Winter Camping

This weekend we are camping in Hickory Creek Park on the shores of Lewisville Lake right outside of Dallas, Texas. We arrived on Thursday evening to find the gates locked. Tight. Apparently this campground closes at 10 p.m. and they don't mess around. We had to park the coach and sleep at the gate until 6 a.m. when the office reopened. I spoke with the woman in the office first thing Friday morning. She wondered when our reservation began? I explained that we had reservations beginning Thursday evening and arrived after the gate was locked. She said "then your spot should be empty." I then asked if it would be ok to head on in and she replied "whenever you feel it's a good time." We try to be good neighbors in a campground and 6 am is a little early to be rolling in - so we waited a little longer before heading in to our site. The sun rise was spectacular. I don't know that I've seen one so brilliant before. Greg captured it on his phone camera, I'll have to see if I can get a copy.

It is a beautiful campground. It is the first time that we've had snow that stuck around awhile during a camping trip. The kids spotted a rabbit near a grove of trees - trying to blend in and not stick out in the white snow. They also spotted some red cardinals. This afternoon they played out in the snow - thanks to Dad - who bought them some coats last night - because in my flurry of getting ready in an afternoon - I missed some big things - like Winter Coats and our space heater. Aaggghhh. and the tabasco. Different story.
Anyhow, the kids played out in the snow a few different times, got wet and cold, went through mutliple pair of pants and socks . . . and had a great time. Cold red hands brought it all to an end.
Then we spent some time munching on chips and rotel chili queso and played Mexican train. Fun!

The other night, Greg had the dog out and heard something rustling about, brought the dog back in. Went back out with a flashlight to see what it was . . . and lo and behold it was a real LIVE armadillo. We have never seen a live armadillo. Lots of dead ones on the road. Now we've seen a live one, scurrying across the campground - hopefully it wasn't hit by a car.

We will head back to Austin in the morning and get the coach unloaded and cleaned. Back to life, school and whatever happens next!