September 2023.
Waco, Texas.
In 2023, we visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas. The official historical center is dedicated to the legendary Texas Rangers. Located near Interstate 35, it serves as a tribute to the Rangers’ bravery and service throughout history. In a future Travel Tuesday, I will share a gallery of images from this museum that tells the history of the rangers from their inception in 1823 to the present-day elite investigative division.
Outside the museum, a ranger stands guard. Created by San Antonio artist Don Hunt, the sculpture depicts a 19th-century Texas Ranger on horseback and stands at the entrance of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s a striking tribute to the legendary lawmen who played a crucial role in Texas history.
About the photo: I captured this image with my Samsung S23U cell phone. Given our 3 PM arrival, processing the photo was challenging. The cowboy’s face was shaded by his hat, and the exposure made the facial features unrecognizable. After processing the entire image in Adobe Lightroom Classic, I applied a radial gradient mask to the cowboy’s face and increased the shadows slider. That wasn’t enough to bring out his face, so I tweaked the exposure of the mask area by about a half-stop. Any more would have been too much. These adjustments allowed the facial details to become visible under his hat. You can click on the image to pixel-peep in 2K HD via my Flickr site.
I encourage fellow bloggers to create their own Cellpic Sunday posts. I never assign a specific theme to this feature—the primary rule is that the photo must be captured with a cell phone, iPad, or other mobile device. The second rule: link your challenge response to this post or leave a comment here with a link to your post. Oh, and there’s no penalty if you don’t post it on a Sunday.
John Steiner
Journeys with Johnbo 
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Great shot! The Texas Rangers have certainly contributed to giving Texas a strong identity, probably greater than the average for other American states.
Thanks! The Rangers do have a fascinating history, and there are many stories of their operations in the museum, some routine, others legendary.
Wonderful photo, John. Texas and The Rangers are so much a part of the state’s history. You captured the sculpture perfectly. And as always, I learn great insight from your information on how your processed the image. Much appreciated.
Here is my link:
https://suzetteb.home.blog/2025/11/30/for-johns-cellpic-sunday/
Thanks, Suzette!
Even I have head of texas Ranger. Your weather is so much more delightful than ours. https://sillarit.com/2025/11/30/fleeting-winter-moments/
I’m not sure I agree with you on the weather comment. >grin< There's a cover of snow here in Fargo and -11 C (feels like -18 C). I'm sure Texas is warmer.
The shot of Texas I was refering to. So ,you have it way worse than us, today its +4 C
That is frightening… should it be repatriated with the remains? I’m thinking there may be some family who might think that comforting?
Happy First Advent – Ladyleemanila
John, I love the statue. I can’t believe we missed Waco and this museum during our trips through Texas. My favorite Texas Rangers are the fictional Gus McRae and Woodrow Call from Lonesome Dove.
I have known of the Lonesome Dove series, but didn’t know it’s about the rangers. The museum is a fabulous tribute to these legendary lawmen. Some of the stories will be shared in a Travel Tuesday post.
John, the story takes place after they retired. I loved the book and the TV series.
Beth, don’t feel bad. I live about 90 minutes from Waco and have gone through that area many times. I never stopped or knew about that museum. 🙂
You need to make the trip, Egidio! It is a wonderment of stories.
Beautiful editing on the statue, John. I always appreciate reading how you accomplish the edits. Here is mine this week:
https://secondwindleisure.com/2025/11/30/sunday-stills-novembers-textures-and-beginning-of-advent-season/
Thanks, Terri!
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What a beautiful capture and colors!
Thanks, Egidio!
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