Texas – Page 2 – Exploring Texas State Parks

Goliad State Park

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015 by John L, posted in General, Goliad State Park

Next to Mission Espiritu Santo is Goliad State Park. Although small, this park packs a punch when it comes to Texas History. Along with the neighboring mission that I posted about previously there are several other historic sites nearby. Additionally the park has plenty to offer in the form of outdoor activities.

Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming is available across from the park, at a junior Olympic swimming pool, operated by the city of Goliad (Swimming Safety Tips), nature study, and historical study. The park offers a floating dock and river access for kayaks and canoes, and is a take-out point for the Goliad Paddling Trail.

9724446987_9b194a663e_z — Fannin Memorial Monument (Southeast of the park next to Presidio La Bahia)

Mission Espiritu Santo State Historic Site

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015 by John L, posted in General, Goliad State Park

Back in September of 2013 I visited a great Mission in Goliad (and apparently forgot to hit publish on the posting). If you haven’t been to Goliad State Park yet I recommend adding it to your list. This site combined with its neighboring historical sites make for a great day trip for anybody.

The mission has been beautifully restored to it’s 18th century condition.

For reference, here is a picture of the 2004 condition.

2004 condition of church — 2004 courtesy of another great site for everyone to check out – http://www.wildtexas.com/

An interpretative guide is provided on the Texas Parks and Wildlife site.

Fall Foliage Report for Lost Maples

November 7, 2014November 7, 2014 by John L, posted in Lost Maples SNA

Fall Foliage Report at Lost Maples State Natural Area

If the weather forecast holds then the weekend of 11/15 will be a great weekend to check out the maples. Get there really early or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.

Sheldon Lake State Park New Entrance

November 4, 2014 by John L, posted in Sheldon Lake

Sheldon Lake State Park has a new entrance. I wanted to update my posts for that park since that is one of the most-viewed tags on my site.

Rain, Rain, don’t go away

May 27, 2014May 27, 2014 by John L, posted in Hill Country Natural Area, Palo Duro Canyon SP

Some state parks in Texas got some much-needed rain this weekend. The pictures below are all from facebook posts from the parks. The location is in the caption below each picture.

flooded creek — Hill Country SNA (Memorial Day 2014)

flooded road — Palo Duro Canyon SP (Memorial Day 2014)

fishing pier at bastrop state park — Fishing Pier at Copper Breaks State Park (Memorial Day 2014) This is the first time in 5 years that water has been remotely close to this pier. Nice reopening of the pier even if only temporary.

Hopefully the parks get more rain today.

Devil’s Sinkhole Introduction Video (TPWD)

March 12, 2014 by John L, posted in Devil's Sinkhole, Hill Country

I’m headed out to Devil’s Sinkhole this weekend. Here’s a little video from Texas Parks and Wildlife on the State Natural Area with a devilish name.

New Ethics Teaching Tool for Everyone (free!)

November 27, 2013November 27, 2013 by John L, posted in About Me, Causes I Believe In

Check out this cool video from my coworkers at the McCombs School of Business. They are producing some amazing content and best of all it is free for everyone.

There are many videos on the Ethics Unwrapped site. Each video has teaching notes that help the educator with the lesson plan. For more information check EthicsUnwrapped.utexas.edu!

Garner State Park

November 26, 2013March 6, 2014 by John L, posted in Garner State Park, Hiking, Hill Country, TexasStateParks

Park #34 on our quest to visit all the Texas State Parks and Historic Sites was Garner State Park.

It was very cold and started to rain when we arrived to the park. Even with the conditions we enjoyed the unique features of this park. The Frio (pictured above and below) is frequented by many during the summer for tubing activities. You wouldn’t want to do that in November. Besides being really cold, there’s also very little water.

Check the visitor’s center in the center of the park for path tags, wildlife viewing suggestions, and other park souvenirs. The main office at the entrance is for entrance fees ONLY and don’t forget to take a number on the way in.

There is plenty for the whole family in this park. There is a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, a miniature golf course (seasonal and weather-permitting), camping, hiking, swimming and tubing (seasonal), and much more. You can see why this is one of the more popular parks.

November at Lost Maples

November 25, 2013 by John L, posted in General, Hiking, Hill Country, Lost Maples SNA, TexasStateParks

Our 34th park was Lost Maples State Natural Area. We headed out early from Austin to beat the crowd…and then found that we were the only ones crazy enough to brave the weather.

lost maples and path through park

It was 32 degrees and muddy, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

There were many maples that still held their leaves, but many of the trees were bared during the recent storms. This was definitely one of the most colorful parks that we have visited so far.