The temperature was close to 100 F when we got to Daingerfield state park . The air conditioner in the truck was blowing cool air and made the trip comfortable. It was getting out of the truck that made you feel like you hit a wall of heat! It took my breath away and made me pant almost immediately.

The short walk to a small, deserted general store felt like a walk in the furnace and the shade inside provided very slight relief. There were signs of prior activity in the small open space of the general store and it may be related to the overhead banner sign announcing the evening dance. I went looking for something cool to quench my thirst but decided that I can probably wait until we get back to the truck where we had a small cooler full of cold drinks.

The outcropping of land that looked like an island across the lake below caught my attention and I walked farther out of the shade. I was thinking, “How nice it would be if I could go there and explore it”. There seemed to be nobody there as most people were gathered on or around a floating platform that was positioned between my side of the shore and the shore across the lake. The water was shallow enough for people to wade towards the platform from shore. There were already a few people on top of the platform and just sitting – maybe sunbathing. The near shore have amenities for picnic and games. The picnic tables were out of view and under the shade of the tall, green trees and mostly occupied.  The beach volleyball court was empty.  The heat of the sun attracted more people to the water and the shade rather than on the beach volleyball court or on the shore. We figured it was too hot for us too and decided to search for other places to go.

We read about a hilltop scenic vantage point from the park map that was supposed to show an excellent view of the valley below.  We set out looking for it after checking that we were following the right trail. The trail was easy enough with a slight upward climb but we missed the turn that led to the top and found ourselves on a narrow bridge with a another view of the lake.  The water looked cool and enticing but, by this time, we were sweating profusely from the hike, the heat, and the humidity.

We eventually found the right trail and saw that it became more wooded, brushy, and narrow.  The trail also became more steep and the hikers we met along the way informed us that it gets very steep at the last portion.  We decided to be back another day when it is cooler and we are more prepared for the hill climb.