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Camping stock photo
February flew by this year… except for those really cold (wind chills between -10 and -30). Those frigid days took forever to complete. With March upon us, those bitterly cold days should be past for the next 9 months.
March has wide variations in weather. What’s the old phrase “in like a lamb out like a lion”? Or is it the opposite “in like a lion and out like a lamb”? Checking for this article, I found both versions! Either way “like a lamb” refers to docile or calm weather. While “like a lion” refers to roaring with fury/ stormy weather. So either the month starts calm and ends in storms or starts with storms and ends with calm- according to the cliché.
Though one article mentioned that the phrase “in like a lion” might refer to the night sky. The constellation Leo (the Lion) can be found on the eastern horizon at sunset at the beginning of March and Aries (the Ram) is on the western horizon at the end of the month.
Let’s hope the middle of the month (Spring Break) has warm sunny days and cool to cold nights.
That would make wonderful camping weather. Warm days to hike or fish or just hang out at the campsite visiting with friends and family.
Then as the sun sets and the temperatures drop, a nice cozy campfire just makes the camping experience complete.
As of the past weekend, there weren’t any southwestern counties under a County Burn Ban. Only Texas County in the Oklahoma panhandle was under a Burn Ban.
Even when not under a Burn Ban, care must be taken with campfires in March. Most of the vegetation is still dormant / dry and a stray spark can start a grass fire.
With our blustery March winds, a small grass fire can quickly explode in to a major fire.
One of the new improvements you will notice at Quartz Mountain State Park are many new fire rings and grills. Please keep your campfires in a fire ring.
Campfires are not allowed on any beach at Quartz Mountain. Firewood is available at the Park Office, which is open 7AM to 8PM, seven days a week.
Most area schools, including Vernon & Amarillo will be having Spring Break the same week (March 12-20). If you want a camp site for Spring Break, please go to www.travelok.com as soon as possible and reserve your camp site or cabin.
There is a 2 night minimum on weekends. Want to come camping at one of the summer Holiday weekends? There is a 3 night minimum and those sites are filling fast!