This Ranch Just Became a 54,000-Acre State Park

Field Journal 63: Welcome to Silver Lake State Park, new releases from Lumix, Kuiu, and Shinola, DIRT Hawai'i, and the week's top stories.

May 29, 2026

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BEFORE TODAY’S ISSUE gets rolling, I want to talk about an exclusive story Texas Monthly broke this week titled, “Texas Finalizes the Deal on Its Second-Largest State Park.”

The deal turns the Silver Lake Ranch, which sits 150 miles west of San Antonio, into the new 54,000 acre Silver Lake State Park. This effort was done thanks to a donation from the Moody Foundation, followed by a $11.85 million purchase by the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund—a billion-dollar trust that Texas voters approved in 2023.

Here’s the first reason why this story is so special: In a time where public lands feel at threat nationally, a private foundation and a public trust funded by Texans came together to create tens of thousands of untouched acres to fish, hike, hunt, and explore.

Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The second reason is based on how unique the plot of land is from an ecological perspective. TM writes that the property contains “caves with pictographs from ancient tribes, a rare population of Montezuma quail, and older populations of piñon pines not commonly found in other state parks.” I think about the cave pictographs the most when reading that line. The idea that, thousands of years ago, humankind was walking these parts and documenting their lives.

That ability to tap into our ancestry and walk the same paths, enjoy the same rivers, and see the same native species as those humans did is spiritually powerful to me. When you’re standing on the same grounds as humans before you, you can’t help but feel a sense of connectedness.

I look forward to experiencing this new state park for the first time. If you’re in Texas or stopping through, maybe we can all plan a trip out there.

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Style & Gear News

Learn about everything that’s happening in the LAL style and gear universe. Discover what’s new and find out what you missed.

Panasonic LUMIX L10

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lumix brand, Panasonic released this L10 fixed-lens camera. It features a 20.4MP CMOS sensor and a Leica 24–75mm F1.7-2.8 zoom lens. The pre-orders are getting scooped up like crazy right now, so it might be difficult to acquire. The Titanium Gold color is the no brainer option here. $1599.

Finisterre Coaster Jacket

You can pretty much always count on Finisterre for quality. This minimalist Coaster Jacket is one of the many examples from the Cornwall-based brand. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and metal hardware, and features a hidden collar tab that snaps closed to keep the wind out. Feels like a nice choice of layer for the cooler temp days and late nights of summer. $175.

Shinola Duck Watch in New Colors

Last year, Shinola debuted its 40mm Duck Watch in three colors: Black, Canary (bright yellow), and Blue. The watch is inspired by retro skin divers, and features an Argonite quartz movement, 10 ATM of water resistance, and a 12-hour unidirectional bezel.

Now, Shinola is back with two new colors for summer: Midnight Blue and Mallard Brown. I can’t get enough of the Mallard Brown. Read on down to the INROADS section and you’ll learn more about why this watch is such a good timepiece for the value. $595.

Wythe Football T-Shirt

Wythe has been putting out a ton of heat in their tees lately. My favorite is this Football T-Shirt. It reminds me of Elvis playing football.

Paka Men’s Essential Tee

This past month, Paka launched their Essentials collection. The classic tee here is made from 85% organic Pima cotton and 15% Royal Alpaca, resulting in a super soft, comfortable, and durable feel. It’s a bit expensive, but I don’t doubt the comfort. And the slimming cut in the all black color feels like it would be a solid travel tee. $59.

Taylor Stitch the Mechanic Short Sleeve

Inspired by garage shop uniforms, this mechanic shirt is made from an 8.5oz 100% organic cotton ripstop. I love this blue stone washed color here. Also available in khaki. $138.

Drake’s Nylon Drawstring Swim Shorts

I recently wrote about a pair Ripa Ripa shorts in my summer gear guide that channeled pure sprezzatura. This pair from Drake’s is like upgrade on those shorts. They’re more expensive, but Drake’s version is made in Italy using a fast-drying microfibre nylon. The imperfect lines in that vibrant blue color are *chef’s kiss*. $275.

Imogene + Willie The Lounge Short in Sunfaded Red Cord

Another color pop option for summer are these faded red corduroy shorts from Imogene + Willie. They’re made from a 9oz cord fabric that’s patterned, cut, and sewn in the USA. The inseam is just under 5" inches. $155.

Kuiu Waypoint 4500 Roller

Kuiu makes some damn good luggage. This mid-sized gear hauler packs up to 74-liters and is made using an 840D coated ballistic nylon upper and a strong polycarbonate shell. They also have this series in a carry-on, plus two other large capacity options. The 4500 Roller is priced at $429.

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser’s new flagship pair of wireless headphones were just announced. They’ll go live on the 16th of June. There’s not a ton of physical design change, but the hardware is supposedly the big improvement. Sennhesier claims they’ll have a better Active Noise Cancellation and call quality, along with higher-res audio and support with Dolby Atmos. They’re an admirable competitor to Sony, Bose, and Apple. Priced around $400.

Outfit

Come for the style and gear news. Stay for the outfit picks.

Sunski Tango - $78
Faherty Sunwashed Linen Shirt in Navy Bay - $148
Faherty Beach Chino in Light Pine - $178
Morjas Deck Shoe -$200
Timex x J.Crew MK1 Field Watch - Sold Out

Inroads

Stories that inform, inspire, and entertain. Find an inroad and see where it leads.

DIRT Hawaiʻ : Big Waves, Wild Foraging and the Fight to Preserve Hawaiian Culture

Huckberry’s new DIRT episode on Hawai’i is absolutely incredible. It offers a rare look at what it’s like to actually experience the island like a local, thanks to the generosity of some locals there who were willing to open up their doors and share their stories. There’s also special appearances from two notable Hawaiians: John John Florence and Jack Johnson.

If you watch anything this weekend, make it this 50-minute episode.

Zen and the Art of Waterfowl Migration

My good friend Matthew Medendorp just wrote an incredible travel piece tying together the new Shinola Duck Watch drop with a four-day motorcycle trip along Highway One in California. He teamed up with photographer Liam Kaiser for the journey.

It feels like one of those epic adventure stories you’d find in the golden era of Men’s Journal. Keep putting out stories like this Matt and Liam!

Rick Rubin on Finding Your Life’s Work

I wrote about this Rick Rubin interview over on the Live a Little IG this week. I found it a great unlock for aspiring artists and creatives.

Rubin is a contrarian in a lot of ways. I especially loved his admitting to being a “lazy workaholic.” This admission reveals he, like so many of us, can be highly unmotivated to go and do the thing, right up until we force ourselves into our work.

It’s an interview that’s deeply connected to the spiritual side of why we do what we do. Give it a listen when you have a chance. [David Senra]

The Story of Steve McQueen’s Iconic Persol Sunglasses

The lore behind McQueen’s famous shades. Specifically the Light Havana frames with crystal blue lenses. I’ll own a pair someday. [Gentleman’s Journal]

The Case for ‘Wild Swimming’ This Summer

Note to self: Do as the Brits do and take spontaneous dip into a wild body of water this summer. [InsideHook]

Live a Little

I’ve been thinking about you, Driskill Martini.

Thanks for Your Support

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