After a short visit with the Adlers in Emory, TX, we headed to a campground on Whitney Lake, just north of Waco. The campground is an ACE (Army Corp of Engineers) facility, so we had electric hookups, water, toilets, and showers. ACE campgrounds are typically less expensive – especially with the 50% discount with the Lifetime Senior Pass.
Our campsite had a great lake view. We had campsite number 43 of 75, one of the more shaded of the sites. Each site includes a shelter with a picnic table. While we were not directly on the lake, we had a fine, cool breeze blowing in. The campground was very quiet when we arrived, but started to fill up as Thanksgiving weekend approached.
The first few days were warm and sunny and we had a nice time just hanging out and getting to know our neighbor, Sally. She is retired and camps full-time in her Chrysler van, going “home” to visit her daughter in Dallas every six weeks or so – just often enough to get prescriptions filled and keep her van running. She was quite a character and we really enjoyed her.
We also made the hour drive into Waco to pick up some supplies and make an Amazon return at Kohls. On our way, we visited the Magnolia Market at the Silos late one afternoon. Things were all decorated for the holidays. We walked through the extensive grounds, but didn’t go into the large shop. We were both surprised at how vast the place is. I was expecting a “shop”, but it’s a large complex with manicured grounds, a huge shopping building, and a smattering of smaller shops and food trucks on the grounds. It’s a very family-oriented place with many activities for kids. We were there just before closing time, so we didn’t really get an opportunity to try out any of the food or do a lot of shopping. And even though we didn’t run into Chip and Joanna, we did really enjoy seeing it.
As Thanksgiving approached we were invited to join the Adlers in Emory for Thanksgiving. We locked up the camper and headed back to Emory for Wednesday through Friday of Thanksgiving weekend. We had a lovely time hanging out with Bob, Sharon, Peggy, and Lisa…and of course the dogs, too. We had a wonderful meal together and really enjoyed being with friends (who are like family) for the Thanksgiving Holiday!
Upon returning to the campground, the temperature dropped – and so did the number of campers in attendance! By the end of the next week we were one of six campers still there. But, the lack of people in the park made a difference in the wildlife. We saw many deer (including a HUGE buck), a bobcat, and several feral house cats. In addition, there were many birds around – from wrens to cranes, with lots of gulls and vultures to keep things interesting.
Since the days turned cold, we did spend more time sightseeing. We selected two museums in Waco – the Mammoth Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. It was very interesting learning about how the Texas Rangers helped to develop and shape Texas into the state it is today. And, it was downright exciting getting to visit a mammoth dig that has been in process for twenty years. Both adventures were well worth the time.
Even with the colder weather, we enjoyed the camping experience. Yes, it rained a couple of times. But, we stayed dry and warm in our camper with our little electric heater. We made coffee each morning and ate breakfast and a mid day meal at camp most days.
The sunsets were beautiful and on the clear nights the stars were amazing.