Howdy! and Happy New Year, ya’ll

Look what Linda got: A new backpack!

It holds hiking sticks, a water bottle, mini first aid kit, jacket, dry socks, snacks, and me: Adventure Cow! For me, I’m glad not to be smooshed anymore, for Linda it is very light weight and can fold up to about the size of a hand towel.

We decided to take the new backpack for a hike, or two; right here in Texas!
Turns out, you don’t have to leave the country to have an adventure!

We went to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock

It has a very large (enchanted) rock in the center.
Here I am about half way up to the top. There are not a lot of picture points on a big, round, steep rock.

They also took me to Garner State Park. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner

Garner had a great spot to take my picture at the top of their center mountain – Old Baldy.
Not far from the top of Old Baldy, we stopped for pictures of the Frio River.
I know, you can’t see me in this picture while I’m looking up; but you can see part of Old Baldy.

Andy got a new backpack too. It’s not flowered, it doesn’t fold up small; but it does have room for all of his camera gear and me too! If I stick my head out.

Here we go!

This trail is part of McKinney Falls State Park. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls

Onion Creek goes through this park, which is only 13 miles from the State Capital in Austin.
McKinney Falls State Park used to be someone’s ranch.
The previous owner’s house is shown in the background. Visitors are not allowed at the house.
As their website says, there are many beautiful spots along the river.

We also visited Pedernales Falls State Park. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls

We learned about Karst: “Karst is a landscape where rainwater dissolves a type of limestone, forming connected cavities. …”
I helped lead the way on our hike in Pedernales.
We should go “that a-way”
When you follow the trail, you find yourself on the Pedernales River.
If you look close, you can even find the source of the river; a natural spring from underground.

I love going around in the new backpack,
I can’t wait to see where we go and what we do in 2024.

Happy New Year!
Let’s make it an exciting one my fellow adventurers.