A trip to Bastrop State Park

A trip to Bastrop State Park 

I woke up on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. to beat the summer heat. After hitting snooze multiple times in the morning, I was ready to enjoy Bastrop State Park with my four-legged best friend, my one-year-old Boxer named Katrin. 

What better companion to have with me than my canine one, and since both of us have never been to Bastrop State Park I thought we could experience it together. Katrin would join me to a park that was engulfed in flames by wildfires in 2011 and damaged 96 percent of the park.

Preparation

Before attempting just to wing it and hope for the best, I searched Bastrop State Park into Google. I wanted to know where to park, what trail would accommodate Katrin and me, and what other amenities they offered. I found out that Bastrop State Park had a pool on site, paved roads and cabins to rent for a camping experience.

We woke up on Saturday, ate our breakfast and hit the road for our 35-minute drive to Bastrop State Park. When we entered the park, I had to stop and pay a $5 entrance fee. Katrin didn’t have to pay, lucky dog. I followed the signs and parked in the 1A public parking area right before the cabin entrance. I parked and grabbed my CamelBak with my items and stepped out of the car. I took a minute to admire the tall trees and just acres of land that extended for miles. I opened my back-passenger door, leashed Katrin’s harness, and we were off.

A Walk to Remember



Katrin and I saw the paved road and began walking. The aftermath of the Bastrop wildfires still haunted the park. Trees that once stood as tall as buildings were on the ground and blackened from the fire, but in between the devastation, new trees were growing. It was a true representation of how devasting and beautiful life can be.

Katrin and I continued on the paved road and reached the cabins. We had to turn around because there were no dogs allowed in the cabin area. In the distance we could hear children playing and preparing for a full day in the outdoors, it was quite a sight. A game of tag played between two siblings running in front of the cabin, and their mom sitting in a wooden chair enjoying her coffee in one hand.

We followed the paved path to a trail, and it wasn’t long before we saw three bicyclists zoom passed us, and a man walking his dog too. We were welcomed with a quick, “Hello, good morning!” and they went on their way.


To enter the trail, we had to walk up craved wooden steps. I saw fallen trees, birds off in the distance and then heard nothing. For a moment, it was silent. There was no sirens or honks. No hustle of city life going on around me. It was just the quiet birds off in the distance and the sound of bees flying by. I welcomed the calmness. 

I enjoyed my walk with my one-year-old Boxer, Katrin, and made wonderful memories with her by my side. I will always remember her perked ears when she heard something near-by, and the friendly bikers and campers that accompanied the park. Bastrop State Park should be enjoyed and cherished by family and friends. To get out of the city and enjoy one of Texas' state parks it only cost me $5. If you would like to enjoy a quick swim or spend the night under the stars, click the link for more information about one of Texas' amazing state parks. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop


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