Buescher State Park

One of my hardest hikes so far. This park is located in the Lost Pines of Texas about two hours southeast of where I live. Lots of up hill treks and plenty of shade. A deer scared the crap out of me (I'm sure I scared it too!) but the deer ran and I didn't. That deer was lucky, I didn't get one shot off. Anyway, here are the shots that I did get.

On the map, this was labeled as a pond. Texas is going through a drought so things are all dried up.  

No the deer did take the photos of me, I set my camera on timer and placed it on a stump.

Killeen Rodeo

The Killeen Rodeo was happening this week and I went all three nights. What a good time and of course the photographer got to eat free every night; bonus! The bull riding was the highlight of the show but it happened at night and so for me the bronc riding was my most successful shooting. Here are a few shots and a video for you to enjoy.

The rodeo was fun, but the weather is still HOT!

Mother Neff State Park (the first Texas state park)

I had a wonderful hike and I'll take the hike over the tred mill any day. I left early in the day, because it is Africa hot, and drove about an hour north-east to Mother Neff State Park. This area is next to Leon River and it is a very wooded area. There was only one path that I didn't hike and that is because at the trail head there was a sign that read, "Watch for Snakes." My decision was made, why watch for snakes when you can avoid them? Anyway, here are some of this weeks shots.

  
The cave was excavated by the CCC workers and they found the remains of three indians buried there. The pavilion was built by the CCC; I ate lunch there.

The trails are pristine, this is what I've always envisioned our property to look like, minus the spider.

McKinney Falls State Park

My NewBalance shoes fell apart (literally,) so I had to get something I could go hiking in. It just so happens that there is an REI store near me in Round Rock, TX. REI is like a candy store for the outdoorsman. Slowly, I am becoming more of an outdoorsman again. Here are just a couple of the reasons why:

This is when I most think about God and marvel at his creations. Time is such a wonderful thing, I wish I had more of it.

Longhorn Caverns State Park and Inks Lake State Park

It was hot today so I decided to take my hike underground. Of course it was guided and there were some old crunchies with my group so it was a stop and go kind of hike but most of mine hikes are because I like to stop and take photographs. 

Our tour guide was pretty funny but he did point out some facts. Like this cavern was created by fast moving water hence the smooth sides. And the domes where created by whirl pools in the underground river.

This little guy was fast asleep and I though he was pretty cool. If only I had a different lens and more time in the cave.

We owe it all the the CCC workers for digging this cavern out and for putting together this wonderful stonework.

From the Longhorn Caverns and back into the heat of the day, I went just a few miles up the road to Inks Lake.

At Inks lake I found the Devils Watering Hole. I hiked up the rocks to the top and took this panoramic. Kids were jumping of the rocks on the over side, it looked like a place my kids would like to go. Alas, I hiked back down and headed for home.

Colorado Bend State Park

I drove to Bend, TX today and went to another state park. Colorado Bend State Park was worth the 1.5 hour drive, in fact I think I'd do it again.

All the roads in this park are dirt roads. Thankfully I didn't see this guy alive!

Seeing this made it hard to wanna hike...

but I did hike and the trail was pretty rough...

even rougher when I got nearer the Colorado River...

but the waterfall made it all worth it!

I traveled through Lampasas, Texas to get to my destination. Of course I didn't get my video camera out until after my hike through the park. Here is my trip through Lampasas on the way back.



Don't blink.