New Year at Inks Lake Park

A small gem tucked amidst the smattering of parks located along the Colorado River, I stumbled upon Inks Lake State Park purely by happenstance. I put together a list of parks to visit as I headed south to the coast, however, when planning my stops, I’d forgotten a key detail – New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve + Pandemic = No available vacancies. I combed my resources for places to park overnight.

Nothing.

In a last ditch effort, I did a “nearby parks” search and Inks Lake popped up. I was pleased to see it was in a convenient location and available for 1 night. I needed 2 nights, so I crossed my fingers and hoped that the brewing ice storm would prompt cancellations. How often does one want bad weather?

Clouds blotted the sky, heavy with water, when I arrived at the park to check in.

According to the Ranger I was her first sale of the day (it was noon), she’d been doing refunds all day, and did I have options! I had purchased a TX state park pass and one of the benefits are sites are half off for the second night!

With two nights locked in (at a discount!), I headed to my pad feeling accomplished, (for all you non-RVers, the “pad” is the concrete spot you park the RV). I backed in (which is not in my skillset yet), and set up for two nights – at the same place! You know what this means? The slide is coming out. Party in the RV! (For all you non-RVers, this is not a playground attraction. It is the expandable section of my RV that gives me more room inside! I don’t do this every time, but you know, I had two nights…at the same place!!

Before the skies opened up, I explored the trails closest to my site. Well, I tried to. At one point I mysteriously found myself at the bottom of a stone incline that I’d just picked my way up less than five minutes before. No idea how that occurred, especially considering I could swear I’d followed the paths.

I enjoyed my evening and only got moderately drenched before tucking myself away in my snug RV for the night.

The next day, it rained…as in, the whole day it poured. I did not venture out. However, I am proud to say I changed out of my PJs . . . eventually.

Instead, I got to work.

Since internet and data weren’t an option, I snuggled in and so did Benjamin, perched on the window ledge nearby. I focused on prepping for school, and enjoyed the pitter-patter of the rain overhead.

New Year’s Day brought with it a blue sky and an opportunity to finish exploring the tiny park. I say the park is “tiny” because it is 1,200 acres, which is less than 2 square miles.

I still struggled with following the majority of their trails, only one had clear markings, so I stuck close to the shoreline as a guide. I’m leery of poorly marked trails after my little “adventure” with one in Maine that resulted in a hairline ankle fracture, vacationing in an orthopedic boot, and eventually surgery. Despite its small size, Inks Lake Park delivered on both beauty and variety. If you’re ever near Austin, TX, you should check it out!

With the storm (and two nights in the same place!!) behind me, I departed optimistic for the journey ahead , my sights set on warmer weather and water!.