Fredericksburg for Couples

Grapes Photo by Jim Fox

Oxygen, Please

Barton Springs salamander Photo by Laurie Dries

Blue Hole

Wimberley, Texas

Whitewater 101

Instructor Ben Kvanli with pet duck Photo by Jim Chou

Saving Springs

Photo by Jon Sullivan, geekphilosopher.com

Top 5 Views

Enchanted Rock Photo by Wendee Holtcamp

Features

Top 5 Views in Texas

Climb 425 feet up Texas' pink granite dome, a rock that was formed in the Precambrian era more than 1 billion years ago - before life emerged on earth. Known in geological circles as a batholith, this dome was formed from molten magma deep below the earth's crust; the surrounding limestone eroded away over millennia. Twice during history, ancient oceans covered the granite dome, but today Enchanted Rock stands tall above the surrounding landscape at 1,825 feet - and claims the title as the best view in the Hill Country.

Video: Mating Dance of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly

I was walking past an old hackberry tree in my backyard when I saw what appeared to be a butterfly with four wings. Then I examined the situation a little more closely and realized, hey, that's two butterflies. In this clip, the butterfly on bottom is completely upside down. The positions changed over time. That's right: I watched for hours.

Road Trip: Fredericksburg for Couples

If you love scented candles and jam, you will also love Fredericksburg, Texas. If, like me, you despise scented candles and have only a passing interest in jam, there's still a lot to like about this central Texas bed-and-breakfast mecca. Couples in particular will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the surprising number of things to do in the area.

Drought Kills Salamanders in Barton Springs

Austin's two-year drought has introduced a new threat to the already endangered Barton Springs salamander: low oxygen levels in the water. Recent rains have improved the situation slightly, but there's still not enough dissolved oxygen to support a healthy population of the 3-inch amphibians, which breathe through gills.