Awe is the finest portion of humankind… In awe one feels profoundly the immense.

~ Goethe

We sat under a dark sky sprinkled with stars, catching up on each other's lives. The warm breath of the bonfire chased away the chill and the song of the creek drifted to us from the darkness.

After a few short hours, Tom rose and faded into the night, returning with a bucket of water which he poured onto the fire. It sizzled and popped and sent golden sparkles up into the sky to compete with the stars.

"Time to go to bed! We've got to get up early!" he barked.

"Yessir, Bossman!" we grumbled, grabbing chairs and bottles and trudging up the trail to the house. 

But when my alarm shocked me awake the next morning, I was grateful Bossman had ordered us to bed. Otherwise we would have stayed up half the night, mesmerized by the fire and the stars and the joy of seeing each other again.

Which means we would have gotten a late start this past Saturday and never experienced the view from the top of Enchanted Rock, a granite dome that is the center of many Native American legends, because, shortly after we made it through the gate into the state park, it closed due to the capacity limit.


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On a beautiful spring day in the Texas Hill Country, everyone wants to go to Enchanted Rock…

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…even though there's not much to do but climb, sit, and stare…

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…wonder at the life growing even on top of a huge granite rock…

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…and maybe sneak a kiss.

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But somehow, that's enough.

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On the way back down the Rock, however, the formations bring out the kid in you. You find yourself wanting to climb again.

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The trick is getting back down…

At any rate, thank you, Bossman!

(Before reaching Enchanted Rock State Park, we introduced our friends Robert and Shari to the waves of bluebonnets on the Willow City Loop, and afterwards, enjoyed lunch in Fredericksburg at the Altdorf Biergarten Restaurant. Best Reuben sandwich I've had in a long time! I'll share those photos, as well as a few more from Enchanted Rock, on Confessions tomorrow.)

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12 responses to “Enchanted Awesome-ness”

  1. Debbie. B. Avatar
    Debbie. B.

    I’ve been by this a few time, but have never ventured to the top. Thanks for showing me the view!

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  2. Julia Avatar

    Looks amazing! You’re such a grounding woman that teaches others to find pleasure in the simple but wonderful things life has to offer. Thank you!!

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  3. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It is an amazing place, Julia. If you come to Texas, you need to make a trip out there! I would love to think I'm a good influence on others in some way. Thank you!
     

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Oh, Debbie, if you get the chance again, you need to climb! 

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  5. lisleman Avatar

    Seeing those backpackers has me wondering if it is part of a larger trail. Very nice views up there.

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  6. Bella Casa Avatar

    Not so sure I could climb up what appears to be such steep rocks …going down (for me) would be easier as long as I could stay upright. Falling would really be my second concern after climbing. Heck, I’d certainly give my best shot though.

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It's actually a lot easier than it looks! 
     

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    They were Boy Scouts – we're not sure why they climbed with full packs. They have to return the way they came. There's primitive camping behind the rock but the path skirts it. 

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  9. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    Looks like Ayres Rock. That’s where I want to go next time!

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    That's the one in Australia, right? I remember it from one of the kids' movies years ago. Oh, I'd love to see it, too! Along with the rest of Australia!!

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  11. Kathy Avatar

    Your part of Texas has the Enchanted Rock State Park and my piece of New York has the Adirondack State Park. (And I’ll bet that there are similar state parks for the rest of the country.!) Nice to know we’ve all got a bit of heaven on earth. Love the photos you took.

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I am so grateful for those who had the foresight to preserve the land for all of us, whether in state parks or national parks!

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