September in Texas is remarkable. The summer is transitioning toward fall yet Texas remains generous with its warm long glowing day light hours. You'll find plenty of activity to stay involved with while looking for that shade tree during the height of the day. Seniors, make sure you carry sufficient drinking water with you at all times. Don't let the musical sound of September fool you, the month can still get hot and be dry at times. Oh yes, since we are about to embark on a safari, you'll want to come prepared; hat, sunglasses, water, sunscreen, walking shoes, loose comfortable clothing that breathes, a backpack or zippered bag to leave in the vehicle and stow away your “stuff.” Pack your camera. This is the only high powered artillery allowed! You'll want to point, zoom, and shoot all along this safari.

There are several safari places in Texas where you can pay a fee, drive through and look at wild African animals. I know of only one place where the animals are kept in a non-traditional zoo type environment meant to simulate their natural habitat existing as a conservation to encourage their survival, and this is at Glenrose, Texas called Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Fossil Rim is a not-for-profit organization committed to the preservation of the species which are habituated there and is also known as one of the world's “species survival facilities.” The wildlife center is home for the captive breeding program for animals including cheetahs, black and white rhinos, red wolves, and the Attwater Prairie chicken.

I joined in with a senior's group for a safari into the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and fell in love with the place. Contact the center at www.fossilrim.org to sign up in advance for your safari tour with the guide. You will get a much better understanding of the land and facilities, view the animal groupings as you observe them roaming free across the countryside. We toured in an open air safari jeep with room for ten. This gave us excellent opportunities for photography and interactions with some of the more docile animals. (A word of caution: all the animals at Fossil Rim are wild and untamed, any appearance of docility is assumed on mine or your part only, and extreme caution should always be taken when around any wild animal). Our guide was able to give us very thorough information on the animals' habits, and why certain animals were located in the various parts of the habitat. I noticed that throughout the safari the terrain changed from lush green trees and undergrowth to rocky hillsides, as did the animal species. Each one was well situated in their particular part of the habitat.

Going through to see the rhinos up close and personal was an exhilarating experience. For once I was very thankful to be in an American safari tour and not on a real African safari meeting one of these creatures in the raw! Always thinking about how tough I am, and yet aging, I'm not so sure now that I want to go to Africa and see a white rhino without a few bars between us! Those creatures appear as big as tanks with horns and hooves with the power of a locomotive at top speed!

During the guided tour, we had the exciting thrill of feeding giraffes as they lumbered toward the jeep bending stiffly downward to gobble up our offerings of thanks – a few delicious yet nutritious pellets available for some of the hoofed animals which l come up close to the jeeps. What a perfect photo opportunity! Of course we took advantage of it. As always, there are the spoilers at any party. The ostriches were not welcome, however, when they see a guided jeep stopping, they will run to it and occasionally a passenger does have to dodge a curious beak. The guides are extremely cautious and considerate to maintain safety for the passengers and the animals, however, when you mix humans with wildlife together, there are some harrowing times!

At Fossil Rim, not only can you take guided tours, you can opt to drive through for yourself, there are also pre-arrange guided bike tours from beginners to the Lance Armstrong type. Accommodations include resort style hotel rooms with reservations and tent cabins with the amenities of a hotel room and adjacent dining facility. The tent cabins are within viewing distance of an evening drinking pond where the antelopes, deer, and other amenable critters come together.

Further down the road for more lodging there is a great cabin and RV site called Tres Rios. This river resort is a meeting place where seniors and families come back year after year to visit, kickback, and enjoy the three rivers (the Brazos, Paluxy, and Squaw Creek) which converge at this area, hence the name “Tres Rios.” For reservations contact www.tresrioscamping.com . This is a very nice area for the seniors who after a hard day on the safari trail want to wind down with a quiet day fishing and watching the September leaves begin to fall from the trees, or take your friend for a walk. Be sure and keep your dog on a leash at this resort. Although very country and quiet, they do have strict rules regarding speed limits, pets, and noise! One hint though, take all your toiletries, towels, and wash cloths, remember to pack an extra blanket. The nights do cool down.

The whole area around Glenrose, Texas sports many other memorable exciting activities to experience. These include live outdoor performances in drama such as “The Promise,” bluegrass music festivals, Dinosaur Valley State Park self guided walking tours to actually see the footprints and a creation museum, Squaw Valley Golf course for the obsessive golfer, an excellent challenging course set inside the rolling hills of Glenrose. To view more attractions, find B&B's and other accommodations go to www.glenrosetexas.net . Safari on! Happy Traveling! Thanks to Glenrose CVB and Tres Rios Campground for providing photos.