Spring Break 2024

Boogs was busy working, so I had free time for Spring Break. This is the first year we have not done something together with friends for the break. I called my friend CK, who I have known since kindergarten, and we made plans to hang out for a few days. I booked a room in Lumberton, TX at the Book Nook Inn. What a cute place! The owners were so nice and helpful. The included breakfasts were delicious. I loved wandering around their property. Besides just being a bed and breakfast, they hold weddings and other events there.

The different rooms had different themes. My room was at the top of these stairs. It was their Steampunk room. I loved discovering all of the steampunk details they put into the room. 

Even the microwave and mini fridge had steampunk details.

I met up with CK and her husband and we went for a walk at Cattail Marsh in Beaumont. It was a beautiful day. There are 8 miles of trails and tons of wildlife. We walked about three miles, dodging alligators along the way.

There were times we walked down one edge or another of the trail embankment to put a bit more distance between us and the alligators lounging in the sun. Do you see the alligator in the picture below laying on the embankment, really close to the trail? I was a little nervous.

I loved the reflection of the clouds in the water. I took way too many cloud pictures.

It was so peaceful listening to the sounds of the birds while on the walkway.

Two alligators right next to each other. 

This was the biggest alligator we saw on our walk. We made sure to give him LOTS of space.

It was a great walk and so nice to spend time together and catch up. The next day, CK and I went to Village Creek State Park for picnicking, kayaking, and hiking. The park is right on the edge of Big Thicket National Preserve.

I made sure to ask about alligators before I agreed to kayak. The park ranger who rented the kayaks to us, assured me that there were not alligators because the water was moving and alligators liked still water. We were the only ones out on the water. It was so beautiful. We rented the kayaks for two hours but I could have definitely stayed for longer.

It was so calm and peaceful out on the water. Of course I had to take a picture of a tree and send it to my mom.

The clouds were really pretty.

We had a picnic and chat before heading out for a walk.

No alligators on the trail but CK almost stepped on this copperhead snake. It was certainly well camouflaged. 

We watched it slither off the trail into the leaves and grass.

We had a great visit. It was different without herding our kids along with us. Boogs and CK's oldest are both high school seniors. We talked about the way our lives are changing. I guess it is time to get used to not have Boogs as my travel companion.