Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

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beljason
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Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by beljason »

After our success at Bastrop 2 weeks ago, we decided to push our luck and do a 3 day trip at Dinosaur Valley in the primitive camp area. They have been booking up lately so we made the reservations right after we returned from Bastrop. To get to the primitive area you have to cross the Paluxy river on the east side of the park. We got a call on Friday morning letting us know the river was up and if we wanted to cross we would have to cross on the west side of the park and hike around the park. We decided to be adventurous and go for it.
Here is the crew at the crossing. We couldn’t find anyone to take a pic for us. It seemed we had the park to ourselves.
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And here I am making the first crossing. I will make a total of 4 trips to ferry the kids and packs. Jack did insist on fording it on his own, which he did with minimal help from me.
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The funny part is that I made all the trips across the river fine. Then after we got our shoes and packs on and started heading out, I took 2 steps, slipped, busted up my left arm real good, and busted a strap on the pack. We only had about 2 miles to go, but we were barely doing 1 mph with Eli’s short 2 year old legs. Before long it was already dark on us, and we had to break out the headlamps. The going got even slower, but the kids were real troopers, and it just turned into another part of the adventure.
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We made it to camp after an hour and half of hiking in the dark (we only lost the trail once). We quickly set up camp, we were all starving and looking forward to a warm hot meal after the long drizzly dark evening. I get out the stove, the pots, pans, and…wait where is the lighter that stays in the cooking kit? Hmmm, must not have been put back after Bastrop. Its ok, there is a spare in the first aid kit. Uh-oh…the backup lighter is missing too. What a horrible feeling. Again survivorman mode kicks in, and I take the batteries out of the led lantern, and try to get a spark by touching one blade of the pocketknife to one end of the battery, and stroking the other end of the battery with the other blade. We got sparks, but tiny ones, and they weren’t strong enough to light the propane fuel. I tried taping two batteries together to get more voltage, but the ends of the knife blades couldn’t touch both at once. AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!! We ate beef jerky and cereal bars, and went to bed. And just so noone thinks any of my trips are perfect, we had an absolutely miserable night. Ill spare the details, but suffice it to say a wet sleeping bag was involved, 2 crying kids, 2 ill parents, and barely 2 hours of good sleep was had.

Day 2.
I woke up at 7am while everyone was still asleep, power hiked two miles back to the river, crossed the river, drove out of the park to a grocery store 5 minutes up hwy 67. Spent $1.29 on a 5 pack of the most incredible item of civilization, the cigarette lighter. Drove back, crossed the river, power hiked back to the campsite, and had warm oatmeal ready for everyone by 9:30. We started with fresh attitudes, and had a spectacular day, despite the constant drizzle of rain. Our camp was right beside a small seasonal creek, Denio Creek, and the rain did benefit us in easy access to great drinking water (I had brought along the katadyn filter). I took a lot of pics of this beautiful creek too. More than I have room to post anyway. Here are a few of the little area right where we camped.
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There was a little pond on the map, and I had brought my flyfishing gear, so I figured it was worth checking out. Turns out there were no signs of fish there (not even minnows in the shallows) but was fun nonetheless.
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The last trip I mentioned how boys had to compulsively beat trees with sticks, here is another example of strange behavior that is apparently instinctual of all boys. Throwing rocks in the water. I have at least been able to train mine to wait till I fish for a few minutes. After I give up, then they can chunk all the rocks they want, which inevitably starts as quarter sized pebbles, then half dollars, then fist sized, and ends with the grunting “uuuuunnnnnngggg….watch…uuunnnnggg…..this…uuuunnnngg…. BWOOOSH” as he drops a rock half as big as his torso into the 3 inches of water at his feet soaking his pants. Happens the same way every time, and has for centuries, and probably will continue to for centuries.
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Here are some scenic views we passed on the way to the pond and back.
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We got back and setup the hammock for the first time, and it was a huge hit. Julie wouldn’t let me in it, and once she got out, Eli wouldn’t let her back in it. He stayed in it for the entire afternoon.
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Here is a rare glimpse of a strange species….the central texas cedar monkey.
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After lunch we went down to the Paluxy, and I tried fishing again, but the river was up and moving fast, so I didn’t expect much (and didn’t get much either) but it was just an incredible feeling standing in the rushing water, guiding the flies into each eddy and current seam, behind rocks, under ledges. Just great.
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And while I was fishing the boys built a stick raft, which we sent down the rapids, though it didn’t get very far.
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After dinner, Julie played us some tunes on the harmonica.
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Nolan and I went out and slept in the hammock under the clearing sky, watching the stars, even seeing a handful of shooting stars. It was a cold night, but it felt good being bundled tight and warm, feeling the cold air on our face. Early in the morning we woke up to coyotes calling from all across the area. Eerie, and beautiful at the same time.

Day 3
The next morning the sun still didn’t come out, despite the fact the weatherman said it would be a sunny day. We were tired, dirty, damp, and cold so we packed up and headed out. It was a pretty good trip, though everyone was tired. We did have to carry Eli some, and carrying a 35 lb pack on your back, and a 35 lb kid in your arms gets tiring quick. This time at the river crossing Nolan wanted to walk across too, like Jack, and since the water was a little lower, I let him.
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I think despite the difficulties (and grumpiness) we had at night, it was overall an incredibly fun trip, and an adventure the kids wont forgot for a while.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by rickgu »

Wow nice report and pics and thats one heck of a camping trip. Kudos to you for roughing it for 3 days with the family. Camping is one thing that i always remember from growing up i'm sure your kids will too.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by peterpan »

Very nice trip :clap: :clap: :clap: . Those are gonna be nice memories for the kids :D ! I've been to this park once but didn't camp. Next time I want to go for a primitive camping. Coyotes and shooting stars, just can't get better than this!
I know what difference a lighter does :roll: ... At Academy they have some magnesium bars that make up good sparks :idea: ! Even if they are wet!
Thanks for the very well tailored report!
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Chief Brody
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by Chief Brody »

Jason,

Your reports are about the most enjoyable reading on this board for me. I love the fishing reports and news and chit chat and all that goes on everywhere else, but your camping pictures and stories are just fantastic. Thanks very much for taking the time to share.

And for what it's worth - well done Dad. I wish I had done what you are doing when mine were that age.

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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by Night Wing »

Great family outing. The photos were great. Adventures like this are priceless. Children get a great appreciation for the outdoors.
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larry long shadows
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by larry long shadows »

You and your family sir are the best camping troopers I have ever seen in my life. Your post inspire my old bones to stay young at heart and get out more. If nothing else just a good day hike for my old sole
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by Pogo »

Dang boy, you write the BEST reports! I'm a grumpy old bachelor who generally couldn't care less for the family thing, but still read every word and thoroughly enjoyed the pics which nicely illustrate what one may expect to see at Dino Valley. That's a place I haven't yet been, but really want to visit. Tell ya something else .... I envy your kids for having a dad like you! I'm the only outdoorsman in my entire clan.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by Paddlefoot »

AND...........your wife plays harmonica while camping! Now how freakin cool is that!?! :D
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larry long shadows
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by larry long shadows »

Paddlefoot wrote:AND...........your wife plays harmonica while camping! Now how freakin cool is that!?! :D
2x bet she could write a song called I got the no lighter blues...
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bowgarguide
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by bowgarguide »

I had the pleasure of paddling with Jason and his oldest son,they are both exceptional individuals,great folks.
I I wish I could write half as well as Jason.
Great job ,dont stop.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

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johnboy
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by johnboy »

Jason I have made that crossing many times and I have never thought about if anyone else has ever slipped and fallen on the other side as I would about half the time. Great report.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by CityByTheSeaCitizen »

I'm 32. Want another kid?

Looks like a very fun vacation? With the water being that high, were you able to see any tracks?
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beljason
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by beljason »

thanks for all the compliments guys. I am pretty lucky to have a harmonica playing wife that camps. When I came home from work today she was reading backpacker magazine and planning our next trip. Lost Maples maybe? Now I just need to get the youngest kid used to the canoe and do some river trips again. I miss the Brazos.

peterpan- I have on of those magnesium fire starters, and thought about bringing it to show the kids, but decided against since we couldnt have ground fires. boy was I kicking myself for that one.

Johnboy- I was just glad the park was deserted and there was noone there to see me crash.

CBTSC- with the river being up it had the tracks all covered, we couldnt see anything. We have been to the park about a year ago and seen the tracks then, so no disappointment for us really. I did feel bad for all the people there on Sunday with nothing to see but a dingy puddle.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by On the Guad »

That was a very nice report. I too grew up camping with my family and truly learned a love for the outdoors. I have three children who are all in college now. They all know how to fish but not how to camp. They were into sports which took care of the weekends growing up. I am glad that you are having the chance to do this as a family. Enjoy it and thanks for including us in it.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by Drmsfish »

Incredible report. Thanks for the motivation. Mine are young but not as tough as yours. Great photos. Keep up the good work.
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Re: Backpacking Dinosaur Valley SP 11/20 -11/22/09

Post by Bud »

Really a great report Jason. I am glad to see the family camping trip tradition being kept alive. It looks like you are raising a gaggle of future outdoorsmen.

Even though I finally outgrew beating tree trunks with sticks....I still love to throw rocks in the water....especially when snooty fly guys are fishing....LOL
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