Ongoing Events - 2010

Each Saturday in the month - Kayak at 9am

Saturday kayaking will take place at different locations. Please email June or call at 922-5718 to participate. The weekly email reminder to the Yahoo group will include detailed information about location, time, and leader.

Organized Saturday kayaking will be announced as the weather permits. Feel free to organize a kayak outing and announce it via the Yahoo group. Plenty of us will kayak in the chilly weather.

If you participate in Saturday kayaking with TOWN-Austin, you must wear a PFD/lifejacket.

Beginner Kayak Paddling Lessons - will resume in spring 2010.

If you participate in beginner paddling lessons with TOWN-Austin on Wednesday evenings, you must wear a PFD/lifejacket.

Kayak Paddles - Wednesday evenings - 6:00 pm - will resume in spring 2010.

If you kayak with TOWN-Austin on Wednesday evenings, you must wear a PFD/lifejacket. No kayaker will be left behind.

MARCH

Sunday March 7 Birding at 8:30am and Hiking at 9:30am - Pedernales Falls State Park 9:30am This outing is open to all TOWNies, their friends, family, spouses. Originally announced for Reimer's Ranch. Entry fee is $5/person or use your park pass for the entire carload.

Canceled - must be out of town for funeral. Will reschedule. Jacque

Park opens at 8am.

Birding at 8:30 - meet at the bird blind.

It's migration season. The park host restock the feeders at 8:30am and 5pm.

Hiking at 9:30 - meet at the Wolf Mtn. trail head.

We'll have two choices: Wolf Mtn. hike is about 4 miles; continue and add 4 additional miles by hiking round trip to Jones Spring. I will plan to walk the Wolf Mtn. trail. If everyone want to add the additional 4 miles, we will add that.

Bring: water,snack, sun screen

Wear: hiking boots or shoes with good support. Tennis shoes are probably inadequate for this terrain.

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Jacque.

Monday - Friday March 8 - 12 Camping at Beaver's Bend State Park in Broken Bow, OK This outing is open to all TOWNies, their friends, family, spouses.

For questions or to RSVP, contact CarrieL. Details will follow, depending on response.

Where: Broken Bow is in the Southeast corner of Ok., and is approx. an 8.5 hr. drive from Austin.  Beaver's Bend St. Pk. is located along the shore of Broken Bow Lake & the Mountain Fork River in the Ouachita Natl. Forest & Kiamichi Mountains.

Activities: From ridge tops to lakes & rushing streams, through tall stands of timber into remote forest areas, this park has it all - hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, birding, fishing & much more.  It is a fly fisherman's paradise with trout stocked every other week year-round.

Carrie says:  I camped & fished at Beaver's Bend last Mar. & it was one of the most beautiful parks I've ever been to.  This is definitely a place to put on your see & do list!

After Beaver's Bend:  When I leave Beaver's Bend on Fri., Mar. 12, I will head for Athens, Tx. (about a 4.5 hr. drive from Beaver's Bend) where they are having the TFFC Texas Fly Fishing event.  I'll camp at Purtis Creek St. Pk.  Fri. & Sat. nights, & return to Austin on Sun.  If anyone would like to join me on this adventure, let me know. 

Thursday - Wednesday March 11 - 17 Camping, Kayaking, and Hiking at Inks Lake State Park (Spring Break) This outing is open to all TOWNers, their families, partners, pets, and friends.

Knowing these dates are during Spring Break (the SXSW conference, and the Rodeo, and UIL), and knowing how nice it is to leave town then, and knowing how much we love Inks Lake, as well as the BBQ and pie nearby, I hope you will join me for a campout with daily kayaking and friendship.

I am not usually this compulsive about dates, but knowing how quickly campsites at Inks disappear, I decided to go ahead and book my site. For a fee of $5 you can cancel your online reservations if you find you can't make it, but think about making the decision soon, while spots are still available.

I will send details as soon as I think some up! Let me know if you're interested. To RSVP or for questions, contact Marilyn.

Friday - Sunday March 12 - 14 Camping at Purtis Creek State Park with Texas Fisheries Center and Flyfish Texas in AthensThis outing is open to all TOWNers, their families, spouses, and friends.

Fly Fishing:  The annual Fly Fish Texas event is happening at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, on Sat., Mar. 13 from 9AM-4PM.  I went last year and this is definitely an event worth attending.  The instruction is outstanding and professional, and the facilities and grounds are amazing and beautifully landscaped.  Following is some information about Fly Fish Texas from the website www.tpwd.state.tx.us/flyfishtx

Camping:  I plan on camping in nearby Purtis Creek St. Pk., arriving Fri., Mar. 12.  Then I'll spend all day Sat. at the event.  Purtis Creek is only 20 min. away from the TFFC and still has plenty of paces. 

More about Fly Fishing: Fly fishing clubs & anglers from across Texas come to TFFC to share fly fishing tips & techniques.  They are available to teach anyone who wants to learn & to help others improve existing skills.  Attend seminars & demonstrations led by fly fishing professionals.  Visit with vendors of fly fishing services & equipment.  Learn the basics of fly tying & casting, then fish for rainbow trout in the on-site ponds & streams.  Aimed at the novice fly fisher, this event is designed to teach you how to tie a fly, cast it, & catch a fish with it - all in the same day!  Equipment is provided for casting classes, but participants are welcome to bring their own gear.  All activities are free with admission to TFFC.  Admission Fees:  $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors, or $2.75 with St. Pk. pass

Please join me for this event, and be sure to make your reservation at the park very soon due to Spring Break. For questions or to RSVP, contact CarrieL.

Thursday March 18 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Saturday March 20 Hiking at Mary Moore Searight

More details soon. Contact CindyF.

Saturday - Sunday March 20 - 21 Austin Canoe and Kayak Demo Days and Clinic

This is not a TOWN-Austin sponsered outing. However, our members may find it very useful.

Visit this link for the schedule of activities. www.austinkayak.com

Tuesday March 23 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at REI located at north Lamar and 6th
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker will be Denise Rogers who is a Board member of Environmental Stewardship which is a charitable non-profit organization whose purposes are to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the earth's natural resources to meet current and future needs of the environment and humans. This will prepare us for involvement in Earth Day! Come join us and bring a friend!

Friday - Sunday March 26 - 28 Hiking, eating, wine, shopping, history and flowers in Fredricksburg This is open to TOWNies and their guests.  (please check with campground about pet policies as needed.)

Planned activities include:

• hiking at Enchanted Rock,
• Nitmitz Museum (open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m/ Adults: $12; Senior Citizen (65 or over) $10)
• Wineries tour
• a bit of shopping downtown
• and then the wildflower seed store on the way back to Austin.

Camping
I have made reservations at a campground recommended by June (thanks for the info, June!)and it is Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park; here is the website: http://www.fbgtx.org/other/rvpark.htm
Tent campsites are only $10 (there is not electricity at these sites) and RV sites are $25.
There are only a few sites left (many snowbirders are still there). 
The person that took my reservation was Bob, who was soooooo nice!
There is an outdoor pavillion we can rent there for Saturday nite
if we as a group decide to do so. (I will poll the group later...)
If you happen to call and there are not spots left, there is another campground 1 mile away
that also got decent reviews ... it is Oakwood RV Resort and their website is http://www.oakwoodrvresort.com/

I am hopeful that the bluebonnets will be blooming (this is a great area to see them!)...
with the rainy winter predicted, they should be pretty this year.

Those that are interested will dine at at a restaurant where Judy and I just ate for one of our meals. That was one of the best restaurants that I have been to!

Please let me know when you have your camping reservation made and I will keep you in the loop of plans.

Hope you can join us! Dawn

APRIL

Saturday April 3 Hiking at McKinney Falls State Park

More details soon. Contact CindyF.

Friday - Sunday April 9 - 11 Sandfest at Port Aransas

This is the most beautiful sand castle competition in Texas.  This event now feeds into the World Competition!!   This is going to be a rather loose-structured outing - come when you want and leave when you want.

CarolB and Amelia will be staying at the Nueces County Park next to the beach - no reservations allowed - but tent campers are welcome.  I went down last year in the middle of the week and Carol has been going down for years and the park did not fill up - even during the Sandfest weekend.  Last year the weekly rate was $102.  The park is separated from the beach by a sand dune - so it is an easy walk to the water.  CarolB will be volunteering a lot and the rest of us can volunteer as we want.   The RV park is about 2 miles from the Sand castle location and within walking distance to a fishing peer, the jetty, and ARK - a rescue facility for pelicans, turtles and other animals.   I expect to stay at least one week.

For more information or to RSVP, contact CarolB or Amelia.  Last minute drop-ins welcome.

Saturday April 10 Hiking at McKinney Falls State Park

More details soon. Contact CindyF.

Sunday April 11 Hike in the WILD 9am - 12:30 Members only please for this outing. This outing is full.

Please join CarrieL for a hike in the WILD on the WQPL(Water Quality Protection Land) along Onion Creek in Hays Co.  Arrangements have been made with the WQPL Conservation Program Coordinator for members of our group to be offered a guided tour of this special parcel of land.  We need a minimum of 15 participants, and can accommodate up to 20.  If you'd like to attend, your commitment is needed as soon as possible to hold our place on the calendar.  Directions will be provided upon registration. Contact CarrieL to reserve your spot.

Additional Hike Information from City staff:

This 3.5 hr. guided hike will explore the highs & the lows of Onion Creek, with a focus on the riparian areas and karst features.  Onion Creek never fails to amaze people, whether it is running with water or displaying its geology with a dry creek bed.  Participants will learn about our prescribed burning program & our efforts to restore the creek side woodlands.  This hike will proceed at a moderate pace & does not follow a specific trail, but rather a cross-country route anchored by specific points of interest.  Participants should be in good physical shape to keep up with group. 

What you need to know before committing to attend:

Terrain: This is a strenuous hike over varied, rocky & rugged natural terrain & participant safety & health concerns are paramount.  Trained volunteers will be guiding your hike.

Wear:  Participants must wear long pants & closed-toe hiking-appropriate shoes for protection walking through tall grasses, brushy or rocky areas in close proximity to throny plants, fire ant mounds & other hazards.

Bring:  Participants must bring drinking water.  Volunteer guides have the authouity to deny participation due to basic unpreparedness.

Sunscreen:  Sun protection is strongly recommended.

Facilities:  Structural bathroom facilities, sinks or running water will not be available on site.

Additional Wildland Information:

Wildlands are areas of undisturbed land that provide a valuable ecosystem function.  They are public lands held in trust, acquired and managed for a specific purpose.  The acreage managed under the Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) program encompasses over 23,000 acres in  Travis and Hays Co.  and optimizes the quantity and quality of water recharging the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer.  Managing our Wildland provides for a thriving ecosystem and good water quality in our creeks, streams and underlying aquifers.  Wildlands absorb, filter, and release water, conserve native plants, enhance air quality, and protect wildlife habitat. The acreage managed under the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) program is a system of preserves that exists as a conservation effort to set aside over 30,000 acres in western Travis Co. as habitat for endangered species and species of concern.  These lands also provide habitat for numerous native plants and animals and contribute to improved air and water quality.  WQPL tracts are aquired through conservation easements or they are privately owned.  BCP tracts are owned or managed by Travis Co., City of Austin, LCRA, or the Nature Conservancy, or they are privately owned and managed under agreement as preserved land.    Access is provided on some tracts for recreation and education.   

Sunday April 18 Chaetura Canyon Field Trip 8am - 12noon TOWN-Austin members only. This outing is full. Contact JudyD to add your name to the waiting list.

Location:      Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary
Hosts:            Georgean and Paul Kyle, Sanctuary Stewards
Time:             8:00 AM ‘til 12:00 Noon

Fee:                $15.00 per person payable to Travis Audubon

Schedule:     8:00 – 9:00      Light continental breakfast, orientation
                       9:00 – 11:00    Trail Walk
                       11:00 – 12:00  Lunch at the Stewards Residence

Things to bring:  Sturdy walking shoes or boots, weather-appropriate clothing
                                Binoculars, field guides, notebook
                                Money for the tour and for plants if you wish.
                                Appetite and curiosity

This event is limited to 12 participants - TOWN members only. 

• Native plants will be available for sale, and a Trail Guide will be provided.
• Website link for their organization is   http://www.chimneyswifts.org/page4.html
• A brochure for Chaetura Canyon is attached.
• I will keep a waiting list if more than 12 people are interested in attending. 

Contact Judy with questions or to RSVP.

Thursday April 22 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Saturday April 24 Hiking Barton Creek - End to End 9am Well-mannered dogs welcome. Family members and friends are welcome. Be able to walk 4 - 8 miles.

We will meet at the Barton Creek swimming pool in Zilker Park. We will leave most of the cars here, drop off one vehicle at the half-way point and the rest at the beginning of the hike at the Hill of Life.

We will be walking down stream (down hill) and this will be a sort of steady leisurely walk - stopping for snacks, lunch, short swims and Kodak moments.

Bring water shoes for creek crossing, plastic bag for hiking shoes, water, food, sun block, hat, sunglasses.   There are 2 restrooms along the way.  The vehicle at the half-way point is for just in case we need it or those who only want to walk half way.   There are no creek crossing if you stop half-way.

Duration? We expect to take 4-5 hours.

To RSVP or for questions, Contact Amelia or Nance.   Please RSVP so we will know who to expect.  Last minute drop-ins welcome.

Tuesday April 27 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at REI located at north Lamar and 6th
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker will be Donna Toomay who will lead us in creating a compact first aid kit we can easily carry on hikes and campouts. Come join us and bring a friend!

Friday April 30 - Monday May 3 Camping at Lake Mineral Wells State Park Everyone is invited.  townies, spouses, friends, well mannered pets.

Hello fellow townies! Bonnie and I have reservations to camp at Mineral Wells State Park the weekend of April 30 thru May 3.  We have reserved a water/electic site.  if anyone would care to come experience this park with us you are welcome to join us. 

We plan to bike, hike, read, relax, eat, etc.  There are 16 miles of multi-use trails: hiking/biking/horse back riding. There is a 20 mile rails-to-trails trailway, smooth and easy.

It is roughly a 4 hour drive, west of Dallas.  map here.

For questions and to RSVP, contact Nance.

MAY

Friday - Sunday May 14 - 16 Camping at Ray Robert Lake State Park (Johnson Branch Unit) This outing is open to all TOWNers, their families, partners, pets, and friends.

More details soon. Andra

Thursday May 20 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday May 25 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at Carver Library
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker will be Beverly Travis who will lead us in creating a compact survival kit we can easily carry on hikes and campouts. Come join us and bring a friend!

JUNE

Thursday June 17 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday June 22 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at REI located at north Lamar and 6th
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker will be Jessica Wilson who is a Program Manager for Keep Austin Beautiful. Come join us and bring a friend!

JULY

Thursday July 22 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday July 27 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at REI located at north Lamar and 6th
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm.

AUGUST

Thursday August 19 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday August 24 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at Old Quarry Library
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday September 23 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday September 28 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at Carver Library
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm.

OCTOBER

Thursday October 21 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday October 26 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at REI located at north Lamar and 6th Street
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm.

NOVEMBER

Thursday November 18 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board will meet at a location to be determined. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Friday - Sunday November 19 - 21 Camping at Lost Maples State Park Everyone is included.

Hi Town Austin and Town Bastrop! I know is a little early but I have being trying to go see the foliage for 2 years now and it is always full. I am ahead of the game this year and made my reservation. There are a few campsites available. Water and electric and primitive camping.

Things to do:
Foliage should be in full swing
Hiking
Birding
Geocatching
If you would like to go make your reservation at Lost Maples by calling 512-389-8900
There are 8 people to a site
I will fix brunch on Sat morning about 11 after people come back from their hike
We could have potluck on Fri or Sat night or we could take turns depending on how many people are coming 3 or 4 to a group to fix a meal. more on this later.

More info to come at a later day but do make your reservation now. Adela

Tuesday November 23 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at Old Quarry Library
We'll have a pot-luck supper.

DECEMBER

No Board meeting in December!

No monthly meeting in December! See you in January.

JANUARY 2011

Friday - Sunday January 7 - 9 Holiday Party at McKinney Falls State Park

Hey TOWNies!

It’s not too early to reserve your camping site for our annual Holiday Party at McKinney Falls State Park.  The party dates are Friday - Sunday, January 8-10, 2011.  Yes, that’s correct – the year is 2011 and it’s the second weekend of January.  (We moved the party from the 1st weekend to the 2nd due to New Year’s Eve.)

That’s it for now!  We’ll have more details as the date approaches.
Contact Jacque to RSVP or for questions.

FEBRUARY