Latest Posts

— Rio de Janeiro is a postcard just about anywhere you look. The city is known in Brazil as the Marvelous City. I tend to think the denomination comes from the fact the city’s topography is blessed by the Creator. … Read More

— It is true that Brasília (Brazil’s capital city) has a futuristic look. The entire city was planned from scratch to replace Brazil’s capital city in 1960. The idea was to have a city that was central to most of … Read More

— It has now been seven years since I first experienced the pristine beauty and quietness of the Texas Nature Conservancy’s Independence Creek Preserve. Not much has changed since that first visit. The preserve still has 3-4 Friday open days … Read More

— In 2020 Mission San José celebrates 300 years. As one of four missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves and celebrates the Spanish heritage in Texas and the USA. The missions … Read More

“O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!” [Walter Scott] — I could barely believe the size of that spiderweb — and spider! (see below) — as we were hiking in the Big Thicket Preserve … Read More

— About a year and a half ago, I visited Martin Dies, Jr. SP for the first time. Having watched the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TV shows on a regular basis, I thought I knew what to expect. I … Read More

— It is believed that on a clear day, one can see forever. You can see how that works if you do the hike to the South Rim of Chisos Mountains at Big Bend NP. I think I’ve done this … Read More

— One of the most iconic views in Big Bend NP is the Santa Elena Canyon. It can be seen from various parts in the park. No matter how close or far you are to the canyon, the view is … Read More

— Big Bend NP is famous for many features. Anyone who visits the park will likely cover highlights that include the Window, the Santa Elena Canyon, Castolon, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and other areas in the park. It all … Read More

— From time to time I enjoy going hiking at St. Edwards Park here in Austin. There are plenty of trails around in various lengths. The Green and Red Loop, for example, is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) and offers … Read More