Category: Uncategorized (Page 9 of 46)

Hiking Turkey Creek Trail, 6/15/22

Hi TOWNies!  Despite the heat, KimW, KathleenC with Mamie and Baby, and Jacque with Sheba, met to visit and enjoy the trail.  First, I want to thank KathleenC for organizing and leading this June 8th and 15th.  I certainly do appreciate her effort.

We will hike this route again June 22nd.  Jacque

Trip Report, Hiking Barton Creek Greenbelt, 5/29/22

We had a hot hike today for 8 TOWNIES,  Effie,  Janice, Leigh, Jody, Carolyn, Kim, Jenny and Marsha,  who conquered 4.1 miles at a rapid pace despite the heat.  The rain lilies were blooming wildly with their soft white petals flowing in the breeze. The Mexican hats have announced their presence along with ripe algaritas, and of course, the dreaded spear grass.  The dreaded spear grass fights of childhood were a gentle prod for us to recall the lazy summer days of childhood.  There was a philosophical question being bantered today:  how many hikers does it take to change a light bulb?   One of the hikers expressed frustration over not being able to change a light bulb despite many futile efforts.  Fortunately Carolyn was able to provide electrician work and after the hike, per report,  was able to change the light bulb. You only need one hiker!  The heat is increasing so our pace varies depending on the heat and humidity.  Our pace is usually driven by the thoughts of a cool drink of water awaiting us afterwards.

Until next time….  Happy Trails,  Marsha

Kayaking Lady Bird Lake, 5/25/22

The Rowing Dock was having a staff meeting and closed early, so the Wednesday evening paddle convened at the Hula Hut.  Janet F-B, Linda F., Diane N, Stephanie N, and Gloria W drove on Stratford across the bridge & past Redbud Island, to focus on the Friendship aspect of our TOWN membership, as pointed out by President Jacque at the Town meeting on Tuesday.  Our get-together did have an educational component: A parking-lot demonstration by Stephanie of the car carrier for her boat:  A Thule rack with a special mechanism for loading and unloading the boat from the roof. AND putting it on.  A special gift from her husband.

Our kayaking schedule is based on leader availability, so it will change from month to month.  Our next outing is Thursday June 2nd, at 9:30 am.

For details of the evening, I turn you over to Stephanie N:  What a good time was had by all tonight!  Discussion topics ranged from pets, to medical care, pets’ medical care, to trips, to funny “I should be toast, but survived” moments.  The food was good but the companionship was better. Hula Hut was “hopping” with all kinds of patrons, and we added to the variety. Free margarita samples were distributed and joyfully received. Kayaking at night during bat migration season was hatched as a possible outing, with the new tip that one needs a red flashlight to see the bats without disturbing them. Each of the ladies had unique stories to share, and all enjoyed sharing and hearing stories.  Also the weather was beautiful!

LindaF and StephanieN

Trip Report, Kayaking Lady Bird Lake, 4/18/22

At last Janice B was back for those pictures of Austin from the water she had almost-gotten last year.  Jennifer M. joined us from across the water, Stephanie N showed off her husband’s thoughtfulness in a roof-top boat carrier that was a snap to operate, and newcomer Julija gave us something to cheer about; her son, Sebastian, is on a rowing team headed for championships in Sarasota soon.  Although he and the others on the team were spotted on the water in a sleek scull from the Rowing Center (and followed by the coach-in-a-boat), we did not embarrass him by waving and shouting, much.  We took off in the direction of the Tom Miller dam, travelling with the wind, and passing under the Redbud Trail bridge where it narrows into a cool, shady and picturesque passage, then opens on to a wide vista of the dam and a small island. The loop back under the bridge offers a wide view of the cliffs along the Colorado, framed on the east by cypresses and their snaky roots.   Along the way we saw a few turtles sunning themselves on tree stumps, not quite the twenty-one perfectly size-graduated ones of last month near the Springs, but some that were surprisingly big.  A small green heron in the recesses, egrets in flight, the flash of a duck, and, as we paddled hard against the wind on our return, a pair of very large, and a little ominous, vultures on the cliff.  No supper out this time, but promises for our next outing May 25 at 5:30.  The observation was made, in our conversations across the water that, for most of us, this type of outing is one of the few things we do for ourselves, rather than out of obligation to someone else.  We are away from our phones, most sound-producing electronics. A couple of hours on the water, and as Julia noted, with comfortable temperatures at the end of a hot day, and the calming sound of water against the kayak hulls.

So join us next week.  Linda

Trip Report, Hiking Barton Creek Greenbelt, 5/22/22

Hi all,  We had an unexpectedly cool morning today for our 4.9 mile hike that covered more trails along the creek area to avoid any mud on the hills.  No complaints were noted that we did not climb hills!  Seven adventures, Effie, Kim, Jacque, Debbie, Carolyn, Leigh and Marsha, caught up on news and summer plans as we enjoyed the cool breeze and marveled at what little rain the green belt area did receive last night.  The plants seemed to have become green overnight and we had to dance around some overgrown trails that were bare two weeks ago.  The chaste tree was in fill bloom leaving the trail scented with its perfume as we watched Sheba, the Wonder Dog, run 8 miles to our almost-five mile hike.  The trails were filled with coyote scat.  My backyard, which is fenced in, also had some coyote scat in the yard this week and this serves as good reminder that all need to be alert.  We parted ways and eagerly are hoping for more rain this week so we can be bathed in shades of green and growth.

Until next time,.. Happy Trails, Marsha

Trip Report, Kayaking Lady Bird Lake, 5/11/22

Today was a fine day to be kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and fortunately there were a few other like-minded TOWNies to make this even more enjoyable.  Braving the wind gusts and waves on the water with me were Gail P-C, Stephanie N., and newcomer Danielle B. who wins the “Bravery and Balance” award by blazing new trails and renting a paddleboard instead of a kayak!  She did great and was a fine addition to our group.  We paddled upstream from the Rowing Dock, ignoring the conventional wisdom to paddle against the wind at the start of the trip so that we can practically coast back to the dock at the end.  The sun was shining, the lake was pretty, other paddlers were plentiful, and we easily cruised up and around Red Bud Isle.  The first half of the paddle served as a warm-up for the return trip, when we had the combination of both strong wind gusts and strong waves, but we were stronger.  The winds kept the us from getting too hot, which was an added bonus.  We successfully returned to the Rowing Dock without any unfortunate incidents and acknowledged that our arms will probably be tired tomorrow.  All in all, a lovely day on the water!

Trip Report, Camping at Goose Island State Park, 4/28/22 – 5/1/22

Camping at Goose Island State Park

Allie and I were very pleased that 22 of our members (Shelia F, Kim F, Jacque A, Marie W, Tracy P, Donna B, Cindy S, Judy C, Jayne N, Judy S, Nancy L, Lois J, Allison G, Debbie H, Sandy and Don B, Mary V, Lillian Y, Donna A, Stephanie N, Kody F, and Angie B.) made the trip to Goose Island State Park, April 28-May1.  Some arrived a few days earlier, so they could enjoy the park and Rockport a little longer.   With the help of some of the attendees, below is a brief summary of our outing.  I apologize ahead of time if I have missed a name, or two and if activities have not been fully described.  There were so many activities going on the entire trip, it was hard to keep up with all of them

Tuesday, April 26 – Tracy P, Judy S, Allie G, Debbie H, and Lois J arrived on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, they went over to Mustang Island and enjoyed the day there.  Marie W  arrived Wed and had a fish fry with Donna B and her friend, Tom who also arrived on Wednesday.

Thursday, a few more of us arrived.  It was very windy, even more windy on the bay side, where several of us were camping.  The wooded area was not as windy.  Marie, visited the bird blind located in her camping loop; and went to Pier 77 with Donna, Tom and had lunch, shopped some and then drove to the Bay area and hung out at the beach for a bit.  Mary V was making her way to Goose Island and had rv issues – see lessons learned below.

On Friday, it was very windy on the bay again.  Jacque and Marie went on a park-led birding outing.  Donna and her friend, Tom, also joined the tram . Notable sightings were a white pelican in the Bay area and a baby Horned owl in the camping area.  Sandy and Don went on a bike ride at the Aransas NWR.  Judy Shaw led a tour of Rockport, Jayne N, Judy C, Cindy S, Judy S, Judy’s sister, and Angie B.  Judy took us to several nature trails, the town cemetery that had wildflowers blooming everywhere.  This group met up with Allie G, Lois J, and Debbie H for lunch at Hu-Dat.  Dinner that evening was a fish cookout, everyone who wanted fish, brought their fresh fish and we pan fried it.  Lots of yummy side dishes were brought to share, along with desserts.

Saturday Jacque, Donna and Marie went on a walk: Turk’s Cap and Warbler’s Way; very short.  The mosquitos were really getting bad so they walked briskly.  Relaxed after, had lunch and then Donna, Jacque, Sheila and Marie walked to the Bay to get more beach time.  Sandy and Don went birding at the Leona Turnbull Birding Center on Saturday morning.  Koby, Stephanie, Nancy, and Kim F who was their fearless leader, kayaked in the bay, then took the ferry across to Port Arkansas beach for lunch at DQ and walked the beach and the jetty, saw some dolphins and big ships.  Dinner for Jacque A, Mary V, Angie B, Lois J, Allie G, Tracy P, Debbie H, Jayne N, Judy C, and Cindy S was at Charlotte Plummers.  Others opted to stay at camp for dinner.

Sunday, everyone was on their own for the morning and prepared for check out.  I have probably missed a few activities; and/or names, but all in all this was a great trip.  Marie summed it up really well, “had a very nice time seeing old friends and getting to know others better.”

Learning Experience:

  1. Mary Van Eck’s trailer brakes locked up on her way to Goose Island.  She was able to get the situation under control and have someone tow her trailer and fix the issue.  The message we would like to share with everyone is:  “Be sure to make sure your breakaway cord is firmly attached while driving. Check the breakaway cable and seven pin every time you stop for gas.  Know how to disconnect trailer brakes manually ( each trailer brake is a little different so check your manual). If your brakes/trailer tires lock up, get off the road! They could get very hot and could start a fire. Probably a good idea to have your brakes checked at least once a year and before long trips.


Hope this helps! Oh and be sure to have this happen at a DQ so you can at least get a cone while waiting for the tow truck!  Some folks carry a tire thermometer thing and routinely check RV  tire temp when traveling. I’m definitely going to get one!”

 

  1.  Go a little earlier to avoid mosquitos.

 

  1.  Campers should try to reserve sites in the same camping area so we can all be together.

 

Ideas for the next Goose Island Outing:

Save the Date:  March 23-26, 2023

Activities to include:  Day trip to Port A to enjoy the beach/waves and have lunch at a local favorite restaurant; or maybe have a shrimp boil in the park.

 

Thanks to all who shared their time with us.  It was lots of fun and great to see everyone in person.  Check out pictures on Meetup and on Facebook.

 

Until next time…

 

Angie Burford

Outing Co-Leader

Trip Report, Hiking Turkey Creek, 5/18/22

Yes indeed, our morning hike at Turkey Creek was quite pleasant.  So much of the creek looks dry, dry, dry.  Still sufficiently wet for Mamie to splash though.  Those hiking were:  AnnaE, KathleenC with (of course) Baby and Mamie, PegG (known as Me, Myself and I), and Jacque with the Diva.  Our conversation topics ranged widely:  if one of us is prepping to hike in Peru (guess who), how much underwear to take; does Spain have mountains to consider if you are planning to walk the Camino trail; where does a dog sleep and how many beds does she need; how many days does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago, do you need a backpack and tent, and what is a albergues; attending the Kerrville Folk Festival and will there be toilets and where do you camp; Phone Scope and how to use on a phone, spotting scope, and bins; what to cook if you are the chef at the Kerrville Folk Festival; beetles mating on the trail; identifying plants using the app Seek, sometimes right and other times wrong; dragonflies and damselflies seeking water; why was Sheba better behaved today; how many miles per day to walk when prepping for the Camino trail and what type of shoes to wear; being a kayak outing leader; what birds are seen in Peru and Spain; some of us wish we going somewhere exciting; why it is so difficult to sleep sometimes.  Enough I suppose.

Come join us next week to hike Turkey Creek.  One of us will be in Peru and one in Kerrville.  Jacque

Trip Report, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, 5/19/22

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Who attended?  Maria V with her endearing little friend, Xiamata (more like a grand daughter to her), Sandy B, Cindy S with her sweet little Pug, Deacon, and Phyllis P joined me for a beautiful day at Emma Long MP.   We had fun visiting and Xiamata entertained us with a discussion and demonstration of her new skill, karate.  We also watched her fly a beautiful kite Maria handmade.  It was a windy day and cool in the shade of the stately Cypress trees. After lunch we finally worked up the nerve to join Maria and Xiamata in the chilly waters of Lake Austin while Phyllis brought her kayak to tool around in. Maria brought her water toys: kayak, inner tube and water gun!  Cindy stayed ashore with her painting kit producing a lovely painting of the lake.

It was another fun TOWN outing which we hope to repeat often this summer.   See you outside, Marie

Trip Report, Kayak Lady Bird Lake, 4/20/22

Five of us enjoyed kayaking on Lady Bird Lake Wednesday evening.  Linda F, Anna E, and myself, Gloria W. have all been kayaking on the lake before. This time there were 2 new women to try their skills: Monica C. and Lori T.   Lori brought her dog, Wednesday, who was somewhat reluctant to try out kayaking.  We elected to head towards Barton Creek, since the wind seemed to be gusting from that direction.  That part of the lake can get a little congested at that hour, but it’s fun to watch the younger boaters and listen to the variety of music that they bring with them.  Linda and I counted 20+ turtles on one log!  The Rowing Dock staff were especially helpful and patient with our complicated checking in process.  A fun time was enjoyed by all.  The next kayaking on Lady Bird is Wednesday, April 27th at 5:30.  I’ll be leading.  Gloria W.

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