Mineral Wells, TX (USA)

I had a three day weekend - but the kids' schedule only allowed for fun today. I'll take what I can get - but, unfortunately, only Mollie was done with all her homework. The weather was cloudy but pleasant (probably around 20 degrees C), so I got out the old bike carrier (probably haven't used it since we went to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens - see MAY 2006) and loaded up my bike and Mollie's. Packed a few other items before heading out for an adventure (1030). I've had a few State Parks west of town on my list to visit, so started up US-287 towards Decatur. Mollie and I talked about how rare it is to be able to spend "Daddy-Daughter" time with just her. I pointed out that we just had a ball on the day after Thanksgiving (see NOV 2010) but I know she is right... That's what it means to be a Singleton, I guess. Our first stop (after turning on to US-380 west) was in Bridgeport for lunch (McDonalds). We continued to chat while we drove - enjoying the changing scenery (prairie to rolling hills to short-tree forests). We saw lots of cattle, horses and sharp-eyed hawks. As we drove into Jacksboro we learned it was the birthplace of the 4-H Club (will have to check out the little museum some-day). Our main purpose for visiting, though, was to see Fort Richardson State Historic Park (got to use our state park pass - around 1145). It reminded me (a lot) of Fort Davis NHP (see JUL 2009). Mollie and I wandered around on the historic parade grounds as the sun came into view. What a nice day! We met a ranger who told us about the frontier forts (Reconstruction Era) on the edge of civilization. I guess the Brazos River was an unofficial border of "Indian Country"... Mollie learned a lot about birds and we toured a recreation of a soldiers hospital. We didn't stay long, since I had two more stops in mind. Our drive next took us to Graham, where we switched to TX-67. During our trip we criss-crossed the Brazos River several times. Mollie commented that we had hardly seen ANY cars all day (it sure was remote...). We did see lots of dead animals along the road - wild and domesticated (including a cow). Near Ivan, we saw a sign for Possum Kingdom State Park - a place I've heard about from guys at work. We drove along "ranch roads" (1148 and 1287) until we arrived at Possum Kingdom Lake - a man made reservoir on the Brazos (1400L). It is an amazing holiday getaway - fancy cabins, boat launches, fishermen everywhere. It looked like it would be a nice respite from the Texas summer sun... Another amazing thing to see was the many "mesas" that surround the lake. We got out and walked on some docks and explored little neighborhoods on fingers of the man-made lake. But then we came to a dead end - and we had to turn back to get around the lake. Fortunately, we saw a rancher lady (with her Australian Sheepdog) who told us how we could find a way around. Soon afterwards (near a big red barn), I spotted what looked like a wild javalina (boar). Mollie made me turn around - and it was worth it! We saw a pack of wild pigs (later learned they were "ferral hogs") - probably 10 fully grown with 10 babies following each one! Moving on, we turned onto a farm road (3253) that took us to Park Road 33 - and into the State Park (1500L). Boats were not available for rent (too windy) but we had a nice conversation with the proprietors of the park store - very friendly. We learned a lot about life in this extremely rural place (only 75 miles from DFW!). Walked for a bit before getting on the road for our last stop: Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway. It was easy to find - we took US-180 east. Once we reached down-town Mineral Wells, we turned onto US-281 (south) and then parked at the trailhead (1630L). After lending a family our air-pump, Mollie and I began riding the paved bike trail (beginning at mile marker #20). During the first mile, we had to stop at every cross street - it made the ride very a little more difficult. But, finally, we reached the edge of town, and the pavement ended. The railroad bed continued onto State Park land. It then got a little harder to ride, but we made it to Farm Road 1195 (mile marker #17) before we turned around. On the way back to the car, we saw some goats, chickens and pot-bellied pigs in a family's back-yard. Finished our ride around 1815L. We had dinner at KFC: both of us were in good spirits. Drive home wasn't too bad - US-180 to I-20 and then home on I-820. Tired, but already thinking about a trip back to the bikepath!