Category Archives: Adventures

#ranch #texas #travelTexas #HillCountry #dirtroad

New Years at The Ranch

Last August, I may have found one of my top three favorite places in Texas. This ranch in the middle of the Hill Country is amazing. Beautiful, relaxing, peaceful. It’s my perfect getaway. I have way too many photographs to share in one post so I’ll start off with some of my favorites.

Cows. I have a soft spot for these herefords.

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There’s also these African animals. Wildebeests, kudu, oryx… amazing.

The wildebeests and the cows, well it turns out they’re friends. They were hanging out peacefully. (I’m still trying to figure out if I should or shouldn’t be surprised by this.) Wildebeests are pack animals. Turns out you can be exiled from the group. We saw a solo wildebeest who was out on his lonesome.

The kudu (the animal with the twisty horns below) were terrified of us. It was hard to grab a photo of them up close. Maybe next time.

Its so amazing to see these animals roaming around. I’m pretty certain this was a day in paradise to photograph and watch.

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Then there were the turkeys simply taking a stroll.

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Now I’m really excited – the elk! (I’ve saved the best for last.) This past summer, I saw one or two elk from afar hanging out in a lake. This visit, I was in for an incredible surprise. Our tickets were front row and center. First off, there was no fence between us and elk. And they are so beautiful. We had stopped to take some photos of the African game and the elk followed us over. They were ready for their photo-opp and to photobomb. How many can say they’ve been photobombed (or taken selfies) with a herd of elk? I’m fairly certain that we could’ve just grabbed some chairs, opened a cooler and sat and watched them all afternoon.

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I couldn’t have thought of a better place to be at the start of the new year. The perfect company, beautiful scenery and the best place to enjoy the outdoors.

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Cheers for an amazing 2016 to you and yours!

Eiffel Tower, Texas Eiffel Tower, Paris Texas, Texas Road Trip, Odd Attractions

That Time I Went to Paris

It’s been kind of quiet around here the past couple weeks. Between writers block, a hectic work schedule and doing what we all love to do around this time of year (our taxes), traveling and checking out events had been pushed aside. With all of that out-of-the-way, it’s time to get back to the FUN!

How to cure writers block – take a trip! Texas has a little bit of everything and I’m now convinced that there’s nothing that we can’t find in this state, including a little bit of Paris. Situated just northeast of Dallas, lies the town of Paris, complete with the town square, a cafe and the Eiffel Tower of Texas.

Eiffel Tower, Texas Eiffel Tower, Paris Texas, Texas Road Trip, Odd Attractions

Eiffel Tower, Texas Eiffel Tower, Paris Texas, Texas Road Trip, Odd Attractions

Complete with a cowboy hat, the tower is easy to find. Just outside of town at the Love Civic Center stop by to grab a photo or two. You can’t miss it. A trip to Paris isn’t as far as you think!

Texas Eiffel Tower
Love Civic Center
2025 South Collegiate Drive
Paris, Texas 75469
Free

Choo-Choo! All Aboard the Miniature Railroad!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

There’s so many activities and events in Fort Worth, sometimes we almost miss the ones that right in front of us (and the most fun)! The Forest Park Miniature Railroad is a delight for all and brings us to a place of imagination, relaxation and most importantly – fun! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was to take part!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

This railway began in 1959 and cost $0.35 cents for a ride.

All aboard!
Departing every twenty-five minutes, you can hop on-board at two different stops.  One, right outside the Fort Worth Zoo and the other within the Trinity Park. The great thing about the Forest Park Miniature Railroad is that it’s an adventure that exposes you to all the great opportunities in this area.

First, we took off from the Fort Worth Zoo location (off University Drive) and headed towards the Trinity Park. Our first look is the view of downtown Fort Worth over the Trinity River. How can anyone not love this view?

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Next, we head to the park. The Trinity Park is extremely large and there’s so much to do! We saw family photos being taken, picnics, people playing basketball, walking, jogging, biking, etc.. There’s an endless amount of activities that get you to enjoy the outdoors and the weather and driving thru as a spectator on the train reminds us all how much fun this park can be!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Next up, the Trinity Pillar Project. Turning the pillars into a work of art. Each pillar is different and creates a spectacle of color as the train passes under the Lancaster Bridge. Located right next to the duck pond, the art bring this area to life!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Shortly thereafter, we reached the halfway point on the trip. I’m a little disappointed that we can’t just do this all day because it’s so much fun!

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

Halfway thru our ride, we stop at the Trinity Park depot. Here we pick up new passengers and let some off who may have joined the ride originally at this depot. Perhaps, you’ll even want to get off and have a little picnic of your own? At this stop, we were lucky enough to move into the very last row and move our view backwards! Best seat on the train (unless you have really long legs then it may be a little tight).

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor ActivitiesChoo-Choo!! And we’re off! The train moves a little faster from this point of view!
Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor ActivitiesBridges, untouched land, over the Trinity River and through the Trinity Park, the train has a way of making you forget that you’re in the middle of a city. It feels like an outdoor paradise where you just let go of all inhibitions and can just relax and bask in the moment.

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

The ride also reminded me of all the other small events and locations that make Fort Worth such a great place. Maybe the food truck park that we eyed across the Trinity? The zoo nearby to see some of the animals? Perhaps even just going for a walk along the river. The moments with friends and family are endless.

Fort Worth, Railroad, Family, Outdoor Activities

For More Information:
Forest Park Miniature Railroad / 1700 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76101.
Admission: Adults $4 / Children $3.50
Ride Length: Around 40-45 minutes.