Krause Springs day trip

I wrote this post last month and am just now getting to moving the pictures from my phone to the computer.  Sorry for the delay, you have been waiting very patiently I am sure.

We get a lot of our inspiration for destinations from a show on PBS called The Daytripper.  The host Chet Garner travels around Texas in search of fun.
Shawn stayed home to work, so we invited Grandma to come with us.  Krause Springs is located in Spicewood, about an hour and 30 minutes or so from our house.  The weather looked a little rainy (weird for August), but we went anyway.  Krause Springs is private property that has been opened for swimming and camping.  This is not a state park so be prepared for a little more open container than you would see at a SP.  The property has 32 springs that bubble up and flow to create a swimming area.  There is also a pool that has concrete added to make the floor and walls.  We headed down to the main swimming hole area and set up our chairs and picnic on the large rocks.  The giant cypress and pecan trees are all around the springs and a good sized rope swing has been added.  Patrick was brave enough to tackle the rope swing, although he came up crying because he lost his goggles.  Mommy had a hard time watching as he grabbed the rope and swung off the rocks.  Water shoes and pool noodles make this a nice area to float.  The water is a chilly 68 degrees, but in the hot Texas summer it is a relief.  In the swimming hole in the back of the waterfall there is a cave.  It is not roped off so you are welcome to go in and explore.  We had no light or bravery so we decided not to go in.  There are bathrooms and changing areas in two different parts of the park.  The camping area is right next to the day use area and was mostly taken by RV's and pop-ups.  The admission price was $6 for adults and $4 for kids.
Just outside the park we stopped for take out at Opie's BBQ.  This was such a cool place and the food was delicious!  Every kind of meaty goodness, sides, and desserts.  I can't wait to go back next summer and take Mom.  They also offer canopy tours in Spicewood, but that will have to wait for another day.
If you are looking for a fun day and have already tried Hamilton Pool, I recommend visiting Krause Springs and Opie's banana pudding.