We had an early start to get across to Three Rivers, TX before dark and stop off in Houston on the way. We need some groceries and Jana and I both need new trail shoes. Ours are both well past their useful life and we have a big hike planned in Big Bend National Park in a few days.

We navigated our way through downtown Houston to an REI and picked up some really nice Hokas, which we’ve found to be incredible. A trip to Kroger and a full pantry and fridge later, we’re off to Choke Canyon Recreation Area, just outside of Three Rivers, TX.

The drive is becoming more and more barren and desolate and you can see the struggle that many people are having in these remote parts of the U.S. The oil industry which rims the roads as we drive has slowed enormously, primarily due to demand drops from COVID and probably less than ⅓ of the well heads are operational.

We arrive at Choke Canyon State Park just before sunset and our campsite is on the edge of the lake with a lot of dry brush, stunted trees and bushes rimming the edge. The ground is relatively dry and there are lots of burrs that