Our first hike in Lake Brownwood State Park was a delightful surprise. First, I thought all of this area was flat and this path was rocky, and up and down. Second, we hiked along the path with good views of the Lake and listened to the waves hitting the rocks. Third, I was hiking with my husband and 82-year-old father in January!
There were pig tracks (see previous post), but not as many as I expected. We had seen so many dead skunks on the road, and were warned to watch out for our dog as it was skunk mating season. Who knew? Large cactus lined parts of the trail and the abundant boulders provided great resting spots.
There were no people and we could stop and listen to the waves of Lake Brownwood and rest in our new favorite place.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 New Living Translation
When we returned to the car, my mother had quite a story. She lived in Indiana until she was 76 so she misses having no red Cardinal birds of the Midwest in Colorado. She collects cardinals. Cardinal night lights, blankets, shirts, singing boxes, Christmas decorations, flags, and signs.
A Red male Cardinal visited her while we were hiking. Tapping on the side view mirrors of the car. Hopping up the front windshield. Singing to her from the trees. Visiting her for the forty minutes we were hiking. She was thrilled and believed God had sent the sign to her to entertain her and let her know, we would be all right living in Brownwood. And she had pictures to prove it – even if they were a bit fuzzy from her backseat vista.
How do you know you have been blessed on an outdoor adventure? How have you felt protected? How have you received the desires of your heart?
We have returned for three more hikes –the center of the park hike showed us the true pig damage.
Lakeside hike revealed even more CCC stone seating structures, tables and fire pits. Another hike took us through wildlife viewing areas and along the rocky northern section away from the marina. We have encountered 2-3 people at most on these lovely walks. You can hike in Texas State Parks!
