A week after my last hike, curiosity—and a bit of concern—pulled me back outside to see how the relentless heat and drought were impacting the landscape. Instead of the usual trails, I dropped into a dry creek bed, hoping to find signs of life clinging on. Surprisingly, in the few remaining pools, life persisted—frogs, fish, and even a few snakes in the dammed-up sections. With the heat climbing fast, I didn’t linger long, but I did manage to capture a few moments of resilience amidst the dry spell.

Last week—though at this point, it could’ve been any day in this relentless July—I managed to escape to the trails for a couple of hours. Even in the early morning, the Texas heat was relentless, but the shaded paths provided a bit of relief. The hike was a refreshing break, despite the reminder of just how harsh this summer has been on the landscape. Creeks were reduced to puddles, and the Guadalupe River was lower than I’d ever seen. Here’s hoping for rain, though I’m not counting on anything gentle when it finally comes.

Port Aransas isn’t just a destination; it’s a reminder of everything that feels right when life slows down. Between the beach walks, unplanned stops, and the town’s familiar, salty charm, this trip was less about getting away and more about getting back to basics.

When an arctic blast hit Texas, life as we knew it froze over. In a state built for sunshine, the snowstorm brought more than just record lows; it upended routines, tested patience, and forced everyone to find resilience in unexpected ways. Snowpocalypse Now is a look back at a time when heat, water, and comfort were anything but guaranteed—and how, through it all, we found connection and humor in the icy aftermath.

It doesn’t get anymore random than this.