Nestled along the Middle Fork River in Upshur County, West Virginia, Audra State Park offers a tranquil escape into the Appalachian wilderness. Known for its pristine natural beauty, riverside recreation, and historic charm, Audra is a hidden gem perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Audra State Park is located at  8397 Audra Park Rd, in Buckhannon, West Virginia. For more information, click here.

Riverside Recreation and Relaxation:

The Middle Fork River is the heart of Audra State Park, offering a variety of water-based activities:

* Swimming: A designated swimming area provides a refreshing dip during the warm summer months.

* Fishing: The river is stocked with trout, making it a popular destination for anglers.

* Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the calm waters of the Middle Fork River by kayak or canoe, enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding forest.

* Hiking: Several trails wind through the park, offering varying levels of difficulty. The “Cave Trail” leading to the Alum Cave rock formations is a popular choice.

Camping and Picnicking:

Audra State Park offers a variety of camping and picnicking options:

* Campground: The park features a campground with campsites suitable for tents and RVs, providing a comfortable base for exploring the park.

* Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and shelters are scattered throughout the park, offering scenic spots for outdoor meals.

Planning Your Visit:

* The park is open seasonally, typically from spring through fall.

* West Virginia State Park fees may apply.

* Camping reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

* Check the West Virginia State Parks website for up-to-date information on park conditions, events, and regulations.

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway, nestled in the Texas Panhandle, offers a breathtaking landscape of rugged canyons, diverse wildlife, and a rich history. It’s a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. Caprock Canyon State Park is located at  850 State Park Road in Quitaque Texas. For more information, click here.

Home to the Official State Bison Herd:

One of the park’s most iconic features is its resident herd of American bison, the official State Bison Herd of Texas. This herd, descended from Charles Goodnight’s efforts to preserve these magnificent animals, offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness these iconic creatures in their natural habitat.

Endless Outdoor Adventures:

Caprock Canyons State Park provides a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests:

* Hiking and Biking: Explore over 90 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. The Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail is a favorite for its panoramic views.

* Camping: Camp under the starry Texas sky in one of the park’s campsites, offering options for tent and RV camping.

* Wildlife Viewing: Observe bison, deer, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

* Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing and swimming in Lake Theo.

* Caprock Canyons Trailway: A 64-mile trailway for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

* Bat Watching: Clarity Tunnel is home to a large population of bats, offering seasonal bat watching opportunities.

Planning Your Visit:

* The park is open daily, but hours may vary.

* Texas State Park passes are required for entry.

* Reservations for camping and day-use passes are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

* Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for up-to-date information on park conditions, events, and regulations.

Nestled amidst the iconic sandstone cliffs and dense forests of the Wisconsin Dells region, Mirror Lake State Park offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist attractions. While the Dells are known for their lively waterparks and entertainment, Mirror Lake provides a peaceful haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mirror Lake State Park is located at E10320 Fern Dell Road, in Baraboo, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

Outdoor Adventures Abound:

Mirror Lake State Park offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests:

* Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the lake’s calm waters by kayak or canoe, paddling through secluded coves and admiring the scenic shoreline. Rentals are available within the park during the summer months.

* Hiking and Biking: Miles of trails wind through the park’s forested terrain, offering varying levels of difficulty. The popular “Echo Rock Trail” provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. For cyclists, the park offers paved and unpaved trails.

* Swimming and Fishing: A designated swimming beach provides a refreshing dip during the summer months. Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, panfish, and other species in the lake.

* Camping: Mirror Lake State Park boasts a well-maintained campground with a variety of campsites, including those with electric hookups and walk-in sites for a more rustic experience.

* Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, offering scenic spots to enjoy a meal amidst nature.

A Landscape Shaped by Time:

The park’s geological features are a testament to the region’s rich history. The sandstone cliffs, carved by ancient glacial meltwaters, create a dramatic backdrop for the lake and forests. The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and numerous bird species.

A Peaceful Retreat:

While the Wisconsin Dells region is known for its high-energy attractions, Mirror Lake State Park offers a tranquil contrast. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the beauty of the Wisconsin landscape. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water or a peaceful hike through the woods, Mirror Lake State Park provides a memorable experience.

* The park is open year-round, with varying activities and amenities available depending on the season.

* A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry.

* Reservations for campsites are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

* Check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for up-to-date information on park conditions, events, and regulations.

Mirror Lake State Park stands as a beautiful reminder of the natural wonders that Wisconsin has to offer. It’s a place where tranquility and adventure meet, creating a perfect destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of the Dells.

One of the biggest rivalries in college wrestling history is set to renew this Sunday Feb 23rd in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa enters the dual ranked 2nd in the country while the cowboys bring a 3rd ranked team to battle at Carver Hawkeye Arena. Lots of bragging rights are on the line as Dave Taylor hopes to put Okie State back on top of the wrestling world. A win in Iowa City would go a long ways, in doing just that. The Hawkeyes are 13-1 on the year while the cowboys bring an undefeated 13-0 record into Carver Hawkeye Arena.

History: The Cowboys lead the all-time series, 29-25-2. Iowa has won 7 of the last 9 meetings including a 28-7 victory in Iowa City last season.

Don’t Miss: This dual has quite a few must see match-ups. Caliendo and Amine always have close matches, Brands vs Hamiti should be exciting, as well as Ferrari vs Plott.

Keys To Victory: Both teams enter the meet favored in 5 weight classes each. So bonus points and upsets will be a key to victory for both teams.  The most obvious case for bonus points comes at heavyweight.

So without any further ado lets take a look at each match and I will do my best to give you a winner and team score.

125 Joey Cruz #14 VS Troy Spratley #4

133 Drake Ayala #1 VS Reece Witcraft #17

141 Cullan Schriever VS Tagen Jamison #6

149 Kyle Parco #3 VS Carter Young  #14

157 Jacori Teemer #2  VS Caleb Fish #13

165 Michael Caliendo #2 VS Cameron Amine #6

174 Nelson Brands or Patrick Kennedy #7 VS Dean Hamiti #3

184 Gabe Arnold#7  VS Dustin Plott #3

197 Steven Buchanan #1 VS Luke Surber #5

285 Ben Kueter #11 VS Wyatt Hendrickson #3

Conclusion: On paper this dual is a toss up. I see both teams winning 5 matches. So it will come down to bonus points. The Hawkeyes have a realistic chance of getting an extra point at 133, and maybe 149. Oklahoma State has that opportunity at 141, and Heavyweight. Wyatt Hendrickson is a bonus points machine and will be going for the pin at heavyweight. I could see Iowa doing something a little crazy, by bumping Brands up to 184, he is 3-0 against Plott, although its been a long time since they have wrestled. In the end I see the final score Iowa losing 16-17.

The #10 Ranked Iowa State Cyclones return to the mat on Sunday February 22nd to take on #16 Missouri in Columbia Missouri. The dual features 16 ranked wrestlers, with 7 total head to head ranked matches.  Iowa State is 11-5 on the year while Missouri brings a 5-9 record into the dual.

History: Iowa State leads the series with 46 wins to 12 losses. Missouri is the better tournament team, while Iowa State is more balanced for duals.

Don’t Miss: The 141 and heavyweight bout are the closest on paper. If Keegan O’Toole returns that will make 174 a must see match-up.

Keys To Victory: The way I see it, both teams are favored in 5 of the 10 bouts, so bonus points will play a big role in this one. Iowa State has an opportunity at 133, while Missouri has a chance to score them at 174.

125 Ethan Perryman or Kysen  Terukina #12 vs  or Gage Walker #33

133 Evan Frost #5 vs Kade Moore

141 Jacob Frost #9 vs Josh Edmond #13

149 Paniro Johnson #6 vs Logan Gioffre #31

157  Cody Chittum #10 vs James Conway #27

165 Aiden Riggins vs Cam Steed #9

174  MJ Gaitan #25 vs Joel Mylin or Keegan O’Toole #1

184 Evan Bockman #14 vs Jeremy Jakowitsch or Colton Hawks #9

197 Nathan Schon vs Jesse Cassatt

285 Daniel Herrera #30 vs Seth Nitzel #29

Conclusion: If both teams wrestle their strongest lineup, I could see the Cyclones winning 19-17. Both teams are a little banged up with several starters not seeing action in the last few weeks. This one could come do to which team has a healthy lineup.