Category: Uncategorized (Page 19 of 46)

Seven lively ladies bringing boats met Wednesday,  April 7th at the north shore of Lady Bird Lake at the Rendon boat launch ready for the challenge of being filmed having a wonderful time on the water.

Maria’s granddaughter and her “beau” Pablo were filming from a drone.  They were waiting as the group headed west toward the Congress Avenue Bridge.  He is sharing with us some of the pictures he took and Maria will see if she can show the video in the next virtual meeting, and we have some photos below.

In the early morning light, with the lake smooth and reflective, in the company of new and old friends, having a wonderful time turned out to be a snap  And locating a flotilla of boats of different sizes and configurations spread across the width of the lake turned out to be easy for the drone pilot.

The trip all the way to the First St. bridge took about 40 minutes.  The return trip, past the Boardwalk and toward the Oracle building on the south shore seemed shorter., there was some discussion about the current, which in my experience always goes the way you aren’t..  The lure of barbecue or tacos at Papalote was enough to inspire Linda BW, Christine F., Dawn K., or Nancy L to prolong their trip.  However, in true TOWN spirit Linda F. and new member Phyllis P. had some great tacos at Papalote on S. Congress, while Maria and her camera crew ordered a big tray of fabulous barbecue.

Surely we can do that next time!  Watch this space for kayaking news.

LindaF

Dear TOWNies,

We had wonderful weather, great good and the best of company this year at GOLIAD!  Just to mention a few names, Sandy S., Gloria, Flo, June, Marsha, Susan, Linda B., Beverly, Kim, Linda K., Jill and friends, Koby, Stephanie, Lisa and Ray.  (Sorry if I missed your name, I didn’t write them down for unofficial reasons, lol).

Saturday was so beautiful!  Some kayaked on the creek at Coleto Creek Reservoir and some did the traditional Flotilla on the San Antonio River.  We met a new friend, Nora Kelly, who was taking her kayak out on its maiden voyage.  She is interested in joining our group and doing more things with TOWN. It was a lot of fun.

When we returned to camp, we began preparing for our pot luck dinner.  Ray successfully fried us up a turkey that was absolutely delicious!  All the sides were delicious also.  Linda provided us with an awesome camp fire and Gloria provided us with, yes, you guessed it, some marvelous Margaritas!  Gloria’s Margaritas are always so very tasty.

Thanks to all who made this weekend fun!  I am very thankful for all your friendship and always looking forward to our next outing.

Sincerely, LisaMcM

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