Troop 583 Campout at
Falcon State Park - at Falcon Lake on the Rio Grande

One of the reasons to camp at Falcon State Park this time was to see the lake full.
When we saw it back in May 2008 it was very low after a series of droughts.
We Arrived at the park shortly before it closed on Friday evening.

We camped at exactly the same spot as last time.
When we phoned him before arriving, the park superintendent warned us that some of the campsites were now under water. Ours was high and dry.

A norther was blowing through that night. The tents shook a lot, but none blew down.
The morning low was about 50 deg. F. When cooking the wind whipped away the heat
and even with sheltered camp stoves it was difficult to get a pot of water to a boil.
Throughout Saturday it warmed up. The north wind continued to slack off and by Saturday evening it was a gentle breeze.

The campsite was covered with clumps of exquisite yellow flowers
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Waves pounded ashore through the flooded trees.
At this very locaton in May 2008 we walked over 100 yards beyond where the waves are breaking in this picture to get to the waters edge to fish.

The first order of business after breakfast was going fishing.
We found a quiet fishing area near the boat launching ramp, in a wind shadow.

The boys casting was good, but the fish were not biting.

Some of the facilities are flooded due to the high water.
It is higher than it has been for some 20 years or perhaps more.
Just a few months ago the lake was dangerously low. Heavy rains and a few hurricanes brought it up.

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After a late lunch and a rest we went for a 5 mile walk.

The nature trail at Falcon State Park

An older tall yucca stands tall over the thorny scrub.

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Hiking through the scrub.

All the boys made the hike to the end.
This picture made halfway, while we still had sun.

Sunset behind the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico, across the lake.
Seen while we were on the last part of our 5 mile hike.

It was well after dark when we got back to camp. Supper was cooked by lantern light.
Each patrol had its own menu, even the adult patrol.

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Breaking camp - Sunday morning.
At 5:00 AM it was 45 deg. F. but there was no wind, so it was more comfortable.

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