The Sporadic Pandemic Vacation: Bonham State Park

So, our weekend trip this week was to Bonham State Park. The weather was gorgeous, and even though it’s a smaller park, it was perfect to enjoy a picnic by the lake and walk around a bit. In comparison, Bonham State Park was deserted. So, we had plenty of room to roam around without bumping into anyone. They had the camping closed, so it was just a few day trippers like us.

We had a nice lunch under their covered pavilion, enjoying the strong breeze that gusted off the lake and kept the warm air of the sun under control. Afterward, my wife and son took their shoes off and dipped their feet in the water. Not the same as swimming, but water nonetheless.

Then, we decided to hike part of the Gnarled Root Trail, because let’s be honest, it just sounds awesome! And it was, except not really stroller-friendly. It was aptly named for the abundance of cypress roots poking up and crisscrossing the trail. It also dipped down into a ravine and back up again, so we had to navigate the roots and hills. Troy was happily bouncing around in the stroller as I lifted up on the front wheel, then tilted him almost completely backwards, and then twisted around roots and trees. He thought it was some amusement park ride, and he loved it.

It reminded me of going mudding with my mom and stepfather when I was younger. My stepfather had a jacked up red Ford Bronco named “The Tonka Toy,” and my brother and I would be bouncing around in the back of it as he drove up and over hills and ravines and through door-high mud. I was laughing just like Troy was today. Some of the best memories of my life.

Afterward, we decided that the trails might not be the best option, so we headed down the main road back to where the campsites were. They had the road closed to cars, so we were able to let Troy out to run amok. He enjoyed stretching his legs, picking up rocks and acorns, and racing me across a meadow.

It was a great day to get out and hang out with the family. We were feeling more low-key this weekend, so the park was perfect for our mood.