It was a great birthday surprise weekend to the Austin/Lake Travis area. It is hard for Mason to keep surprises from me (I am the best detective in the land). But this time, I only had a hunch we would end up in Austin.
Going from Houston to Hill Country is like entering a different state. The twists and turns, the hundred-mile views, and the shifting of the car made it seem like we were tracking up mountains. After a few accidental detours, we made it to Lake Travis. Since our detours required us to drive over the Mansfield Dam multiple times, we decided to see how close we could get to it on foot. The barbed-wired fence and dozens of cameras prevented us from committing (I'm assuming) a federal crime.
We did a little more exploring of the area and ventured to Fritz Hughes Park. You can walk down to the crystal clear, shallow Colorado River. If you had a paddle board or kayak, this would be a great launching point. OR if you are a perverted twenty-something year old male, this is a good spot to pick up 14 year-old girls. (FYI the girls were smart enough to get the hell out of there.)
We kicked off my birthday morning with some jet skiing on Lake Travis. This area reminded me of a slightly smaller Ozarks, with water inlets and outlets that seemed to last forever. It would be easy to get lost, so look at a map before venturing out. I was surprised by how quiet the lake was for a beautiful Friday morning, but it made it perfect for amateur jet skiers to have free range.
Next on the birthday agenda: Hamilton Pool. It was about a 45 minute drive from where we were staying, but it was on my Texas Bucket List! I was a little nervous about going, as the park website stated that there was no guaranteed entrance due to limited capacity. When we pulled in, there didn't look to be too many cars waiting. Don't let the first entrance fool you! As soon as we turned the corner, we found the real line. When we finally got up to the 17 year-old smartass park ranger we were told there would be a 40 minute wait. We waited.
Once we finally got in, parked, and soaked ourselves in bug-spray, we started the steep decent to the pool. The hike was very pretty and enjoyable, despite walking behind a large, 60 year-old women in just her swimsuit, sunhat, and flip-flops.
I could see why there would be a line to get in. The natural pool was beautiful! I also gained appreciation that there was a capacity for this wonder, any more people would have ruined the experience. It was glad I had forced Mason to practice treading water in our pool earlier in the summer. I am not sure how deep the pool is, but there is very little standing area available. If you are lucky you will find a lone, slimmy rock to balance on for awhile.
Looking around, you could tell the 'regulars' because of their floaties. If we venture this way again, I think they are a must. However, if we had had them, I would not have been able to make fun of Mason jumping like a little girl when he felt something against his foot while standing on a rock. We think it was a pissed off turtle clawing at him. He had the last laugh, when I kept thinking the ties on my swimsuit were water snakes. And again, when I freaked out that I opened my mouth under the waterfall and started yelling, "Amoebas! Amoebas! My brain!".
Lodging
Vintage Villas Hotel Our room was large and clean. It had a nice patio area overlooking the resort grounds and Lake Travis in the distance. It would have been perfect were it not for a giant, untrimmed tree blocking our view. It was also a shared patio with the neighbors, but there was never any sign of them. Breakfast = thumbs down. Poor selection. Although I still have the orange? or is it a lemon? that I took. I think I'll try that tonight. Edit: It was a delicious orange.
Food
Sandeez Hamburger Hut (Lake Travis): Don't be discouraged by the appearance of this place. It will be one of the best burgers you ever have. Mason and I had a nice quiet dinner, as we were too busy reading all the signs and bumper stickers plastered over the walls. While the beer selection is slim, the specialty burgers of the day will leave you satisfied.
Hopfields (UT area): Great atmosphere and local beer selection. There is a limited food menu.
Back Porch BBQ (La Grange): The restaurant is located in a house off the main road in this small town. The random stop, eating BBQ in a converted living room, and La Grange Fair Queen competitive posters scotch-taped to the windows made me think I was about to have the best damn BBQ in my life. It was fine, I just don't need to stop again.
Historic trees on the capital property.
Governor Perry, are you home? I have some policy questions for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment