NTO Christmas Party- Backpack/Kayak Cross Timbers Trail (Cedar Bayou)

Christmas sweaters, hats, pajamas are welcomed!

1:00pm- Start at the trailhead by Cedar Bayou Marina- Hike or kayak to 4 camp. Hike your own hike. Two mile hike from Cedar Bayou trailhead. About a 30 minute paddle. If it's your 1st time on the trail, reach out to others to hike in with. Scott and I will already be at the site getting everything ready.

This is a backpacking/kayaking trip, which means you need to carry your tent/ sleeping bag, food, water for an overnight event.

No reservations are needed.

1:00ish start hiking or kayaking to 4 mile camp
2:00ish arrive and set up your camp. After you are setup collect wood for the group bonfire
4:00ish potluck
5:00ish white elephant exchange (before dark)

White Elephant gift exchange. Gifts need a camping theme (it's OK to stretch the imagination) re-purposed or under $10.00 if new. Rules- 3rd owner keeps it. (original person and 2 swaps then dead). Make sure wrapping paper is flammable.

Potluck Dinner. NTO host will provide; Ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, paper plates and utensils.

Bring a side dish -You can bring anything. Below are only suggestions (serving size 4 to 8 people):
Veggies
Pie - apple, pecan, cherry
Brownies
Fresh Green Beans
black-eyed peas
Fruit salad
Cranberry
Casseroles
Sweet potatoes

Side item must be brought and carried by you.

Backpackers start Cedar Bayou by 1pm it should take you about 50 min to arrive at camp. When you see Christmas decorations you know you have arrived. See you on the trail or water. Hike or kayak in.

Kayaking - Drive into Cedar Bayou Marina - drive to the very end and you will see the launching area. Paddle time should be around 30 minutes depending on the wind. Once you on the water paddle out of the marina and turn left. Then left into the 1st cove - 4 and 5 mile camp will in the 1st cove. Look for a black and silver tritoon boat on the shorelines.

Map of Cross Timbers Trail - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/cross-timbers-hiking-trail This is a map of the full trail. Please read the description above if you want to hike the same length as the group.

You will need to pay the marina $5.00 to park on the side of the road or in the marina. If the marina is closed, they have envelopes at the gate for the $5.00. Bring exact cash. They also have a QR code you can scan to pay with a cash ap.

What to bring Everything needed not to die.

• Important to know What's OK for this trip. Adult beverages are fine if you know your limits, No young children or dogs. We will have 20 min of community wood gathering as well. If the trail is to much for you will need to hike yourself out.