….deep in the heart of Texas!

This year I didn’t even contemplate a Halloween costume (something I usually choose to ignore until the last minute then stress about unnecessarily). I had a plan weeks in advance - to escape the city ghouls and goblins and spend the night two hours away from Austin with nature’s own demons and devils at Enchanted Rock. (They, thankfully, didn’t show their faces, but I could hear the fitting sound of coyotes howling in the distance all night long).

The day was spent slowly exploring the gigantic batholith and the varied terrains that encompass it. Climbing boulders and rambling through smaller trails. We had planned to leave the summit trail for the morning, but missing the loop back to the campsite put us right on the path to the summit. Another 20 minutes and a deceptively steep uphill walk, and we were at the top of the rock. It was a gorgeous clear day, blue sky for miles, perfect for admiring vast central Texas. We made our way back down and around the rock to our campsite and realized we’d circumnavigated the dome.

Tired, hungry and happy, it was time for a beer, a s’more and some stargazing. I can see why they call this place “Enchanted.” If it wasn’t so cliche, that’s how I’d describe myself as I wandered and took in all the scenery. Let’s say I was captivated, and looking forward to going back.