Medina, TX
November 13, 2017
Garner State Park had its beginnings back in the 1930s when President Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to help the unemployment crisis. The CCC Company 879 developed Garner between 1935 and 1941 using native limestone and bald cypress to construct buildings. The park opened in 1941 and was named for John Nance Garner, a lawyer from Concan, TX ( where the park is located ). He later became the 39th Speaker of the House and served as vice-president of the United States with President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1941.
Today this gem of a park hidden away in scenic Texas Hill Country covers 1,774 acres with 2.9 miles of the Frio River winding its way through.
Activities include RV camping and primitive camping, hiking birding, biking, fishing, canoeing, swimming and dancing. Yes, dancing...since the 1940s folks have been gathering there on summer evenings for a jukebox dance. Our visit was under cloudy skies with no rain in the forecast. We were hopeful the sun would show itself at any minute...that didn't happen. Pictures were a challenge !
We set out on the Frio Canyon Hike...traversing the prairie
...and finally high above the Frio River.
We enjoyed lunch in the primitive camping area. These very nice screened in porches with tables inside sure are nice at the tent sites. Lunch entertainment...
After lunch, we hiked the Blinn River Trail. We aren't sure how it got this name as it follows the Frio River...up close and personal !
Another beautiful park and great day is in the memory bank. 
Until next time...
HAPPY TRAILS !
What nice place to visit and explore.
ReplyDeleteA pretty hike indeed George & Susie!
DeleteAnother beautiful park we may not get to enjoy in person, so thanks for taking us along! Great pictures of the critters in the area.
ReplyDeleteI was a little disappointed I didn’t see more birds Jeff. But walking the river bank more than made up for it!
DeleteBeautiful place and so very different from the rocks of Moab. Love that gorgeous cat! It's nice to see you back on the trail with boots:)
ReplyDeleteYes, the boots were dusted off & checked for spiders Pam.
DeleteWhat a lovely day! Love all the critters you saw, and the river is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe Frio River was a nice surprise Lisa!
DeleteThis is definitely a prettier part of Texas than we experienced! Love all the different terrain, and that river trail is gorgeous with all the rushing water. Nice to be in uncrowded space, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt’s definitely not crowded Jodee.
DeleteWhat a nice stop along the way. We love that area of the country.
ReplyDelete