For Wanderlust Wednesday, I’ll take a trip down memory lane back to my Texas roots. I came across a few photos I captured fifteen years ago and it’s hard to believe it’s been that long. This particular part of Texas has been a favorite of mine since I was young. We won’t discuss how many years ago I played with various family members in the waters of Lake Whitney.
As a child, I HATED getting into any lake or river that had a squishy mud bed. YUCK! As soon as I stepped into the water and disturbed the mud, it would rise to the surface and I knew I wouldn’t be able to see my feet or legs again until I walked back onto the shore. Still to this day I abhor the thought of sinking my feet into mushy muddy water. Walking unsteadily on rocks or sand making my way into a lake or river is much more enjoyable.
Since Lake Whitney was one of the few lakes that had sand and rocks, it was my favorite summer escape. Some of my fondest memories were of our times spent at that vast and gorgeous body of water. Our uncles would toss me and my cousins high into the air, so we could cause a big splash as we landed on the surface of the water. We floated around in inner tubes and opened our eyes under water searching for each other or whatever interesting thing we could find at the bottom of the lake.
Our skin would be water logged and we were coaxed out of the water with Hotdogs or Hamburgers, Cokes (sodas/pops for those of you in other states) Kool-Aid or Sweet Tea, and of course a perfectly sweetened dessert of some sort. Then, as passed down from generation to generation we had to wait thirty minutes before we were allowed to re-enter the water, to prevent cramps. So, we usually played ball or explored on land while we waited and repeatedly ask if it had been thirty minutes yet.
Sometimes, some family members would go to the cliffs and jump into the water. I was never a fan of even jumping off of a high diving board at the local pool. There’s no way anyone would or ever will catch me jumping into deep water with no knowledge of what could be below the surface. The only times I’ve been to the cliffs were to have fun watching my family jump from the cliffs or to take some photos.
Lake Whitney and it’s State Park will always have a special place in my heart and memory. Though I miss hanging out at the lake with my family, I have plenty of photos to look at while reminiscing about those carefree fun times at my favorite Texas lake. If you are ever in or around Hill County in Texas, be sure to stop by my first Wanderlust Worthy Wednesday location Lake Whitney, Texas.
