Lake Alan Henry

When it comes to outdoorsy things to do around here, sometimes you have to hit the road. A mere two hours away from Midland is Lake Alan Henry. It has nice hiking, fishing, swimming, camping spots with fire pits and covered picnic tables, and convenient docks for boats. I've seen a few "lakes" in this part of the country and so far this is the first one I'd recommend. To make it even better, it's quite close to our neighbor, Lubbock.

Photos couldn't capture the vibrant greenery or the brilliant blue of the water.

Here

is the amazing view from one of the camps.

Wildlife thrives here.

I love rockclimbing.

One of the best things is to have racoons and porcupines wander near you at night, to sleep to the sound of the coyotes, and to wake to cottontail bunnies by your tent.

When it rains....it floods

The day I moved to Midland, I had people ask me if it was hot and dry in Texas. My response was, "No, it's cold and wet" ...that was my first flood. Today, I decided to venture into my second flood and it was almost successful.

I flooded my car on the loop and was stuck for an hour, then got stuck in the mud trying to avoid a repeat in the trailer park, and went home to a fully submerged turtle. Changa was quite unhappy with me.

Funny Memories

Annual Airshow

Last year, on the week I arrived in Texas, I was at my sister's house making dinner when we heard an explosion. Then another, one after another. We ran outside to see what was going on to run into several neighbors enjoying the view. Turns out, every year they have an airshow, which includes a Pearl Harbor bombing reenactment. So this year, we made an effort to see it up close. It was great!

I was really there for the bombs, but the planes overhead were fun to watch and there was some neat things to look at.

We got to go 

in a really old plane...

Kids have plenty to play on...

Crazy us

Overall, worth the trip!

A Nicer Side of Odessa

Today I was able to enjoy the beauty of a very nice area in Odessa. I enjoy an occational game of frisbee golf (folf) and have played a small, but nice course in Midland, but I was especially impressed by Comanche Trail in Odessa. It was 21 holes + a practice hole and I hear we missed another 8 on the other side of the road. It was very nice, full of trees, and just a great walk. Check it out if you haven't yet!

A Prettier Side of Midland

I miss beauty of the outdoors living in Midland.  Wanting to just be outside, I asked my sister if she wanted to go on a walk. She found us the nicest nature trail that reminds me of back in Idaho. The
I-20 Nature Preserve is worth seeing if you are in Midland for any reason. The trails have been well-maintained,  there is very nice huts to relax in, a tall lookout, and best of all TREES!!

There's even something for the kids!

Stamps! And the beautiful sound of the Cicada bug