Rock Climbing area in Mineral Wells State Park

Rock climbing in Dallas area means going to a gym and ascending their epoxy resin walls. This can be done throughout the year and through the day. On the other hand real rock climbing is pretty much impossible in the Dallas area or so I thought till I visited Mineral Wells State Park. Here there is a small area in one corner known as the Penitentiary Hollow where there are medium sized rock formations ideal for top-rope climbing. So for people in Dallas who want to do real rock climbing the few months of the year when it is pleasant and not extremely cold or hot Mineral Wells is the answer.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is one of the few areas around Dallas where one can see hills and rocks. This is one of the large lakes that dot the area and not too long ago it was believed that the waters had healing properties and people from all over the country would come here for a bath. The city and its water was so famous that at one time the mineral water originating from here was the most sought after. Anyway now since there is more pollution and modernity has set in nobody visits this area for the special water. This is now a small country town which attracts adventurers for its outdoor activity offerings. The state park offers bicycling, hiking and rock climbing options.

San Jacinto Battleground Monument

Here is an interesting sculpture I noticed installed at the San Jacinto Battleground Monument state park. I don't know what it is and there was no signage to educate visitors like me about it. Nevertheless I think it is an interesting piece of art sited strategically sited at the base of the battleground tower at the end of the long water body that seems to have been built just to reflect the battleground monument.

San Jacinto Battleship Monument

This is the memorial park for one of the historical wars that Texas fought with Mexico and won. The monument is set amidst 1200 acres of sprawling grassland and forests. There are nice walking trails which visitors can use for recreation and exercise. I will be posting pictures of the memorial in upcoming posts.

Close at hand is the Battleship Monument which houses an old warship. Marooned in the bay the warship "Texas" showcases how the navy fought in the earlier part of the 20th century. Then there are vast expanses of open areas for people to hangout and enjoy nature. Here are few pictures of the ship.

Ferry Ride in Galveston

Galveston is an island off the gulf coast of Texas connected to the mainland on one side by a bridge. The other side of the island is linked to other near by islands via ferry that are free. People drive their cars into the ferry on one side and drive off on the other getting on with their works. The unique feature is that this ferry is completely free of cost and one can take as many trips as one pleases. We took up the task, but we left the car on the Galveston side and just climbed into the ferry to enjoy the ride and watch the sights of the sea and the breeze.

The ferry ride is also a good opportunity to see Dolphins as they jump out of water and play in the surf created by the boats propellers. Here are some pictures of the ferry ride. There is no picture of the ferry itself but of what I saw around in the sea waters as I traveled in the ferry.

Downtown Galveston Views

I have still not completed writing about my visit to Galveston during spring break. I know it is over a month and a half and I am still writing and posting pictures. Galveston is a small tourist town with a quaint downtown where shopping means buying lots of "Made in China" stuff at the trinket stores. There is tons of eating out and one unique store which is the military surplus store. Apart from that it is like every other downtown in America cobble stone streets, sidewalks, restaurants, and shopping.

Here are some pictures of downtown Galveston:

The oldest military surplus store.... in the world they claim... :)

Road signs in downtown... Mechanic avenue where nothing but shopping and dining exists

Interesting store signs in downtown...

Galveston - Architecture and Heritage

Galveston is an old town and as such there are several buildings that date back a few hundred years. Of course these are vehemently protected and guarded against demolition by legislation and public initiatives. A good phenomenon of course preserving history is important. Then there are modern buildings sporting concrete and glitzy signs. Here are few pictures of buildings I felt were interesting...

Exploring Rural America - 2: Bonham State Park

Green Spaces for Public Good

America is responsible for a whole lot of pollution including and not limited to consuming over 40% of the world's gasoline, emitting over 30% of the world's greenhouse gases, etc. I would add a positive statistic to this country i.e. this is one country where local environment is preserved very well. Most of the natural creeks, rivers, and culverts have been preserved, even though these come alive only during the rains. Then there are vast open spaces that have been designated as National and State Parks, Wildlife refuges, and other types of protected areas that are basically green spaces open to public and that also help enhance the environment.

I have been exploring America since the time I landed here, not just the glitz and glamor of cities and popular tourist destinations, but the interior lesser known rural and local attractions. My reaction to this is mostly that of surprise and admiration to the sustainable planning and development of communities. Recently I visited one of the state parks of Texas - Bonham State Park. Located close to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro area this is a vast green space with a 261 acre lake. The park is full of trees and the lake adds a beauty to the entire setting. Rustic old-style buildings house the administrative offices in the park that provides facilities for walking, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and aqua sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, etc.

During summer months this park is usually full of visitors but now being winter and biting cold I was the only visitor in the park. Here are some pictures of the park for your viewing pleasure.

The Main entrance to Bonham State Park

Water Fowl enjoying their day at the lake without any visitors disturbance...

The deserted swimming area of the park - summer brings crowds of families to the park

The fishing pier which can also be a scenic look out...

Exploring Rural America: Bonham, TX - 1

When I was in India visiting America means going to the most popular sights i.e., the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Museum, the Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, etc. Reading about these globally renowned destinations I was under the impression that America doesn't have much to explore, it is just a commercial paradise. Now that I am living here I am slowly becoming aware of the vastness of the country and the richness in terms of natural heritage and also man-made creations of the land. Each state, and county has its own historical museums, nature parks, and recreation spaces for local citizens as well as travelers. Most visitors are locals but there are some people from far off/ different states and rarely from other countries.
Yesterday I visited one such place in North Texas area. It is a small city known as Bonham with a population of a little over 10,000. The city is very small and it is mostly a village, except for the fact that there are all the modern amenities such as super markets, ATM, a prison, large post office, court, etc. It is indeed amazing that for a population of 10,000 the government has invested in all these amenities. I wish other nations also followed suit so there would be no necessity for crowding the big cities.
Bonham's major attraction is the Bonham State Park and the Lake Bonham Recreation Area. Then there are couple of museums and that is pretty much it. Here are some pictures of Bonham City. I will be posting more information about the other attractions soon....

Sam Rayburn Library and Museum - I will write more about this shortly...

Mr. Bonham, the person after whom the city has been named. His statue occupies the main square of the city

The county Prison... of course the maintenance is pathetic with the economic down turn...

Santa Cruz Beach, California

I visited Santa Cruz beach a few years ago and memories of this wonderful waterfront locale continue to haunt me. The way surfers take on the breaking waves, the sea gulls, fly around seeking food seems like they are having so much fun. We as tourists were just gawking at the surfers enjoying the water. There is a nice road with walking trail along the sea front which enabled us to get a ringside view of everything that was going on in the azure waters below. I wish I knew how to surf, I'd be checking out the surf and trying to catch a big wave. Anyway that may happen in the next birth or later in this birth if god wills. For now I just visit beautiful water front places and enjoy the beauty.

Weekend Getaways are vital to well being!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the vital necessities for everyone in order to lead a good life is recreation and leisure. This can be achieved either through hobbies, travel, recreational sports and other activities. Personally speaking I feel recreational travel is the most important necessity. Though the economic downturn of the past two years has made it a little tougher to take as many breaks, I have still been able to manage few weekend getaways and one long holiday.

Talking about weekend getaways, I recently came across this huge promotion by Hampton Hotel, they are giving away a free weekend stay everyday. Yes, you have the opportunity to win a totally free weekend stay at any Hampton hotel. They are offering a fantastic offer titled: Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes under which entrants have a unique chance to win a free weekend stay at any Hampton hotel in the country.

Enter the contest and get your own chance to win and take a break with your friends this fall and have a good time bonding and building your team of well wishers. Weekend getaways are short, intense and highly relaxing and this is a great time to bond with people who are going to be part of yoru life for a long long time. This king of opportunity doesn't last long go for it now.

Nanjangud Vistas

Continuing my post of visiting Nanjangud I couldn't upload all the pictures. So here are some more pictures of the location... both indoor and outdoor shots. Some of the pictures may be a little blurred.

Branson, Missouri: The best holiday destination for Spring Breakers!!!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I moved to the United States in late 2007 and since then I have taken every opportunity to travel within the country. I have enjoyed touring cities, national parks, tourist destinations and watching shows. Places with an abundance of natural wealth, adventure activities, and recreational opportunities are among my favored destinations.

Branson, MO is one of my preferred holiday locations because the city offers unlimited opportunities for shopping, golf, and live shows. While in Branson, my preferred hotels are one of the Hiltons. Either the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or at the Hilton Branson Convention Center. Why do I prefer to stay here, it is simply because both the hotels are located within easy reach of shopping areas, boutiques, classy restaurants, river walk, and other attractions.

Right now the Hilton hotels have some great offers. The one I would opt for would be the Golf Package being offered in collaboration with Payne Stewart Golf Club by the Hilton Promenade. With rates starting from $209 this package is definitely a wonderful bargain in my opinion. The best thing about this package is that, it is on until Feb 2011. Another package I am highly attracted towards is the Romance Package, I would probably go there for our anniversary and enjoy the "do not disturb" getaway.

The save with Visa Package will get you a discount of 25% the Best Available Rate. Now that is what I call great savings. Look up the website of Hilton to know about the packages and I bet you will immediately end up booking your holiday.

Enjoy an Italian Weekend right here in the US

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love to travel whenever I get the opportunity: spring break, summer vacations, winter holidays, long weekends and any other time I have a few days on hand. One of my most favorite holiday hotspots within continental America is Branson, Missouri. Why do I love visiting Branson? The answer is pretty simple this is one location that offers something for every member of the family. This is one place that probably offers the largest number of live shows, concerts, and theater entertainment options. Some people call it the Live Music Capital of the world.

When we go to Branson the hotel of choice is of course either the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. I recently came to know that the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is putting together this wonderful Italian Food Festival the last weekend of February. Titled Italian Culinary Weekend this event is scheduled to be staged from Friday, February 26 2010 through Saturday, February 27, 2010. Friday’s inaugural reception will feature antipasto and hors d’oeuvres paired with tongue tickling Italian wines. The most entertaining/ interesting part of the event is going to be on Saturday when participants will get an opportunity to try their hands at cooking their favorite Italian food.

Hilton is offering several wonderful packages starting from $429.00 (excluding tax and gratuity) for two. This is something that is not to be missed, especially since the package includes a five-course dinner and a goodie bag on Saturday. The only catch however is to make reservations before February 23, 2010.
Time is of essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity. Go ahead and enjoy the Italian weekend, it is time for some post-valentine celebrations.

Walnut Canyon continued....

The ancient peoples that lived in Walnut Canyon continue to haunt me and I would like to write a little more about them. Looking at their homes, and the surroundings I would conclude that they lived in perilous, hostile and rough areas. The Canyon was surrounded by wilderness and they pretty much built homes on the steep slopes of the canyon. Far below in the valley bed is the flowing river which is the only source of water for these people. To get their regular meal they had to struggle and work hard cultivating corn and hunting in the wilderness. Water had to hauled up from the stream below. I am sure the community lost some of its members because of accidents, they would have just fallen off the path into the ravine and gotten washed away in the river.
Anyway coming back to this post I would like to present some pictures of the steep slopes where the homes were built. A cursory look at the image would not reveal any dwelling/ construction. This I guess provided them a natural camouflage. Look at the pictures and see if you can identify any of the ancient homes.

Visual Travel Guides!!!

Travel guides traditionally have been books, then came the era of VHS, then CDs and the internet. PDF downloadable guide books were next and then there are Blogs, websites, promotional webpages etc hit the market in a big way. But now the latest product to hit the market is Visual travel guides from Magellan. The USP of these guides is that travelers can get the real feel of a place before they decide to go there. If after seeing the Visual Travel guides don't appeal to anybody they will not visit that destination. These guides come at a price though, for $20 you could visit a popular city like San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and many other places. This may well be the next wave of travel publications.

Switzerland: The Year Round Travel Destination

My favorite hobby is travel and to be precise adventure travel to places with dramatic landscapes, rolling countrysides, mountains, fast flowing rivers, heritage monuments, and a rich culture of food and drink. This description sometimes seems too much and people say that it is difficult to get a destination that satisfies all these conditions. As for me I did one such location in the heart of Europe, Switzerland. I have made it my goal to Discover Swiss "Pearls" next year. An informational website about the country says that it has cultural influences from France, Germany and Italy.

Switzerland for me is about the memorable experiences it offers. I'd love to get into the activity of Making Cheese at Ticino. Swiss cheese is very delectable and if I can make it myself the high is definitely ultimate. In my religion bells play a very important role. The bell foundry in Berger, Barau, Switzerland offers a unique opportunity to visitors. We can cast our own bell by decorating sand moulds. Now that is what I'd call a unique experience. I would then go to the Medieval paper making plant to know how we could save trees. Then of course a visit to the cattle ranch to get close to the cows and finally cap my visit with a ride in horse carriage in Lucerne.

If you haven't been to Switzerland and are wondering where to go this summer or fall just make it a point to check out the Swiss Pearls and there is a high probability you will visit this nation.