ThanksGiving 2021 - Garner State Park
After a lot of time at home, first with covid induced quarantine, and later with a new and young Ambaadi, we were badly in need to get out of house and enjoy a vacation. This thanksgiving, we planned for Garner state park. A little research on instagram promised fall colors and scenic landscape.We were all excited. Booked an Airbnb in Leakey, close to the park. We originally planned for 3 families with 6 adults and 6 kids, but one family had to drop out as they got sick. We proceeded on the trip with 2 families - Anil, Mary, Ken, Joanna + Us 4
We started on Wednesday afternoon from Austin after a good lunch at Chick-Fil-A. After about a 4 hours drive, we reached our destination. It was a big house with almost an acre of combined yard in the front and back.
It was dark by the time we reached the place. So after we settled into our rooms, Anil and I went out to get some dinner. As it was thanksgiving eve, most of the places were closed early and the only place open was a pizza place.The restaurant was short staffed so it took a while to get our pizzas ready. we had our dinner together and went to bed early. The kids had their own room. Malootty and Joanna shared a bed and ken got his own bed.
On thanksgiving day we woke up around 7 ( except for Radhika - thanks to ambaadi ).Kids had their breakfast and played Connect 4 board game, while Anil prepped chicken for lunch and the ladies made Pulao.
We ate our lunch and then set out to explore Lost Maples state Park. Its close to garner state park, about 30 mins from Leakey at a place called Vanderpool. Lesson learned -- book tickets in advance as there is limited parking and it gets sold out. We reached the parking lot and tried to get a ticket in, but couldn't. Anyways, we stopped by the lot and walked to a nearby bridge and snapped some photos.. It was chilly , but we had fun.
We reached back in the evening and started dinner preparations. Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Grilled Chicken, Bread and drinks. We played some games, sat and sang around the firepit and had a good time.
After putting the kids to sleep, we watched Rajni's annathe on Netflix. The movie was horrible, but entertaining nevertheless :) It was a good thankgiving day.
The next day, we planned to go to Garner state park. We had reservation for the 3PM entry. We tried to go early, but the park rangers were strict. So we had to stay home until afternoon. We made good use of the time. Played badminton, football and CornHole in the backyard and took a lot of photos. Kids played in the backyard falling around, fighting and throwing things at each other.
It was an evening well spent. It was chilly so the 3 hours we had in the park was more than sufficient. There was a popular hike In the park called "The old baldy" , but it wasn't kid friendly , so Anil and I decided to hike it the next day morning.
The next day morning, We went for hiking the old baldy. It was a small duration hike - half mile one way. But it was all up hill and rugged terrain. Hiking shoes are very much recommended. But the view from top was amazing
Back from the hike, we packed up and check-out by 11. It was a rainy day, so we couldn't do much. We took a quick stop at Ingram to see StoneHenge II and then headed back home after
taking a lunch stop at Johnson City - Hye Thai ( definitely recommended )
Malootty summed up the trip with her drawing.
Comments