Thursday, June 29, 2006

The first time I went to Enchanted Rock, it was a privately owned ranch. I was on a trail ride that I did every summer in my teen years with Mary McDermott, my best friend growing up. The Moss's, who owned the ranch, leased camping spots to the public. Of course, we all climbed the rock in our tennis shoes. We've lived in Mason County for almost 2 decades, less than an hour from Enchanted Rock, and this is the first time I've gone since I was a child. I have thought about it many times. Finally, with Jordon home this summer, I decided to go, this time wearing good hiking boots. We love to hike! There is also a loop around The Rock, as I call it, but this first time, we lonly went up The Rock because Jordon got tired from all the other rock climbing he did. We went back again a few weeks later, this time with Joel. Hopefully my husband Max will be able to join the next time. Enchanted Rock is here in the granite uplift country:http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/Posted by Picasa

The trail head. Posted by Picasa

Jordon setting up a photo op. Posted by Picasa

A warm up climb. Posted by Picasa

Jordon spots a boulder to climb on the way up. Posted by Picasa

One down and more to go. Posted by Picasa

View going up. Posted by Picasa

Almost to the top. Posted by Picasa

It is amazing to see the little eco systems up on top of The Rock. There are various oasis. There were no pools this time, the first time we went up. But the next time we went, there were pools, little oasis with water bugs, shrimp, mosquito larvae, and grass hoppers on the islands. Posted by Picasa

I was amazed to see this little seed had made it's way all the way up to the top of The Rock. We have the little green and yellow plant on our property. It likes really crummy soil. Posted by Picasa

Jordon on the edge. Posted by Picasa

Down. Posted by Picasa

Down. Posted by Picasa

That is Turkey Peak. You can tell what Jordon is thinking. He feels the call. Posted by Picasa

A boulder conquered on the way down. Posted by Picasa

Jordon feels the call. Posted by Picasa

Another boulder conquered. Posted by Picasa

This is Turkey Peak. It was hard keeping up with Jordon because he didn't wait for me. The challenge called. Posted by Picasa

There he goes. Posted by Picasa

Up the side of the rock. Posted by Picasa

On top of Turkey Peak. No, I didn't go all the way up. Going up is easier than coming down. Posted by Picasa

Ths is the first photo from our second trip to The Rock. My son Joel came up and spent the night so we could get an early start the next day. It was Joel's first time to The Rock. He took this photo. Some of the following photos are mine, some Joel's, and some Jordon's. It was a nice day. Little cool front had come in and the morning was cool, and the rest of the day wasn't overwhelming heat. Posted by Picasa

Me on top of The Rock. Posted by Picasa

The tree on top of The Rock. Posted by Picasa

Joel and Jordon. Posted by Picasa