46 Things To Do Within 46 Miles of Hwy. 46

There are many great things to do outdoors.  There is bound to be something on this list that will get you, your kids, and/or the whole family outdoors.  Below are 46 ideas of what to do outdoors.  I have not pulled up Google Earth and measured specific sites and such, but I'm willing to bet my paycheck that all of these can be accomplished to some degree within 46 miles of Hwy 46... In other words, right here in the Texas Hill Country!

1. Whitetail Deer Hunting  This species is one of the easiest and hardest to hunt.  While being quite abundant and fairly easy to pattern, they will frustrate even the most seasoned hunter with their keen senses and ability to sense danger.  This is a great way to spend Thanksgiving weekends and Christmas holidays with friends and family.  The good times and stories produced in deer camp are legendary.
2. Turkey Hunting One of my all time favorite hunts.  If I had a place where turkey were consistently abundant, I would guide these hunts.  There is something about the interactive nature of this hunt that makes my pulse race.  The ability to call a turkey within 30 yards or so is an experience you won't soon forget, and it is best done with a partner to call while you hunt. That makes it a great opportunity for family and/or friends!
3.  Hog Hunting Over the years I have had the opportunity to hunt these creatures with a multitude of means and methods... rifle and bow, from a blind, a tree stand, a jeep, the back of a pick up truck, spot and stalk by moon light or during the day, trapping, with tracking dogs and attack dogs.  
4. Quail Hunting Another great hunting experience here in Texas.  Best done with dogs. This is alot of walking over all kinds of different terrain.  It's a great opportunity for exercise, but get a good pair of waterproof snake boots.
5. Small Game Hunting A great opportunity to get kids started hunting.  This can be a static endeavor sitting in a blind or a jeep or truck.  Or if you want more exercise, cover some ground!
6. Dove Hunting This is another great event for groups.  Bring the family AND the dogs.  A little campfire action after a good hunt and some fresh dove kabobs are hard to beat on a cool September night!
7. Shed Hunting An opportunity to get back into the deer woods and learn something about their habitat while looking for the antlers they shed in the Spring.
8. Scouting Start looking for patterns, scrapes, and rubs on those bucks in late summer and early fall.  Bow season is right around the corner. Don't just go sit in your blind, get a broader view so you can see the bigger picture.  
   
9. Camping Camping is an outstanding opportunity to get the family together and enjoy a campfire.  Sleeping bags, tents, s'mores, ghost stories.  Awesome fun under the stars!
10. Hiking Whether it's hiking into a camping spot or just a walk in the woods, this is a great way to enjoy many of nature's wonders, and the slow pace is great for teaching kids about nature.
11. Night Hikes Up for a little adventure? Take a flashlight and go for that hike after dark.  Many state parks have guided night hikes.
12. Trail Running A great way to change up that exercise routine.
13. Orienteering Basically a hike or run using a map and compass.  Off the beaten path using using specific points along the way for bearings.
14. Adventure Racing Usually combines running, orienteering, some sort of water sport like kayaking, and a mystery obstacle. 
15. Geo-Caching This activity is like a world wide scavenger hunt.  Find little trinkets and leave something for the next person to find it.
16. Cycling Another great opportunity to exercise.  Great scenery and all the hills you want to endure.
17. Mountain Biking Take those two wheels off road.  Many great places for this activities and trails for beginners and experts.
18. Horseback Riding A trail ride is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.  Again, many state parks offer equestrian trails, but bring your own horse.
19. Rock Climbing Whether it's a rock wall at the gym, or a bluff somewhere outdoors, or Enchanted Rock, you will get a great workout climbing. The views you are rewarded with are priceless.
20. Zip Lining This is a fun activity for just about anyone who doesn't have a heart problem.  Go sailing through the trees or across canyons and rivers.
21. Spelunkering (Caving) Take that rock climbing adventure underground and see the interesting things caves have waiting for you. Or, just take a cave tour.
22. Wildlife Safari Whether it's on a ranch somewhere, a commercial drive thru safari with african animals, or just a Sunday drive in the country, there are many beautiful things to see in nature. take the binoculars and look close. Scan the horizon and spy on a herd of deer.
23. Bird Watching If birds are your thing, head out to local lakes, ponds, parks and look around. Sometimes, the backyard can be a productive place for this activity.
24. Bat Watching Head out to one of our many area bat caves at Sunset and see the bats come out.  Forr you city dwellers, there are bridges and buildings where you can see this on a smaller scale.
25. Star Gazing Find a comfy place away from the city lights and relax while looking for constellations or shooting stars.
26. Outdoor Photography Many of these activities can be done with camera in hand.  get a good camera and start documenting your trips, the birds you are seeing, interesting flora & fauna, etc.
27. Picnicking A classic way to enjoy the outdoors.  
28. Archery Puchase a bow and start shooting.  Hunting, 3-D ranges, and competitions await you.
29. Canoing/KayakingGood old fashioned family fun on the water.  Take a trip on the river or a clm peaceful paddle on a lake.
30. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Great exercise and yet another way to enjoy the water.
31. Tubing A lazy float on the Guadalupe or Comal River may be just what the doctor ordered.  Get some Vitamin D!
32. Rafting When the river is up, we have some pretty aggressive rapids nearby.  Take the opportunity to live on the edge with a little white water rafting.
33. Paddle Boating Whether it's white water or just a lazy afternoon paddle, the scenic rivers and lakes offer great opportunities to experience the outdoor life.
34. Kayak Fishing Arguably the fastest growing segment of the fishing industry, fishing from a kayak
    
    offers a whole new set of skills and thrills.
35. Fishing (rod & reel) Fishing is probably one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors.  It can provide a challenging experience and keep you guessing. Skills required are few to get started but there are endless techniques and strategies to learn.
36. Fly Fishing Maybe one of the most exciting ways to fish and enjoy the outdoors.  Some advanced skills required, but fun to learn and even more fun to catch.
37. Bow Fishing A great way to help manage invasive species as this method is not lawful for taking gamefish, but it sure is fun and will test even the most skilled bow hunter or angler. 
38. Boating An afternoon boat ride, weather it's to enjoy the wind in your face, or view the marine life, boating is a great way to enjoy the water. Stop and take a dip along the way.
39. Personal Water Craft Jet-Skis, Sea Doos, pick your poison... Get out there and have a blast on these funwater toys, but have some respect for other folks enjoying the same water you are!
40. Water Skiing A great way to spend a weekend on the water.  Take your turn! Slolom maybe?
41. Wakeboarding A close cousin of traditional water skiing.  Take it to the next level with tricks and jumps.
42. Wind SurfingA surfboard with a sail... what could go wrong? Worst case scenrio, you get wet... but isn't that why you are on the water anyway?
43. Sailing Can be a little work, but rewarding when you and mother nature work together to get you where you are going.
44. SCUBA Diving Explore the depths of area lakes.  There are two towns that were flooded when Canyon Lake was impounded.  
45. Swimming Why would you want to go to the pool when you have the beautiful rivers and lakes we have around here to enjoy a swim or just play in the water. Rope swing anyone?
46. Hammoking   Yes, I said "hammoking".  The art of napping in the shade while swinging peacefully between two trees. RELAX in the Texas Hill Country!                                                                                                                            

There are a ton of things to do int this area and wherever you might be.  Get out there and look for them.  Weather it's land based fun in the sun or a day on the water, all of these things provide a great opportunity to experience what nature has to offer.  Remember to pack sunscreen, life jackets and other safety items needed for your trip.

Pick something on the list and go do it! 

Introducing Adventure Files: 46 Outdoors Adventure Series

One of my favorite photos taken by Chuck Crowsey at a
ranch in South Texas 

I once heard adventure defined as: "an exciting or wild undertaking of uncertain outcome".  That sounds like the plan for most of my outdoors experiences.  Isn't that truly what many of us are after?

If you asked me why I hunt and fish, of course feeding my family would be high on that list.  I would also argue that the meat I harvest is as organic and naturally free ranging as anything you can buy in a grocery store and probably more so.  I would further point out that these wild animals are leaner and since I process my own meat, it is void of many of the chemicals and  growth hormones found in your local grocery store or meat market, but that is a conversation for another day.  What I am really after is the thrill of the hunt. I want a memorable experience.  Not only do I want to come home safely with a cooler full of meat or fish, I want to bring home a story.  I want a memorable experience to share with my friends and family.  I want an ADVENTURE.

In the series that follows, I will chronicle and share with you these adventures when they unfold. I
have found these experiences to be fairly entertaining and at least somewhat educational. Much like my Kayak Fail a couple weeks ago... If you haven't seen that post, click on the link. It's pretty entertaining! Many of these exciting undertakings will involve my kids and the trials and tribulations of exploring the outdoors with kids in tow. Other installments will include some throwback stories. These may be some of the best of this series as there was probably more true adventure in my younger, wilder days. However, I have found that my kids can take me on adventures too. You just never know what will happen.

The essence of that is what drives me to live life in the great outdoors. How many adventures do you have indoors?  How many adventures do your kids have indoors?  I for one can tell you, if you don't tell them to put down the tablet and go outside, the only adventure they will find is a new world in Minecraft or some other ridiculous game.

My 10 year old son played 4 baseball games this weekend.  Our 4 year old son has a blast at these tournaments.  He races pebbles down hills like race cars, plays in the sand, and runs the bases after the games. They don't like to be indoors.  Their imagination runs wild when they are outdoors. When they have the chance to go hunting or fishing, there is never a question as to weather or not they "want" to go.  I think the older one would truly not be able to decide if I gave him the choice of baseball or fishing. When we are at home, they play their share of video games (much to my dismay). Fortunately, that is not at all very often.  In fact, the real issue is keeping him off the screens so he can get his homework done.

My daughter spends less time outdoors willingly.  However, sometimes she surprises me and wants to go. This may be more about the age (age 12) than anything else.  She used to like going to the lease with me to fill feeders and just poke around when she was younger. I always laugh, when we leave her at home and go to a baseball game. We almost always get the call... "When are you coming home? I'm bored!"  I like this call, I think it means we are one day closer to her coming back around. At least that's what I tell myself!

It is my sincere hope, that one of these days, I will have the time and means to produce enough content to fill a weekly series.  Until then I will attempt to fill in with throwback content...  Enjoy!