Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited the Chong Hua Sheng Mu Holy Palace in Houston, Texas — a visually striking Taoist temple complex that many locals refer to as the “Palace of the Golden Orbs.” While we didn’t enter the property, we captured photos and video from public rights-of-way outside the perimeter walls to document one of Houston’s most unusual architectural landmarks. Even from the street, the temple’s bold shapes and dramatic ornamentation immediately stand out against the surrounding neighborhood. 🌕 A Temple Dedicated to Chong Hua Sheng Mu The Holy Palace is dedicated to Chong Hua Sheng Mu, revered in certain Taoist folk traditions as a powerful protective deity. The compound’s exterior sculptures, prominent golden orbs, and stylized rooflines create an unmistakable presence. From the outside, you can observe: - Curved, temple-inspired rooflines - Large spherical ornaments that give the site its nickname - Sculptural elements and decorative detailing - A striking contrast between spir...

Simba and I drove through The World’s Longest Car Wash in Katy, Texas — a massive, high-tech tunnel wash known for its impressively long conveyor system and over-the-top cleaning experience. Located just west of Houston, this drive-through facility has gained attention for its extended wash tunnel that keeps you moving through soap, brushes, water jets, and drying systems far longer than a typical car wash. What starts as a routine stop quickly turns into something that feels more like an attraction than basic maintenance. 🌈 More Than Just a Car Wash As soon as you enter the tunnel, the experience shifts into full sensory mode. Colorful foam cascades over the windshield, LED lights reflect off the water, and the conveyor steadily carries you forward through layer after layer of cleaning cycles. The experience includes: - A noticeably long continuous conveyor ride - Bright, multi-colored foam and lighting effects - Rotating brushes and high-pressure water jets - Extended drying syst...

Simba and I visited Howard Murph Airport Park in Rockport, Texas — a simple, peaceful local park tucked near the Aransas County Airport area. While it may not be one of the town’s headline attractions, it offers something just as valuable: open space, fresh air, and a quiet place to slow down. Located away from the busier waterfront and harbor areas, the park provides a relaxed setting with wide skies overhead and grassy areas perfect for stretching your legs during a day of exploring the coast. 🌤️ Open Space and Coastal Calm Even though it sits near the airport, the park feels more like a neighborhood green space than anything else. The open layout gives you room to walk, pause, and enjoy the Gulf Coast breeze without crowds. At Howard Murph Airport Park you’ll find: - Broad grassy areas under expansive Texas skies - Simple walking paths and surrounding landscape - A laid-back atmosphere typical of Rockport’s coastal charm - A quieter alternative to the more popular waterfront spo...

Simba and I hiked the Tule Hike and Bike Trail in Rockport, Texas — a scenic multi-use path that stretches along Tule Creek and offers peaceful views of wetlands, native brush, and coastal wildlife. This paved trail connects neighborhoods to nature, creating a safe and beautiful route for walkers, runners, and cyclists to experience Rockport’s Gulf Coast environment. The area surrounding Tule Creek is part of the broader Aransas Bay ecosystem, shaped by tidal movement and rich estuarine habitat. As we moved along the trail, we passed marshy stretches, wide-open sky views, and pockets of shade beneath native trees swaying in the coastal breeze. 🌊 A Trail Shaped by Water Tule Creek feeds into Aransas Bay, and the influence of water is visible everywhere along the route. The wetlands and marsh areas support birds, small wildlife, and native coastal plants adapted to wind and salt air. Along the trail you’ll notice: - Views of Tule Creek winding through marshland - Open wetlands that cha...

Simba and I hiked the Shell Crete Loop Trail in Rockport, Texas — a peaceful nature path that winds through coastal oak woodlands and along the edge of Little Bay. It’s one of the most scenic and accessible walking trails in town, offering an up-close look at native plants, birdlife, and open bay views without ever leaving the city limits. The name “Shell Crete” comes from the shell-based ground material naturally found in the area and historically used in local pathways. That subtle coastal texture adds character to the trail and reflects the region’s connection to the bay. 🌳 Coastal Woodland Meets Open Water The loop blends shaded sections beneath twisting live oaks with open stretches that reveal Little Bay’s shimmering water. It’s the kind of trail where the environment shifts gently as you walk — from quiet woodland to breezy shoreline. Along the trail you’ll experience: - Native coastal plants adapted to wind and salt air - Marsh edges where land and water meet - Frequent bird...

Simba and I visited Rockport Harbor in Rockport, Texas — a beautiful waterfront destination along Aransas Bay known for its long fishing pier, marina views, and relaxed Gulf Coast atmosphere. The harbor has long been central to Rockport’s identity as a fishing village and coastal community. For generations, these waters have supported commercial fishing, shrimping, boating, and tourism — shaping both the economy and the culture of this bayside town. 🐟 A Working Waterfront with Deep Roots Rockport Harbor reflects the town’s maritime heritage. Boats move in and out of the marina, fishermen cast lines from the pier, and seabirds circle overhead waiting for opportunity. The harbor represents: - Rockport’s commercial fishing and shrimping history - A long-standing connection to Aransas Bay - A blend of working waterfront and recreational space It’s a place where daily life still revolves around the water. 🌅 Rebuilt and Resilient Like much of the Texas Gulf Coast, Rockport Harbor faced...