Not too Early to Plan that Ski Trip

We are a house divided.

The carful of kids have a couple of free nights to use before the end of the year so we are headed for the hills. This year the Winter Break Ski Trip is Santa Fe, New Mexico.

When you have kids in school and two weeks off at Winter Break--a Mom has to plan ahead. There is plenty of competition and only a limited number of rooms-- remember not every room is available to those of using points or vouchers.

I called about a month ago and my first choice was already booked. Yes, that was the first part of October for reservations for the latter part of December. You can't wing it with a carful of kids and expect to get a good deal and your first choice.

Mom is not going to give up that easy. The carful of kids love the snow and we don't see much of it in Texas.

When researching for our next adventure, I always have to stay flexible and plan early. Sure enough, I find something better--if Mom wanted predictability and convenience, the carful of kids would stay home.

My criteria for our Winter Break Ski Trip:

• A family-friendly ski resort that is not too big--has to have a conveyor-type ski lift for my younger kids and lots of options for ski school.
• Plenty of seasonal activities to do after the last run of the day--remember ski resorts usually are winding down at 3:30 or so. 
• Some family-oriented, non-chain restaurants to sample local cuisine.
• Close enough to our home base of Central Texas that we don't lose too much time driving.
• A ski resort close to a Best Western because I have points for free nights.

Keeping all that in mind, New Mexico is a natural choice for us. It's about 12 hours to the snow-covered mountains and it is a great value for families.  

Now all I have to hope for is SNOW.

Krause Springs--Legendary Central Texas Swimming Hole

The carful of kids love to travel and explore new places outside of their home state of Texas, partly because it is a tad hot here in the summer.  But anyone who has been to Texas knows we like to do things bigger and better here. The carful of kids eyed some gems of Central Texas a few weekends ago, we're visiting some legendary swimming holes.

Let's start with our newest discovery, Krause Springs in Spicewood, Texas, home of Willie Nelson, is about 30 miles west of Austin.  According to their website, it is an 115-acre property that has been in the Krause Family for over 50 years. There are 32 springs on the property that feed into
a man-made pool and the natural swimming hole that eventually flows into Lake Travis. This is the carful of kids' newest favorite place.

Krause Springs is far enough out of Austin to keep the crowds down and close enough to make it a great day trip.  A few pointers before you go--pack your cooler full of food.  There isn't much out there once you pass the newly developed Bee Caves area. If you are OK eating out of a gas station then you're set.  I loaded up the refridge into my cooler but I have a herd to feed for the day.  I gas up the 4Runner and we hit the road early; it is close to a hour and a half drive for the carful of kids.

Mom always checks things out on the web before she goes, sure enough, useful information.  Krause Springs is a CASH ONLY operation.  We pay our admission of $6 per adult and $4 for kids four to eleven in assorted bills, not bad for a day of fun for the carful of kids, including the packed lunch--it is a steal.

We enter the little piece of paradise--central Texas is usually sun-parched in September especially this far west.   With the butterfly gardens and the huge Cypress trees, it is shady and lush; such a relief for the heat.  We park our stuff at one of the abundant shaded picnic tables and head for the main attraction.

The natural pool is a traditional swimming hole, rope swing included.  The carful of kids decide today is the day that they are taking the plunge into the age-old tradition. My 8 year-old son is first in line and firmly grabs the rope and lets it rip only to forget to let go.  My 9 year-old daughter is not going to be out maneuvered by her brother, she drops in shoes and all.

The man made pool

I sit on the limestone rocks on the edge of the natural pool and blow up my air mattress until I am dizzy. Before I can get into the water, the carful of kids are asking to use it.

"Where were you guys earlier this morning when Mom was loading the car?  That's right you were watching cartoons.  Mom is going to use her air mattress."  Since I am a Mom I ended up paddling my youngest around in the water instead.

Speaking of the water, if you are not prepared for the shock of some cool spring water it takes a few minutes to adjust.  To the carful of kids, it is all part of the fun.  We paddle around and swim for a bit before the kids decide they are hungry.  Just about the time Mom starts to relax.

After lunch we decide to try out the man-made pool.  It is not the largest spring fed pool we have seen, that honor belongs to Barton Springs Pool.  It is nice, not too crowded and super clean.  The carful of kids take turns jumping of the rock wall at the deep end.

We hike around the property to see more of the springs, a few waterfalls and the beautiful butterfly garden full of wind chimes.  Krause Springs has great century-old Cypress trees, a couple with great cavities that scream Facebook photo.  The rest of the day is spent swimming in the two pools and enjoying the day slip away.

We have to leave unfortunately, but there is camping for those who want to stay more than the day.  According to their website, they have primitive camping and 24 RV sites with electricity and water--just give them a call.  The girls decide that a rinse off would be great before we head out to dinner.  We find the bathrooms and they are great.  They are super clean and modern.  Is that slate tile?  So don't hesitate to bring your change of clothes, a clean towel and some shampoo and clean the kids up before you leave.

Next stop: Barton Springs Pool!