Drippings Springs

Ever since we moved here, I've wanted to go visit the Dripping Springs National recreation area. It's supposed to be filled with beautiful scenery, breathtaking views, and (the best part) it's only 12 miles from where we live. Labor day was the perfect day for this. The night before, there was a heavy thunderstorm. There was a chance of rain for Monday, but we woke up to a crisp, refreshing, beautiful morning. The temperature was about 75 and only big white fluffy clouds dotted the sky. We packed up a picnic lunch and headed out the door. Our first stop was to the picnic area. If you are going to take your kids on a hike, you've got to fill up their tanks first!


Here is a shot of the mountains by the picnic area.


At the visitors center, we found out there were a number of hikes we could take. Also, the sign about what to do if you encounter a cougar, was a little unsettling. Anyway, one hike was about a half a mile each way, but not much to see. One was 1.5 miles each way and you got to see the drippings springs and some ruins of an old resort that was up there. Another hike was much longer and steeper, but it led to an amazing waterfall. We opted for the one in the middle. We thought that the kids could probably handle 3 miles. Also, all the rain we had been receiving lately was sure to make the dripping springs do a little more than just drip.

Here are David and Josh by a cactus.

Pictures of the mountains along the way.

Of course with the kids, we had to take a lot of breaks.

Emma got a ride most of the way.

We finally made it! You could hear the water before you could see it, and that was a good motivation.



All in all, it was a great day. The kids only complained a little about the hike and how they were tired, but they all said they had fun. Here are all of the pictures from our outing.