Planet hotbox

Peace and light in this New Year!

2024 is already bringing some wild ass adventures! NYE I headed out to Caddo Lake State Park in Uncertain, TX. Yes, you read that right. Now the name alone would definitely turn some people off, but I found out after the fact-along with this place having multiple sightings of Bigfoot. The small town about 45 minutes outside of Shreveport has a population of only 85 and is covered in the most beautiful bald cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss.

On the roadtrip from Dallas we passed through Tyler and the historic Marshall, TX. The last Buc-ee’s we crossed was is in Terrell where we grabbed snacks and Backwoods for the backwoods.

You know that feeling when you finally hit the road, and the pavement changes; big buildings start to disappear, the city’s hustle and bustle fades, and all you see are grass fields with cows? That’s my favorite.

The final stretch was about a 15 minute straightaway until the entrance of the largest flooded cypress forests in the world. I was really happy to see lady park rangers greet us at the office. They were super helpful on navigating the map to our campsite and got us checked-in quick and easy!

The atmosphere was refreshing, breathtaking, and creepy at the same time. Felt like I stepped inside of a magical haunted forest. On the way to the campsite we stopped for donation logs at the ‘wood rack’ which came in super handy when temperatures dropped to 40 degrees.

We passed RV’s, cabins, and these little screened shelters coming in (those are options if you don’t want to sleep in a tent). When we finally reached our site at the ‘Armadillo Run’ camping area, we were surprised at how close the other campsites were-but we made it work. They cut down a lot of trees in our little cul-de-sac so it was cool to have clean bathrooms just down the road. Don’t want the whole woods watching you squat.

After setting up camp, we headed back down to Saw Mill Pond to take it all in.

Sunset came quick, so we had to hurry up and get the fire going. We also prepared for the weather with layers of clothes and heavy blankets. I brought a heater, but it was clearly too much for the power boxes. I looked up ‘heating for tents’ and found a mini propane heater with really great reviews, so next time we’ll be extra warm.

With tequila and games we were nice and cozy for the night, ready for the New Year.

The countdown to 2024 started with a bang! Literally, we heard fireworks and what sounded like shotguns ringing through the trees. Even in complete darkness, with the only light coming from the moon, we never saw sparks of color flying through the night sky.

What we DID see, we couldn’t explain. For the first time in my life I saw something I knew wasn’t a plane, or a drone because I’ve been flying them for over 7 years. Staring straight up in awe at the stars- ONE of them moved really fast forward…then backward…then forward again.

It stopped, then went in circles and looked to be coming closer and then further away.

It stopped again, and turned left and right. I know because there was a high beam of light coming from one side of the object.

I had to make sure I wasn’t just tripping and told my man to get out the car and see for himself. We sat there and stared at the sky for about 15 minutes watching this ‘thing’ fly around. 

This video is the best we got because it was SO up high.

THIS was that they meant they say UAP, an unidentified aerial phenomena. I screamed a little, because WTF! Trying to contain my shock and excitement, I instantly thought NO ONE will believe this. I’ve seen and heard these stories all the time but NEVER thought I would real life experience something like that. Wish I had a CCD camera to get a closer look.

I don’t know why, or who, or what…but someeeeeethinnggg was in that sky over Caddo Lake on New Year’s. That’s it, that’s all.

January 1st we wanted to take a canoe out on the paddling trail, but the temperatures were in the mid 30’s which doesn’t make being in the water fun. Outdoor experts say anything below 60 degrees you should take caution. Always remember to consider the water temperature, not the air temperature. When it warms up, I definitely want to go back with friends and take a spin around the swamp.

JB 🌱

Rating: 7/10

Recommend: Yes, when it’s warm outside.

Drive Time From Dallas: 2.5 Hours

Plan your trip to Caddo Lake State Park by visiting their website!

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