Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited Goliad State Park and Historic Site in Goliad, Texas — home to the beautifully restored Mission Espíritu Santo , one of the most significant Spanish colonial missions in the state. Originally established in the early 1700s and later relocated to Goliad, the mission played a major role in spreading Spanish influence, ranching operations, and early settlement across South Texas. Standing within its stone walls today, you can feel how deeply this site is woven into the foundation of Texas history. ⛪ Mission Espíritu Santo – A Colonial Legacy Mission Espíritu Santo was more than a religious outpost — it was a center of agriculture, ranching, trade, and cultural exchange. Spanish missionaries and Indigenous communities worked together here, shaping early South Texas life in ways that still echo today. The mission represents: - Early Spanish colonial expansion in Texas - The spread of ranching traditions across South Texas - Architectural craftsmanship that has survive...

Simba and I visited The Hanging Tree in Goliad, Texas — a historic live oak long associated with frontier justice during the Republic of Texas era. Located near the Goliad County Courthouse square, this tree is believed to have been the site of public executions in the mid-1800s, when Goliad was a key settlement in early Texas history. Goliad played a major role in the Texas Revolution , as well as in the development of early Texas law and governance. During that time, public hangings were sometimes carried out as part of the legal system. The Hanging Tree stands today as a powerful reminder of that rough frontier era and the stark realities of justice in 19th-century Texas. 🏛️ A Tree Rooted in Republic-Era History In the days of the Republic of Texas, Goliad was an important legal and military hub. Law enforcement operated very differently than it does today, and punishments were often public, swift, and intended to send a clear message. The Hanging Tree represents: - Frontier-era ...

Simba and I visited Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge in Corpus Christi, Texas — a protected coastal habitat along Oso Bay known for its incredible birdwatching and peaceful shoreline views. This refuge safeguards vital wetland and tidal ecosystems that support migratory birds, shorebirds, and native coastal wildlife throughout the year. Named in honor of local conservation advocates Hans and Pat Suter, the refuge represents Corpus Christi’s commitment to preserving fragile Gulf Coast environments. Oso Bay’s shallow waters, mudflats, and marsh grasses create an important stop along the Central Flyway — making this one of the top birding locations in South Texas. 🌾 A Sanctuary Along the Water Walking the trails here immediately feels different from the rest of the city. Wide skies stretch overhead, coastal grasses sway in the breeze, and the bay opens out in calm, reflective water. It’s quiet — not empty, but alive in a subtle way. The refuge protects: - Shallow tidal flats that a...

Simba and I visited the Holiday Beach Alligator Pier in Rockport, Texas — a peaceful bayside pier overlooking the calm waters of Aransas Bay . What started as a relaxed walk along the pier and shoreline quickly turned unforgettable when we spotted a massive alligator sunbathing nearby, a powerful reminder that this tranquil stretch of coast is very much alive with wild nature. Holiday Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and strong connection to the bay’s ecosystems. The pier extends gently over the water, offering a close-up look at the shoreline, tidal movements, and the wildlife that quietly thrives here. Seeing such a large alligator resting in the sun underscored how coastal Texas can feel serene one moment — and raw and untamed the next. 🌾 Where Calm Waters Meet Wild Life From the pier, the view across Aransas Bay feels almost meditative. The water is often smooth, the air still, and the shoreline dotted with signs of life. This is an environment shaped by shallow bays, ...

Simba and I visited the Aransas Observation Deck and Tower in Austwell, Texas — a quiet but powerful vantage point overlooking one of the most ecologically rich wetland systems along the Texas Gulf Coast . Elevated above the surrounding marshes, this observation platform opens up sweeping views of bay waters, tidal flats, and endless sky, making it a perfect stop for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and slow, scenic appreciation. From the top of the tower, the landscape stretches outward in every direction, revealing just how vast and interconnected the coastal wetlands really are. This is the kind of place where subtle movement — wind through grasses, distant birds lifting from the marsh, shifting light on the water — becomes the main attraction. 🌊 Where Freshwater Meets the Gulf The wetlands surrounding Austwell exist at the intersection of freshwater inflow and saltwater tides, creating a highly productive estuarine environment. These marshes support a wide range of wildlife an...

Simba and I visited the La Salle Monument near Port Lavaca, Texas — a striking historical marker standing along the shores of Matagorda Bay . The monument commemorates the 1685 landing of French explorer René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle , whose arrival marked one of the earliest European claims in what would eventually become Texas. Rising from the coastal landscape, the granite figure faces the bay that carried La Salle and his expedition into this unfamiliar territory. Visiting on a foggy morning added an extra layer of atmosphere, making it easy to imagine tall ships offshore and uncertainty hanging in the air as history quietly unfolded along the water’s edge. 🌍 A Monument Born from Exploration and Ambition The La Salle Monument was erected during the Texas Centennial celebrations of the 1930s, a period when the state sought to honor defining moments from its deep and complex past. La Salle’s failed attempt to establish a French colony here would ultimately influence Spani...