I’ve always loved the quote, “The mountains are calling and I must go.” Living in East Tennessee, this was something that I swore once or twice I actually felt. Well, maybe I just really wanted to get out in the mountains and go camping, using that as my excuse. I can be pretty girly at times but I’ve always loved the outdoors and the feeling of getting away from it all. This wasn’t something that I did much with my family growing up, but once I joined my girl scout troop in the fourth grade and went on my first camping trip, my passion was instantly ignited.
Fast forward a decade or so. Here we are six months into life in Texas and its our first time getting out and exploring a part of the state that isn’t Houston. Along with a few of our friends we loaded up pretty much everything we owned, kidding but not really, and headed to New Braunfels, TX.
New Braunfels is “famous” for being right on the Gaudalupe River. The thing to do while you’re here is camp out on the riverbank and tube down the river, with a cooler or two in tow. I’m a Trip Advisor junkie and one of my favorite things to do is research travel destinations. (Seriously, major hobby.) I spent a few days trying to find the best campsite based on reviews and what not and then I stumbled upon KL Ranch. We booked a few weeks out and it was a wee bit pricy for a campsite, but I’d say it was definitely worth it.
We had enough space between neighboring campsites, they sold firewood by the bundle, and in case you forgot anything there was a little convenience shop right up the hill.
Our adventurous group!
Remember in my last post how I mentioned that we were going to attempt to “Glamp?” I’d say we were…sort of… successful.
Fancy table cloth: check.
French press: check.
How else are you going to make coffee for six people without electricity?
We boiled up some water in a dutch oven, put a bit of good ol’ Folgers in the french press and drank that piping hot coffee right out of solo cups.
For breakfast Saturday morning, my friend Jenna made ahead a bunch of “camping” burritos. Here’s the recipe she used if you’re interested. They were delicious and really easy to reheat over an open flame.
After breakfast, we hung around the campsite for a while.
Patrick, and his handsome new cowboy hat, ventured out into the river bright and early. He is definitely embracing the Texas culture.
That afternoon we put on our water shoes and headed to the river for tubing, the main event of the trip. Our campsite offered tube rentals as well as a shuttle service to drop you off at the top of the river. It was really nice that we could just walk across the street and take advantage of this.
I still can’t get over the fact that Jenna brought her phone out on the river, but I’m thankful for these fun pictures! Can you believe her phone made it out alive and working? I am still pretty shocked.
Once back to camp, we did what anybody would do, gorged ourselves on a plethora of chips and dip. Glamping at its finest.
It was such a fun weekend getting out of town and enjoying the some of the best of what Texas has to offer. I’m afraid though, that this has started a little itch in me to do even more road trips and weekend getaways. Camping in Galveston anyone? A short stay at a ranch in Hill Country? Please?
Until next time.
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