2009-2010 Officers:
Jerry Lenamon, President
Bob Patterson, Vice President
Don Castello, Program Coordinator
Van Smith, Outing Coordinator
Gail Cupit, Treasurer and Membership Coordinator
Sonia Warriner, Refreshment Coordinator.
The Waco Outing Club began as an organization of local backpackers and canoeists in 1973. Bill Ming was the club's first president. Over the years the emphasis shifted to monthly meetings featuring programs about travel and members' camping ventures, along with group hikes and longer backpacking trips.
Members share in common a love for sitting around an open campfire, learning about interesting destinations both in the U.S. and abroad, and good fellowship with a variety of adventurous people. Programs have featured national parks, scenic byways, and such international destinations as the Galapagos Islands, Uganda, Kilimanjaro, and Thailand.
I think I joined Huaco Outing Club in 1971. I think the organization had its beginning in 1969 or 1970. Two of the organizing members were Bill Ming and Bill Mills, my good friends. The meetings were held in the old Jewish Synagogue at N. 15th and Waco Drive. I do not remember the president's name. All of the presidents have been men except for Tresa and me.
Shortly after I joined we did an overnight, week-end, campout on (Baylor professor) Alan Cook's deer lease in the Colorado Bend area. We camped beside the Colorado River, and I remember waking up to the sounds of Cliff Swallows nesting in the high opposite bank as they were busy feeding their young the bugs that they had scooped up over the water. I was in heaven. On the trip were a few students from Baylor. Alan seemed to be sponsoring the group from Baylor and a few of the Huaco Outing Club members. It was a good overnighter for a neophyte backpacker (me). We split into two groups to return to our vehicles. I chose the group doing the longer hike in order to get more experience. Bill Mills was our leader. We got lost. It was new territory for Bill. When we came to a fence, Bill said to follow the fence line and it would eventually head us to the ranch house where the vehicles were parked. This was good advice. We were all very hot and thirsty when we met the other group who had waited an hour or more for us. We stopped at a small restaurant for a good meal on the way home and finally told the waitress to leave the water pitcher on the table.
When we moved our meetings to the downstairs meeting room at First Federal Savings and Loan Bank on Valley Mills and Lake Air (It has another name now), I think I became president about that time. Someone else may have a more accurate memory. Most of our meetings consisted of slides taken by someone who had been on a backpacking, hiking, canoeing or car camping trip. I was teaching school at the time. With family (husband and 2 small boys) I had little time to plan trips for the club but we would usually go on a good Spring Break trip. We went to Big Bend, Grand Canyon, and Havasupai several times. Some years the weather would be spring-like and other times we would encounter snow and extremely cold weather. I had been to these places with Burnie Battles on Baylor Trip Camps so I had enough knowledge to know how to plan a trip. Some of the other members also planned trips based on their experiences. For example Bill Ming planned trips for weekend trips to Pedernales Falls, Texas Lone Star Trail at Ratcliff Lake near Crockett, and other close by areas. Maybe someone else has memories of other trips.
My desire for the club was for it to be a rather non structured get-to–gather for people who loved outdoor activities of various types. At one time we reached out to the Pack & Paddle Club in the Belton area and some of our group would go with them on canoeing trips and some of their group would go on our backpacking trips. Huaco Outing also embraced birding, geology and car camping. June Osborne did birding programs and Dr. Hayward, geology professor at Baylor, took the group on a field trip. These led me to audit birding and geology courses.
As a result of our laid back, loose organization when I was president I had no other officers for a time. I presided, planned programs, trips, collected dues, printed newsletters, mailed them and sometimes brought refreshments. Having active officers is much better.
I think I served as leader of the club about 8 years. Finally I was able to persuade Ed Gill to be president, trip planner, program planner etc. He served a number of years also as an able leader. I think we were meeting at a Credit Union on Bosque in Woodway. Later we met at Weithorn Center at Baylor and now Lake Shore Baptist.
The presidents I remember besides Ed Gill are Carlton Harrell, Frank Leavell, Bob Patterson, Ronnie Gill, Tresa Gilchrest – I'm not sure of the order – also Van Smith.
I have fond memories of backpack trips with "old" pros and with some who were in the process of "learning the ropes" from the long standing members. For example Liz Withrow comes to mind. I took her to the Pecos Wilderness on her first big backpack trip. We had taken a shake down trip for an overnighter at Pedernales backcountry camp ground a few weeks before. We even cooled off in our underwear in the river – She thought it great fun. She graduated with flying colors so we picked a challenging trail in the Pecos Wilderness for 3 days. Our hiking companion was Mark Bradford who slowed his pace for we two senior citizens. Liz was 69 years old. She did Big Bend and Grand Canyon several years later.
Another fond memory was a hike with Joan Rectenwald on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. We thought we were being brave for 2 ladies hiking with no male protector. I wrote the park service before the hike and asked if it would be safe for 2 females to walk the backcountry trails. I told them that we were not afraid of the 4 legged creatures but we were wary of 2 legged ones. They assured us that it was safer than the cities. Gail Cupit and I did the same a few years later. Also Carol Kilgore and I did a 3 week trip on the Appalachian Trail, as did Wanda Hall and I. I even took my husband Tom Parrish on a hike, rim to rim to rim across the Grand Canyon. He was proud of the accomplishment but I did not make a disciple of him.
(Written for the Huaco Outing Club website, November 2007.)
We have had great trips, in the last few years. We had cookouts at the Patterson acres, and trips to Mother Neff State Park, Cameron Park, Cedar Breaks Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Canyon of the Eagles, Red River (New Mexico), Seminole Canyon State Park, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Fairfield Lake State Park, Devil's Den State Park, and the new trails near Lake Waco.
October 16, 2004
Outing Club Cookout, October 16, at the Patterson acres. Plan to bring your favorite camp meal and cook out over the coals (Last year most everyone brought hot dogs and baked beans).
December 11, 2004
Day Hike: Our survey indicated many would like day hikes, several mentioned Cameron Park. Therefore, a day hike has been scheduled at Cameron Park on Saturday morning Dec. 11. We will meet at the Lover's Leap parking lot at 10 AM, and hike for about 2 hours. There are a lot of trails in the park, so we can pick the length and terrain we want. If you like, bring a picnic lunch. Tables and rest rooms are at the parking area.
Day Hike report: Cameron Park. Van said it was a beautiful sunny day for the December hike at Cameron Park. The group had a very nice 2 hour hike.
February 19, 2005
Day Hike: Cedar Breaks Park, Lake Georgetown
March 14 to March 18, 2005
Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Rising from the desert, the Guadalupe Mountains contain portions of the world's most extensive and significant Permian limestone fossil reef. Also featured are a tremendous earth fault, lofty peaks, unusual flora and fauna, and a colorful record of the past. Guadalupe Peak, highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet and the highest point east of the Rockies; El Capitan, a massive limestone formation; McKittrick Canyon, with its unique flora and fauna; and the "Bowl", located in a high country conifer forest, are significant park features.
Huaco Outing Club will be camping at Dog Canyon Campground. Dog Canyon lies in a secluded, forested canyon on the north side of the park. Due to the higher elevation it remains cooler than Pine Springs campground in the summer. The campground has restrooms with sinks and flush toilets, but no showers.
Activities from the Dog Canyon Campground area include the Indian Meadow Trail (a nature trail located at Dog Canyon). From the campground day hikes can also be taken to Lost Peak or Marcus Overlook. Van is researching a possible day trip to Sitting Bull Falls in the Lincoln National Forest near Dog Canyon. Buddy and Tresa Gilchrest are planning a three day backpacking trip (March 14-16) starting at Dog Canyon Campground, to McKittrick Ridge, McKittrick Canyon, and back.
On Thursday, March 17 Buddy and Tresa Gilchrest are leading a climb (4.2 miles one way and 3,015 feet altitude gain) of Guadalupe Peak beginning at the Pine Springs trailhead at 6:30 a.m. sharp.
Outing Report: The camping trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park was a good adventure. Dog Canyon is a very beautiful and secluded place. Sunday was a clear day with a hike on the nature trail, a beautiful sunset, and incredible stars. Monday part of the group took day hikes, while four started a three-day backpacking trip. That night it got colder and started to mist, sleet, and snow. It sleeted and snowed Tuesday during the hike to the Hunter Line cabin in McKittrick Canyon and back. It was 8˚ at Dog Canyon on Tuesday night. Wednesday morning the skies were clear as the backpackers hiked off McKittrick ridge through a winter wonderland. There was snow on the ground, icicles hanging from the trees, and the pines on McKittrick Ridge were white - flocked with snow. Thursday's climb of Guadalupe Peak was windy with ice on the trail, but the climbers had a great time. Part of the group did a day hike to Smith Springs. We had a great adventure and loved every minute.
April 15 & 16, 2005 Outing at Mother Neff State Park. Friday evening we will have a big fire to grill whatever you bring. Saturday morning Van will lead a leisurely bike ride on a paved, level, wooded lane near the park; or there are trails for those who would rather hike. Sat. afternoon -- to The Grove. This historic town has the Country Life Museum ($2), which includes the W.J. Dube general store, a Post Office, a bank, a saloon, a doctor's office, and a smithy. The Jamboree, a free country music fest with local musicians, is at 7:30. Food is usually available
Outing Report - The April outing at Mother Neff State Park was at an ideal time of the year, with warm days and cool nights, and the wildflowers were in full bloom (though very few bluebonnets). Several people came and enjoyed the Friday night campfire and cookout. Some people spent Friday night and some returned on Saturday. Saturday's trip to The Grove and the Country Life Museum was very enjoyable. Those that returned to The Grove on Saturday night had fun at the Jamboree. The outing to Mother Neff and The Grove was a hit, and the participants said that they would like to schedule this outing again.
October 2005 – Red River, New Mexico outing.
October 22, 2005, Saturday - We will have our third annual outing at Bob Patterson's country acres on Childress Creek near China Spring, beginning around 4:00 in the afternoon. Bring your own hotdogs to roast along with whatever food, drinks, etc. you want to eat. Also bring your own chair. Bob will provide (at our Thursday meeting) a map of how to get to the acres. Bring a friend and a potential Club member.
November 12, 2005, Saturday - Van has made plans for a outing to Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan. This is the place with the bald eagle river cruises. There are also 14 miles of nature trails, an observatory, canoeing and kayaking, and a lodge with casual dining. Van has made reservations for 4 tent sites. Campers have access to restrooms/showers, swimming pool, and restaurant. If you want to stay in the lodge (800-977-0081 or www.canyonoftheeagles.com) or go on the bald eagle river cruise (800-4 RIVER-4 or www.vtrc.com) you need to make your own reservations as soon as possible. Let Van know by Oct. 20th if you are going.
March 11-16, 2006 - Van Smith and the group at the outing planning meeting decided on Seminole Canyon State Park as our next outing. Mark your calendars for Saturday March 11, as the starting date with plans to stay 4 or 5 days. This park is about 360 miles from Waco, so should be an easy one day drive. The March average high temperature is 71 degrees, low is 51. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, historical study, and nature/interpretive attractions are activities available at the park. Fate Bell Shelter, in the canyon, contains some of North America's oldest Indian pictographs and is one of the oldest cave dwellings in North America. Nearby is Lake Amistad, with opportunities for fishing, and the Judge Roy Bean Museum. We might also want to stop by the Caverns of Sonora, old town Del Rio, and other nearby attractions.
Outing report from Van Smith - We had a excellent trip to Seminole Canyon. Twelve people attended. We took a very interesting tour to the pictographs. Some of us hiked the park, including a six mile hike across the desert to the Rio Grande. Six of us went into Ciudad Acuna and did some shopping and had a good lunch. A group rented a boat and explored the Devils River arm of Lake Amistad, and most of us visited the Judge Roy Bean Museum in Langtry. We ate well, thanks to Don's pancakes and a good cookout on Sunday evening. We had lots of sun and temperatures from 48 to 94 degrees. All in all, it was a great trip.
March 11-15, 2007: Our spring outing is planned for Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas. We will arrive Sunday, March 11 and stay three or four days. The Park is situated on the top of the second highest mountain in the State, in the midst of the Ouachita National Forest. The park is located 13 miles west of Mena, Arkansas on the Talimena Scenic Drive (Ark. 88), a National Scenic Byway. We have eleven people signed up so far.
The first night we will eat at the lodge. For the second night, if you wish, bring something to grill over the campfire and a side dish to share. The remaining nights, and breakfast and lunches, are on your own. The campsite has flush toilets and hot showers. There is a lodge in the park that serves FOOD! Of course, there are also rooms at the lodge. This is an opportunity for those who do not want to rough it but want to join in the fun. The park is about 350 miles from Waco.
October 12-14, 2007: Camping trip to Fairfield Lake State Park.
Outing report - We had 12 people at our Oct. 12 - 14 overnight outing at Fairfield Lake State Park. The weather was perfect – clear blue skies, warm days and cool nights, with a campfire each night. The park had beautiful woods, scenic lake, and good hiking. Mike Magid didn’t get us any fish for dinner, but he did prepare his famous Dutch Oven peach cobbler. We will have some pictures at the upcoming meeting.
October 27, 2007, Saturday - Annual Fall Picnic: Bob and Barbara Patterson have kindly invited us to an evening picnic at their place on Childress Creek Saturday October 27th. Plan to arrive about 4:30 and we will eat about 5:00. There will be a fire to cook burgers, hot dogs, veggies, or whatever. Bring your own food, drinks, and chairs. This has been one of our most enjoyable functions, so don’t miss out. Invite a friend or possible new member.
Outing report - Annual Fall Picnic: We had another fine picnic at the Patterson’s place on Childress creek. The weather was beautiful, with clear skies and warm temps. The creek was flowing with crystal clear water. Numerous hot dogs, marshmallows, etc were cooked over the campfire. Thanks to the Pattersons.
December 1, 2007
Day Hike: Our Dec. 1 day hike was scheduled for Georgetown Lake. However, the lake Ranger said the trails have not been cleared of flood debris, so the hike location has been changed to the new trails near Lake Waco.
These new trails were built by the Waco Bicycle Club. They are much more interesting than the old Speegleville trails. They wind through a wooded area and along a small arm of the lake. There are lots of birds, especially by the lake, and deer can be seen running through the forest. The trails are extensive with numerous loops and cutoffs, so a hike of any length can be made without having to retrace your steps. To see a map of the trails, go to www.teamwbc.com.
The plan is to pack a lunch and leave the trailhead at about 10:30 Saturday, December 1. It is about 1.5 miles to some picnic tables where we can sit down and eat. It is then about 1.1 miles back to the start. Of course, you do not have to do the lunch. If you want to take a shorter hike, there are two cutoffs along the trail where you can return to the trailhead, making for hikes of 0.8 and 1.6 miles. However, these cutoffs miss the picnic tables. If you want a longer hike, there are many more trails.
To get to the trailhead we are going to use, going north on Hwy 6 turn off on Speegleville Road. Go right (east) on Speegleville Rd. Cross McLaughlin Rd. Continue on Speegleville Rd. as it veers to the left. Look for a log house on the right and then a road to the right called Classic Drive. Go 0.5 mi. on Classic Dr. to the trailhead. You will have to drive over part of the road that is grass.
Day Hike report: Lake Waco – A group of about 10 people enjoyed the new trails at Lake Waco.
Spring 2008
Get your boots and packs ready to go, and let Van know where and what type of trips you think we should do this spring and summer. Hope we get to share a trail together.
