Our second trip to Garner State Park was outstanding, with the weather cooperating much more than it did our first time. There is a reason this park is one of the most frequented.
A short, easy hike on a cold morning, followed by waffles in downtown Belton, Texas, provided an enjoyable family outing — even though the reason for choosing the hike proved disappointing.
If you’ve ever said, “I only run if something is chasing me,” then this post might be for you. For years, I would run short distances in fits and starts, and I never sustained it for very long. That changed 17 months ago.
We spent one night camping at a small oasis in central Texas. Despite the temperature reaching 105-degrees in the afternoon, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Krause Springs.
Hundred-degree heat, a half-marathon at night, along with some hiking and tubing. Our third trip to South Llano River State Park was enjoyable and memorable.
We headed out before dawn, heading toward Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to enjoy some time at the park before it became too hot. A trip to downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, rounded out our day trip.
A day trip to Blanco, Texas, resulted in a “happy accident” (to borrow a phrase from Bob Ross). We had a great time exploring the state park and then going to an annual festival in downtown Blanco.
This was our second trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park, but our first overnight stay. From exploring the dinosaur track sites to hiking and running the trails, we had a great time.
We celebrated the new year at Lost Maples State Natural Area. For us, this looks like going to sleep by 9 p.m. and being thankful we weren’t awakened by people shooting off fireworks at midnight.
Our first trip to Garner State Park was short but memorable. We had a great time at this family friendly park, and we think this might become an annual winter trip.
We made a day-trip out to Enchanted Rock, just over two years after our last visit. This state natural area is among the most popular in the state park system, and it is very family friendly.
Thunderstorms in the area caused us to cancel a recent weekend camping trip to Huntsville State Park in east Texas. So, we headed out to Colorado Bend State Park for a day trip later that weekend after the rain cleared.
I visited Amicalola Falls State Park during a recent work event, staying at the lodge and enjoying time on the trails. It is a beautiful part of Georgia.
Our first camping trip with two geriatric pets went better than expected. This was a last-minute trip for us, having cancelled our Labor Day trip due to inclement weather. Learn more about the park’s camping and trail options.
It’s been an extremely hot and dry summer in central Texas this year, which has meant cancelling a few camping trips. Until our next trip, here are the top five most viewed / read posts.
A day trip to Pedernales Falls State Park resulted in hiking two trails I’d hike again, with some modifications, and one that I’d describe as “the most pointless trail in the park.”
It’s a long way from Austin to Avon. A roughly 15-hour drive over part of two days was a tiring experience, but after a week of hiking, exploring, dining and relaxing, it was definitely worth the effort to get there.
South Llano River State Park is an excellent park for trail runners, mountain bikers and hikers who want to disconnect and enjoy time on the trail, as well as for people who simply want to get away and relax by / in the river. Here is information about river access and the backcountry trails.
From primitive camping to glamping, Dos Rios RV Park offers something for everyone’s preference. The river views and access, along with close proximity to dining and shopping in Mason, make it a family friendly getaway.
I hiked the entire 26-mile-plus Goodwater Loop around Lake Georgetown. It is a challenging and rewarding experience. Here is what I did … and what I would do differently next time.
Our family spent spring break 2022 at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It has 30 miles of mixed-used trails, and there are beautiful views of the canyon throughout the park.
Each time we explore the Pedernales River at the state park, it feels like a new experience. I’d highly recommend a day trip or overnight stay at Pedernales Falls State Park.
This roughly 2.25-mile out-and-back hike at Inks Lake State Park is a family-friendly trail pretty much any time of year, with lots of great views of Spring Creek and the lake.
Our family made a quick, one-night trip out to Colorado Bend State Park a few days before Christmas. A previous blog (here) offered general information about this park, so this post is primarily for providing a sampling of the photos we took during our stay. Since it was a brief trip, we only fit in … Continue reading Colorado Bend State Park: December 2021
Despite some quirkiness and a parking-lot-style developed camping area, we had a nice, relaxing family vacation while staying at Mustang Island State Park.
My wife and I took some time off work to create a longer family camping trip to Lost Maples over Veterans Day weekend this year. Arriving Thursday afternoon and leaving Sunday morning, we enjoyed three nights, two full days and two partial days taking in the views and hiking the trails. A previous blog (see … Continue reading Lost Maples State Natural Area: November 2021
Rustic, rural and beautiful are three adjectives that describe Colorado Bend State Park. After a one-night stay and hiking a small portion of the total trails, we’re already planning our next trip.
Wolf Mountain Trail at Pedernales Falls State Park is a wide, mostly gravel trail that is easy on the feet, legs and hips. However, it’s a much longer hike than the trail map says it is.
I finished section hiking the Goodwater Loop around Lake Georgetown recently. Here are notes on the three sections, as well as one option for backpacking around the lake on a typical weekend.
Our family spent the weekend hiking the trails, swimming in the pool and taking in the views at Bastrop State Park. This post focuses mostly on the trails, but offers some general reflection on the park too.
This 11-mile portion of the Goodwater Loop at Lake Georgetown is the most popular section — particularly the roughly 6-mile round-trip portion from Cedar Breaks to Crocket Gardens and back.
Calm and relaxing, with a bit of wind to battle against at the end – that was my family’s experience paddling the El Camino Real Paddling Trail. It’s an easy six-mile stretch of river that is one of two official paddling trails near Bastrop, Texas.
Lost Maples State Natural Area quickly became one of our favorite places during our Memorial Day 2021 weekend backpack camping trip. It’s a beautiful area of central Texas that should be on everyone’s “must see” list.
Beautiful views of the Texas hill country, more than 20 miles of hiking trails, and adjacent to a pristine, spring-fed river that allows for paddling year-round. It doesn’t get much better than a week at South Llano River State Park.
This past week in Texas was a mess, to put it mildly. We weathered the storm reasonably well, shifting to a camping mentality and being grateful for our camping supplies.
Bastrop State Park is a great, family friendly park. Shorter hiking trails, with the option to string them together for a longer trek. Close to Austin and located in a growing city, with lots of amenities.
We’re new to backpacking, so suggestions, tips and tricks are welcome. Here is our current gear setup to help others who might interested in adding backpack camping to their outdoor adventures.
We’ve cancelled our camping trips for the remainder of 2020 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. Here is the first of several posts about our equipment — this one focused on paddling gear.
Looking for a day trip? Consider Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Texas hill country. But be sure to grab a day pass well in advance for this popular location.
This six-mile hike is worth the effort. It is fairly family-friendly, though be sure everyone can “carry their own weight” and bring plenty of water (particularly during warmer months).
Flowers, hummingbirds, and river bugs were highlights of our fourth trip to South Llano River State Park.
Our second trip to Garner State Park was outstanding, with the weather cooperating much more than it did our first time. There is a reason this park is one of the most frequented.
A short, easy hike on a cold morning, followed by waffles in downtown Belton, Texas, provided an enjoyable family outing — even though the reason for choosing the hike proved disappointing.
A half-day trip to hike at Pedernales Falls State Park and to eat dinner in Johnson City was a great family outing.
Three nights and part of four days camping at Inks Lake State Park was a refreshing break from the busyness and challenges of 2023.
If you’ve ever said, “I only run if something is chasing me,” then this post might be for you. For years, I would run short distances in fits and starts, and I never sustained it for very long. That changed 17 months ago.
We spent one night camping at a small oasis in central Texas. Despite the temperature reaching 105-degrees in the afternoon, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Krause Springs.
Hundred-degree heat, a half-marathon at night, along with some hiking and tubing. Our third trip to South Llano River State Park was enjoyable and memorable.
We headed out before dawn, heading toward Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to enjoy some time at the park before it became too hot. A trip to downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, rounded out our day trip.
A day trip to Blanco, Texas, resulted in a “happy accident” (to borrow a phrase from Bob Ross). We had a great time exploring the state park and then going to an annual festival in downtown Blanco.
This was our second trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park, but our first overnight stay. From exploring the dinosaur track sites to hiking and running the trails, we had a great time.
We celebrated the new year at Lost Maples State Natural Area. For us, this looks like going to sleep by 9 p.m. and being thankful we weren’t awakened by people shooting off fireworks at midnight.
Our first trip to Garner State Park was short but memorable. We had a great time at this family friendly park, and we think this might become an annual winter trip.
We made a day-trip out to Enchanted Rock, just over two years after our last visit. This state natural area is among the most popular in the state park system, and it is very family friendly.
Thunderstorms in the area caused us to cancel a recent weekend camping trip to Huntsville State Park in east Texas. So, we headed out to Colorado Bend State Park for a day trip later that weekend after the rain cleared.
I visited Amicalola Falls State Park during a recent work event, staying at the lodge and enjoying time on the trails. It is a beautiful part of Georgia.
Our first camping trip with two geriatric pets went better than expected. This was a last-minute trip for us, having cancelled our Labor Day trip due to inclement weather. Learn more about the park’s camping and trail options.
It’s been an extremely hot and dry summer in central Texas this year, which has meant cancelling a few camping trips. Until our next trip, here are the top five most viewed / read posts.
A day trip to Pedernales Falls State Park resulted in hiking two trails I’d hike again, with some modifications, and one that I’d describe as “the most pointless trail in the park.”
It’s a long way from Austin to Avon. A roughly 15-hour drive over part of two days was a tiring experience, but after a week of hiking, exploring, dining and relaxing, it was definitely worth the effort to get there.
South Llano River State Park is an excellent park for trail runners, mountain bikers and hikers who want to disconnect and enjoy time on the trail, as well as for people who simply want to get away and relax by / in the river. Here is information about river access and the backcountry trails.
From primitive camping to glamping, Dos Rios RV Park offers something for everyone’s preference. The river views and access, along with close proximity to dining and shopping in Mason, make it a family friendly getaway.
A short, relatively easy hike on a trail between two parks in Georgetown, Texas. This is a great family outing for when you’re in the general area.
I hiked the entire 26-mile-plus Goodwater Loop around Lake Georgetown. It is a challenging and rewarding experience. Here is what I did … and what I would do differently next time.
Our family spent spring break 2022 at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It has 30 miles of mixed-used trails, and there are beautiful views of the canyon throughout the park.
Each time we explore the Pedernales River at the state park, it feels like a new experience. I’d highly recommend a day trip or overnight stay at Pedernales Falls State Park.
This roughly 2.25-mile out-and-back hike at Inks Lake State Park is a family-friendly trail pretty much any time of year, with lots of great views of Spring Creek and the lake.
Our family made a quick, one-night trip out to Colorado Bend State Park a few days before Christmas. A previous blog (here) offered general information about this park, so this post is primarily for providing a sampling of the photos we took during our stay. Since it was a brief trip, we only fit in … Continue reading Colorado Bend State Park: December 2021
Despite some quirkiness and a parking-lot-style developed camping area, we had a nice, relaxing family vacation while staying at Mustang Island State Park.
My wife and I took some time off work to create a longer family camping trip to Lost Maples over Veterans Day weekend this year. Arriving Thursday afternoon and leaving Sunday morning, we enjoyed three nights, two full days and two partial days taking in the views and hiking the trails. A previous blog (see … Continue reading Lost Maples State Natural Area: November 2021
Rustic, rural and beautiful are three adjectives that describe Colorado Bend State Park. After a one-night stay and hiking a small portion of the total trails, we’re already planning our next trip.
Wolf Mountain Trail at Pedernales Falls State Park is a wide, mostly gravel trail that is easy on the feet, legs and hips. However, it’s a much longer hike than the trail map says it is.
I finished section hiking the Goodwater Loop around Lake Georgetown recently. Here are notes on the three sections, as well as one option for backpacking around the lake on a typical weekend.
A calm, relaxing paddle with great views on the tree-canopied sections — but there is a lot of debris (logs and limbs) to navigate.
Our family spent the weekend hiking the trails, swimming in the pool and taking in the views at Bastrop State Park. This post focuses mostly on the trails, but offers some general reflection on the park too.
This 11-mile portion of the Goodwater Loop at Lake Georgetown is the most popular section — particularly the roughly 6-mile round-trip portion from Cedar Breaks to Crocket Gardens and back.
Calm and relaxing, with a bit of wind to battle against at the end – that was my family’s experience paddling the El Camino Real Paddling Trail. It’s an easy six-mile stretch of river that is one of two official paddling trails near Bastrop, Texas.
Lost Maples State Natural Area quickly became one of our favorite places during our Memorial Day 2021 weekend backpack camping trip. It’s a beautiful area of central Texas that should be on everyone’s “must see” list.
Beautiful views of the Texas hill country, more than 20 miles of hiking trails, and adjacent to a pristine, spring-fed river that allows for paddling year-round. It doesn’t get much better than a week at South Llano River State Park.
This past week in Texas was a mess, to put it mildly. We weathered the storm reasonably well, shifting to a camping mentality and being grateful for our camping supplies.
Bastrop State Park is a great, family friendly park. Shorter hiking trails, with the option to string them together for a longer trek. Close to Austin and located in a growing city, with lots of amenities.
We’re new to backpacking, so suggestions, tips and tricks are welcome. Here is our current gear setup to help others who might interested in adding backpack camping to their outdoor adventures.
Our first backpack camping trip as a family to Walnut Springs Camp at Lake Georgetown was a success — with one unexpected challenge.
We’ve cancelled our camping trips for the remainder of 2020 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. Here is the first of several posts about our equipment — this one focused on paddling gear.
Looking for a day trip? Consider Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Texas hill country. But be sure to grab a day pass well in advance for this popular location.
Looking for a short hike with a big “pay off”? Watching the sunrise at Inks Lake State Park is a great opportunity to get your day started off right.
This six-mile hike is worth the effort. It is fairly family-friendly, though be sure everyone can “carry their own weight” and bring plenty of water (particularly during warmer months).
What are all of those cars doing there? Answering that question led to a fun, easy outing one Saturday morning.
A cool, overcast morning in late October was the perfect opportunity to kayak between two county parks on the Colorado River in Central Texas.
Dawes Outdoors 