#InTheWildHood - The Water Edition

There's a high-pressure system sitting on top of West Texas right now, and it's bringing the heat.  Be it our western mountains, eastern bayous, northern plains, southern valleys or central hills, this weekend we'll all be passing 100 degrees. Well, except the beach. If you're at the beach it'll be hot, but it won't be hitting the century mark. 

A perfect antidote to that kind of hot is water. 

© Sharon B. | #InTheWildHood  

The gorgeous photos of cooling oases in this post are just a handful of the hundreds of submissions we've already received for our In The Wild Hood photo contest. They represent the roughly 15 rivers, 3,700 named streams and 7,000 lakes and reservoirs dotting the Texas landscape — not a bad way to keep cool. 

© Elizabeth M. | #InTheWildHood  (Blanco River)

Our July 2016 Wanderlist can help you pick a state park with fresh or salt water recreation close to where you are. Make sure you check in with each park for any closures or special instructions. If you're already out and about and decide to head to refreshing hydration you may prefer to listen for places you can go. This week's Under the Texas Sky podcast gives an overview of some of Texas' best swimming holes. 

© Eric Diaz | #InTheWildHood  (Lake Amistad)

And while you're enjoying one of our beautiful Texas water locations this weekend, don't forget to pick up your camera or camera phone and snap a picture. Entering the In The Wild Hood summer photo contest is quick and easy.  If you need inspiration, photographers Earl Nottingham and Chase Fountain have a gorgeous photo essay in our current Summer Dreams issue. 

© G.B. | #InTheWildHood  (Santa Elena Canyon)

However you decide to enjoy the waters of Texas, please stay safe and keep cool as the temperature soars!

For more great content on places to see in Texas, subscribe to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.  For a limited time enjoy three months of digital access to 600+ articles and our expanded 2020 Summer issue - all for only $1.99!