Author: townadmin (Page 19 of 45)

Celebrate But Not Officially!

We had such a good visit today – talking, hiking, eating, and gaming and talking even more in the Redbud Pavilion.  Effie, Jacque with Sheba, JennyF, JillR, JoanB, JudieT with Daphe, JuneA without Dollie, LisaS with Junco, LynneS, MarieW, and SheliaMcC joined to spend five hours together after such a long time apart.  New member Jill Rodgers is a good fit and happy to have found us.  New member Judy Broussard failed to find us and I genuinely regret that Judy.  We will not let that happen again Judy!  Jenny introduced us to a new game and some of us did not play well.

The bathrooms were clean and had supplies; I arrived early to clean tables and provide hand sanitizer and paper towels; Lisa and Joan also brought hand sanitizer.

We wore masks all the time and maintained 6 ft distance almost all the time.

It was just so good to see each of you!  Yea Celebrate!

Jacque

Greetings,

What a nice day for a hike in the park!  Twelve happy hikers participated: Marsha (head hiker), Lisa, Jacque, Dawn, Cindy, Carol & friend Nancy, Koby & daughter McCala with friend Claire & her dad plus moi.  This hike included the Lake Trail, Woodland Trail and Pecan Flats Trail for a grand total of 5.2 miles for the final six hikers.  Others returned at various points.

We enjoyed some wonderful views of the area from the high trails.  There was a lot of blooming spiderwort on the trail along with some lantana and various other yellow, blue and white blooms.

As is always the case when TOWN members gather, we were in good company with interesting conversations.

Hope to see you soon at another TOWN or NON-TOWN outing.

From Happy Hikers, Jenny & Marsha

TOWNies!

Nancy B, Jacque A, Cindy S, Maria V, Dawn K, June A, Barbara W, Bev T, Tracy P, Joan C, Sandy and Don B, new member Koby F w/family and friends, Kim F, Jackie D, and Cheryl C joined me for a perfect weather weekend at Inks Lake for birding, hiking, kayaking, swimming, visiting and the like.   And let’s not forget June’s sweet Dolly; Cheryl’s little guy, Georgie and Bev’s feisty little Chico.

Most campers arrived on Thursday.  That evening a few of us paddled to Devil’s Hole.  We spotted a Great Blue Herron up close and personal and enjoyed the beautiful reflection of the setting sun on the calm waters.  That evening most everyone turned in early.

Unfortunately Chery C had to wave goodbye to the group on Friday as she only had a one night reservation.  Jacque A led a morning hike:  a 4 hour, 5.5 mile “death march” (their words) along the Devil’s Backbone trail towards a far off bird blind.  Jackie D trailed off to enjoy the geology of the area, and Cindy S found a spot to quietly do her beautiful watercolor paintings.   Others marched on with Jacque towards their destination and Cindy S joined them near the blind.  Later that morning June A and I later hiked a portion of the trail.  This is such a beautiful trail; not to be missed.  Later that afternoon several of us gathered to cool off in the lake and swap stories.  That evening we gathered around the campfire to visit and had our traditional walk around the loop.

Sadly June had to leave us on Saturday morning to help Sheila McC after the passing of her mom.  Jenny F and Marsha K came in that morning to lead a hike with several campers and day trippers (see her trip report).  Others: Bev T, Nancy B, Joan C, Barbara W, Kim F and I enjoyed kayaking in the direction of Inks Lake Dam.  Later that afternoon several of us again sat around to swap stories and have another swim in the lake.  That evening we gathered around to visit, eat cupcakes and watermelon and enjoy each other’s company.  Maria V cooked ribs, corn and other delicious items to share.  We again had our walk around the loop.

Most everyone packed up Sunday morning to head home.  Joan C stayed on an extra night and Sandy and Don B were staying for a few extra days.  We did try to get another morning paddle in to Devil’s Hole but the wind had other plans.  Joan C did brave it on her own heading towards the Inks Lake Dam.

Be sure to check out Maria’s new truck/camper creation next time you camp with her; very creative.  For convenience sake, photos will be posted on the Meetup website under Inks Lake outing.  Thank you all for joining me this weekend and being respectful of social distancing requirements.   MarieW

We managed to find the perfect window of opportunity today, skipping all of the rain except maybe for a few drops while we were floating in beautiful  Lake Austin.  And the skies opened up just as we left; perfect!

SandyB, Jacque, MariaV and her lovely little friend, Xiomara,  joined me for a relaxing time at Emma Long Metropolitan Park.  We arrived around 10 am and sat under a beautiful Cypress tree (socially distanced) catching up on each other’s lives, snacking and enjoying lunch.  We then floated in the cool, clear waters of Lake Austin as Jacque watched on shore.

Now that the weather isn’t scorching, we hope to get out and visit/explore more of Austin’s beautiful lakes in a safe way.

Thanks to all who joined me.  Marie

Hi, Townies!

First, it was great seeing y’all at our monthly meeting this week! The speaker was excellent, and I think I learned almost as much from the Q&A session as I did the actual presentation. Y’all asked good questions.  I hope more of you will be there next time.

Wednesday morning, MariaV and I launched our kayaks from Emma Long Metropolitan Park headed toward the 360 bridge.  The weather was beautiful.  We couldn’t have asked for better conditions, and very few people were on the water.  This was my first time out in my new kayak—a Falcon from Point 65 Degrees North—and it did not disappoint.  It tracked well for a calm-water kayak of its size and was easy to handle in the waves created by the bigger boats that passed us.

Several swallows greeted us at one point along the way, and we found a small inlet where “something big” that we couldn’t identify dove into the water from the shore as we neared its habitat.  We didn’t wait for introductions, deciding that something that big might not be entirely friendly. 

A dog that we thought was stranded on a float near shore turned out to be min! now fishing with its front paws.  “He can stay out here all day and fish if we let him,” explained its owner from the nearby boat dock.  Apparently, the dog wasn’t the only critter that enjoyed using floats near the shore.  A big turtle sunning itself on one decided that we weren’t socially distant enough from it and quickly dove into the water as we passed.

When we returned to the launch ramp, a short swim was in order, and it was so refreshing.  The water was the perfect temperature to cool down in after two hours of kayaking. 

This was my first time to kayak at Emma Long and it won’t be my last. A big thanks to MariaV for accompanying me on this adventure and suggesting this as the first place to try out the new kayak. 

Stay safe, everyone.  ChristineF

Hey TOWNies!

Well I have been missing our TOWN hikes, so… today we (ChristineF, CindyS, EffieK, Jacque and Sheba, KimW, and MaryVE) met at Turkey Creek Trail in Emma Long Park for a pretty much shady hike.  Only two creek crossings were wet and it was minimal.  We hiked about 3.1 miles in 93 minutes, stopping to admire particular trees, ponds, and rock formations.

And we were cautious, maintaining space between us and wearing masks and bandanas for use when needed.  For an unknown reason, the trail was less crowded than usual on a Wednesday with fewer families and dogs until we were almost finished.

Yes, it grew warmer and yes, we drank water.  Everyone arrived prepared.

Thanks ladies for joining me today.  Jacque

Hi Townies!

MariaV, grandkids Harley and Lex, and myself had another wonderful time at Garner State Park, August 2nd – 7th.

We arrived on Sunday, Aug 2nd and got set up. aria’s set up is amazing!  Although it was hot, the Oak Trees provide great shade with a cool river breeze. We ate DQ left overs for dinner to keep it simple.

Monday was a nice lazy river day down at the dam.  The water was cool and it wasn’t too crowded, so social distancing was not a problem.  It rained that evening, so we hung out in Lisa’s camper and ate tacos.

Tuesday began with a yummy meal cooked by Maria.  We had fajita tacos for breakfast!  Then it was another lazy river day down at the dam.  Lex took a risk and jumped off of the small cliff (about 6 feet) and loved it!  We had ice cream from the shop at the pavilion. It was spot on.

Wednesday was our busy day.  We had a great day floating the river at Happy Hollow.  Such a beautiful float and the grand kids learned to rope swing.  Lex jumped from about a 10-foot cliff and loved it.

On Thursday there were a lot of dark clouds rolling in, so we packed up and headed home a day early.

Garner State Park is a lovely place to camp and we never want to leave.  Quickly becoming a tradition for us.

Hope you can enjoy it one day soon. Stay safe & well my friends.

LisaMcM

Kayaking at Rendon Beach on Ladybird Lake.

Hi TOWNies!

We got our early on June 7th and met up at Rendon Beach on Ladybird Lake.  The park is located on the east side of IH-35, at the Riverside exit.

Maria Vidal, her friend Nadia and myself enjoyed kayaking from the park to Congress Ave bridge and back.  It was a beautiful section of the lake and very relaxing.  Be advised, no restroom at this park.

Hope to see everyone soon!

LisaMcM

Kayaking Cypress Creek/Lake Travis

We had a great time kayaking Saturday at Cypress Creek/Lake Travis!
Flo, Gloria, Kim, Linda B., Marie and Maria joined me for a refreshing paddle even through a stray shower.  We had fun watching the kids at the new Waterloo Adventures.
Flo brought back Big Boy and fell in the drink trying to tow him.  I’m sure there will be photos.  We had lots of laughs over that.  One fell out trying to stretch or maybe just wanting to get wet.  Christine’s new kayak didn’t arrive yet so we’ll have to do another paddle soon.

Until next time,
June

Hey TOWNies!

So CindyS and I met at Mills Pond.  Since we had not previously met, we visited awhile and then headed to different areas of the park. She was more interested in sketching and I headed to the bird blind.

During my time I spotted:  Great Blue Herons (2), Yellow-crowned Night Herons (2), Cooper’s Hawk, Blue Jays, and a Gray Catbird.  I did not spot the several varieties I was hoping to see, but oh well.

Cindy’s thoughts and description of her activity:  “I’m so glad she posted this. I didn’t know about Mills Pond park. It’s a little gem. I could keep entertained sketching there for days. All the people out with their binoculars and cameras looking for birds was fun too.  I saw a big hawk and a yellow crowned night heron. One birder told me that it was the best place in Austin to see warblers.

The park was large enough for people to keep their safe social distance and most people had mask on or available.

I’m not sure how far the trails go, but I would love to find out. I’m planning on taking my 95 year old dad so he can go fishing.”

Jacque