10/2/2020 South Llano River State Park

This park is out on the southwestern edge of the Hill Country and is an International Dark Sky Park! 

We were really looking forward to some gorgeous stargazing even with the Moon just past full. In fact, the Moon with Mars in close proximity were due to make a big, bright showing as they were almost directly opposite the sun.

We arrived Friday evening just in time for a quick dinner and then immediately settled into straining our necks and making inane and inadequate comments on the emerging celestial landscape.

Up and out early to check in at the park headquarters and the hike to an overlook.

Next it was off to the river.

Lots of fantastic flora:

and fauna:

and geology:

Back in camp and thrilled it would cool off enough to have a campfire!

Also more stargazing.

Campfire flavored night sky:

The Moon + Mars at moonrise

and then a little later:

Next day we started out to hike the Fawn trail, but we're side tracked by the bird blind. It was like something out of a Disney movie - Snow White must have been out getting coffee but Thumper and all the little birdies were there. 

One last stop at the river and then it was time to head home.