“Hike about one-quarter mile, take a right at the duck, and head for the alligator on the horizon. Scramble another quarter mile, and walk straight from the alligator’s mouth into the cave. It’s a tight squeeze to get into the cave, but it’s worth it.” These were the directions the ranger gave us to Cave […]
Archive for Travel – Page 33
Located 21 miles southwest of Fort Davis, the little town of Marfa (population 1,966) thrives in the middle of nowhere. It’s an old ranching community that seems to be amiably absorbing a wave of avant garde artists (given to a spare aesthetic), set in the stark beauty of the high desert grasslands of the West […]
In most state parks, feeding wildlife is discouraged. Not so in Texas State Parks. In every Texas State Park that we’ve visited, bird feeders and water features are the rule rather than the exception. Many parks boast bird blinds with elaborate waterfalls and feeding stations, most camp hosts maintain a variety of feeders at their […]
“Expecting a flood?” asked the burly, bearded man as he passed by our truck. We were parked at a rural post office in the high desert of New Mexico, our bright yellow kayak glowing in the noonday sun. We’ve had more than one person comment on the oddity of seeing a kayak in the desert, […]
Roseate spoonbills are one of my favorite birds. Apparently, I seem to have an affinity for pink fluffy things. I recall a grocery-shopping trip with my mother when I was about four years old, when she gave me permission to choose anything—ANYTHING—that I wanted in the store. I knew immediately my heart’s desire—pink fluffy marshmallow […]
We first visited Goose Island State Park in 2009, and have wanted to return ever since. It was just as good as we remembered—actually, even better. Located on the Gulf coast near Rockport, Texas, this park ranks high on our list of favorites. We spent six nights this time, and could happily have stayed longer. […]
Iremember when the only way to get to St. George Island was by ferry. There’s a picture of my sister and me, circa late 1950’s, standing at the bow of the ferry with our great-grandmother, Mother Pearl; she in her calico dress holding us close, us knobby kneed in our summer shorts and seersucker shirts. […]
A two-lane road—Highway 98—leads across the bay and into the center of downtown Apalachicola. It’s a one-stoplight town, with wide, palm-lined streets, vintage storefronts, antebellum homes, classic Florida cracker houses, and run-down shacks. Shrimp boats, oyster boats, and fishing vessels ply the waters for the shellfish and finfish harvest that sustains the town. By some […]
Almost 30,000 people (us included) descended on the laid-back little town of Apalachicola (population 2,300) for the 49th annual Florida Seafood Festival, held the first weekend in November every year. It was a fun two-day party celebrating the bounty that has sustained Franklin County for centuries. Some of the highlights: The Blessing of the Fleet Shrimp […]
The first time I told Eric about Wakulla Springs, I had to prod him into going with me. “There’s a jungle boat cruise!” I told him. “You won’t believe how close you can get to the birds and the ‘gators, and we might even see manatees!” He looked at me skeptically, and I knew he […]
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If you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, birding, art, music, quirky towns, good food, and good friends—you'll enjoy traveling with us. Join us as we explore the backroads of North America—we love company and comments!