We went to Garner State Park for the day. We went on a Sunday in hopes to avoid the crowds. Many people do leave on Sunday afternoon because the checkout time is 2pm for campers.

It was a gorgeous day – not too hot; but, still a little too cool to go swimming. At least, it was too cool for us. There were still people swimming and tubing the river though. I think if it hadn’t been for the cool breeze, I might have braved the river water to go swimming. Next time for sure.

We arrived early in the day and searched for a good picnic spot along the river. We didn’t want to be in old Garner as it’s usually crowded. So, we went looking in the New Garner area.


This is the place we picnicked – isn’t it pretty? We parked ourselves here and watched the people (and a dog) for a couple of hours and had our lunches. It was so peaceful and quiet. After we finished with our picnic, we decided to head to Old Garner to explore.

{photo by Dan}

The Dam. Usually, it’s a trickle. But, with all the rains the hill country recently, it is flowing. According to Garner’s facebook page, it hasn’t been like this for several years. I’m not surprised because of the droughts we’ve had in the area.


{photo by Lee Ann}

I noticed this tree further up along the river (from the Dam). It was fascinating because one can see the long root exposed. By the way, I’m disappointed with the “progress” going on. The land across from Garner was bought out several years ago and turned into an RV/campground site. They totally leveled the land and practically destroyed the bank of the river. I wish Garner had bought the land – I think the park may have treated the land (and river) with a little more respect. At least, my heart wants to believe that. I wonder if I'm the only one who feels this way...

{photo by Lee Ann}

Yes, there are Geese in Garner. Usually, they are on the other side of the bank way above the dam. (We had walked quite a ways). Humans on both sides of the river are crowding them out though. It used to be they were practically free on the other side; but, with the recent influx of the visitors due to new campers on the other side of the river, I think they have to find new spots to roost and/or live. Sad.


{photos by Dan}

The Pavilion. In the beginning there was Garner State Park and then there was the dance. This has been around since the early 1940s and is practically famous just for the nightly dances. I never was really interested. But, tons of youth and adults alike went just to dance and to meet new people. It’s ritual thing that’s been going on for eons.

The Pavilion has recently been shored up because it was being cut out from underneath by the river especially during floods. They had to try to save it – it’s practically an icon of Garner.

I believe that the Friends of Garner ultimately ended up saving The Pavilion because the park did not have enough funds. Whoever was responsible for the repairs managed to succeed. The Pavilion is awesome now. The steps leading to below have been somewhat restored and are open once again. It’s absolutely gorgeous in spite of the alterations they had to do to the river itself in order to repair the Pavilion. Hopefully, this historic icon will survive in the years to come.

{photo by Lee Ann}

Scenic Overlook. It used to be you could see the river snake down below. But, the trees have grown up astronomically. So, you can barely see the river itself…


{photos by Lee Ann}

Washed out bridge area. The first one is above is upstream view. The last one is downstream (toward the dam).

{photo by Dan}

I wish I could snap pictures of fast moving critters like these. I love this picture. We went to the old Ranger station located in Old Garner. That is where the feeders are located, along with some barn swallows nesting underneath the roof of the porch.

After this, we decided to focus on the wildflowers blooming in Garner. The following are near where the old Ranger station is located.


{photo by Dan}
{photo by Lee Ann}


{photo by Dan}
{photo by Dan}

And, then we went back to New Garner, which is where the following are located…
{photo by Dan}
{photo by Dan}

That is me way back in the field, hunting butterflies to shoot…



I’m surprised at how well a few came out because these buggers were really moving their wings fast! By the way, I believe that these are known as Pipevine Swallowtails.