I had seen Caddo Lake on an episode of Texas Country Reporter years ago. It's the only natural lake in Texas, and it's unlike any other Texas lake I'd ever seen. There was something about it that intrigued me, and for years I just couldn't forget about it. So, finally we decided to make it happen.
We booked a cute little cabin just off the lake and I was thrilled to get going. I had slight reservations when I learned that because of the thick mud and the alligators, you can't swim in the lake. But still, we went...
The drive there (we drove from Howe) was relaxing and gorgeous. We spent most of the drive surrounded by the tall pines of East Texas. It was a great way to start out a vacation. We arrived in Uncertain (that's the name of the town where we stayed) to find that our cabin was comfy and cozy and just what we had hoped.
It had a little kitchenette, sleeping space for the four of us, books and movies, and the most amazing screened in porch complete with porch swing looking out into the woods. We went "into town" (it's been a long while since I've legitimately been able to use that phrase) to buy groceries for the next couple of days, then came back and settled into a much needed, very peaceful few days in the outdoors.
It was fabulous.
We checked out the State park, went on walks, and spent lots of time playing dominoes, reading, and talking on the porch. Our favorite activity, though, by far was canoeing. We'd only been once or twice before, but fell in love with it and have always wanted to do it again. The owners of the cabin gave us the use of one of their canoes, so the four of us piled in and paddled through the lake. I thought the lake was beautiful before, but you can't possibly even comprehend it's beauty and mystery until you're out on it. I think most of those pictures are on Aaron's computer, but I'll have to post them soon. The cypress trees and spanish moss, the giant lily pads, the vast array of beautiful birds and wildlife... even the deafening silence that comes with being far from it all. There were times when we would stop paddling to sit in awe of it all. It would literally take your breath away. It was a beauty that, even in this moment, I feel can't be captured by words or even photographs. I feel silly even trying to write about it. I'll just say, everyone should go there at least once in their life.
All that to say. Part one of our vacation was wonderful, relaxing, memorable, and everything I hoped it would be, and I'm dying to go back again!
Playing dominoes with Abby. She had so much fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment