Or, as my husband would say, "she took everything but the kitchen sink!"  Needless to say, we did not drive the Morgan!  My car's trunk and back seat were both stuffed with supplies....but, I ask those in attendance, did we ever need anything that I (or someone else) didn't have???  That answer would be NO!  

 

Due to the dry weather and the burn ban, we could not have a traditional campfire after dinner.  Which also meant that we could not fix S' Mores with the marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers that I brought. Incidentally, a candy bar was on of the "challenges" in the aforementioned game, which I easily provided.

 

So, with our bellies full, we all turned in for an early bedtime.  (I can't remember when I've gone to bed at 9:30 p.m.!)  The second night's temperature was more acceptable and Art was able to adjust the airflow and thermostat so he could sleep inside.

 

Sunday morning was bustling with Art & Patsy make a full-fare breakfast, while the rest of us began to pack up.  Food inherently tastes better when cooked outdoors.  I wouldn't be surprised if we all didn't gain a few pounds from all the great meals, unless we sweat off as much and as quickly as we put it on.

 

By late morning, everyone had their vehicles loaded and ready for departure.  We all went our own ways home.  It turned out to only be about 75 miles from door to door for us, even though we felt like we were much farther from home.  It was a wonderful weekend with great people.  Those that did not attend REALLY missed a terrific time.  We are already looking forward to our July event in Whitesboro at Linda Noland's.  (My camping supply box won't be unpacked until after that event!)