The perfect antidote to our post-election hangover was a weekender in Glen Rose with our Heart of Texas Camping (HOTC) Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). Cloud 9 found itself amid 20 other Airstreams at Oakdale Park, one of only four original motor courts in Texas.

Developed in 1924, Oakdale Park was built on land where early tourists camped in wagons under trees around a flowing well. Motels didn’t exist before the 1940s. In the 1920s and 30s, roadside camps, such as Oakdale Park, offered places to stay but very few amenities. Among the original structures are a number of bungalows, cottages, campsites and a pavilion, and the “Oakdale Plunge,” one of the largest swimming pools in the state even to this day.

Situated along the Paluxy River and adjacent to Big Rocks Park, Oakdale Park is just a short drive from the historic downtown area with its Somervell County Courthouse (a Romanesque Revival structure built in 1892).

In addition to enjoying good food and great conversation with our HOTC friends, we also toured the Revolver Brewery in nearby Granbury. Longtime HOTC members Ronnie and Doris Kiesler, who started the company, were eager to show us around. Master Brewer Grant Wood explained the brewing process, while we tasted different beers, ate brisket sandwiches and listened to live music.

Sunday’s weather was perfect, with clear skies and mild temperatures. We stayed well beyond the 11 a.m. checkout time because we couldn’t force ourselves to leave. But, despite our efforts to stay just a little bit longer, the call of the workweek eventually pulled us back to Dallas.