Annual Guys Only Camping Trip

April is here and that means the Guys Only Camping Trip to the Medina River. The trip started years ago when Marty and I went up to Medina, Texas in the Hill Country to spend a weekend with Steven. We camped out and spent the days hiking up and down the Medina River, fishing and swimming in the crystal clear (but cold) water. As the years went on, we invited a few friends and started bringing kayaks. We are up to 7 guys that go now. Unfortunatly this year, Mike could not make it due to work so it was Darren, Arron, Bruce, Marty and I meeting Steven at the ranch this past weekend. We figured this was the 11th year for the original 3.

The weather was perfect with Saturday reaching into the 90's and both nights in the low 50's. The Medina/Bandera area had plenty of rain in the weeks prior so the river had some water in it, although I wouldn't say it was raging. We paddled around Friday, warming up for a long run on Saturday, played plenty of horseshoes and began hydrating! Saturday we put in at our favorite spot and headed down river. Of those attempting the waterfall that's halfway down, I was the only one having to do it twice! The cooler strapped to the back of my kayak threw off my balance on the first try! It took us a little more than 6 hours to reach the pick up point, just in time since we were out of drinks.

Another good meal on the campfire with Bruce's beans to go with it and more horse shoes. Sunday morning a cold front hit and got everyone up and out of their tents pretty early. It was still a cloudless sunny sky but windy and getting cool as we broke camp and headed home. 11 months until next years trip!

This years "Red Cross" award went to Arron for both legs and his palm.

-Henry




Henry on the river.

The original tres amigos-Henry, Steven & Marty