spiphywarfare

Category: Camping

  • Ft. Richardson Weekday Camping


    Discover the Serenity of Weekday Camping.
    Situated in the rolling hills of North Texas, Fort Richardson State Park offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While weekends often see a flurry of activity, I prefer to camp on the quiet weekdays to really relax.

    The Whisper of the Wind
    As the sun rises over the historic fort, the air is filled with a gentle hush. On weekdays, the park can be a tranquil place where it is easy to enjoy nature. The rustling leaves, the distant call of birds, and the soft breeze create a soothing environment. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your camper, the stillness envelops you, inviting introspection and relaxation.

    This is especially true if you are camping in some of the sites on the lower loop. At times, it can be completely still down there while the tops of the trees sway in the wind.

    There. Are. Birds. Everywhere!
    One of the park’s delightful features is its abundant birdlife. Cardinals, with their vibrant red plumage, flit everywhere among the trees, adding splashes of color to the green canvas. I heard their songs everywhere. I also saw and heard a tufted tirmouse, a black-capped chickadee, a blue grosbeak, and an indigo bunting (I only heard the last one). I can’t help but think that Fort Richardson State Park would be a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during the peaceful weekdays when the birds feel more at ease.

    It’s not just birds either. It’s a rare morning or evening stroll through the park that doesn’t bring an encounter with deer feeding in one of the meadow areas.

    A Glimpse into History
    Beyond its natural beauty, Fort Richardson holds a rich historical legacy. Here are a couple of intriguing facts about the fort:

    Established in 1867: Fort Richardson was established by the U.S. Army to protect settlers and travelers along the Texas frontier. It played a crucial role during the Indian Wars and served as a base for the famous Buffalo Soldiers.


    The Ghostly Guardhouse: Visit the restored guardhouse, where soldiers once stood watch. If you stand there in the quiet, you may feel a presence, a whisper from the past. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the guardhouse’s weathered walls hold stories waiting to be heard.

    Tips for Weekday Campers
    Reservations: While weekends can get crowded, weekdays offer more availability. Make a reservation in advance to secure your spot.
    Pack Light: With fewer fellow campers, you won’t need to worry about noisy neighbors. Pack light, bring a good book, and savor the solitude.
    Sunrise Strolls: Wake up early and take a sunrise stroll along the trails. The crisp morning air and the promise of a new day make it worthwhile.


    Whether you’re seeking solace, birdwatching bliss, or a glimpse into history, Fort Richardson State Park delivers. So, pack your gear, leave the weekday chaos behind, and immerse yourself in the quiet of this hidden gem.

  • This is why I go camping

    The dappled light of the sun danced across my face and the surrounding ground I laid on. The wind from the surrounding plains rustled through the tops of the trees in the little valley. It hardly seems right to call it a valley. It was really just a low spot with a babbling creek and a multitude of trees providing much needed shade.

    Staring up through closed eyes, I could see the movement of the leaves. My ears heard the distant calls of various birds, and they sang, “All is well in the world.”

  • Do Not Disturb, the Best Setting for Your Mobile Device

    It’s been five days now since I set my phone to “Do Not Disturb.” I can only get notifications from immediate family members. It’s been amazing! I took some time off of work and wanted peace and quiet. I have been checking my notifications a couple of times a day, when I want to, instead of having a constant battle for my attention.

    I’m likely to leave that setting that way. It occurs to me that none of us have any right to demand or expect 24-hours access into each others lives and that is essentially what notifications are. Obviously, that doesn’t mean our families shouldn’t be able to get in touch with us quickly in today’s state of technology.

    Breaking free of the digital chains that unknowingly bound me is a great experience. While it may make me a little harder to get in touch with, or make me seem more aloof than I already appear to be, that’s going to be quite alright. Peace of mind and being focused on what is actually important has far more value than knowing the latest location a Russian bomb was dropped at the exact same time as everyone else.

    I also know the value of being able to respond quickly to customers or potential customers. I know that this plays a vital role in gorwing a business. But is “growing a business” what is most valuable to you? Many people I know work hard to provide for their family. What a shame to let the means become the end at neglect of those around us, and possibly our own spiritual and physical health.

    Just a few thoughts from a man enjoying God’s great outdoors with most of his family. God bless you all!

  • Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    This park lies about an hour or so west of Fort Worth, Texas. In case you did not know, in Texas, distance between towns is measured in time. Lake Mineral Wells State Park (LMWSP) is carved out of a wooded area surrounding Lake Mineral Wells. This lake has been popular for recreation since it was originally formed in 1919.

    Sites

    The sites here are not all cookie-cutter sites. They vary in length and the way the tables and firepits are laid out. Some have access to the lake just a few steps away and others take a pretty good walk to get to the water.

    They have plenty of thirty amp and 50 amps sites and some very long sites to accommodate even the largest of trailers or coaches.

    Amenities

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the little store by the boat ramp is one of the better stores I’ve found in a state park. The store also rents out canoes, kayaks, and paddle-boats.

    If you get a chance to visit this park, try to get down to the dam and get a view of the lake from eye level while on a walk. The different perspective is pretty neat.

    You’ll find plenty of opportunity to sit and watch deer while here as well as listen to listen to a watch lots of birds. This state park should be on your plans if you are in the area.

    Stay safe and stay healthy.