Book Review - The Swimming Holes of Texas by Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy

This is one of those kinds of books that you didn't know you needed until you find it. I think most Texans or visitors head to the well-known swimming spots like tubing the Brazos River or enjoying water toys on Lake Travis. But, this book offers some really good alternatives and the pictures are trip-inspiring. I really like the "Top Five Lists" pull-out guide at the very end - "Best Spots for Accessibility", "Top Five Free Spots", "Top Five Spots for Kids", "Tip Five Dog-Friendly Spots", "Top Five for Camping", "Top Five Worth the Drive", "Top Five Off the Beaten Path", and "Top Five Places We Must Protect".

This book is organized by general location - North, East, Central, Austin and the Surrounding Area, South, and West. Each section has a nice dark-mode map with places labeled. Each swimming hole listed includes full address and website, hours, fees, park rules, camping availability, a descriptive about section, swimming information, amenities (like restrooms), and pro tips.

This book is a definite keeper if you live or visit Texas often and need a place to cool off or even an idea for a day trip. The photographs will definitely inspire you to take an upcoming trip during the heat of summer or during Spring Break.

Title: The Swimming Holes of Texas
Author: Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy
ISBN: 978-1477321522
Pages: 256

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Review - Florida - Orlando - Epcot - Moana Journey of Water Experience

Sunday was a Passholder preview of the upcoming Journey of Water experience in Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We were added to a virtual queue (so I'm wondering if they plan to continue to use virtual queue for this experience when it opens to the public) then we waited probably thirty minutes or so once we were able to return. Cast members will move your stroller to the parking area on the right side of the exhibit if you brought them into the queue.

The Journey of Water is an interactive walk-through experience where the paths diverge along the way to offer participants the option to touch water exhibits or get wet by spray features, or if you would rather not get wet, you can take the "Dry" path. The paths are clearly marked and (for now anyway) there are guides to help you decide.


These warning are present as you first enter - you might get wet (including your feet) and don't drink the water as it's recycled. There were several families who had guide dogs with them and they are allowed to enter as well.


Throughout the walk you will find decorative stone features which make wonderful photo-ops.


I like how the journey is showing the different states and features of water (such as Rain).

Playing with the Water Strings


You can clearly see the "Dry" path marked. There were some kids who were splashing water everywhere so beware.

There are many carvings and paintings hidden in the rocks.



Lots of different activities through here.

Looking for Moana? There were a bunch in the water play area.

Overall Review:
The exhibit was better than expected. People of all ages were enjoying the water features. The best features (and those that will get you the most soaked) are toward the end. Plan ahead - bring waterproof shoes, a towel, and maybe have swim clothes for kids in case they want to get soaked.