Woodlands Explorers

BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!!

WARNING: Sometimes we laugh more then we play.

Come joins us!!! We have a lot of fun playing games such as Euchre, Shanghai Rummy, Canasta, Rummikub, Domino, 5 Crown, Uno, Rack-O, Mexican Train Domino, Farkle, Buck. Or bring a game that you like

Come have dinner and meet people. Everyone is welcome. See you there.

Eat and greet - 5 PM
Game time: 5:30 PM

RULES:

• Have fun and play nice.
• Set game rules prior to playing.
• Pick up after yourself prior to joining any game,
• DO NOT call others derogatory names, otherwise you will not be allowed back into the group.
• Keep the fun at a level 10 or higher.

We will be located in the meeting room on the far-left side of the restaurant. See you there.

Morning walk around mainly shaded nature trails for about 9.5 miles total.

I plan on a moderate pace between 2.5 to 3 mph, which translates to 24 to 20 minute miles. No harm, no foul if you proceed at your own pace.

Mild weather expected but it will get hotter by the end, so bring plenty of water and certainly a snack if you haven't broken your fast. Wear layers, too!

Insect repellent and sunscreen wise. Make sure you are comfortable outdoors in this winter weather.

Let me know of any accommodations you need beforehand if you can. We’re in the middle of a suburb, so real-time adjustments pretty easy too!

Caveats:
I am by no means a professional guide, so please be responsible for your own safety, be prepared to navigate on your own, and be physically able to enjoy the hiking.

All levels of experience welcome, but be sure to inform us beforehand of any accommodations or particular interests and we'll go from there. I have no ego involved in the route or pace, so just keep me informed if you are faster or slower than the main body of the group or have other suggestions.

Weather:
Average weather is pretty moderate in March, but be prepared! Temps usually range from mid 50s at night to mid-70s daytime. Overcast or mostly cloudy about 40% of the time. Thunderstorms and lightening possible, so watch the weather forecasts! I will cancel or postpone event in case of lightning.
Semper preperavit!

Recommendations:
I always recommend plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen & insect repellent as a start.
Check out hiking guidelines online for other suggestions if you are new to hiking or need a refresher. I would download the map and/or have a paper back up if you are cautious, too!

Courtesies:
Edit your RSVP! I would rather have more people show up than have delays waiting for those who don't. Please don't sign up if you are tentative; just show up! If you do need to cancel, please edit your RSVP asap!

Communicate!
Things happen! If you experience delays, comment or dm and keep us informed. This holds for during events, too. We will adjust or accommodate whenever possible.

Also, be sure to change your RSVP if you’re going to miss the event. Your courtesy is appreciated!

Let’s hike the Arboretum and nearby parks and visit the Botanical Garden afterwards as a little lagniappe! The arboretum side is a paved loop amongst the trees that connects to a wooded natural trails park for a good figure eight loop. This is the primary hike at around 6 miles but feel free to do any combo you prefer!

The Botanical Garden can be reached by a walkable underpass or driven to for some nice botanicals and a good turtle pond. You can enjoy it many ways like for all the plants or as another nice walk of almost any length - not hard to do another couple of miles if you're going the distance!

FYI, there a several places to park in the Arboretum if the meeting point is full. Facilities available on both sides. If you are running late, you could drive to the end of the park and wait for the group at the exit to the bike path.

Caveats:
I am by no means a professional guide, so please be responsible for your own safety, be prepared to navigate on your own, and be physically able to enjoy the hiking.

All levels of experience welcome, but be sure to inform us beforehand of any accommodations or particular interests and we'll go from there. I have no ego involved in the route or pace, so just keep me informed if you are faster or slower than the main body of the group or have other suggestions.

Weather:
Average weather is pretty moderate in March, but be prepared! Temps usually range from low 50s at night to high-70s daytime. Overcast or mostly cloudy about 40% of the time. Thunderstorms and lightening possible, so watch the weather forecasts! In case of lightening, we will cancel this and move the hike to a later date.

Semper preperavit!

Recommendations:
I always recommend plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen & insect repellent as a start.
Check out hiking guidelines online for other suggestions if you are new to hiking or need a refresher. I would download the map and/or have a paper back up if you are cautious, too!

Courtesies:
Edit your RSVP! I would rather have more people show up than have delays waiting for those who don't. Please don't sign up if you are tentative; just show up! If you do need to cancel, please edit your RSVP asap!
Communicate! Things happen! If you experience delays, comment or dm and keep us informed. This holds for during events, too. We will adjust or accommodate whenever possible.

Overview:

We'll be staying at the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, hiking there and at Misison Tejas State Park.

Nearby to Houston Explorers; it's a cute recreation area with a lake and hilly, woodsy trails and inside the Davy Crockett National Forest! Also near a small state historical park - Caddo Mounds State Historical Site, and the trails at Mission Tejas State Park.

Quick weekday jaunt before temperatures get unbearable!

About 1:46 minutes away from WDL!

Crockett is last town on one of the ways there, so stop there at the HEB near the Hwy 21 to Hwy 7 turn for last minute supplies. On Hwy 7, its the Family Dollar in Kennard for last minute supplies.

Site Details:
I have one site; there are good nearby sites too. (33), both are pad sites with two car driveways. Pad use is NOT required at Ratcliff, though! Ranger said okay to pitch on grounds! 2 cars per site. Okay to have a guest per tent.

Extra parking at day use area. It’s a smaller park; spillover at showers or day use if we have to. Each site has water and electrical pickup. Showers and facilities available nearby. This isn't my first overnight here but cuts to park budgets require flexibility - so we'll be exploring together!

Average temperatures range from mid-fifties at night to mid-seventies by afternoon so be prepared for spring ranges! Light and bright clothing, minimal bedding, & fans are the way to go if that sounds hot to you! Bring extension cords if you have them!

FYI: free primitive camping at Neches Bluff Campground if national parks are just too boojie for you! Also, Mission Tejas SP offers pad-only sites nearby as well.

Activities will be planned for each day and posted as open day events on MeetUp as daily outings. I'm thinking hikes, tours in mornings and lake events (swimming, kayaking) for afternoons if warm enough! If it's too brutal there are some museums/gardens within an hour drive or so.

Sites are reserved until checkout

Caveats:
Please move at your own pace and enjoy yourselves, but be able to guide or orient on your own. These aren’t complex hikes, but have a map, gps, or app!

Also, I am not a professional but merely an enthusiast who enjoys sharing my enjoyment. Be prepared, responsible, and respectful of others and we’ll get along swimmingly.

Please refrain from any celebrations beside flags. It's tempting to do some fireworks or the like, but just don't.

Courtesies:
Change your RSVP on Meetup as soon as you can if you change your mind. It has an impact if there's a waiting list!

Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM for the park; practically a bit later for the morning. Usually a bit after sunrise. Tent walls are thin! There's the showers, and trail heads nearby if you are an early bird or night owl.

Reimbursement requests: I am asking for $5.00 per night to help cover site.

Use comments to contact me if chat messaging is blocked unless you already have my number.