On Saturday we had the pleasure of joining some friends (a fun-loving, outdoorsy couple who just happen to both be named Danny) in the beautiful Pedernales Falls State Park. Well-worn hiking trails ramble about the 5,211.7 acres, shaded by oaks, juniper, walnut and sycamore. The focal point of the park is the clear, spring-fed Pedernales River which winds lazily over smoothly sloped limestone. Though the graceful and inviting pools of the falls are closed to swimmers, we did manage a good soak downstream, beating the heat of the day in cool, emerald river-water.

As we made our way back to the car, sunbaked and loose-limbed, Jacob suddenly bounding off the trail yelping, “Prickly pear!” Indeed, the paddle cactus, or more accurately “Opuntia”, have now begun to sport what look like plump burgundy crowns. There was no stopping this wild forager (oh gods of the park, I beg forgiveness … Continue reading