Wanderings And Ponderings

Fun Fact: I spent many of my formative years in northeast Texas, not too far from Lake Tawakoni State Park ! Returning to this area always brings back memories of big skies, hot summers, and time outdoors. The park, located near Wills Point , is one of those peaceful places where you can reconnect with nature, spend time with family, or just enjoy the quiet beauty of Texas lakeside life. Location:  10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169 What to Do at Lake Tawakoni State Park Boating & Fishing: With 376 acres of parkland and access to over 37,000 acres of lake, Lake Tawakoni is a haven for anglers. You’ll find catfish, crappie, and bass in abundance. Boat ramps are available for easy access to the water. Camping: Tent and RV camping is available with modern amenities like restrooms, showers, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Trails & Wildlife: The park features hiking and nature trails where you might spot white...

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas to experience the powerful Annie Leibovitz exhibition . It was a stunning walk through some of the most iconic portraits in American culture. Among my favorites? The unforgettable image of Bruce Springsteen astride his motorcycle in Paris and the charismatic shot of Arnold Schwarzenegger with a cigar, mounted on a white horse. Seeing these images up close was nothing short of awe-inspiring—an unforgettable visual journey into the power of portraiture. Follow me on Instagram: @mikeisoutside Crystal Bridges: A Cultural Gem in the Ozarks Located in the heart of the Ozarks, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art was founded by philanthropist Alice Walton , daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Since opening on November 11, 2011 , the museum has become a cornerstone of American art in the South, offering free admission to its permanent collection and a vision cent...

Early in February, I had the chance to meander over into Oklahoma to co-present at the Southwest Parks and Recreation Training Institute . For the last several years, the institute has been hosted by Sequoyah State Park , a scenic and relaxing spot located along the shores of Fort Gibson Lake near the town of Wagoner. As a bonus, it's a park rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. The park is named in honor of Sequoyah , the famous Cherokee polymath who, in the early 19th century, invented the Cherokee syllabary —a written system that enabled widespread literacy among the Cherokee people. This singular contribution made Sequoyah one of the most important Native American figures in U.S. history, and his legacy lives on through the people and places connected to his name—including this stunning state park. Follow me on Instagram: @mikeisoutside What Can You Do at Sequoyah State Park? Stay the Night Whether you prefer rustic or refined, you’ve got options. The park feat...

Early in 2024, I got to explore Lake Ouachita State Park , located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Ouachita —the largest lake entirely within the state—this park offers a perfect blend of recreation, serenity, and history. Covering over 40,000 acres, Lake Ouachita is known for its clarity, untouched shorelines, and the many stories hidden in its hills and coves. Follow me on Instagram: @mikeisoutside Historical Roots of Lake Ouachita State Park Lake Ouachita State Park isn't just a scenic destination—it's a place with deep historical and environmental roots . The lake was created in the 1950s with the construction of Blakely Mountain Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power . As a byproduct, the formation of Lake Ouachita created a haven for wildlife and an incredible recreational opportunity for Arkansans. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism saw the potential early on a...

Time to take a scenic and leisurely float down the Snake River! The Snake River, winding through the heart of Idaho, is more than just a river—it’s a lifeline that carves out some of the West’s most dramatic landscapes while fueling agriculture, energy, and adventure. Originating in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, the Snake River flows westward, forming the border between Idaho and Oregon and cutting through some of the region’s most breathtaking terrain. One of the most iconic sights? Shoshone Falls , dubbed the "Niagara of the West," near Twin Falls. It’s a must-see on any Snake River journey. The river is also the beating heart of the Snake River Plain , a fertile stretch of land shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Thanks to the river’s irrigation power, the area produces the crops Idaho is best known for—like potatoes and sugar beets. Add in the Hells Canyon Dam , Swan Falls Dam , and others, and you get a water system that supports hydroelectricity and irrigation...