Mason, Texas

Alan has been going to Mason, Texas several times a every year for about eight or so years. More often than not, we (I, before kiddos) are able to go for some portion of the time, unless I was nine months pregnant, twice. The primary objective, for the January trip, is to help reduce the wild hog population but that is sometimes overshadowed by the other perks of the annual trip. The ranch is in the middle of nowhere-hill country, you'll be quite lucky to get a hint of cell service, the four-wheeling roads are endless...etc... In fact, if you are a loyal Stacer Days reader, you probably remember a couple of Mason posts... Aaron's trip to Mason last year, and a quick overnight trip Aaron and I took just before his first birthday. 

It is a peaceful and wonderful place for a spry, outdoorsy family like us. And now that the boys are old enough, they can really start enjoying hanging out with friends, messing around outside, and four-wheeling... lots and lots of four-wheeling.

Don't worry...my spot, much to my backside's dismay, is on that blue tarp, locking Adam in place.

Schep Creek... no fish this year.

There may not have been any fish, but there was no shortage of beautiful views to gaze off into...

The ranch has the real-deal historical status from Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Entry rock.

The view of camp from the main "road."

Alan and Aaron exploring the dam.

The view up the creek from the dam.

This is the "original" ranch house. Of course it has seen a few upgrades in its time, but I believe the general layout and structure is still the same. 

Same building from the back.

Our place for the weekend.

I believe Aaron had just discovered something "nasty" at the bottom of the well.

Back to the dam. I think he felt powerful because we actually allowed him to walk on the edge of the dam.

Some of the other camp buildings.

Aaron helping with the fire.

If he wasn't on a ride, then he was waiting for one.... if nothing else, it's a good place to sit and drink your milk-box.

View of the barn and stable area from the camp.

We were truly blessed with beautiful weather while we were there, but on the four-wheeler, it could get a little nippy, hence the accessories...

Dana, Walker, and Nell... our lovely "Camp Moms." They made some wonderful food and helped keep Adam and I company... or rather Adam charmed them all with his smooth ways, while I relaxed on the couch and watched. 

 Exhibit A...

My parents were able to come out this year for a couple of days... here's everyone down by the creek. Aaron, Alan and Grandpa throwing rocks.

Nothing quite like story time with Bam-pa (Grandpa in Adam-speak)... 

We love that place. It lets us and our boys experience nature in a slightly, but not too much rugged fashion.  There is never a shortage of stories and things to talk about into the wee hours. Out in the middle of nowhere at the end of a dead-end street, the silence is deafening and addicting. There are no phones or computers, or TV's or anything with electricity (camp is run on propane). There are more stars visible there than anywhere else I've seen, in Texas... apart from Big Bend. It is just a great place and we are grateful for good friends who keep inviting us back. If all goes well, we will be back for a visit in a couple of months.