houseofhale

Dinosaur Valley contains many fossilized dinosaur footprints, preserved in flat limestone rock layers exposed by the Paluxy River – a scenic tributary of the Brazos, one of the largest rivers in central Texas. The valley is contained within a state park, 40 miles from the suburbs of Fort Worth and close to the little town of Glen Rose, on Farm Road 205. The park includes 4 miles of the river, which here flows around a large 180° meander, while other tracks are located on private land upstream. Apart from looking at prints, the park is good for camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and observing nature.

The highlight of the trip was the street musicians at the corner of Bourbon and Canal streets. The first night there were seven guys playing and the next night there were twenty musicians (two tubas, drums, trumpets, saxaphones, trombones and clarinets) and tons of people were dancing in the street. We saw them both nights around 11:00. Both times we came across them after walking down Bourbon Street and feeling a little disappointed. A real moving experience. Gave me the chills and made me extremely happy to be alive. Here’s a video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rknwmMO_ihI . It of course doesn’t do the experience justice.

We didn’t do too much in Waco but did visit the Cameron Park Zoo which was well worth the drive up from Austin. I’ve been to bigger zoos but this one is inexpensive, there are animals we hadn’t seen before and you can get really close to them. Favorite part was the clear plastic slide that dissects the river otter tank. Kids can slide right through their tank w/ river otters above and below.

I wouldn’t imagine Waco has a happenin’ night life but we want to return to see some other sights (Dr. Pepper Museum and Mammoth exhibit at the museum) some weekend day.

It is all about Cooper’s. And at Cooper’s it is all about the pork chops. We drove 1.5 hours there for lunch and on the way there I thought….this is a long way to drive for lunch. After lunch I thought…..I’d have driven at least an hour further. It was that good. The only downside is that it spoiled me for just about all other BBQ.

About the only reason to go to Hutto, aside from seeing the big, cement hippo, is eating at The Texan. Food is great and the pies are even better. Have a slice of the elusive Guy Pie….layers of coconut, chocolate and banana cream pie. Tasty!