Category Archives: Outdoor Activities

Picking the Perfect LOWA Hiking Boots

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Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive a free pair of LOWA Renegade GTX Hiking Boots from OnlineShoes.com in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

OnlineShoes.com, LOWA, Hiking Boots

It’s hard to believe but fall is right around the corner. With the cooler air and changing of the leaves we’ll soon find ourselves outside enjoying the foliage via the roadways, waterways or even hiking on the trails. Now is the perfect time to become prepared and find those perfect pair of hiking boots to enjoy it as much as we can.

It’s always important to take note what we’re putting on our feet, especially if we’re going to be challenging ourselves with a good hike. I’m a fan of day hikes and there’s no telling what kind of terrain I’ll be covering (dry, wet, rocky or just dirt) depending on if I’m in Texas or Vermont. My needs require light weight, versatility and definitely waterproofing. Lucky for me, these LOWA boots were perfect!

OnlineShoes.com, LOWA, Hiking Boots

LOWA Renegade GTX is the “most award winning boot” designed by LOWA. Nubuk leather, waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX, climate controlled footbed (no blisters!) and incredibly light weight. So lightweight that I forget that I had hiking boots on my feet. The best part – there isn’t a break in period. Put them on and go! The style is perfect and this color leather was my favorite choice.

OnlineShoes.com, LOWA, Hiking Boots

Tips for picking out hiking boots:

Match your goals. Choose a boots that’s particular to your ambitions – day hiking, long trek, etc.
Length: Toes should wiggle. Pay particular attention to the length of the boot.
Width: Your foot should not move from side to side although it should not be tight or compressed from the sides. Comfort is key.
Key: On a flat surface, thumbs width at your toes, room to slip one finger in behind heel.
Try to avoid cotton socks as these will absorb sweat/moisture and in turn cause blisters. Try on with appropriate socks.
Research boot cut, boot materials and sole content to ensure the boot picked is appropriate for your ambitions. There’s a ton of sites online that will assist with this step.

OnlineShoes.com, LOWA, Hiking Boots

Be sure to swing by OnlineShoes.com to find your perfect hiking boot with tons of styles, colors and designs to fit your needs.

DFW Bucket List: Horseback Riding at Benbrook Stables

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Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive a free trail ride in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

When thinking of Texas, what comes to mind? Cowboys? Horses? Ranches? Those are on mine and I live here. It only makes sense that if you have only a short period here, those things should be integrated into the visit. This is Texas after all! Let’s get some interaction going! Why only watch when you can take part?! Let’s go horseback riding!

Visiting Dallas / Fort Worth shouldn’t all be “city living”. Quite frankly, it’s pretty easy to get out of all the hustle and bustle and retreat to the quiet tranquility of “country livin’” to get away from it all, even if it’s just for a little while.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Just outside of Fort Worth, I found Benbrook Stables in Benbrook, Texas. It’s a short drive and I’ll be darned if it’s not a good excuse to get out of the metroplex. Heck, it took me only 30 minutes from my place in North Arlington. Once arrived, turn off your phones and forget about all the stresses. This is a place of retreat.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities

I recently had a couple friends visit from Vermont. This was high on their list of things to do and definitely left an impression. The main office provides some of that good ole Texas charm. A cowhide rug lines the floor, Texas art hangs on the walls showcasing chaps, cowboy boots and landscapes followed by an old saddle holding course.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Outside – a hundred horses. No joke, our trail lead told us they currently have over 100 horses at the stables, which he knew all their names. It’s a small town.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Once our trail ride began, we met the tranquility that we’ve longed. We started on our hour trail ride leaving the stables and entering the Benbrook Park. Through woods, over a creek until we finally reached the high point fit for a camera. We had a scenic view of Lake Benbrook and some perfect Texas sights – Bluebonnets. Bluebonnets lining an untouched meadow filled with wildflowers and cactus.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

There was only one disappointment – the ride just wasn’t long enough. I could’ve continued all day. I wish it continued all day! The horses were gentle and friendly. We took a few photos afterwards and checked out the rest of the stables. There’s even a great site for an event.

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This is definitely something that I would put on a Texas Bucket List and be sure to check it off! It’ll leave you wanting to gallop around Texas fields all day and the arena nearby may spark some dreams of wanting to barrel race (at least it did for me). It’s such a reasonable distance as well as price. $40/hr for a trail ride – one of the most reasonable rates I’ve found.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Benbrook Stables
10001 Benbrook Blvd, Benbrook, TX 76126
817-249-1001
Offers: Trail Rides, Lessons, Camps, Boarding and Rentals

Keeping up with The Haneys

We’re On A Boat!

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I’ve recapped my recent trip to Lake Austin a couple times in the last month of Bill’s impromptu trip to Austin. Here are some of my favorite pictures to wrap it all up! We had such a good time out on the lake! These guys are some of the best and most fun to hang out with, bringing together Vermont and New Jersey in Texas! Can’t wait until our next reunion!

“Reunited and it feels so good!” Then we saw this fella trying to fly… I’m pretty sure if I even attempted this I would find my face going straight for the water. Yikes!

Don’t hate me Bill… the funny faces made it online! We’ll look ridiculous together! Awww – there, that’s better! Maybe I should’ve titled this post “Bill” – you’re pretty popular with the camera my friend! Until our next adventures!