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.
Camping/kayaking/biking Muleshoe Park; March 23-26
Who: Townies, friends, family, pets
RSVP: MeetUp https://www.meetup.com/TOWN-Austin/events/247836613/
Reservations are through Reserveamerica.com; I have site # 12 reserved for Friday and Saturday nights. All sites are listed as “tent only” and that’s what you enter when reserving – boondocking camp, no hookups. https://www.lcra.org/parks/Pages/muleshoe-bend.aspx
Cascading across the rolling foothills of Spicewood is the splendor of LCRA’s Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area. With 540 acres worth of camping and trails, Muleshoe Bend is packed full of rugged adventures.
Twenty seven primitive campsites careen along a two mile span of Lake Travis shoreline that sprouts fields of bluebonnet flowers come springtime. The sites come equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal barbeque grills, and easy access to the restrooms. Oak and mesquite trees supply ample shade for complete shelter from the Texas heat.
Cool off from a day’s worth of adventures in the river. Each site is located within walking distance to the beautiful, fishable shoreline. Streaming eastward, the water’s current is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Lifeguards are not on duty, thus swimming is at one’s own risk.
Recreation:
Mountain Biking
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has a careening, seven and a half mile loop trail that’s full of adrenaline. The path retreats into the wooded hills with moderate climbs and descents, while never being overbearing on your legs. It juts through twists and turns – and a few creek beds – with ease and speed. Advanced riders can pack on the distance by utilizing the short, interwoven loops threaded into the main trail. Furthermore, there are five access points to the trail from the main vehicular road making the ride easier for beginners and families searching to endeavor a shorter, less intense distance.
Fishing and Boating
Despite the decrease in water depth, the level is sufficient for kayaks and canoes. The water runs east towards Mansfield Dam. The best access is suggested to travel down Trammel Road West and turn left to the end of the park, launch your craft in the water and head east with the downstream current pushing on your tail. Be sure to wear a personal floatation device! Whether on a boat or the shoreline, fishing is welcome.
Bird Watching
Relaxation has never sounded so sweet than the pleasant chorus of the Central Texas birds. Numerous species are indigenous to the region: swallows, cardinals, beautiful hummingbirds, and warblers, including the species of golden cheeked warbler, currently on the endangered list. Due to the influx of agriculture, subdivisions, and the commercialization of Central Texas, the warbler has lost much of its natural habitat. LCRA proudly stands behind its efforts to sustain the natural dwelling conditions, for golden cheeked warbler, necessary to harbor a haven that’s safe for potential repopulation of their species.
- What to bring
All the usual gear.• Important to know
Facilities:
Flushing restrooms are located at the park entrance for your convenience.
Three non-vaulted toilets are located within the park parameters (one near campsite 4, down Turner Farm Road, the second is near campsite 12 at the end of Trammel Road West, and the third is near campsite 25, down Trammel Road East).
A rinsing shower is located on the west wall of the entrance bathroom.
Furthermore, a potable water pump is placed adjacent to the bathrooms. Stay hydrated!
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult; these hikes are not for beginners and are fast paced.
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am and will depart promptly at 7:30. Late arrivals will be left behind.
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.
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.
Visiting begins at 6 pm with our business meeting following at 6:30. Our speaker begins at 7.
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.
Our speaker is Lt. Jack Frost of the Westlake Fire Department. Lt. Frost will discuss Your Fire Extinguishers and Their Best Use. Have you ever deployed a fire extinguisher? Do you know which type you need to have on hand for different types of fire? Come hear Lt. Frost provide tips for extinguishing indoor and outdoor fires that will save your property.
Lt. Frost switched careers from being a Physical Education teacher to becoming a professional EMT-Firefighter and progressed up the ranks to be a lieutenant in the Westlake Fire Department, where she is an investigator/inspector.
Join us and bring a friend!
Texas Rollergirls Bout, Sat., March 31, 2018
Who: For TOWN members, their guests and kids.
What: Meet for optional early dinner first, then get ticket at the door or online in advance for the Mar. 31 bout of Texas Roller Girls (exacts bouts to be announced). If we have a group of 10 we can get special rates and reserved seats, so let me know as soon as you know you’ll be coming.
Where: Meet for dinner at 4:15 PM at Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant, then carpool or drive your car to the Roller Derby Bout. Free parking is available on-site. See below for addresses.
When: March 31, 4:15 PM for early dinner or meet at the door at 5:00 PM.
Why: These family-friendly events are funny and empowering, costumes are encouraged, and pranks are expected from the skaters. Last year we saw Hell Mary vs. The Hustlers (I think).
Texas Rollergirls bouts are held at the Austin Sports Center located at:
425 Woodward St, Austin, TX 78704
Bamboo Garden Restaurant
625 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Canceled for this date only; will resume April 8th.
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult; these hikes are not for beginners and are fast paced.
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am and will depart promptly at 7:30. Late arrivals will be left behind.
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.
Steve Seskin & Allen Shamblin
Contact GailP-C for more details.
Sycamore Creek House Concerts
Dripping Springs, Texas
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Doors open at 6 pm, music begins about 7:00 and concludes about 9.
$20/person suggested minimum donation
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult; these hikes are not for beginners and are fast paced.
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am and will depart promptly at 7:30. Late arrivals will be left behind.
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.
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.
Upper Barton Creek Hike – Saturday, April 14, 2018
Outing Leaders: JanB & JennyF
RSVP on MeetUp please
What: Upper Barton Creek hike including ‘The Hill of Life’
When: Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 9:00 a.m.
Who: everyone, including guests and well behaved dogs on a leash
Distance: approx. 6 miles roundtrip (out and back)
Difficulty: mostly moderate (rocky, roots) to moderately difficult (rocky Hill of Life incline)
Time: approx. 2.5- 3 hours
Scenery: Barton Creek, waterfalls if the water is flowing
Cost: free
How to reach trailhead: From MoPac, take Loop 360 exit and head west on Loop 360. Turn left at the light at the intersection of 360 and Scottish Woods Trail. The road on the other side of 360 from Scottish Woods is called Westbank. Drive down Scottish Woods Trail until you get to a T in the road. Park along the road on Scottish Woods Trail because the other roads in this area are much narrower. The entrance to the Barton Creek Greenbelt is just to the right of the T intersection of Scottish Woods Trail and Camp Craft Road on Camp Craft Road.
Please be advised this is a residential area and respond accordingly.
Bring: water, suitable shoes (rough terrain), snacks, sun protection and possibly trekking poles.
Trail map: www.texasoutside.com/bartongreenbelt.htm!
Please sign up on Meetup.
Thanks and hope to see you on the trail!
The J Team
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult; these hikes are not for beginners and are fast paced.
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am and will depart promptly at 7:30. Late arrivals will be left behind.
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.