Ahh the Piny Woods of Texas, Jasper Texas that is. Martin Dies Park, Thanksgiving 2011. This was the first park where I could actually smell the pine trees and see birds and raccoon's running around in the evening.The animals were not afraid of the campers- just observing us as we were them. The highlight of our trip was to watch the front blow in, it's not often that we are able to just sit and watch without any obstructions. Once it hit the winds didn't stop for 24 hours, made cooking a bit tough but we did did it and about 5 packages of tarp to block the wind gusts in the shelter which were clocked at 68 
miles an hour several times. Another one of the lessons we learned was always call the day of arrival to see what may have changed. 2 days prior, burn ban in full effect... day of Arrival- burn ban lifted... we had to purchase wood when we had a hundred pieces at home, oh well. Truly a wonderful place to relax and we look forward to returning soon. Another first for me was to see red mushrooms, yep red mushrooms...
miles an hour several times. Another one of the lessons we learned was always call the day of arrival to see what may have changed. 2 days prior, burn ban in full effect... day of Arrival- burn ban lifted... we had to purchase wood when we had a hundred pieces at home, oh well. Truly a wonderful place to relax and we look forward to returning soon. Another first for me was to see red mushrooms, yep red mushrooms... 
hidden under the fallen needles were these little mushrooms. We did a 3 mile hike through the park, Hubby canoed for several hours. Tons pictures and memories we hope to remember for many years to come. For our 1st non-traditional Thanksgiving away from Family and Turkey, we are a little embarrassed to say that we may have started a new tradition for us.
