Road Trip 2025: Day 23

Today was somewhat of a lazy day. We have one more night here at Guadalupe National Park, but we did more yesterday than we expected. I did not set an alarm but I was up before seven. I finished a National Geographic magazine and then started to get food ready for breakfast. We ate at the campsite since the morning plan was to hike and the National Park is an hour from civilization.

G3 and I hiked the Devil’s Hall trail this morning. Kati sat it out because of her knee. The trek was 4.2 miles round trip. It was a pretty hike through the canyon with the mountains towering up on both sides of us. The trail was rocky, gravelly ay first and then we were climbing over bigger rocks. The park identified it as a rock scramble, but I’m not sure I’d consider it one. Still, it was fun, although my bad ankle—the one I sprained before Philmont—didn’t like it. The rocks put a great deal of stress on it. G3 kept going ahead of me and getting frustrated that I’m so slow. There was a time I was faster, but my knees worked better back then, as did my ankle. Despite his impatience, I was happy for the company.

It’s been a few sweaty days since we last showered, therefore, after our hike,

we drove up to Brantley Lake State Park simply because they had showers. The state park is predominantly for people to go boating. We don’t have a boat, but we figured we’d check out the lake for swimming. Sadly, it didn’t appeal to us. I suppose a few summers in the Great Lakes made us snobs when it comes to swimming in lakes. But we did make use of the showers which is always good considering we never know when the next showering opportunity will present itself.

Since there were no wineries in the area, we stopped at a brewery. Kati had a glass of wine and I had cider. Then we headed to the movies—again. G3 has been wanting to see Superman since it opened. Superman was Dad’s favorite superhero, so of course I had to take G3 to the movie in memory of Dad.

G3 said it was the best movie we’ve seen on this trip. I agree. But it was definitely one of those moments where I wish I could call Dad and ask his opinion. I would love to know what he would have thought of it. I’m sure he would have liked it, but what specifically would he have enjoyed?