The Pinery Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a short, self guided, interpretive trail starting at park headquarters. This trail is wheelchair accessible, allows dogs (on a leash), and is also great for very young kids. Even if you’re a serious hiker than can knock down the most difficult trails without breaking a sweat, […]
McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Lodge
McKittrick Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. During holiday weekends and peak seasons, don’t expect to have it to yourself. The fall colors in McKittrick Canyon have earned it the reputation of being considered one of the most beautiful spots in Texas. There is a permanent stream […]
Modesta Canyon Trail
Modesta Canyon Trail is a 1.8 mile loop starting at the Powell Visitor Center at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center in Fort Davis, Texas. This trail will take you down into a rocky canyon to a year-round spring that feeds a couple of small pools. The Nature Center website states that these pools support a […]
Dutch Oven Dutch Baby Recipe
If a crepe and a pancake got together and had a child – you’d have a dutch baby. It’s sort of like an eggy, fluffy pancake. Not surprisingly, when we’re talking about a dutch oven dutch baby it tastes even better. I don’t know what it is, but dutch ovens make food taste better. Top […]
Apple Pie – Pie Iron Recipe
My sweet tooth and I go a long ways back. I also grew up in apple country (Washington) so I love most anything that contains apples. I figured the next logical recipe to make was pie iron apple pies. And just like with every single thing you put in them – pie irons make apple […]
Hiking Safely in Rattlesnake Country
I frequently hear things like “I really hate snakes!” or “I’m not going hiking because there are snakes out!” Well, I’m here to tell you that it is entirely possible to continue hiking during the months when rattlesnakes are not hibernating. With a little know-how, you won’t have to give up your summer hikes (hot […]
Where is Big Bend National Park?
Where is Big Bend National Park? It’s way out there. Far away from what most Americans would consider civilization. Over three hours from the nearest commercial airport (in Midland, Texas). Big Bend National Park sits in one of the most remote parts of West Texas, bordering Mexico along the Rio Grande River (its called Big […]
Thunder Mountain Trail/Lower Chimney Rock Trail – Sedona, Arizona
When a trail has a name like Thunder Mountain how can you pass it up? For my birthday this year I requested a trip to my happy place (also known as Sedona, Arizona) with a hike and a good beer afterwards. And Sedona never disappoints! We hiked a portion of Thunder Mountain Trail and veered […]
Chicken Pot Pie – Pie Iron Recipe
I’m a huge sucker for chicken pot pie. It’s one of my all time favorite foods. And since pie irons make every food taste better – why wouldn’t I come up with a chicken pot pie recipe for the pie iron? While making these mini chicken pot pies is a bit more work than making […]
How to Camp Safely in Bear Country
Camping in the American Southwest means you’ll be in bear country at one point or another. I suppose if you stuck to desert-only areas you might avoid them altogether, but you’d be missing out on some really gorgeous places. The good news is that to learn how to camp safely in bear country you really […]