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Started in 1948 and completed in 1953, the Lavon Dam was created to impound the upstream East Fork of the Trinity River, some of its tributaries, and the areas immediately surrounding them. The reservoir was primarily designed for preventing seasonal flooding of rich bottomland in northeastern Collin County, and water storage. Its construction also stimulated land development along the shores of the lake and recreational use of the water and adjacent land areas. In 1962, Congressional approval was given to modify the project to increase storage for water supply because of the growing water supply need of the area.[ Also part of the modification was to add recreation as a purpose for the lake. This focused management and development for public use, recreational activities, and stewardship of the water and land areas.

Balmorhea Lake, a setting sun over the mountains, while a dust storm rolls in. The winds and dust battered the van all night, just howling over the water.  At some point, some animals took cover under the van, I caught the movement on my cameras, but due to the dust I couldnt make out what it was. Sure did get the neck hairs standing on my pups in the morning. Very interested in the smells.  This was a night on my way through Texas on my way to Az.  You have to roll through this run down town, it looks like every cliche group of shacks in every movie about meth.  The entire experience was totally worth it though, and I appreciate having done it.  Historians believe that this area of lake has been around for more than 11,000 years. This means that this lake has provided resources for Native tribes and animals that may be extinct today. The reservoir was built in 1917 by the construction of a dam by the Reeves County Water Improvement District. The reservoir provides water for irrigation, and is a popular recreational spot for locals. Balmorhea Lake is also known as Lower Parks Reservoir. Now, to clarify, this was at Balmorhea Lake, and not the state park. So I cant attest to the park itself.  Balmorhea State Park is a 46-acre (19 ha) state park located on the San Solomon Springs in Reeves County, Texas, opened in 1968. The closest city is Balmorhea, Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages the park. The park is open year-round, and visitation is capped at 900 people per day.

River Trails in Big Basin Redwoods State Park  There are worse places to walk your dog. But heres the thing, Dogs arent allowed in state or county parks in California. I mean, as if you needed another reason to justify why this is one of the most hated states in the country. But seeing as how I have zero respect for the state or its idiotic laws, we hiked away into the wilderness.  The state has an amazing beauty to it, its a shame that its residents ruin it. 

Spent the day out in Santa Cruzs Redwood Forest.  Came across so many of these trees growing in a perfect circle. When I got home I had to search and find out more about why this happens and what it is. Apparently they are called fairy rings. Ive only heard this applied dto mushrooms. A fairy ring is a common name for a group of redwood trees growing in a circle, usually around the stump of a logged old-growth tree. After being cut down, a new generation of trees sprout from the roots of the fallen redwood, often creating a near-perfect circle or ring. This is one of the ways redwoods regenerate, giving them the tremendous advantage of already having a full root system compared to species that reproduce through seed. Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lush waterfalls, and a fascinating natural and cultural history. Its been a bucket list item of mine for a long time. Since I have the time, I think me and my dog will be back to take it all in again this week. 

a steam railroad was in place by 1884 to bring people to the first amusement ride at the city's oceanside, a "Gravity Railroad" roller coaster, and to the Ocean Beach Pavilion for concerts and dancing. By 1890, trolley lines reached Ocean Beach: the Ferries and Cliff House Railroad, Park & Ocean Railroad, and Sutro Railroad that encouraged commercial amusement development as a trolley park. The Cliff House, which opened in 1863, and Sutro Baths, which opened in 1896, drew thousands of visitors.

Before being built, the bridge faced opposition, including litigation, from many sources. The Department of War was concerned that the bridge would interfere with ship traffic. The US Navy feared that a ship collision or sabotage to the bridge could block the entrance to one of its main harbors. Unions demanded guarantees that local workers would be favored for construction jobs. Southern Pacific Railroad, one of the most powerful business interests in California, opposed the bridge as competition to its ferry fleet and filed a lawsuit against the project, leading to a mass boycott of the ferry service. I never knew that. Learn something new every day I guess. 

State College evolved from a village to a town to serve the needs of the Pennsylvania State College, founded as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania in 1855. State College was incorporated as a borough on August 29, 1896, and has grown with the college, which was renamed The Pennsylvania State University in 1953. In 1973 State College adopted a home rule charter which took effect in 1976; since then, it has not been governed by the state's Borough Code, although it retains "Borough of State College" as its official name.

Toms River, New Jersey Toms River can be seen in various TV and news media including MTV's Made and Jersey Shore (seasons 1, 3, and 5), HBO's Boardwalk Empire and the original The Amityville Horror movie. In 1998, Toms River East Little League won the Little League World Series. The township has what is said to be the second-largest Halloween parade in the world. Much of the early history of the settlement of Toms River is obscured by conflicting stories. Various sources list the eponym of the township as either English captain William Tom,[26][27] or farmer and ferryman Thomas Luker. In 1992, as part of celebrations commemorating the township's 225th anniversary, official recognition was granted to the tradition that the "Tom" in "Toms River" was for Thomas Luker, who ran a ferry across Goose Creek (now the Toms River).[28] During the 19th century, Toms River became a center for shipbuilding, whaling, fishing, and iron and lumber production. The settlement and the river were usually spelled "Tom's River" in its early days, though its current spelling has been standard since the middle of the 19th century. You can order this print for as low as 14 dollars

Time hasn’t always been kind to Topsy, and he once took quite a beating. On January 15, 1988, Reno was hit with a storm with wind gusts up to 94 miles per hour. These winds caused the Virginia Street area to be closed, as windows were being blown out and Topsy was losing parts of himself.  The city grew concerned that Topsy was going to be blown over. But fortunately, he stayed up during the storm.

On January 29, 1903 it was combined with the Yellowstone Forest Reserve, but it was reinstated as a separate unit on July 1, 1908 with 19,911,200 acres (80,578 km2). In 1973 Teton National Forest was administratively combined with Bridger National Forest, creating Bridger-Teton National Forest. In descending order of land area, Teton National Forest is located in parts of Teton, Sublette, Park, Fremont, and Lincoln counties. It is now administrated as part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest from its headquarters in Jackson, but there are local ranger district offices in Jackson and Moran. The forest contains both the Gros Ventre Wilderness and the Teton Wilderness, both officially designated by the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Falls of the Gibbon-These are situated four miles from the entrance to the canón, and are reached by a trail on the right of the road. The descent is quite steep, but the stalwart tourist wlll not regret the strain upon his muscles after a sight of the magnificent falls. The water tumbles over them in a foamy sheet, full eighty feet in depth, making a charming picture, full of life and vigor, which is in striking contrast to its setting or grim rocks and dusky pines. After leaving the falls and the foaming river, the road soon crosses Canón Creek, passing for the next eight miles over a succession of pine and fir clad terraces, the charms of which are apt to cloy, before the next attractive point is reached.

The hottest hydrothermal features in the park. Limited amount of water in these features causes water to flash into steam before reaching the surface. Also known as steam vents. Did you know Old faithfuls intervals are getting longer between events? Also it isnt even the biggest at yellowstone.  Tucked away in the Norris Geyser Basin is Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Its major eruptions shoot water more than 300 feet (91 m). Only Waimangu Geyser in New Zealand has rocketed to greater heights—but not in more than one hundred years. In Yellowstone National Park’s recorded history, only two other geysers have exceeded Steamboat in size: Excelsior Geyser in Midway Geyser Basin and Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin. Steamboat’s minor and major eruptions used to average a year between events, but now it has shortened to an average of 5 days. 

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Situated in the foothills of Portneuf Valley, Chesterfield was established in 1880 and is now known as a Mormon ghost town. The town was developed by Chester Call, who was looking for grazing land away from Salt Lake City. Most of the historic homes have been restored to their original state. A tour of the Pioneer Historic Byway honors the footsteps of early emigrants along the first Yellowstone route.