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Weekend at Colorado Bend
Date: February 11 - 13, 2000 Weather: Low-60s daytime, upper 30s at night; overcast, breezy Activities: Camping, photography, birding, relaxation Submitted by: Shannon Moore Colorado Bend State Park has largely been left in its natural state, a gem bordered by ranch land and the mighty Colorado River. Each time we drive the 10-mile gravel road to the park, I am reminded of a wildlife ranch where critters graze several feet from your vehicle. In reality, herds of cattle roam the pastures cut by the park's gravel road, and polite signs remind you to "enjoy the scenery, but remain in your vehicle at all times." The signs posted en route to the park serve a dual purpose -- protecting not only the private landowner's property whom you are passing through, but also protecting foolish visitors from being gored by a territorial and over-protective bull. A reminder can't hurt, judging by the number of videos we have seen of people trying to pose with bears, moose and other wild animals; a cow may be cuter, but it is still a big and unpredictable creature! Arriving at the ranger station around noon on Friday, February 11, Justin and I had our pick of the available campsites; we chose site #20 since our reservations were for a drive-in campsite. If you would like to camp closer to the river, there are over a dozen walk-in sites available, as well. Unlike the more developed state parks, potable water is provided not at each campsite, but at two shared water spigots located across from the ranger station. Justin and I neglected to remember the park's water availability, so we took turns walking from our campsite to the nearest spigot to refill our 1-quart Nalgene water bottles for meals and cleaning. Colorado Bend also lacks typical restroom facilities, instead using less (environmentally) intrusive composting toilets and portable chemical toilets.
Some things we would have done differently on this trip:
 Experience more Texas travels
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