By Steve Hill

It was worth the wait.

In nearly three decades living in Texas, I never made it to one of the classic Lone Star summer destinations until just last month. The Frio River, a popular tubing destination, was always four or five hours away from my normal central Texas-area haunts, with plenty of closer places to enjoy.

Our August mini-family-reunion changed that. It allowed us to check out both the Frio and busy Garner State Park.

Southwest Texas is surprisingly beautiful, and it’s well worth a visit, especially when the water is running enough to float. But even if things are a little dry, the Frio Valley makes a fine destination.

There’s more to tell about some great places we saw along the way, but that’s for later. Because fall is just about here, next week’s column will be about one of Wisconsin’s best scenic-overlook hikes.

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at www.shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.