As the Brazos comes around this corner, it meets this rocky, limestone/sandstone/siltstone strata, and develops a series of rapids and falls and pools.



It is a rocky, blasted landscape that gives ripples and good fun at low water, and rip roaring times at high water levels. Last year they canceled the Spring Festival because the water was almost up to the camp, 25 feet above where this picture was taken. This is a 360° panorama from the middle of the falls.  Click the photo to see a larger version of it.  For a full resolution copy (75 megabytes) of this panoramic photo, contact Harmon Everett.



This year, a church group from Silsbee was already there when we got there. They had a good campfire going.



The morning fog on Saturday gave the strange rock formations an extra dimension of otherworldly-ness.





Terry showing how big it all is.



Even the little rapids and waterfalls manage to be mysterious.



We spent some time Saturday morning exploring. At normal water levels, most of this would be under water.



The rocks are riddled with pits and holes and arches, sometimes several feet deep. This is especially treacherous if you get dumped during high water and try to stand up. Your foot could slide several feet into one of these holes and get trapped.



The College Station Model A Club paid us a visit.





At one end of the camp there is the trail through the bamboo to the pool below the falls.





We played in the rapids for a while. Then we paddled downstream to Highway 105.



There is the wreck of an old car in the streambed.



We made it to the 105 bridge, and headed back, when we met another group from the falls. It included David Jacobs and Mark Andrus. David gave Jon Michael some rolling lessons.





Somehow in the festivities on the trip down to the 105 bridge, I managed to rip the toenail off my big toe. In my family, it is traditional that summer doesn’t start until the first visit to the emergency room, so I hereby declare that summer is officially started.



So, I was reduced to helping pack and take care of the camp from a sitting position.



On Sunday, Keith and Jon Michael played in the falls some more.





Jon Michael bringing the boat back up the long climb after the last run on Sunday.



Keith found a guest while he was packing up.





Can I interest you in some inexpensive camping insurance?

No, but we sure had a wonderful time at Hidalgo Falls.