The details of the events are posted on Meetup. If you would like to join an event as a non-member, please contact us to RSVP and get details.
Our monthly meetings are every 4th Tuesday of every month. Anyone is welcome to attend. We offer both in person and Zoom options based on the current health advisories.
We welcome speakers on various outdoor related topics at every monthly meeting. If you have expertise on a topic or know of someone who does, please contact us.
Rags to Rugs Outing
When: Sunday June 25, 2017
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Where: Marsha’s House
Open: to any TOWNie or friend but will limit to 10 due to activity. No dogs as Willie and Millie are irritable rat terriers that are territorial and nuts.
RSVP: To MarshaK by June 20th.
This outing will be a hands-on activity where we make simple traditional rag rugs from old sheets. This is a great activity for hot days and for making small rugs that can be used on a table or floor. The rugs are made from the traditional Amish tooth brush method. I will supply the needles, made from old coat hangers rather than old toothbrushes, and snacks and libations.
Please bring an old sheet. It will be torn into strips for the rug. Any color and any pattern. We will share sheets for varied patterns and colors. Do not worry about skill level as it is simple method that is just fun.
Happy Trails,
Marsha
Our agenda is typically the following: bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack; we gather at 6 pm & socialize; 6:30-7:00 greetings, introductions, business, outings reports and planning; 7- 8 speaker; 8 – 8:15 adjournment and cleanup.
Monthly meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month. The location is the Northwest Recreation Center at 2913 Northland Dr, 78757. Enter the front doors, look left, and you will see and hear us.
Join us June 27th for our monthly meeting. Visiting begins at 6 pm with our business meeting following at 6:30. Our speaker begins at 7.
Please join us as our speaker Elaine Davenport takes us on a walk through Westcave Preserve, which is located near Hamilton Pool in southwestern Travis County. The heart of this hidden gem, which was saved from destruction 40 years ago, is a shady emerald grotto cooled by a fern-lined waterfall.
Elaine’s presentation is based on her book, co-authored with S. Christopher Caran, Discovering Westcave: The Natural & Human History of a Hill Country Nature Preserve. The book includes details about the Westcave area’s colorful history and characters. Elaine’s presentation will include some of the book’s gorgeous photographs, plus line drawings from famed Texas artist Nancy McGowan. Westcave is recognized nationally and internationally as both an ecological jewel and an innovator in promoting nature awareness and outdoor experience.
Elaine Davenport is an award-winning writer, journalist and publisher who has lived and worked in South America and Europe as an investigative journalist. She was certified as a Texas Master Naturalist in 2011, and is the co-author of the book Discovering Westcave: The Natural & Human History of a Hill Country Nature Preserve, published by Texas A&M University Press.
The price of the book is a $25 which is a direct donation to Westcave Preserve. Payment via cash, check or credit is accepted. If you’d like to donate more, the difference between whatever you donate and $25 is considered tax deductible, and you will be given a receipt to that effect on the spot.
Come join us and bring a friend!
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.
Canceled – Hike in Barton Creek
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am. Group will finish before 9:30 as Marsha needs time to prep for church.
Water is required as well as good walking shoes. Sticks are also helpful.
Dogs must be on leash. Prepare to pick up your dog’s poop. Furnish water for your dog.
Contact MarshaK via email by Saturday evening if you wish to walk with her.
Fourth of July Parade – Belton, TX
Outing Leader/RSVP: BeverlyT
What: Fourth of July Parade
When: July 4th – 8:30am
Where: Belton, TX – RSVP to Bev for details and directions on where to meet/park
Who: TOWNies (no pets)
Note from Beverly:
Come to Belton for one of America’s top rated small town 4th of July parade, celebrating it’ s 98th year! The Brett Hendrix band will be performing at Festival on Nolan Creek in Yettie Polk Park after the parade. There is a shady walk/ bike trail from I 35 to University Mary Hardin Baylor about 5 miles round trip–along Nolan Creek. We will decide according to interest or folks can venture out on their own.
People can go to Temple Lake Park to swim in Belton Lake or we could kayak below the dam, depending on interest There are decent choices of places for lunch nearby.
( It’s NOT Austin though!). TOWNies only, no pets
Come early ( by 8:30am ) to park at my office where the parade will pass. ( the roads will be blocked by 9:00 am or a bit before.
The parade starts at 10:00am. I will have breakfast foods
RSVP is a must!
CHANGE – we will walk about 4+ miles instead of the 6 miles. We will avoid the more difficult ascent in the sunny area.
Wednesday Walk, July 5th , River Place Nature Trail, 8:30 am
Outing Leader/RSVP: Jacque
WHAT: Hike the Canyon Trail from one end to the other and back at River Place Nature Trail.
WHERE: Big View at large fountain is where the trail begins – see below for directions
WHEN: Wednesday, July 5th at 8:30 am
WHO: Everyone is welcome including well behaved dogs on leash. We usually keep the dogs on leash until we enter the trail area, then allow them off leash.
DISTANCE: about 6 miles
DIFFICULTY: This is a 6 mile round-trip route that will likely be wet/damp/moldy. Really sounds inviting doesn’t it! Moderate to difficult – Trail surface is composed of hard pack and rock. Some stairs with elevation gains and drops. Be prepared for a good leg workout.
TIME: Approximately 3+ hours
COST: Free.
HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: From Austin, go west on 2222 past loop 360. Continue on 2222. Turn left onto River Place Blvd. There is a light at this intersection.
Continue on River Place Blvd. until it Ts into Big View.
Turn Right.
Drive about 1.8 miles and park on the right side of the road near a pond with an large fountain.
Note – Restroom facilities are across the road at the tennis counts.
WHERE TO PARK: You have two choices.
- Park on the road by the large fountain.
- Or drive past the large fountain and turn left almost immediately into the tennis court area. Parking and restrooms are located there. That’s where I will park.
BRING: Snack, water (enough for your dog too), poop bags for your dog, walking sticks, any other personal items you may want or need.
WEAR: Good quality hiking or tennis shoes, hat, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for weather.
RSVP: By 6 pm, Monday, July 3rd
For questions or to RSVP, email Jacque.
Canceled – Hike in Barton Creek
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am. Group will finish before 9:30 as Marsha needs time to prep for church.
Water is required as well as good walking shoes. Sticks are also helpful.
Dogs must be on leash. Prepare to pick up your dog’s poop. Furnish water for your dog.
Contact MarshaK via email by Saturday evening if you wish to walk with her.
Wednesday Walk
Wednesday, July 12th – 8:30 am
Turkey Creek Trail
Join me for a hike that crosses creeks and is mostly in the shade.
Outing Leader/RSVP: Jacque by Tuesday July 11th please
When: Wednesday, July 12th at 8:30 am
Where: Turkey Creek Trail http://www.texashiking.com/Locations/ShowLocation.aspx?LocationID=1611 If you reach the entrance to the campground and see a kiosk, you have gone too far
1600 City Park Road, Austin, TX 78730
Getting There: From central Austin, take FM 2222 west, past Loop 360. Turn left onto City Park Road and continue south to the Emma Long Park entrance sign. The parking area for the trail is two miles from the park entrance sign, on the right hand side of the road. The parking is right after a sharp turn in the road, so be prepared when you cross Turkey Creek to turn off the road.
Shoes: Hiking shoes/boots, tennis shoes; no sandals or flip-flops. Your feet may or may not get wet.
Canines: Definitely welcome, prepare to pick up poop.
Distance: 2.7 miles with no restroom facilities or water source. There are some inclines and loose rocks. Sometimes we go exploring on new trails.
Bring:, water, sunscreen, snacks, poles for crossing the creek, etc. Friends and spouses are invited.
Thanks! Jacque
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.