Fall may have officially arrived, but for those of us in Texas, the cooling temperatures are often a distant promise. In fact, as September wanes, the Lone Star State still finds itself basking in the sweltering heat of 90-degree days. Yet, this didn’t deter my friends and me from embarking on an unforgettable camping trip.
The last weekend of September marked our journey to the Sulphur Springs campground, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where the Colorado River flows serenely through the property. While some of my friends had a relatively short drive from Austin, my journey was a bit longer… 4hrs. With the rising gas prices, I maintained a steady 65-70 mph, managing a meager 16 miles per gallon. But finally, after that long drive, I was one of the first to arrive, and promptly set up camp to savor the approaching sunset.
As fate would have it, my Land Cruiser’s refrigerator wasn’t functioning properly, failing to reach the desired temperature. I decided to cook my meats first to prevent from spoiling. On the menu for the evening: patty melts. I relish the art of cooking, and had prepared a loaf of bread the day before. The meat, sourced from Butcher Box, and the vegetables and cheese, generously contributed by Tony, ensured a delectable meal. Just as I was finishing up, the rest of our group arrived – perfect timing, indeed.
As night fell, the temperature dipped ever so slightly. I no longer felt the oppressive heat, but my allergies began to act up. Surrounded by the wilderness of the Hill Country, I was transported back to my childhood days living in Austin when allergies were a common struggle. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to pack my allergy pills, so I had to tough it out.
The following morning, I awoke at 8 am, granting us a brief window before the scorching sun and UV rays would descend upon us. Breakfast consisted of Tony’s omurice, and when I asked him where he’d found the recipe, he casually replied, “Just watching a bunch of TikTok videos.” It’s fascinating how TikTok’s brief, 6-second video clips have become a source of culinary inspiration and life hacks, underscoring our ever-shrinking attention spans.
Between breakfast and lunch, we engaged in heartfelt conversations. Some of us ventured out to fish, while others, including myself, sought refuge by the river. The river’s refreshing cold temperature was a surprise amidst the scorching 100°F heat. It provided much-needed respite before we headed back to camp for lunch, where I savored a mouthwatering quesadilla crafted by Ryan.
After some camp banter, the relentless Texas heat began to bear down on us. Seeking relief, we returned to the river, this time with an awning in tow. There, we enjoyed a siesta until dinner time, with occasional off-roaders and hopeful fishermen setting up their gear in the distance.
Dinner brought us succulent steaks, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables, reminiscent of hibachi-style dining. However, the highlight of the trip was the peach cobbler pie Philip masterfully prepared in a Dutch oven over a bed of coals. It was a tantalizing delight, perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, kept cold in Michael’s trusty refrigerator.
Later that evening, we gathered around the campfire, indulging in card games and meaningful conversations. It was a time to bond with friends without the distractions of cell phones or the pull of social media.
As my allergies worsened the next day, it became clear that it was time to bid our idyllic campsite farewell. But not before indulging in a hearty breakfast of Filipino lovingly prepared by Philip and Kris – rice, tocino, red hot dogs, eggs, milkfish, and tomatoes. It was a culinary journey that transported me back to the Philippines.
I am grateful for my friends and the opportunity to share these unforgettable camping experiences.
As we wrap up, don’t forget to mark your calendars for December 3rd – AE86 Matsuri Weekend at the Houston Police Academy. We hope to see some of you there, sharing in the joy of automotive culture and camaraderie! https://texasae86matsuri.wordpress.com/
Natsukashi Garage 