Hiking Canyon Lake Dam

DAYBREAK - NORTH OF SAN ANTONE.............

Hello friends,

This week's first adventure was going to be a visit to one of the state parks bordering Canyon Lake, Texas.  Except that all the state parks in this area close after Labor Day.  Such a sad event.  I know they do this because folks down here consider this the beginning of 'winter'.  I, being from Maine, find no truth in that.  It's not like a blizzard is on the way making the paths inaccessible or that one wouldn't want to be caught dead in a flannel shirt.  In my humble opinion, these parks should remain open year-round but alas they are not.  So, with just a slight change in plans, Streaker and I skipped the state parks and decided to walk up the Guadalupe River and visit the very source of this man-made lake in Central Texas:  The Canyon Lake Dam.  We're glad we did.  Along the way, we captured several nice photos, met a few nice folks and even walked with a family of deer.  Had to break out the old leash for that last part since Streaker thinks deer are just large squirrels which should be chased up trees.  Commendably, she behaved like the good-natured lady she is.

Canyon Lake Texas is a true hidden jewel of the hill country with inspiring scenic views.  Most of the hill country's natives; deer, foxes, roadrunners, possums, hawks, waterfowl etc, will eventually visit the lake.  Most of these critters have adapted to the onslaught of man, building their dream houses along the shores and blocking the views, so a balance of life has developed along the shores of the lake and throughout the hill country.  The Texas hill country is famous for its hilly terrain, live large oaks (centuries old), limstone rocks, clean fresh air and the aforementioned wildlife.  If you have a $million or two laying around, you could get yourself a very lovely parcel to build on.  If not, you can grab your free spirit, a canine companion and a camera and come for a visit.  That is what I have done.

Canyon Lake has so much to offer:  boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, hiking, tubing on the Guadalupe, kayaking, lake-side dining and even scuba diving.  I passed to scuba schools along my way.  The lake is located just forty miles north of San Antonio.  Just take I-35 and then follow Texas Highway 306 until you drive into the lake.  Well, please stop before you sink your vehicle but if you're towing a boat you will find twenty-three public boat ramps.  And if you don't have a boat, just slap on a good pair of hiking boots because there's eighty miles of shoreline to hike and one very impressive dam to visit.  Ready?  Come on then.  As we walk, let's watch Streaker run on ahead and I'll recite for you one of my all-time favorite poems.  Enjoy the view!   Glad you're here!

A LITTLE DOG-ANGEL by Norah M. Holland

High up in the courts of Heaven today

A little dog-angel waits,

With the other angels he will not play,

But sits alone at the gates;

“For I know that my master will come,” says he

“And when he comes, he will call for me.”

He sees the spirits that pass him by

As they hasten towards the Throne,

And he watches them with a wistful eye

As he sits at the gates alone;

“But I know if I just wait patiently

That someday my master will come” says he.

And his master far on the earth below,

As he sits in his easy chair,

Forgets sometimes, and he’ll whistle low

For the dog that’s no longer there;

And the little dog-angel cocks his ears,

And dreams it’s his master’s call he hears.

And I know, when at length his master waits

Outside in the dark and cold

For the hand of Death to open the gates

That leads to those courts of gold,

The little dog-angel’s eager bark

Will comfort his soul in the shivering dark.