We Finally Made It to Pedernales Falls State Park

Four of the five times we’ve headed out from Hot Springs after Christmas we’ve headed southwest and one of our first stops has been in the Austin area so we can visit Jack and Sharon. Here we are, again, enjoying a meal at their house.

The first time we came through Jack suggested we camp at McKinney Falls State Park, which is located right on the southeast edge of Austin. We did and liked it. The next time Jack suggested we try Pedernales Falls State Park, but I couldn’t get reservations, so we stayed a bit further away at Blanco State Park.

Last year I tried again but the campground at Pedernales Falls was closed for upgrades, so we stayed at McKinney Falls State Park a second time.

This year I was finally able to book a site here, at Pedernales Falls State Park, and it is now my favorite campground near Jack and Sharon. I like seeing deer instead of other RV’s out my window.

There are a lot of interesting trails, some quite rugged,

and some wide and easy.

Matey and I saw a family of pigs along this trail. Sorry, no photo of them, I did not want mama pig to think we were going to interfere with her babies; we walked quickly and quietly past them.

Right now the river is broad and shallow, but this is the Texas hill country that’s prone to flash floods.

These tree roots look like they’ve held on through some fast water.

This afternoon we walked down to look at the falls. The river bed here is a huge expanse, scoured from past floods.

There are interesting rock formations and pools left behind. Can you see the tiny people down there in the rocks? When it floods this whole area runs full and fast.

This is a pool along a creek that feeds the river. It is secluded and serene, quite a contrast to the river falls.

But small path or park road, river, stream or grassy hills, there is beauty everywhere. Tomorrow Jack and Sharon are coming here to camp for the last three nights of our stay. I’m looking forward to having them guide us to see more of this grand state park.