Category: Uncategorized (Page 5 of 46)

Hi All,  We had a small group of TOWNIES today,  Kim, Janice,  Jody and Marsha,  who sweated out 4.8 miles in this never-ending summer season.  Although smaller than usual,  our group was frequented by strange mold, fungus and other weird-looking things that appeared ready to leap at us or any unsuspecting hiker who was not observant of the tentacles of the fungus, ready to grab and devour the poor soul.  Fortunately,  no one was kidnapped by the Fungus Frenzy but it did allow for interesting conversation.  Some of the TOWNIES had just returned from recent trips so lively conversation and banter was offered amidst the fungus sightings. Cooler weather is promised this week and with it, hopes for future Sunday Hikes.

Until next time… Happy Trails,  Marsha

Eight TOWN members and five guests enjoyed a beautiful weekend at Inks Lake.  Attendance ranged from a long weekend to a day trip.  Attendees were:  Susan W, Bev T, Lisa Mc, Connie H – a friend of Susan’s – (w dogs Wesley and Missy), Sandy B, June A  (w sweet Dolly), Barbara W, Crystal C (plus 2 guests), Stephanie N, Phyllis P and her friend, Lori.

Thursday evening we had a meet and greet around the campfire with discussions of weekend activities.

Friday morning several of us enjoyed a nice slow paddle to the beautiful Devil’s Waterhole.   That night we convened on the back deck of the Park Store for our weekend potluck.  As always, the food was terrific and abundant.  (Little did we know it would last all weekend!)  After leaving the back deck in good order we headed back for some socializing around the campfire.

Saturday morning ten of us met day trippers Jenny F and Jacque A near the park Headquarters for our traditional hike.  My friend Noemi N also came in for the day to join us.  Some of us turned back around halfway.  Later we all gathered back for a lunch of leftover potluck delectables (like I said enough to last all weekend) and reminisced about past outings.  Jacque A, Jenny F and Noemi N headed home that afternoon.  Some of us kayaked the lake for a bit in search of some cool shade.  We reconvened that evening for more potluck leftovers (you thought I was kidding) .  Some went out on the lake again and several walked the loop ending the evening chatting around the campfire.

Sunday morning Sandy B, June A, Susan W and I went for a short bike ride around the park and to Devil’s Waterhole.  Others started packing up to leave. After our ride, we said our goodbyes and I headed home. My biking companions (who had originally booked extra days at the park) now contemplated heading out later that afternoon since there was a high percentage of rain headed that way.

Thank you everyone for joining me on this yearly outing.  I am reminded of how important this group is to me; I appreciate you all for your readiness to help; your support and your kindness.  Until next time…  MarieW

SIDE NOTE:  We were pleasantly surprised that the amount of construction noise (to build the new park headquarters) was not noticeable.  Construction is scheduled to be completed next August.  Those of us with RV’s will be happy that along with new headquarters, there will be a four-lane dumping station.

Hi TOWNies!  This turned out to be quite a gathering for learning new techniques and skills.  The eleven who attended were:  AngieB, CarrieL, DebbieB, HeidiG, JacqueA, KarenK, LoisK (and husband Steve), MariaV, MarshaK, and PhyllisP.

And, of course, TOWN member Jill Rogers attended and taught these new techniques and skills.  She is an excellent communicator!  Most of us purchased the student workbook, Heart Saver First Aid/CPR/AED, published by the American Heart Association.  The workbook includes such topics as:  Personal Safety, CPR and AED for Adults, Drug Overdose, Water Safety, CPR for Infants, Medical Emergencies, and Prevention Strategies.  The concept of learning to use an AED – Automated External Defibrillators – was a surprise.

Jill provided dummies for each of us to practice CPR.  These were definitely upgrades from when I learned CPR in the ‘80s.  Lights indicated if we were pressing sufficiently deep to impact the “individual”.  Then we applied the AED kit and practiced applying the shock to the chest.  It was a new technique for many of us.  And since Saturday, I have been noticing AED kits at various locations – restaurants, my HEB, and volunteering.

If you have an opportunity to participate in one of Jill’s classes, it’s worth it!  Jacque Austin

Hey TOWNies,  The day started cool with a breeze, but shortly the heat and humidity hit.  AnnaE and KimW met Sheba and Jacque in the parking lot, and we forged ahead!  And of course, being TOWNies, we talked:  local music groups playing, Austin City Limits, volunteering for the various political groups, being ready to vote early, kayaking, Fiona’s boulder and the location of her fall, whether to paint her name on the boulder; travel locations like Peru, Israel, Napal, Africa, Central America; hiring someone to help with cleaning if budgets allow and hiking next week.  Join me some Wednesday.  The terrain is often challenging, but the company is pleasant and it’s just great being outside!  Jacque

Hi TOWNies!

This turned out to be quite a gathering for learning new techniques and skills.  The eleven who attended were:  AngieB, CarrieL, DebbieB, HeidiG, JacqueA, KarenK, LoisK (and husband Steve), MariaV, MarshaK, and PhyllisP.  And, of course, TOWN member Jill Rogers attended and taught these new techniques and skills.  She is an excellent communicator!  Most of us purchased the student workbook, Heart Saver First Aid/CPR/AED, published by the American Heart Association.  The workbook includes such topics as:  Personal Safety, CPR and AED for Adults, Drug Overdose, Water Safety, CPR for Infants, Medical Emergencies, and Prevention Strategies.  The concept of learning to use an AED – Automated External Defibrillators – was a surprise.  Jill provided dummies for each of us to practice CPR.  These were definitely upgrades from when I learned CPR in the ‘80s.  Lights indicated if we were pressing sufficiently deep to impact the “individual”.  Then we applied the AED kit and practiced applying the shock to the chest.  It was a new technique for many of us.  And since Saturday, I have been noticing AED kits at various locations – restaurants, my HEB, and volunteering.

If you have an opportunity to participate in one of Jill’s classes, it’s worth it!  Jacque Austin

Hey TOWNies,  The day started cool with a breeze, but shortly the heat and humidity hit.  AnnaE and KimW met Sheba and Jacque in the parking lot, and we forged ahead!  And of course, being TOWNies, we talked:  local music groups playing, Austin City Limits, volunteering for the various political groups, being ready to vote early, kayaking, Fiona’s boulder and the location of her fall, whether to paint her name on the boulder; travel locations like Peru, Israel, Napal, Africa, Central America; hiring someone to help with cleaning if budgets allow and hiking next week.

Join me some Wednesday.  The terrain is often challenging, but the company is pleasant and it’s just great being outside!  Jacque

We averaged approximately 20 hot, sweaty, smiling and amazing women per day (and a few brave men)! Some kayaked to Hell’s Gate; some biked a looong way on the trail; some biked substantially less but as enthusiastically; many kayaked the beautiful lake at the park and all stepped up to keep us fed and entertained! This park is very nice (when they say the first left..they mean it😁). The sites are large and private….we will definitely return!

Thank You to all who attended and turned a warm weekend into a very pleasant gathering!  I always feel truly enriched after time with you all!

LindaBW

Hi All,  We had a large herd of TOWNIES today, Jenny, Jacque and Sheba, Jody, Kim, Leigh, Effie (Nanook of the North), Debbie, Carolyn and Marsha, who conquered 4.73 miles, over towering hills, rocky terrains, spring-fed stream and narrow pathways as we gallantly met each challenge on this gorgeous day. The temperature was a pleasant 51 degrees, the humidity was low  and the observations were high. I personally thought the “observations” were bordering on complaints, but I was reassured that the comments were all observations. Nice to know. I won’t leave anyone behind then. The thought did cross my mind when the “observations” became high in number.  We went on the Jenny Trail, a seldom traveled trail due to the climbing, but there was a clatter today, or maybe not, about  wanting to take that trail. We rose to the challenge! Much of the conversation was dominated by my adopting 2 new dogs, Waldi (pronounced Vald–ee and means forest in German) and Berta (pronounced Bear–Ta and means strong and intelligent in German) brother and sister Schnauzer somethings that were rescued from Mission, Texas. It may be too soon or maybe not soon enough since the great Willie passed. I am hoping they will be good friends with Sheba who protected us on our observation-filled hike today.

I am fortunate to have TOWN and be part of an amazing group of women.

Until next time…. Happy Trails, Marsha

Evening Hikers,  What a pleasantly cool morning for hiking!  KimW, Fiona with Pepper and Saffy, and Jacque with Sheba met in the parking lot and the trail, and the visiting began.  Our visiting included:  We began by talking about KathleenC who is in Spain with her daughter, Libby, and they’re hiking the Camino Real together; Baby and Mamie texted asking for a ride for the hike; according to Kathleen’s schedule, they should have been walking from Bruma to Siguero ( 25 km).  KimW had lots to share about her trip to CO; seeing Fiona was a treat as it had been several months since she and the pups had joined us.  I was looking for toads without success.  Sheba was busy protecting me from the other dogs we encountered.  Guess that’s all for this walk!

Thanks for listening!  Jacque

Yesterday Gloria W. and I had a lovely paddle on Lady Bird Lake…the weather was pleasant, temperatures were comfortable, water was smooth, and the paddling was easy.  We ventured down river past Zilker Park, where they are setting up for ACL fest (though you couldn’t see that from the water).  We went under the Congress Ave. bridge, where you can hear little squeaky noises coming from the bats above, then turned around and headed back.  Several folks out in sculls enjoying the water, and a few school dozen school children showed up as we were leaving the Rowing Dock.  Bird sightings included the usual Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Wood Ducks, Egyptian Geese, Green Herons, and one Mallard.  Overall, a lovely way to spend a morning, followed by coffee and munchies at Mozart’s.

For future paddles occurring over the next couple of weeks while ZIlker is overtaken by ACL fest, please be aware that the most direct access to the Rowing Dock is likely to be coming from the west via Stratford Dr.  (Rowing DOck staff do not believe it will be possible to come through ZIlker Park at all, though early morning paddlers might be able to enter that way before the roadblocks are set up).  When leaving, you will need to take Stratford to Red Bud Trail as left hand turns on to Riley are currently prohibited.  I’m heading to the coast, so won’t be able to participate in any paddles in October…but I expect to paddling some back bays in Port Aransas.  Hope y’all have some lovely paddles in cooler weather ahead!  Peg