INTO THE WOODS, I GO

By Heather Rothrock

Migrating families worldwide have engaged in various forms of camping for centuries; however, the recreational concept of camping— an overnight outdoor stay away from home that involves shelter—is enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. The broad term "camping" encompasses many different forms of the activity—backpack camping, car camping, primitive (tent) camping, backpacking, RV or van camping and more.

Camping builds and strengthens relationships; allowing people to connect without the distractions of daily life. Stress reduces as overbooked schedules are left at home. Time away from the hustle and bustle of routines, jobs, alarm clocks and technology has a positive impact on our minds, bodies and spirits. Camping instills a sense of wonder and independence in children while strengthening bonds between family members. Confidence soars and experiences stamp lasting memories in our minds.

Real freedom lies in wildness, not civilization. - Charles Lindbergh

The benefits of spending time outside are proven— lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, released muscle tension, fewer stress hormones—all contributing to our overall physical wellbeing. The best thing about being away from home and being outside is the mental and emotional effects that connecting with nature has on us—my oldest daughter says that being in nature is good for her soul. Maybe that's it—time outside cleanses our soul and opens up our minds.

Start planning for your camping trip early! Decide whether you will sleep in a tent, RV, cabin or other shelter and start narrowing down the location. Do your research and consider areas carefully. Check campsite availability in advance and find the right campsite for your needs. Places fill up quickly, so make a reservation when you can! Be mindful of campsite amenities. Pack appropriately and consider everything from clothes to shoes to hygiene items and entertainment. Plan your meals and keep in mind how rugged your campsite might be. Helpful information about meal planning is available online at https://koa.com/blog/best-camping-menus/.

Parker County is the 145th (out of 254) Texas counties in terms of size, and the approximately 910 square miles offers several prime camping locations.

Oak Creek RV Park

Featuring 120 sites, a pool, hot tub and reception hall, this place caters to many! The amenities include wifi, water, cable, showers and more. Prices and availability vary, so be sure to check out https://oakcreekrvpark. com for more information. Weatherford/Fort Worth West KOA

Both the RV and tent camper can find a place to stay at this KOA as it features both pull-through RV sites and a shaded tent area. Campers can enjoy the pool and the attractions of Weatherford and nearby Fort Worth.

I go to nature to have my spirit soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order. - John Burroughs

My wish is to stay always like this living quietly in a corner of nature. - Claude Monet

Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway

Once a world-famous health resort, this area now boasts a beautiful state park that offers hiking, rock climbing and loads of history and scenery! Outdoor enthusiasts can swim, fish or boat on the lake. In addition to riding your own horses, you can hike, bike and camp. The park rents out flat bottom boats, kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats. For more information and availability, be sure to check out their website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/lake-mineral-wells.

Some of my fondest memories are from a camping trip I went on when I was a sophomore in high school. My dad worked for the State Department, and we were living overseas on a breathtakingly beautiful Mediterranean island called Cyprus.

My friend's parents were archeologists there and they took our friend group on a camping trip to help out on their dig. We tent camped, made coffee and all of our meals over a fire and laid on our backs to take in the millions of stars that filled the night sky. Our "work" while we were there involved snorkeling and bringing up pieces of pottery from remains of an old village that was now underwater. The trip itself was something I'll never forget.

When I graduated high school, I went to college for a semester in Arizona before enlisting in the Army. Uncle Sam afforded me several opportunities to camp during my enlistment, and my favorite Army camping took place while deployed to Bosnia. The amenities available at my Army "campsites" were primitive, if any, but the overall experience created memories I carry with me to this day.

Understandably, my camping experiences are pretty different from what many people around here might experience; however, the common bonds of memorable experience and meaningful connections connect campers everywhere. My husband and I look forward to the day that we sell our house and take off in a truck pulling a fifth wheel. The RV will be our home, and we will go wherever the winds take us. In the meantime, we are still bound to work, and we will continue to adventure and explore when we can.

One of the resources I use often is the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, as it is home to lots of useful information. Be sure to check out https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ parks/things-to-do/camping before your next big adventure! PCLS

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William “Karl” Keesee was the 217th DPS officer killed in the line of duty, the duty of protecting and serving. Hometown Living At Its Best William “Karl” Keesee was the 217th DPS officer killed in the line of duty, the duty of protecting and serving. Training the Next

Generation Parker County youth with an interest in a law enforcement career recently received the opportunity of a lifetime.

When the Students Become the Teacher

After nearly a quarter of a century spent as a loving force in the lives of hundreds of young Eagles, tragedy struck for one educator. How faith and third graders helped save the life of Brock Elementary’s Teacher of the Year. IT REAL KEEPING Angie McCrory of the Weatherford Police Department shares her thoughts on life, motherhood, and the highs and lows of the job.

Hometown Living At Its Best William “Karl” Keesee was the 217th DPS officer killed in the line of duty, the duty of protecting and serving.

With some assistance from our stylish friends in Parker County, we’ve equipped you with a winter fashion guide to help you weather the flux and survive a wayward winter in style.

The Miracle of Super Jack As the cliché goes, big things (extraordinary, even outright MIRACULOUS things) come in small packages, in fearless, energetic packages like preschooler Jack Hart. The Millennial Olympian At a time when millennials are getting a bad rap, twenty somethings are notoriously ‘famous for being famous’ and a person’s value is measured by her Instagram followers, 22-year-old Olympic discus thrower, Shelbi Vaughan is working to defy the stereotypes. From the flowers to the dress and every detail in between--a first look into the special day for two Parker County couples who recently said, “I do.” Parker County’s Best Kept Secrets Explore some hidden gems that make Parker County shine. The List: #thereisacampforthat A quick (local) response to the catch phrase of the summer, “Mom, we’re sooooooo bored.” HOM E TO W N Happiness

Index OF ADVERTISERS

AJR Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Inc..... 47 Alpha Care Wellness Center ......................................................96 Beefmaster Steakhouse...................................................................1 BellStone Masonry Supply..........................................................121 Bratton Sports Medicine .............................................................84 Bronzed Belles ...................................................................................5 Byrd Mill ............................................................................................. 55 Clark Garden ....................................................................................65 Clear Fork Assisted Living..........................................................86 Clearfork Pharmacy....................................................................... 87 Comfort Kitchen To Go...............................................................126 Creation Coffeehouse..................................................................128 DFW Frenchies ...............................................................................64 Edward Jones—Brent Gough .................................................. 120 Eric Priddy Photography.............................................................. 31 Ernie’s Tire & Automotive ............................Inside Back Cover Facial Cosmetic and Surgical Center .....................................69 Farm Bureau—Sonny Black Agency ......................................126 First National Bank...................................................... Back Cover FitUSA ................................................................................................ 73 Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Home............................................65 Garner ISD ...................................................................................... 108 Goodwin Dental.............................................................................. 72 Goosehead Insurance—Molley Michel .......................................3 Grote Veterinary Clinic............................................................... 104 HLanoue Photography............................................................... 120 Hutton Financial .............................................................................64 Jami Scull Photography............................................................. 108 Legacy Land& Title...................................................................... 109 Lindsey Sullivan Photography.................................................... 17 Magnolia Realty—Deborah Hulce............................................... 9 M&B Water Treatment.................................................................. 87 Medical City Weatherford...........................................................70 Meld..................................................................................................... 55 Myser Orthodontics ......................................................................90 National Cutting Horse Association........Inside Front Cover Northside Baptist Church ........................................................... 37 October Hill Farm .........................................................................128 Optimum Healthcare Management.........................................98 Parker County LifeStyle Magazine .........................................126 Pav Yoga............................................................................................80 Peacock’s Feed & Supply.......................................................... 109 PlainsCapital Bank........................................................................128 RedFin Pools.......................................................................................2 Rio Mambo......................................................................................100 Riverstone Veterinary Hospital ............................................... 104 RocK’n F Freight ........................................................................... 101 Stacie Wallis, The Cates Realty Group.................................... 16 Surepoint Emergency Center....................................................88 Texas Pythian Home......................................................................54 Thad Brown Photography.......................................................... 101 The Market at 76067.....................................................................46 The Play Space................................................................................121 The Resurge Clinic.........................................................................86 The Schoolhouse............................................................................ 24 Thomasson Photography............................................................99 Trinity Bible Church..........................................................................7 Trinity Christian Academy .......................................................... 37 Two Sisters Tea House..................................................................88 Vintage Car Museum & Event Center..................................... 25 Weatherford Christian School...................................................30 Weatherford OB/Gyn ................................................................... 87 Weatherford Truck Equipment ................................................128 White’s Funeral Home................................................................100 Willow Park Baptist Church .......................................................36

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