San Marcos River Retreat

09/28/2026

Another great weekend of kids getting out on the river and learning a thing or two. Want to thank all the leaders for taking the time and energy.

09/26/2026

It’s been pointed out that there are wasp/bees in our bathhouse. As of yet no one, to our knowledge, has ever been stung by one. We try our best to discourage all wasps, but since the doors are always open, there’s no way to keep them out. The vast majority of wasps in the bathhouse are mud daubers. If you see a red wasp or a yellow jacket, please let us know and we’ll make sure they are not making a nest. Again, it’s not impossible but very unlikely that you will be stung. Mud daubers are black and not aggressive. Most of the time, all wasps, will leave you alone, if you leave them alone.

Hello—I’m a mud dauber. And yes, those “ugly” dirt tubes on your siding are mine.

I know it might look like I’m building a colony. I’m not. I’m a solitary wasp. No hive to defend. That means I’m rarely aggressive. You can walk right past me—I’m too busy hunting to care.

Each mud tube is a nursery.
Inside, I place about 20–30 paralyzed spiders as food for my young.

What do I hunt?
A wide range of spiders—including ones that hide around your home. Some species (like blue mud daubers) even catch black widows, though I don’t target only “dangerous” spiders. I take what I can find.

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ I hunt and paralyze spiders (not kill them)
2️⃣ I seal them inside a mud chamber
3️⃣ I lay a single egg
4️⃣ My larva hatches and feeds on the stored spiders

What should you do?
If the nest is out of the way, consider leaving it.

I’m providing quiet, natural spider control around your porch or patio. Not perfect—but helpful. 🕷️

Once you see small holes in the dried mud, the next generation has emerged—and I’m gone for the season. That’s the best time to scrape the nest off, if you want.

I may look intimidating.
But I’m one of the reasons your space has fewer spiders.

09/25/2026

A lot has changed but Tom has tried to continue to do a short service in the campground. He calls them his 8/8/8. Eight minutes at site 8, at 8 am.

From 10 years ago.

09/23/2026

In theaters September 25

"Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers" offers an inspiring journey thr...

09/23/2026

We’re having so much fun!

09/21/2026

https://bastropriverco.com/trips/moonlight-kayak-tour/

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1708134424654524&id=100063739472356

Hey kids- this is for you! You can win some pretty neat prizes for submitting a story about your time on the river.

https://paddlingmag.com/paddling-kids/?utm_source=beehiiv&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=submissions-open-for-2026-paddling-kids-story-contest&_bhlid=c2bb18d588fc6b06080332dfed956b1bb080e22b&fbclid=IwY2xjawUEBUJwZG9mA2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzQwOTk2MjYyMzA4NTYwOQABHpRWZFBwG3N55BgFFA2NxYg7yOni9BeY3uKWu0JEsZA0AV58qnqhU_3_oaVW_aem_FKoyTCMlhI0UEYL7f-AKCg

06/05/2026