Since moving to San Antonio, we have really put down some roots - in the form of family traditions. We like to try new things and see new places, but when we find someplace that we love - it sticks! And we make a tradition, or annual event, out of it. This was our fourth year camping out at Enchanted Rock over Columbus Day weekend, and once again we have proven that we are diehards. The first year we went, the weather was so perfect for camping, and our spot was so secluded and perfect, that we were determined to go back each year. And each year since then we have gone, despite major obstacles. Last year was freezing, and we had to bust out our long lost winter parkas. The year before was rainy all weekend, but then finally let up in time for us to go. This year was similar, except there was no apparent letting-up. We tried to talk the kids into doing something different this year, due to the massive thunderstorms and torrential rains, but they were heartbroken. So, we did what any responsible parent would do, and we loaded up the car and kids and went for it! We really lucked out with breaks from the rain, and we enjoyed a really fun campout. It didn't rain the entire time we set up camp, cooked and ate dinner, and roasted marshmallows. About the time it started to get dark, however, it started raining. We pulled our chairs under the little front overhang of our tent - our only shelter - and we packed in there and talked and enjoyed the evening. (I didn't use the flash for one of the pictures, and you really get a glimpse of the dark night and cramped quarters under there). We put the girls to bed shortly thereafter, and thankfully they were able to fall asleep easily with us sitting right outside the tent door. It didn't take us long to join them, and we all slept pretty well. We discovered that our tent's rain fly was pooling water and dripping directly over my and Bryan's air mattress, soaking some of our blankets, so we had to improvise a little bit and correct that problem. One minor leak remained, directly over my pillow, but I guess I just moved over to the corner of the tent and I slept pretty soundly despite the heavy rain. Then next morning was really nice, and we had hot chocolate and baggie omelets. We packed up camp a little later, and then we headed out for a hike. We made it almost to the top of Enchanted Rock when it started to pour. We took off running for the one and only source of shelter - a cave at the top of the rock. We holed up in there with a few other diehard hikers until the rain let up, and then we hiked back down. The rock was slick on the walk down! The kids talked Bryan into cutting up a prickly pear, and they all swore it was delicious. Once we made it to the car, Bryan had planned a little road trip (a mini-food tour, if you will) through Llano, Texas for Cooper's BBQ, and then to the historic country music town of Luckenbach, TX. That BBQ totally beat out the prickly pear, by the way. :)
