Get Your Kicks on Rex 66!

Book blogging time, my paleo-passionate herd.

Just finished reading the "Dinosaur Travel Guide" by Kelly Milner Halls.

From Alabama to Saskatchewan, this book lists over 300 sites sure to appeal to any aspiring paleontologist, regardless of age.

In my own fair state, the travel guide suggests the Austin Nature and Science Center Dino Pit, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, Texas Memorial Museum, BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Dinosaur World, Brazosport Museum of Natural Science, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place in Dallas, Chromosaur City, Shuler Museum of Paleontology, Centennial Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Robert A. Vines Environmental Science Center, Museum of Texas Tech University, Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, Dinosaur Gardens, Witte Museum, and the Mayborn Museum (Formerly known as the Strecker). Oh, and the Austin-Texas Headquarters Office of the US Geological Survey.

Every North American state or country that boasts an interesting dinosaur destination is listed here. And included are great little side treats and tasty morsels, like this nugget:

"I was six years old when dinosaur fossils were uncovered 8 miles east of Kenton (30 miles northwest of Boise City) in 1931. The best find was a skeleton of a 70-foot long Aptaosaurus..."

Or this story:

"When you think of park rangers, you think of someone with a shiny badge who answers quesitons - someone on a first-name basis with Smokey the Bear. All that's true. But now there is a special breed of ranger who not only takes care of trees and wildlife, but also watches over fossils. I suppose your could call them 'fossil rangers' That's what I am - a ranger who takes care of fossils..."

The back of the book is veritable quarry of shopping links, publications, and interactive fun. Like this link to a great online postcard site for sending e-mail postcards. Or this site for dinosaur sneakers - so cute! (Do they come in size 8 medium ladies?)

The book will have you ready to pack your bags, lacing up hiking boots, and setting your Ray Bradbury Wayback Machine to the Cretaceous Period. Not just for the little bonediggers in the family, this gem is a treasure for any of us still young at heart and infatuated with fossils and dinosaurs.

The Dinosaur Travel Guide rocks and roars!