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While Ivan meandered toward Houston, we enjoyed the pleasant weather in San Marcos, camping at Spencer's Shady Grove Campground. On Friday we ate lunch at the Cock House in the park near the gazebo, and visited the Merriman cabin next door. Merriman was a physician and one of the three founders of the present-day town. Aquarena Center, now owned by Texas State Univ. (formerly Southwest Texas State), has displays of archaeological finds and a small aquarium. Especially interesting is the glass-bottomed boat ride. The bubbling springs are easily seen through the clear water, along with many fish and aquatic plants. We also strolled the Wetlands Walk.
Saturday from 9-12 we helped other volunteers in the monthly (every 4th Saturday) cleanup of invasive plants in Spring Lake. Using a canoe, we pulled many buckets of water hyacinth and water lettuce. The latter is fast becoming as prolific as hydrilla and water hyacinth. The water lettuce seems to have even more roots than the water hyacinth, with a gazillion little hairs to absorb water. This is the only time the public can be on Spring Lake.
Later that day we paddled from Spencer's to the bridge just upstream of Staples Dam. The first half of the trip, at less than 300 CFS, provided a little challenge in the sharp bends and around strainers. The latter half gives plenty of forward/steering stroke practice. Altogether a pleasant getaway.
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