Recurring events

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2008 2009 2010 Current calendar

JANUARY 2011

Tuesday - Sunday, December 28 - January 2, Camping at Goose Island State Park in Rockport TX Everyone is invited!

Ladies, I plan to head to Goose Island State Park for a few days after Christmas and I would love for some of you to join me. My plans are to go on a Whooping Crane cruise on Thursday, the 30th. I haven't made a reservation for the cruise yet but we can go on Thursday, Dec. 28 at either 7:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. The cost for the tour is $45.00. http://www.whoopingcranetours.com/6.html.

Other plans are to explore the area, read, rest, fish, bird, and enjoy the time away.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/goose_island/.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyD.

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

SECOND EMAIL – EDITS/ADDITIONS
McKinney Falls State Park is currently under a burn ban. ~~Firewood:~~ ~~Bring and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em~~.

FIRST EMAIL
WHAT:            Annual TOWN-Austin Holiday Party at McKinney Falls State Park
WHEN:                        January 7-9, 2011; Friday – Sunday
WHO is invited:          This event includes: members, spouses, partners, children, friends, and dogs (well behaved and on a leash). Please note that dogs are not allowed in the group dining hall; they can be on the dining hall patio and enjoy doggie company there.

DETAILS
Friday - Typically, members who want to camp begin arriving on Friday afternoon. Depending on interests, we will walk/bike/eat together.
Saturday -   This year we have reserved the group dining hall for Saturday (10am – 9pm). To reach the building, pay your entrance fee; then take the second right (toward the Smith Visitor Center); then continue down the road past the parking lots for the visitor center and the waterfall. It will be on your right and it has its own parking lot.
Reserving the group meeting hall provides us greater flexibility. That’s how we are using part of our yearly dues. Saturday evening, we have our pot-luck and the infamous White Elephant Gift Exchange. And we will be toasty warm. If the weather is bad on Saturday afternoon, we will definitely play games in the dining hall.
Note: You might be wondering why the Board did not rent the dining hall for Friday also. Rental for the dining hall increased from $100/day to $225/day; so we decided one day of rental fit the TOWN budget better.
Sunday – likely some walking/hiking/biking before we all pack up and head home.

CAMPING RESERVATIONS: I made my camping reservations this week. Call 512-389-8900 or visit http://texas.reserveworld.com/ . I was put into a call back queue and a TPWD representative called me back in < 3 minutes to complete my reservation. The reservation process required less than 1 minute once we started. You might also consider reserving the group camp site with bunks if several women want to camp together.

For questions or to RSVP: Contact Jacque; also rsvp if you plan to attend the pot-luck on Saturday evening.

Saturday, January 15 Hike along Lady Bird Lake Trail 9am Everyone invited. Well behaved pets on leash are welcome too.

Hey Hikers! I hope you (and your 4-legged friend) can join me for an invigorating hike around Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake). We will hike a 7 mile loop around the lake beginning from the MOPAC bridge, going East to the I-35 bridge, then cross over and return going West to our starting point.

Start Time: 9:00 am

Parking: The hike begins under the MOPAC bridge. We will meet under the bridge on the side nearest to the hike & bike trail.

From MOPAC (Loop 1): Take the 2244/Rollingwood exit and go east on Barton Springs Road. Take a left on Stratford Drive (immediately east of the Zilker Botanical Gardens). Follow Stratford to the parking area under the MOPAC bridge, just by the Hike and Bike Trail.
From IH-35: Head west on Riverside Drive. Turn left at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Barton Springs Road. Continue on Barton Springs Road about 1.5 miles past Lamar Blvd, then turn right on Stratford Drive (immediately east of the Zilker Botanical Gardens). Follow Stratford to the parking area under the MOPAC bridge, just by the Hike and Bike Trail.

What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, hat, and sunscreen. Bring along your binoculars and camera too if you like.

Length: 7 miles, roughly

Hiking Time: About 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy. There are several restrooms along the trail.

For questions or to RSVP, email Carolyn directly so she can expect you. Happy Hiking!

Tuesday, January 25 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm.

Our speaker is Claire DeVaughan, the Geospatial Liaison for Texas at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). USGS is in the process of creating new versions of the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, named "US Topo". The maps are being produced using the most current geographic data available. Background information on the history of the USGS' topographic mapping program will be provided, along with a demonstration on how to download and use the new maps. Some information on the new maps is available here: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/index.html . Claire is a member of TOWN-Austin and offered to share this with our membership. Come and bring a friend!

Background on topo maps: US Topo users can determine coordinates of any point on the map, measure distances and angles between points, measure areas, track positions using a GPS device, display coordinates in various map projections and datums, turn layers on and off, zoom in and out, and print the map image. An example of how the maps can be used would be to upload GPS tracks of hikes, kayak trips, geocaching locations, or secret fishing spots. Seeing your data in the map can help visualize where you have been, and where you might want to go.

Sunday, January 30 Thank You Outing for our Leaders

Members who led outings or served on the Board during 2010 will be invited to this event. TOWN will host the outing. Details will be shared soon.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque.

FEBRUARY

Saturday, February 5 Hike at Bastrop State Park with walk to begin at 11am TOWNies, friends, partners, kids, pets - must be friendly.

Hello Ladies - Join Bonnie and Nance and their dogs for a hike at Bastrop State Park. They're plan is to do the 8 mile 'lost pines' loop. it is the perfect time of year for this park!

What:    hike at bastrop state park
When:    saturday, february 5, 2011 - 11am to start walking.
Where:    meet at the lost pines overlook by 10.45am
Who:    townies, friends, partners, kids, pets - must be friendly.
Difficulty:    moderate difficulty, a few ups and downs, nothing major - but it is 8 miles.

After we like to go get a burger across the road from the park. and yummy fries and malts too.
let me know if you plan to come!

For questions or to RSVP, contact Nance.

Sunday, February 6 Hike at Wild Basin Preserve 10am TOWN members, friends, family members, and children. No pets please.

TOWNies! Come join me for a hike at Wild Basin Preserve located west of downtown Austin. Wild Basin was founded by seven visionary WOMEN who were members of a 1970's environmental group called "Now or Never". This group was established to preserve a natural area and to use this area as an outdoor laboratory for science classes and teacher training.

Where:                   Wild Basin Preserve; visit this link for a map to locate                http://www.wildbasin.org/contact_information.lasso
When:                    Sunday, February 6th at 10am; we will likely finish about 12 or 12:30
Cost:                       Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors and children 5-12 years old; children <5 are free.
Who is invited:     Friends, family member, children, but no pets please.

Children:                This trail is good for children who are walking, but would be difficult to navigate for children in strollers.
Bring:                     Water, sunscreen, snack
Wear:                     Hat, tennis shoes are fine, but so are hiking boots
Portable restrooms are available; picnic tables are not available.
For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque. It will assist greatly if I know who to expect. Thanks!

Friday - Sunday, February 11 - 13 Weekend of Camping and Fun at Nails Creek State Park TOWN Members only, pets are welcome except at organized activites like kayaking, birding, etc.

Nails Creek State Park staff and their Friends group (Partners of Nails Creek) have invited TOWN members to this fun weekend!

Saturday Activities will include: kayaking in Yegua Creek with Ben who is very knowledgeable of area. (I work with him and I know it will be fun.) We will allow time to take photos, fish (he can share great insight on what works in the area that is well known for supply) and we will paddle up and then back down (current no problem) for a total of about 8 miles. We will be able to put our kayaks in without having to drag them. This is only for those who own their own kayak.

Other activities will include breakfast made for us by the Friends group, plus a van tour on the Lake Somerville Trailway with Ranger Kyle that was very well-received at earlier TOWN outing because of his passion and knowledge of plant life etc ... there will be a small fee (less than $10 to cover gas etc.

Saturday - Birding hike with a Master Naturalist.

And last but not least we will have a potluck dinner in the dining hall (and we will have use of it For FREE that evening for games etc, but not to be slept in).

There are plenty of camping sites available to reserve now (at individual's cost)...make sure you tell reservations that you do not want equestrian sites! I have water/elec site reserved for Friday and Saturday nites.

More details to follow but I wanted to get word out so folks can make plans. We are fortunate to have them offer this fun weekend to us!

Please let me know if you plan to attend and which activities you wish to attend.
I will be inviting other TOWN chapters as well so don't delay making your camping reservation.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Dawn.

Saturday, February 12 Walk at Mary Moore Searight 10am Members, spouses, friends, children, dogs invited.

Come join me for a stroll in the beautiful little park in South Austin called Mary Moore Searight. Everyone is invited, as this is a fairly easy walk on the backwoods equestrian trails. We will hike about 3 or 4 miles. What to bring: water, hat, sunscreen, snacks, sturdy shoes.

Getting there: From IH35 in south Austin, exit onto Slaughter Lane and head west. Go about 1 1/2 miles and look for Yarsa Blvd. or Palace Parkway on the right. That's your key to prepare to turn left, immediately after some apartments that abut the park entrance. The main parking area is quite a distance back, past the radio controlled plane airport.

NOTE: if you are familiar with this park but haven't been there in awhile, don't look for the cedar trees to the right of the drive as they have all been chopped down.

Let me know if you plan on coming so I know to look for you. This will be a very easy stroll that will take us a couple of hours if we choose to wander off the beaten path. See you on the trails!

For questions or to RSVP, contact CindyF.

Thursday February 17 Board Meeting 6:30pm

The Board will meet at the New World Deli this month. Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Sunday, February 20 Hike at Doeskin Ranch 10am Everyone is invited; pets are not allowed

Hello TOWNies, come join us at Balcones Canyonlands NWR - Doeskin Ranch. Who knows what the weather will be like - we shall wait and see what to wear.

Bring: sturdy shoes, walking stick, hat, water and snacks (the usual suspects). I have never been here so this will be an exploratory hike for me...and for you! I rarely get lost anymore...now worries!

Time for completion: ~2 hours - it really depends on the number of breaks I need.

Terrain: I have never been, but it sounds fairly easy. Of the two trail areas open within the refuge, Doeskin Ranch is the largest in terms of trail length (The other trail is Warbler Vista, near Lago Vista). In all there are about 3.7 miles of trails, broken up into three loops of various sizes. Since the total length of the trails is less than 4 miles, all three loops can easily be done at once.

Length: ~4 miles

Intensity: This will not be intense, I am terribly out of shape and might need to be carried out.

Getting there: From Austin, head north on US 183 to Cedar Park. Turn left onto FM 1431 and continue through Janestown and Lago Vista. Turn right onto FM 1174 and head north for 5.6 miles. The entrance to the preserve will be on the right.
For more info: http://www.austinexplorer.com/Locations/ShowLocation.aspx?LocationID=1808
or
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/balcones/information.html

For questions or to RSVP, contact JennT. Please email JennT directly at so she will know who will be joining her.

Tuesday, February 22 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm.

Our speaker is Erin Coon from Hostel International. Erin will present Women Traveling Solo which should be really helpful to all of us. Come and bring a friend!Come and bring a friend!

Saturday, February 26 Hike at Enchanted Rock State Park 10am All are welcome. Dogs are welcome on a leash but not in the building. Entrance fee is $6 per person 13 yr. and older.

Welcome all! Let's hike together at Enchanted Rock State Park.

Location: Enchanted Rock Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg TX 78624, 830-685-3636

Carpool time: 8:30 a.m. at the HEB on hwy. 290 west in Dripping Springs (let’s meet at the end of the parking lot near the blue and white carwash). Look for Jenny’s 2001 gold Toyota 4-Runner, license HZP089.

Hiking start time: 10:00 a.m.

Meeting place in park: if not carpooling, let’s meet in the parking lot adjacent the visitor’s center at 10:00 a.m.

Directions: The park is 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on Ranch Road 965, or from Llano, take State Highway 16 for 14 miles south and then go west on Ranch Road 965.

Duration: Probably 2-2.5 hours

Length: Loop Trail, approx. 4 miles

Intensity: moderate; some ups and downs.

Fees: $6 per day, per person 13 & older. No fee for anyone in a car with a Texas State Park Pass holder
50% reduced entry fee per card holder of Texas Parks Passport

Pets: welcome if on a leash at all times per park rules. Remember, your dog needs water too.

Don’t forget: water, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, sack lunch, snacks.

Lunch: bring a sack lunch to enjoy after the hike.

Hope to see you there! Jan & Jenny

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jenny. Please respond directly to Jenny by 7:30 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 26 if you plan to join us.

MARCH

Saturday, March 5 2ND Annual Sherwood Forest Faire Families and friends included. No pets allowed.

THIS IS NOT A TOWN-AUSTIN SPONSERED OUTING.

Hear ye all Merry Maidens (or is it Maid Merryians?)!

Come join us at the 2nd annual Sherwood Forest Faire this Saturday, March 5. This is not a TOWN sponsored event, but it is a frolic in the woods (thus technically an outdoor event)! Costumes are not mandatory but are highly smiled upon! This gathering is family friendly and everyone but their dog is invited (no pets allowed). This Faire is what I would call Renaissance-Faire-lite....very small and just getting started but there is plenty to do and see. The faire opens at 10am and runs until dusk. The link for more information is http://sherwoodforestfaire.com/ and tickets are $13 online or $15 at the gate for adults.

I do plan on staying until the bonfire is lit and the local colour starts to prance -- but I do intend to leave before it gets too wild and wooly if anyone wants to carpool. Contact Lisa for more information.

Sunday, March 6 Pedernales Falls State Park, birding at 8am, hiking at 9:30am

Ladies of TOWN-Austin! Join me for a Sunday morning of birding and hiking at Pedernales Falls State Park on March 6. Visit this link for the TPWD website page http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/pedernales_falls/

Who is invited: Members, family members, and friends are all included. Kids are invited if they can navigate the trail. This is not a trail for strollers. Pets are included if you feel they can walk the distance. Provide water for your pet. Plan to pick up pet waste.

Length of trail: 4.8 miles

Difficulty: moderate to difficult

Scenery: river, wooded plateau

Trail surface: dirt, rocks

Hiking time: 3 hours

Access: $5/person park entrance fee; with a state pass, no fee

Bring: snacks, plenty of water, hiking stick

Wear: hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes, hiking shoes

Facilities: water at trailhead, restrooms at campground

Link for park map: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4507_02! 6b.pdf

For those who want to bird watch: meet me at 8am in the NEW bird blind. Blinds are noted on the map. Blinds are located very close together. You will encounter the new blind first. I will begin at the new blind. Depending on what we see, I will move to the original blind.

For those who want to hike: meet me at 9:30am at the trailhead for the four mile loop. Notice this is not the Wolf Mtn. loop

As you check in, ask for a map and have the ranger direct you to the 4 – mile loop.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque.

Saturday, March 12 Austin Steam Train, Hill Country Flyer 10am - 4pm Everyone Invited.
Pets can be taken aboard the train but must be kept in a carrier. This outing has been cancelled. Cap Metro is using the tracks on March 12.

Join CarrieL and JudyD for a ride on the Hill Country Flyer. An historic steam train that will take us from Cedar Park to Burnet through the Texas Hill Country. There will be a stop over in Burnet for lunch and shopping before the return trip.

We'll meet at the train station located at 401 E. Whitestone Blvd in Cedar Park at 9:30 a.m. You are allowed to bring snacks and drinks along but nothing alcoholic.

To make a reservation go to the website http://www.austinsteamtrain.org or call 512-477-8468.
They suggested that reservations be made at least 6 weeks in advance. That will be by January 29.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyD.

Hill Country Flyer

Our original and most popular train. Ride 66 miles round-trip from Cedar Park to Burnet through the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy time for lunch and shopping during the layover in Burnet.

Sunday, March 13 ~~Off the Beaten Path - Hike Barton Creek 10:30am~~ Cancelled

Hello ladies of TOWN! Join and explore with me during the spring 2011 edition of my Barton Creek Off the Beaten Path!

When: 10.30 am. would like to be hiking by 10.45, so will wait 15 minutes for stragglers. Is that too strict?

What: Hike approximately 4-6 miles, a big part of which will be on the side canyon trails, but part of which will be on the main river bed/trail system. Nothing too strenuous, although the hike will drop us down roughly half mile into the creek, so we will need to climb back out at the end.

Wear: Please wear good, sturdy shoes and be prepared to stay with the group for the balance of the hike - injury or illness not withstanding. If the water is low enough we can probably take off our shoes and get across to see a neat sink hole and some fun rock formations. We'll see how everyone is feeling at the time and decide together.

Where: Barton Creek Greenbelt. Trails End Entrance (also known as cardiac hill or hill of life), which is off Loop 360- north of Mopac and south of 2244 (Bee Caves Rd). Go west at the light called Scottish Woods/Westbank Dr. Follow that road and park in front of someones house. Where the road t's into Camp Craft, the trail head is to the right maybe 40 yards or so.

Who: townies, their friends, spouses, kids or dogs - so long as all are predictably friendly and willing/able to walk that far. We will be bringing our two dogs and tend to let them off leash while on the trails if that matters to anyone.

Llunch after at Rudy's bbq where they have a nice outside yard area for those who are so inclined.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Nance.

Thursday March 17 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Friday - Sunday, March 18 - 20 Camping at Brazos Bend State Park Everyone is invited including even well-behaved dogs that can stay away from alligators!

Camping, hiking and birding and is everyone invited. I have not been there but heard it was a very pretty place! Join me exploring all it has to offer..

We can participate in some of the at least three free interpretive programs and hikes offered every weekend.

The Nature Center will be open Sat & Sunday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. It's "Habitats and Niches" display offers an unusual "hands-on" alligator discovery area, a tactile model of the park, freshwater aquarium, live native snake species, a touch table and an open-captioned orientation video for all visitors.

We can visit the George Observatory that is located in the park and is open Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. For information on stargazing programs/passes and other programs, call the Observatory at 979/553-3400 or at 281/242-3055 (as a satellite of the Houston Museum of Natural Science).

I will not be fishing but you are welcome to bring your gear. Six small lakes are easily accessible to fishermen, with piers located at 40-Acre, Elm and Hale Lakes. Visitors are cautioned to pay due respect to alligators, which are numerous in some areas of the park.

Creekfield Lake Nature Trail is an accessible nature trail and interpretive exhibit pilot project is the first of its kind for the department (1995) and was designed with the assistance of the greater Houston area disabled community in partnership with The George Foundation, Fort Bend County, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail is fully paved and takes visitor on a .5 mile loop our of an outstanding wetland area. Exciting features along this trail include a series of interpretive panels with tactile bronzes of wetland wildlife, and accessible boardwalk and observation deck for wildlife viewing, rest areas with shade..

From south Austin, it is about 3 to 3 1/2 hours drive time. Please do make your own site reservation for camping.

For more info on park, here is link;
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/brazos_bend/

For questions or to RSVP, contact Dawn.

Tuesday, March 22 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm.

Our speaker is Kelli Hardin who will talk with us about her experience hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. This should be a real hoot! Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, March 23 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact LisaW.

Friday - Sunday, March 25 - 27 BOW Outing Open to all female members of any TOWN group.

Attending a BOW Weekend is a great experience. Quite a few TOWN-Austin women have taken the opportunity to join a BOW weekend. This particular one is located near Brownwood at the 4H Center.

Contact Tami Moore for availability and additional information.

Sunday, March 27 Guided Hike at Bright Leaf Preserve 9am

Ladies of TOWN-Austin! Join me for a guided hike at Bright Leaf Preserve.

Location: Bright Leaf is located in central northwest Austin, just north of Camp Mabry, in between Mopac and 360 and between 2222 and Crestway Drive. Meet at the parking lot off 2222 & Creek Mountain Road, between Mopac & 360. (Directions below & at this link: http://brightleaf.org/d.html.) This is a free-guided hike led by a docent (& also a master naturalist), so please RSVP. If we have a large number, we will need additional docents.

Who is invited:          Members, family members, and friends are all included. Kids are invited if they can navigate the trail. This is not a trail for strollers. Pets are not allowed on this preserve.
Length of trail:Approximately 4 miles
Difficulty:                    moderate to difficult
Hiking time:                2.5 hours
Bring:                          Water, snacks, hiking stick(s)
Wear:                          hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes or hiking boots
Link for preserve:   http://brightleaf.org/index.html

Thanks and hope to see you on the 27th! For questions or to RSVP, contact Gloria.

From Mopac: Go west on 2222 and go past the light at Mesa. The next street is Creek Mountain Road (before you get to Mt. Bonnell Rd.). Take a left on to Creek Mountain Rd. and go straight until the road curves to the right. Follow the road and on the left will be a green gate to the parking lot.
From 360: Go east on 2222, go past Mt. Bonnell Rd and turn right on Creek Mountain Rd. Then, go straight on Creek Mountain until the road curves to the right. Follow the road and on the left will be a green gate to the parking lot.

Wednesday, March 30 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10 for the evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact JacqueA.

APRIL

Friday - Sunday, April 1 - 10 Camping at Big Bend National Park TOWN members and partners, male or female.

Why I just found out I do not have classes April 4-8, and there are plenty of campsites available in the Chisos Basin campground; likewise, probably plenty of motel rooms.

What Carpool and camp via Hwy 90 West to Seminole Canyon State Park for one night (April 2), then to Big Bend NP for 6 nights (Apr. 3-8). Return via Seminole Canyon for the night of April 9, then on to Austin. You will make your own camping arrangements or contact the "lodge" for a motel room.

Who TOWN members and partners, male or female. [No dogs allowed on trails (leashed or un-) or left unattended inside or outside! There is a boarding kennel in nearby Study Butte if you have to bring a pooch.]

Schedule will be worked out in a get-together or conference chat before we leave, but it will generally involve lots of day trips and hiking.

Notes It will probably be HOT weather during the day.
I have already booked my Chisos Basin campsite, #25!! Try to get #24 or #26. I can have tents on my site, too, though I don't know exactly how many; up to 7 other people.

How to Book Campsites go online to recreation.gov

How to Book Lodge Rooms go online to https://reservations.foreverresorts.com/ReservationCalendar.do?propertyKey=73, or call 877-386-4383

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarilynF.

Saturday, April 2 Beginner Kayak Lesson 9:30am

Joy and Amelia have volunteered to present our first Beginner Kayak Lesson for 2011. The date is Saturday, April 2nd. The lesson will begin promptly at 9:30am.

Where: at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

Joy and Amelia will cover the basics: learning about different boats, paddles, accessories you need in the boat. We will learn the basic paddle strokes and how to handle your boat. We will have on-land instruction and paddle in the water also.

Total time: will be about 2 hours.
Wear: comfortable, quick dry clothes, shoes that can get wet. (We won't be swimming, but will get splashed.)

Bring: Drink water, hat, sunscreen, snacks (if desired)

Kayaks: Bring your own kayak if desired; rentals available if you don't have a boat, but come 30 minutes early to arrange the rental at The Rowing Dock.

For questions or to RSVP contact JoyE.

If you participate in this Beginner Lesson with TOWN-Austin, you must wear a PFD/lifejacket.

Sunday, April 3 Hike at McKinney Roughs LCRA Preserve 10am

Hey TOWNies! Join me for a hike at the LCRA McKinney Roughs Nature Park on Sunday afternoon, April 3rd. Please read details below.

WHEN: Sunday, April 3 at 10am

*** Now, now, now – I know what some of you are thinking. But McKinney Roughs opens at noon, why are we beginning at 10am? Well, it’s because we are (legitimately) accessing a portion of the park that opens at dawn. Why are we not starting at dawn? Because.

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends; leashed dogs (plan ahead to pick up waste); the trail surface is not appropriate for strollers.

DIFFICULTY: moderate; trail surface composed of pea gravel, rocks, and dirt

SCENERY: river vistas, woods and river bottoms; we will be hiking to the highest point in the nature park.

TIME: I’m figuring 2.5 – 3 hours walking time; I haven’t counted the miles yet.

COST: $4/person for individuals > 12 years old; $2 for seniors, military; free for folks <= 12 years old; please bring exact amount as we will be using an honor box to pay our fees.

**** Please read this as we are accessing the trail from a different location. We are not entering via the main entrance.

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: From Austin travel south on Hwy. 71 toward Bastrop. Pass Southeast Metro Park. At a light, turn left onto Pope Bend Road.

**** If you pass the entrance to Hyatt Lost Pines resort, turn around.

**** If you reach the main entrance for McKinney Roughs Nature Park, turn around.

After turning left on Pope Bend Road at the light, travel about a mile. You will see signage for the Pope Bend Trailhead. That’s where you will find me – your leader for this outing.

BRING: water, snack, lunch – we will stop and eat lunch; walking stick if you desire; whatever you need for personal use – no restrooms available; water available at the trail head.

WEAR: sunscreen, hat, good quality tennis shoes or hiking boots, no flip flops or sandals please.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque.

Wednesday, April 6 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact LisaM.

Saturday - Sunday, April 9 - 10 ACK Kayak Demo Days in Austin

This outing is not sponsored by TOWN-Austin.

The Demo Days Event sponsored by Austin Canoe and Kayak is an excellent opportunity to test ride 75 different models of kayaks and attend their free clinics. A number of TOWN-Austin members have used this opportunity to: learn new techniques, improve skills, and decide between various models of kayaks before making their purchase.

Visit their website at http://www.AustinKayak.com for additional details. Demo Days for San Marcos and Houston are April 16 - 17.

Sunday, April 10 The Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch Tour Johnson City, TX 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited.

Join us for a tour another unique Texas venue, The Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch near Johnson City. We'll meet @ 10:00 a.m. at the "Y" in Oak Hill. From there we can carpool to the ranch. After the tour we can stop for lunch in Johnson City. Come prepared to do some walking.

For more details check their website: http://sculptureranch.com/

About: The Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch is located in the Texas Hill Country, six miles west of Johnson City, about an hour’s drive from Austin and from San Antonio. The project is open for visitations from ten to six Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We do live and work on the ranch so if you are travelling or need to check another day, call us..

Originally established in Central Florida in 1978 as Benini’s studio, this fine arts project has evolved into a facility that includes a 14,000 sq.ft. Studios Building with a fine arts library, exhibit galleries featuring 40 years of Benini’s paintings, and guest Italian artists, as well as the Sculpture Ranch on the surrounding 140 acres.

The term Sculpture Ranch was chosen to reflect the strong environment of the Texas Hill Country. The area was settled by Germans in 1847 with the help of a treaty with the Comanches in the region. The Texas Hill Country is a preferred destination of Texans and out-of-state tourists, known for charming villages, wildflowers, longhorns and mountain vistas.

The Mediterranean-like setting provides a showcase for contemporary talent as national and international artists are placing large-scale, contemporary sculpture on the grounds. Many of the sculptures are for sale. In the event of a preference for commissioned works, collectors can also work directly with the artists.

The sculptures are accessible by roadways, or by walk paths. Plenty of parking is available at the Studios Building.

Respect for the Artworks: Photography is permitted, however we ask that you not touch. lean on, sit on or climb on any of the artwork on display.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyD.

Wednesday, April 13 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Thursday - Sunday, April 14 - 17 Old Settlers Music Festival

I have purchased a wristband and camping + electrical permit for that weekend. Tickets are now on sale. Google the Old Settlers Fest to find out more. I do not know how many elec campsites they have at Camp Ben McCullough in Driftwood.

Later I can detail some get-together activities, but the Avett Brothers are headlining, and I love their music.
Let me know if you're going and we'll get together!

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarilynF.

Friday - Sunday, April 15 - 17 Beginner Campout at McKinney Falls State Park Everyone is invited.

Join JanetC, Jessie, MichelleA, SandyO, Amelia and me at McKinney Falls State Park. Everyone is invited...especially those who have never camped before. This will not be a formal learning experience like a BOW weekend, just a group of us out having fun in the great outdoors. I plan on camping Friday and Saturday nights, but you can come out just for Saturday night...or just for the day.

We are under a burn ban, so unless we get a lot of rain in the near future...you can only use containerized fuel stoves to cook with...no wood, charcoal, or any open flames allowed. There are only a couple of sites left, so hurry to reserve yours now. We can hike, ride bikes, fish...whatever strikes our fancy at the time. It costs $16 a night along with the entrance fee...$5 per day for 13 and older (unless you have a park pass). Check out/Check in time is 2pm.

Directions: The park is located 13 miles southeast of the State Capitol in Austin off US Highway 183. Take McKinney Falls Parkway, off US 183 South, straight to the park entrance. If you are heading east on William Cannon, turn left when it dead ends and the park will be on your left.

Here's a link for a generic camping checklist that I hope you will refine for your own personal use. Keep in mind that we are just off of William Cannon, so civilization is not far. If you forget something, you can always either go home or go buy it. http://camping.about.com/od/campinggearchecklists/l/blchklist.htm

I want this to be a nice relaxed experience, so come on out and have some fun with us. If you don't have any gear, just let me know and we can figure out how to beg and borrow to get you what you need. Most things on any camping list you can find at home...the tent is the most crucial piece you might be missing.

For more info on the park: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mckinney_falls/#sch

Reserve your camping spot now while they are available!

Email me directly so I know you have an interest and I'll see what I can do for you. For questions or to RSVP, contact JennT.

Sunday, April 17 Touring Chaetura Canyon Members only please

Morning TOWNies! Once again we have the opportunity to tour Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary located in west Travis County. This outing is limited to 12 TOWN-Austin members only. Yes, that means: no family, no friends, and no pets. This is one of the very few outings when we limit who attends.

Members who attended this outing previously will tell you it’s very possibly the best outing TOWN-Austin offers. The cost will be about $17 and includes a homemade breakfast and lunch prepared by Georgean and (in between) a tour of this sanctuary led by both Paul and Georgean.

For questions or to RSVP, email Jacque directly. She will maintain a back up list and contact members if anyone in withdraws.

Location:        Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary
When:             Sunday, April 17, 2011
Hosts:              Georgean and Paul Kyle, Sanctuary Stewards
Time:               8:00 AM ‘till 12:00 Noon

Previous attendees: If you attended this outing previously, please do not register to attend again.
Cost: Total cost is $200 for the 12 members attending. Once we have the 12 names, I will provide the address for mailing your check.

Schedule:        8:00 – 9:00 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, walking stick
Binoculars, field guides, notebook, appetite and curiosity

***** Note: The Canyon trails are moderate to difficult due to elevation and many steps.

Native plants and other items: will be available for sale, and a Trail Guide will be provided.

For additional information, visit the website http://www.chimneyswifts.org/page4.html

Wednesday, April 20 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

We need a leader for this outing. Please volunteer!

Thursday April 21 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Friday - Sunday, April 23 - 24 Easter Hill Country Tour

****This event is not sponsored by TOWN-Austin.****

The 2011 Easter Hill Country Tour is hosted by the Austin Cycling Association (ACA). Visit this site for additional information http://www.ehct.com/index.php

The 38th Annual Easter Hill Country Tour attracts about 1000 bicyclists who spend three days riding the Texas Hill Country. I have attended many years since 1988 and have enjoyed the quiet roads, challenging terrain, and visiting with long time cycling buddies. Each day will have SAG vehicles, rest stops, and porta-potties positioned to provide support for the riders.

Each day the rides begin from a different location. Some folks camp and some stay in motels. You will find every level of cycling experience represented in the riders.

Please visit the site http://www.ehct.com/index.php for additional information. Jacque

Tuesday, April 26 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm.

Our speaker is Karen Blizzard, an avid mountain-biker and hiker who loves to explore Texas trails. Currently holding the position of publications manager for the Creative and Interactive Services section of TPWD, she has worked in publishing for over 20 years and has contributed articles to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Karen spends her free time exploring Texas with her husband, Mike, and their two adventurous dogs. Her presentation is entitled Preparing for a Day Hike. I attended Karen's workshop at a 2010 BOW Weekend and her presentation is a perfect fit for our group. Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, April 27 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Friday - Monday, April 29 - May 2 Friends of Balcones Songbird Festival and Camping Friends & Spouses, etc., invited. Dogs can camp but are not allowed in the canyonlands.

Songbird Festival: Registration begins February 15 and spots fill quickly. Some events will be free, some will have a fee. Make your own reservations for this event. Sunday tends to be a free, family event day. http://friendsofbalcones.org/festival

Camping: Judy will make reservations for 4 campsites for Friday and Saturday nite. If you want to stay longer, you will need to let me know how many nights.

For questions regarding camping, to discuss site payment, or to RSVP, contact JudyL. Sites can be shared between one RV and tent or several tents only. Of course, we will work in kayaking and a potluck.

MAY

Sunday, May 1 Hike at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park 2pm

Hey Fellow Townies, let hike together!

Where: Walnut Creek Park - 12138 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX., between Parmer and Braker on the north/south, and one (large) block west of I-35

When: Sunday, May 1 at 2pm

Who: Townies, spouses of townies, friends of townies, dogs of Townies - all of the above should be friendly

Intensity: mostly flat, some small hills. we will hike for an hour or two, but we will not be going too fast as it will be hot outside

For questions or to rsvp, contact Nance if you plan to attend so we will know to look for you. We will be bringing our two dogs with us. If you bring dogs, please be willing to scoop the poop.

Wednesday, May 4 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact LisaM.

Wednesday, May 11 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Friday - Sunday, May 13 - 15 Camping at Inks Lake State Park

Details from Dawn when available.

Make your camping reservations now.

Friday - Sunday, May 13 - 15 Outreach 2011 TOWN Texas: Birch Creek Unit Lake Somerville Families, friends, and well behaved dogs are invited. All park rules apply.

We are inviting all TOWN groups to join us, as this is a central location. Activities available include kayaking, canoeing (rentals available), hiking trails, biking roads, and a fishing pier. Also there is another part of the park that allows horses and has a horse trail.

The Lake Somerville Trail way, located around the west end of the reservoir, connects Birch Creek State Park with Nails Creek State Park via 13 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, birding, and nature study. Flag Pond, located approximately 4 miles from Nails Creek State Park and 9 miles from Birch Creek State Park along the Somerville Trail way, provides wildlife viewing opportunities in conjunction with a system of interpretive trails, nature study, outdoor classrooms, and wildlife photography. The Flag Pond Nature Theater provides an excellent wildlife-viewing platform. I have included a map for your convenience.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4505_056e.pdf

TOWN BASTROP is renting the very nice Group Dining Facility for Friday, May 13th – Sunday May 15th, usable 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The facility includes AC/Heat, BBQ grill, refrig, stove and oven, microwave, double sink, tables and seating, and bathroom (toilets only). By renting the dining area, there will be 14 RV sites with electric and water available only for our group, and up to 20 tent sites around the perimeter. RV sites cost $16/ per night, tent sites are $10/ per night. There is a $3 per day use fee if you don't have a TX Park Pass, which admits anyone in your vehicle. Sites are first come first served paid at the facility upon arrival.

We will take names of definites, so we will know if we need overflow reservations. The showers are in different part of the park, with sites 31-60 (Post Oak) being closest--short trail thru woods, and by road.

If you are interested in camping with us contact Paulette or Beverly so that we can put your name down on the list for the 14 campsites. It is first come, first serve. You will pay for your site 15 days in advance of the outing (we will collect checks from those on the list) and we are allowed to put tents with the campers on the sites so that we can accommodate more people.

We are planning to utilize the Dining Hall for educational classes that our members with special knowledge or experience can share with interested TOWNIES—some of the classes we have scheduled thus far are Dutch Oven Cooking, Kayaking Instruction and Water Safety, Hunter Education, Angler Education, Geocaching Basics, and Travel Trailer Maintenance. These classes will be provided free of charge and you can attend as many or as few as you like.

As we get more information and get closer to the event we will send out emails to those who have responded. This is going to be a lot of fun and very educational.

Please join us and feel free to contact Paulette with any questions. We are looking forward to seeing you in the outdoors!

Wednesday, May 18 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

We need a leader; please volunteer!

Wednesday May 18 Introductory Lesson for Rowing & Sculling 6pm $40

Adventureous outdoor women are going to try a hand at rowing/skulling with an introductory lesson by instructor Nadia Kean at the Barton Springs Rowing Dock on Stratford on Town Lake from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

She is giving us a discount price of $40 if 4 or more sign up. We will meet with $40 in hand to pay her at the dock at 5:30. See you there.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Earline.

Thursday May 19 Board Meeting 6:30pm

No Board meeting this month.

Tuesday, May 24 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm.

Our speaker is Dr. Dale Schaeffer, an Austin Dermatologist. Dr. Schaeffer will talk about skin protection, skin cancer, and what we should look for on our skin from poisonous plants and insects. Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, May 25 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Friday - Monday, May 27 - 30 (3 nights) Camping at South Llano State Park Everyone is invited.

Lets go camping, tubing, kayaking, birding, hiking Memorial Weekend

Where: South Llano River State Park

Camping reservations: The website said no reservations available so I called and there were three sites avail with electric and water so I booked all three! One tent can also go on each site. If you want to go let me know and you can reimburse me for the reservation. If you want to put a tent on my site let me let me know.

Kayaking: I will make arrangements to go kayaking Saturday with a shuttle service and rentals available. This is a beautiful area with lots to do.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JuneA.

JUNE

Wednesday, June 1 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

We need a leader. Please volunteer!

Wednesday, June 8 Tubing on the San Marcos River 9:45 at San Marcos Lions City Park

Let's go tubing on the San Marcos River!

If you want to meet at the San Marcos Lions City Park, http://www.tubesanmarcos.com/ meet us at 9:45 am. The float will take about 1 hr. not counting repeated trips through the Rio Vista Dam chutes which is the best part of the float!! We can go through the chutes as many times as we want or you can end the float there and not go through the chutes at all

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water shoes.

Bring your PFD and water. Also your ID

Cost: Tube rentals are $7 bottomless and $10 with bottom. Plus there is a $20 deposit which will be refunded when you return the tube.

Includes: Members, guests, children invited. Very young children or faint of heart should not go down the chutes. Get ready for an exciting day in the cold, refreshing San Marcos River.

Carpooling: If you want to carpool meet at Academy at 9:00am, 801 E. William Cannon, Exit 228 from the North.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JuneA. Please RSVP before Jun 7 if you are going and if you want to carpool.

Wednesday, June 8 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Saturday, June 11 Kayaking at Mary Quinlan Park 9am

Let's go kayaking on Lake Austin's Mary Quinlan Park http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/mary_quinlan.asp.

Bring: your kayak, paddle, PFD. In addition bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and snack.

Included: Guests and brave dogs invited. We will paddle for about 1.5 -2 hours and have lunch at the Boat House Grill.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JuneA. June requests your RSVP before June 7 please.

Sunday, June 12 Walk/Hike at McKinney Falls State Park 8:30am

Let’s walk together this Sunday, June 12th at McKinney Falls State Park. We’ll cross the Lower Falls and walk/hike the Homestead Trail. Our pace will be determined by the group and we’ll plan to finish by 11:30am.

TIME: 8:30 am, meet in the parking lot for the Lower Falls --- not the Upper Falls.

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends, and leashed dogs. All dogs must be leashed in any state park. Bring water for your puppy and bags for clean-up.

BRING: Water, snack

WEAR: Hat, sun screen, tennis shoes or hiking boots

DISTANCE: 2.8 miles on small rock and dirt surface

DIFFICULTY: Homestead Trail is low to moderate in difficulty.

ENTRANCE FEE: $5/person payable at park office

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Jacque directly by 9pm Saturday night. If I fail to get any takers, I will cancel the outing after 9pm on Saturday. Sorry for the tardy outing notice.

Jacque

Wednesday, June 15 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

Wednesday, June 15 Lapis Light Performance

http://www.bluelapislight.org/performances.html

The performance is at 9pm, so only people who own kayaks could do this with me. I'll launch from the rowing dock around 7pm.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyL.

Thursday June 16 Tour Blanton Museum of Art 5pm Everyone is included. No dogs obviously.

Location: MLK at Congress (across from the Bob Bullock Museum)

Time: 5 - 9 pm
Cost: FREE Admission on third Thursdays

Visit the Blanton Museum Austin website for more complete directions and a map. http://www.blantonmuseum.org/

Events: You can do all or some activities.

5 pm - $5.00 wine and pizza in the cafe (optional)
6 pm - Special screening of Space,Land, and Time: Underground Adventures with Ant Farm
6:30 pm - Yoga in the Galleries (first 28 to sign up at 5:30 at the admission desk)
7 pm - Blanton Book Club: Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
7:30pm - Tour: About Face: Portraiture as Subject - the current feature at the museum

How to locate JanB at the museum - I will wear a light green shirt and white pants and be looking for familiar faces.

Parking Free parking at the Brazos Garage is limited by time and space availibility so plan to pay a parking fee there on Thursday or the Bob Bullock garage across the street is $8.00. Check the website for Blanton Museum Austin - parking. I usually park on the street by the UT tennis courts but the City has those new parking meters everywhere so that may be an issue too.

Carpooling - If you live north, email JanB. She can transport 8 people.

For questions, to carpool, or to RVSP, contact JanB.

~~Friday - Sunday, June 17 - 19 Camping at Blanco State Park~~ Cancelled

Saturday, June 18 Paddle the Webberville Loop 10 am Everyone is included. Dogs that paddle their own kayaks are definitely invited.

What: Webberville Loop – 5 mile paddle of about 2 hours duration; located about 20 - 30 minutes out of Austin

Bring: kayak, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, PFD, plenty of water, and a snack/ lunch.
When: Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10 am

Plan: Drop kayaks off at Little Webberville and one or two cars, leave remainder of cars at take out of Big Webberville to ease with take out. Paddle Little Webberville to Big Webberville-Point 4 to point 5 on map. This should take about an hour or two depending on water flow.

Please note: there is not a lot of shade on this stretch of the Colorado.

Rentals are available on a limited basis through Cook’s Canoes below.

Put in: Little Webberville Park located at 100 Water St.; Webberville, TX 78653 Directions to Little Webberville Park (put in): From the intersection of Hwy. 183 and FM 969, take FM 969 (aka E. Martin Luther King Blvd) east approximately 15 miles into the town of Webberville. Turn right onto Water Street and proceed to the park entrance. http://www.austinparks.org/apfweb/park.php?parkId=693

Take out: Big Webberville Park located at 2305 Park Lane, Elgin, TX 78621 Directions to Big Webberville Park (take out): From Little Webberville Park, continue east on FM 969 (aka E. Martin Luther King Blvd), about three miles past the town of Webberville turn right onto Webberwood Drive and proceed to Park Lane, the first street on your right. Turn right and proceed to the park entrance.

NOTE: The sign for Webberville Park as you enter the town of Webberville is for a different park than the one described below.

Rental: Cook's Canoes - rents canoes & Kayaks located at 1004 Water Street, Webberville, TX 78653
512-276-7767 / 512-461-7139; nealcook2000@yahoo.com Rental rates for trips between Little Webberville Park and Big Webberville Park are $30.00 per day per sit-on-top kayak.

For questions or to RSVP, contact LisaM.

Wednesday, June 22 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Thursday June 23 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Saturday, June 25 Night at the Ponds 7:30 - 9:30pm Adults only please, no pets allowed.

**** NOTE: This is not a TOWN sponsored event. ****

Where: Hill Country Water Gardens, 1407 N Bell Blvd (hwy 183), Cedar Park, TX 78613
260-5050

Link for more information: www.hillcountrywatergardens.com

This "nursery" is pretty enough to charge admission. Come stroll the Hill Country Water Gardens under the stars, while enjoying various water gardens, wine tasting and live music!

For questions or to RSVP, please contact LisaM.

Sunday, June 26 Hike at McKinney Roughs LCRA Nature Park 9am

Hey TOWNies! Join me for a hike at the LCRA McKinney Roughs Nature Park.

WHEN: Sunday, June 26th at 9 am. *** Now, now, now – I know what some of you are thinking. But McKinney Roughs opens at noon, why are we beginning at 9 am? Well, it’s because we are (legitimately) accessing a portion of the park that opens at dawn. Why are we not starting at dawn? Because.

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends; leashed dogs (plan ahead to pick up waste); the trail surface is not appropriate for strollers.

DIFFICULTY: moderate; trail surface composed of pea gravel, rocks, and dirt

SCENERY: river vistas, woods and river bottoms; we will be hiking to the highest point in the nature park.

TIME: I’m figuring 2 – 2.5 hours walking time.

COST: $4/person for individuals > 12 years old; $2 for seniors, military; free for folks <= 12 years old; please bring exact amount as we will be using an honor box to pay our fees.

**** Please read this as we are accessing the trail from a different location. We are not entering via the main entrance.

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: From Austin travel south on Hwy. 71 toward Bastrop. Pass Southeast Metro Park. At a light, turn left onto Pope Bend Road.
**** If you pass the entrance to Hyatt Lost Pines resort, turn around.
**** If you reach the main entrance for McKinney Roughs Nature Park, turn around.
After turning left on Pope Bend Road at the light, travel about a mile. You will see signage for the Pope Bend Trailhead. That’s where you will find me – your leader for this outing.

BRING: water, snack, lunch – we will stop and eat an early lunch probably at the Hyatt again; walking stick if you desire; whatever you need for personal use – no restrooms available; water available at the trail head.

WEAR: sunscreen, hat, good quality tennis shoes or hiking boots, no flip flops or sandals please.
That’s it for now. Please RSVP before 6 pm on Saturday, June 25th. If I don’t have takers, then I will cancel the outing.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque.

Tuesday, June 28 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm. Our speaker is Pamela LeBlanc the Fit City columnist for the Austin-American Statesman. Pamela will share her adventures and outdoor experiences as a writer for AAS. A graduate of Johnston High School in Austin and Texas A&M University, she's been at the Statesman since 1998. She rides her bike to work, swims on TeamTexas masters swim team and tries to keep up with her running buddies. She also water skis, scuba dives, snow skis, backpacks, camps and does just about anything anyone suggests. She's married to a Cajun electrical engineer who's really good at applying sunscreen and band-aids. She also writes car reviews and travel articles.

Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, June 29 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact BobbiT.

JULY

~~Monday, July 4 Holiday Fireworks &Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake~~ Cancelled due to fireworks being cancelled by City of Austin

Sunday - Monday, July 3 - 4 Lake Travis Camping Members, guests, and well-behaved dogs invited

Camping, Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking, Birding, Fishing, Eating - we can do it all or just sit and enjoy the beauty of Lake Travis. Here is our agenda:

We will be camping at Lago Vista on Lake Travis. Cost is $20 per night - one RV and one tent allowed per site. You will pay Judy L. for the campsite.
Guests invited and well behaved dogs on a leash.
If you like to fish there is a floating fish house by the Marina. The Flat Creek Vineyard/Winery is a few miles away with wine tasting, hiking and a bistro.
Sunday night, we will have potluck at my house. Monday morning, we will kayak depending upon group’s choice (cow creek or LCRA park, or just kayak, swim, picnic near my house)
RSVP to JudyL and she will reserve your site and email you the code to enter the park.
There is Super S Grocery, Tug's Barbeque and Latte Vista Coffee/Sandwich Shop by the Exxon station in Lago Vista if you want to pick up some food. Dees Tacos is across the street.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyL.

Wednesday, July 6 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

Friday - Monday, July 8 - 18 Camping Trip in Davis Mountains State Park in Fort Davis, TX

Everyone is invited!

It's not winter yet but I'm already planning a way to escape next summer's heat. I have reserved a campsite for 10 days in the full hookups area at Davis Mountains State Park to arrive on July 8 and depart on the 18th. Ft. Davis has an unusually moderate climate with a summer average high temperature in the mid 80ºs http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/davis_mountains/#act.

They allow 8 people per campsite so If you wish to pitch a tent on my site, let me know and what days you expect to be there. If you're coming in an RV you will need to make your own reservation. I plan to be there 10 nights so you can come and go as you are able during that time. I would suggest making reservations soon since this is a popular place in the summer.

If you prefer you can make a reservation in the Indian Lodge in the State Park or one of the hotels or cabins in the area. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/indian_lodge/

My tentative plan is to leave Austin on Thursday, July 7 and spend the night in an RV park somewhere near Ozona. Another option might be to stay at the RV park at the Caverns of Sonora and tour the caverns. I'll leave Ft. Davis on the 18th and will probably spend the night on the way home.

At the state park there is hiking, camping, birding (2 bird blinds), wildlife viewing, and mountain biking.

Other possible activities may include.........

Fort Davis -
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
Fort Davis National Historic Site
MacDonald Observatory
Overland Trail Museum
Hike the 2 ½ mile Madera Canyon Trail
Hike the 4 mile Limpia Canyon Trail
Drive the 75 mile scenic loop
Hike the trails in the state park
Check out the shops in town
Bike the area
Blue Mountain Vineyards – 8 miles from Ft. Davis

There are lakes in the area for fishing and stables for horseback riding.

Swim fish, and bird at Balmorhea State Park, 38 miles from Ft. Davis.

See the Marfa lights, about 25 miles from Ft. Davis.

Visit Alpine – 28 miles from Ft. Davis
Shops
Museum of the Big Bend
The outdoor theater

Spend a day in Big Bend National Park – 121 miles from Ft Davis.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyD. Come and bring a friend!

Saturday, July 9 Hike at River Place Nature Trail 8am TOWN members, family, friends; leashed dogs (plan ahead to pick up waste); the trail surface is not appropriate for strollers. Free

Join me for a hike at the RIVER PLACE Nature Trail on Saturday morning, July 9th. Please read details below.

WHEN: Saturday, July 9th at 8 am *** Nope, it is not a typo. Since the Weather Channel doesn’t predict any cold fronts coming in the next few weeks, it would be best to start at 8 a.m. because it will take 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish and this is a strenuous trail.

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends; leashed dogs (plan ahead to pick up waste); the trail surface is not appropriate for strollers.

DIFFICULTY: Challenging. Trail surface composed of boardwalk, hard pack and rock. There are many stairs and steep elevation gains going up. The good news is that it is mostly downhill coming back. Your heart rate will rise on this one since there is lots of elevation change.

DISTANCE: 5 miles. It is an out and back trail. Half way is 2.5 miles.

SCENERY: Gorgeous views of the River Place golf courses down below, million dollar houses in the area, canyon vistas, ponds, creek beds and various wildlife. The trail is well maintained and well marked. I hear that the creek beds have been dry for months so we probably won’t see water at this time of year.

TIME: We’ll take a moderate pace and should finish exploring the trail in 2.5 to 3 hrs.

COST: Free.

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: Meet at 8 am at 8820 Big View Drive. Take RR 2222 west from the RR 2222/Loop 360 intersection for 4.3 miles. Turn left on River Place Blvd. Continue on River Place for 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Big View Drive at T intersection, continue for 0.6 miles and park by the artificial pond. Meet at trailhead next to pond.

Parking: Please Park in the lot by the bathrooms located across the street from the trailhead, per the neighbors’ requests.

BRING: plenty of water to stay hydrated (enough for your dog too), snacks, walking stick if you desire, any other personal items you may want or need.

WEAR: sunscreen, hat, good quality tennis shoes or hiking boots, no flip flops or sandals please.

Please RSVP before 6 pm on Friday, July 8th. For questions or to RSVP, contact CarolynD.

Wednesday, July 13 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact AndraC.

Saturday, July 16 Full Moon Paddle on Lady Bird Lake

By the light of the silvery moon. Come and experience Lady Bird Lake at her most enchanting -
under the full moon. The Austin city lights and music softly playing over the water, stars above.

Where:  Culvert behind Austin High School located at 1715 W. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703
When:   Saturday, July 16
Time:     Meet at 8:15 pm to be on the water before dark
Whom: Anyone who can swim and can get ahold of a kayak
Bring: kayak, PFD, 2 lights (headlamps or boat lamps-one is for backup-check those batteries!), water and snacks if desired.

Please note that no boat rental will be available.

For questions or to RSVP, contact LisaM.

Sunday, July 17 Brunch and Hike at Barton Greenbelt 7:30am Family, friends are invited, but NO dogsplease.

Hi there! I will be hosting hike from my house on the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Since I REALLY like to cook, I will have brunch ready for us upon our return.

I welcome husbands, friends, etc but no DOGS as mine are rat terriers and believe that they own the world.

Since I will be cooking I will need to limit the hike to 10- please RSVP as soon as possible.

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarshaK.

Wednesday, July 20 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact AndraC.

Thursday, July 21 ~~Board Meeting 6:30pm~~ Cancelled

Friday, July 22 Under the Stars at the Bob Bullock, Nash Henderson Orchestra 6-9pm Everyone is invited, no dogs please.

Join me at the Bob Bullock Museum (1800 Congress Ave) for Music Under the Stars by Nash Hernandez Orchestra.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to place on the Lone Star Plaza under the 35-foot-tall bronze star. Parking is free in the Museum's underground garage on the corner of 18th St. and Congress Ave. The museum's three floors of main Exhibits are also free if you want to explore between the music sets.

JanB and I will be there on the plaza under the bronze star. Hope you can join us. We have a friend who plays sax in this band and the group is really good.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JennyF.

Sunday, July 24 ~~Hike at Wild Basin Preserve~~ Cancelled because of a bad back.

Where: Wild Basin Preserve; link with map http://www.wildbasin.org/contact_information.lasso

When: Sunday, July 24th at 9am; we will likely finish about 11 – 11:30am.

Lunch: If anyone wants to do so, we can try Torchy’s Tacos on Spicewood Springs. Or someone may have another suggestion.

Cost: Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors and children 5-12 years old; children <5 are free.

Who is invited: Friends, family member, children, but no pets please.

Children: This trail is good for children who are walking, but would be difficult to navigate for children in strollers.

Bring: Water, sunscreen, snack

Wear: Hat, tennis shoes are fine, but so are hiking boots

Portable restrooms are available; picnic tables are not available.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque. Please RSVP before 5pm on Saturday, July 23rd. It will assist greatly if I know who to expect.

Tuesday, July 26 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm. Matt Zaldivar will join us to share the details of his caving adventure in Mexico.

Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, July 27 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

Sunday, July 31 Hike at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park 8:30am

Details when available.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque.

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 3 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact AndraC and LindaF.

Saturday, August 6 Hike through Bouldin Creek Neighborhood 8:30am

Our route winds through the Bouldin Creek neighborhood bounded by South Lamar, South Congress, Barton Springs Road, and East Oltorf.

James Edward Bouldin (1797 – 1876) moved to Texas with his wife Molinda, in 1852 and bought a great deal of land on the south side of the Colorado River, just across from the downtown of the still young capitol city. The walk route traverses Bouldin’s original property, along sidewalks, greenbelt trails with dry creek crossings (unless it rains), and some residential city streets. The Bouldin Creek neighborhood, developed at the turn of the 19th Century and several historic homes dating to that era still stand. The area flourished in the 1920s and 1930s as Austin’s southernmost “suburb.” Today gentrification melds new homes showcasing modern architecture and landscaping with historic African American churches, pocket parks, and a large greenbelt with an eclectic mix of folks from old hippies to young techies. Tour narration by amateur Austin historian.

Who:           TOWNIES, adult friends and family members
When:         Saturday, August 6, 8:30 a.m.
Where:        Austin Elks Lodge #201, 400 Dawson Road (see map below)
                   Big, white building on west side of the street, just south of Park Terrace apartments and up the driveway; meet in parking lot at top of the hill
What:          Walk the Bouldin Creek neighborhood described above
Duration:      walking: 2 - 2.5 hours; eating: unknown
Bring/Wear: Walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water
Brunch:        Bring money if you want to enjoy brunch afterwards at El Mercado at 1302 S. 1st Street. Locally owned, El Mercado Restaurants started on the front porch of this south Austin location twenty-three years ago, serving breakfast tacos.

For questions or to RSVP, contact CarolC.

Wednesday, August 10 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Thursday, August 11 Outing indoors - 1/4 price bookstore and Lunch at the Full English British Cafe in South Austin 10:30 TOWNies, friends, anyone but dogs invited.

Hi Townies! Let's have an outing INDOORS and get out of the heat. We will meet at The Book Exchange on 5316 Manchaca Rd at 10:30. Their phone number is 441-6070. All books are 1/4 price with a trade in. There are over 90,000 used books there! You are welcome to bring paperbacks for trade or use some of the credit I have. Most of the books are paperback - lots of current fiction, westerns, sci fi, romance and some non fiction. When we are through with the bookstore, we will take a short walk - 100 feet or so - to the Full English British Cafe - where they serve authenthic English food as well as salad. We can get bangers, pastries and other English food.

Directions: Manchaca Rd. is parallel to both I-35 and Mopac - it is about mid-way between the two. The bookstore is south of Ben White and north of Stassney. From I-35 from the north, use the Stassney exit and then go west (turn right). You will go past Congress and First Street and turn right on Manchaca. It is at the north end of the strip mall on the left - sort of across from the Shell Station. From Mopac from the north - take the WIlliam Cannon exit and go east - under Mopac. Continue past Brodie and Westgate. Turn left on Manchaca and go north past Stassney. It is past the library, pawn shop, bakery and at the end of the strip mall on the left - up near the car wash.

From the south, from I-35 use the Stassney exit and go west and follow the directions above. From the southwest - go east on Slaughter, turn left on Manchaca and use directions above.

For questions or to RSVP, email AmeliaG.

Saturday, August 13 ~~Walk on Lady Bird Lake Trail 8:30am~~ Canceled

Saturday, August 13 Full Moon Paddle on Lady Bird Lake

By the light of the silvery moon. Come and experience Lady Bird Lake at her most enchanting -
under the full moon. The Austin city lights and music softly playing over the water, stars above.

Where:  Culvert behind Austin High School located at 1715 W. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703
When:   Saturday, August 13
Time:     Meet at 7:45 pm to be on the water before dark
Whom: Anyone who can swim and can get ahold of a kayak
Bring: kayak, PFD, 2 lights (headlamps or boat lamps-one is for backup-check those batteries!), water and snacks if desired.

Please note that no boat rental will be available.

For questions or to RSVP, contact LisaM.

Wednesday, August 17 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact AndraC.

Thursday August 18 Tour of Blanton Museum of Art 5 - 9pm Free admission on the 3rd Thursday

Everyone is invited to a FREE night at the beautiful, COOL Blanton Museum of Art!

Located at MLK and Congress (across from the Bob Bullock Museum)

5:00PM $5.00 wine and pizza in the cafe (optional) I'll look for you in the cafe between 5:00 and 5:30!

6:00PM Special screening of Searching for the Impossible: The Flying Project

6:30PM Yoga in the Galleries (first 28 to sign up at 5:30 at the admission desk. They provide the mats.)

7:00PM Blanton Book Club: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

7:30PM Tour: About Face

You can do all or some activities. Parking is $3.00 at the Brazos Parking garage (ticket stamping at the admissions desk) Check the Blanton Museum Austin website for more complete directions and a map.

For questions or to RVSP, contact JanB.

Thursday August 18 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Saturday August 20 Cruise on Lady Bird Lake 7-9pm

NOTE: This is a TOWN-San Marcos outing.

Join us for a fun time and 2 hour cruise on Lady Bird Lake (this is not a 3 hour cruise on the SS MinnowJ). This is a charter tour so we will have the entire boat for ourselves!

The cruise will be in the cooler evening hours so we can enjoy the sunset from the deck of the largest all electric paddle wheel boat on Lady Bird Lake. We will also be watching the bats fly from Congress bridge while on the deck of the Lone Star. You can enjoy the upper deck which is open air or the lower deck which is enclosed and air conditioned.

Date: August 20

Time: 7PM – 9PM

Who: All area TOWN members and guests.

Where: Austin - Directions to the landing for Lonestar Riverboat can be downloaded from this link – www.lonestarriverboat.com

Carpool: Once we have a list of attendees, we can arrange for carpools from San Marcos.

Cost: $10 per person for San Marcos TOWN members and $20 per person for guest or other area TOWN members – at this late date, you can reserve your spot with an email or call and pay at the boat.

Bring: We can bring our own drinks and light snacks (ie. chips & dips).

Reservations and payment in advance are required so we can be sure to meet the minimum number of 30 people for the cruise.

For questions or to RSVP to Lane.

Sunday August 21 Mountain Bike Ride at Slaughter Creek Trail 8:30am

Please join us (JanetFB and Jacque) for a mountain bike ride at Slaughter Creek Trails in Southwest Austin. It's a 5-mile loop going clockwise. The trail doubles as an equestrian trail going counter-clockwise. The Austin Ridge Riders rate this trail as "Easy," but please take into consideration that there are some rough and rocky terrain on parts of the trail. This will be a new area of discovery for both of us. Everyone is invited; however dogs are not allowed.

For questions or to RSVP, contact Jacque jsaustin54@sbcglobal.net

More Info:
http://www.austinridgeriders.com/trail/slaughter-trail
　
Map of Trail:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/wildland/downloads/slaughtercreekinfo.pdf

Directions to the Trails:

From Austin

Go to the Y in Oak Hill.
Continue west on Hwy 290.
Turn left onto Camp Ben McCullough Rd./FM1826 (third traffic light after the Y).
Drive approximately 2 miles.
Cross the low water bridge over Slaughter Creek.
The property/gate entrance will be on your left.

From Circle C and other areas in South Austin

Take Slaughter Lane to Camp Ben McCullough Rd./FM1826.
Turn left on Camp Ben/1826.
Drive approximately 1 mile.
Cross the low water bridge over Slaughter Creek.
The property/gate entrance will be on your left.
[Please Note: The Trails are easy to miss. When you RSVP to me, we can exchange numbers in case you have trouble finding it.]

Map to the Trails:
Description: cid:image001.jpg@01CB9DD7.576298C0

What to Bring:
Bike (mountain or hybrid), helmet (mandatory), gloves (if you have 'em), snacks, and water

Other Info:
No entry fee
No bathrooms, but port-a-potties are available

Tuesday, August 23 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm at the Yarborough Branch Library located at 2200 Hancock Drive

Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm. Our speaker is Val Bugh, a local educator, who will introduce us to True Bugs. Val describes true bugs as overlooked and underrated. Come and learn why true bugs are
one of the most often misidentified and misunderstood of any arthropod group. This program will explore the diversity of these creatures, which include important predators, essential food chain components, and notorious pests. Val Bugh is a local naturalist specializing in the arthropods of the Austin area, with interests in taxonomy and photography. She runs the Fauna Project at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, leads insect discovery walks, provides insect/spider identifications, gives talks to local organizations, and has published a pocket guide to The Butterflies of Central Texas. Val's website: www.austinbug.com .

Join us and bring a friend!

Wednesday, August 24 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Saturday, August 27 ~~Hike at St. Ed's Park 8:30am~~ Cancelled - let's all go caving!

Saturday, August 27 Caving Outing 9:30am Everyone Invited, no pets. Children 10 & over are included. Donation of $2-$5 would be appreciated.

Matt Z (our July speaker) has reserved Whirlpool Cave in south Austin for a "Beginners Caving Experience".
We will plan to meet at the cave entrance on Saturday, August 27 @ 9:30 am and begin our adventure @ 10:00 am. Read Matt's email below with all the details.

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaW(1). Let me know if you want to carpool.

We do need a head count as soon as possible so that Matt can determine how many other leaders we'll need. Matt has assured me that it will not be too physically demanding and promises to leave only the unruly at the bottom of the cave..... COME JOIN US....IT SOUNDS LIKE FUN!

Visit this site for about the cave - http://www.tcmacaves.org/caves/preserves-owned.html

Matt's email:

Please remind everyone to bring caving gear (kneepads, elbow pads, headlamp) and a helmet if you have one; I will have helmets for those that do not. Water would be a good idea to bring as well, because, if you've ever been in a cave before, you know that caving is a strenuous activity, and, as Texas caves tend to be around 72F and 95% humidity, you will more than likely work up a sweat. Make sure to check the Grotto website for the list of optional equipment you can bring: http://utgrotto.org/newcaver/equipment.asp

We'll meet near the cave at 9:30am, and get underground at around 10:00, or when everyone is set with their gear. Trips should run about 3 hours. You might think about bringing a change of clothes, or towel, so you don't get mud all over your car when you drive home. Below are directions to the cave, and a link to a map. Feel free to call if you have any questions (512) 913-6169, and be sure to have this number with you when you come, in case you get lost.

Directions:
Heading south on Mopac, turn west (right) on Wm Cannon, passing the Randalls and Golds Gym. The next intersection is Brush Country- turn left. You will come upon a stoplight, at Convict Hill and Latta. Go through the stop, and turn immediately over the curb on the right-hand side, under the bridge. You'll see a vehicles parked there already.
Coming north, take the same Wm Cannon exit, yet turn left (west)

NOTICE: This trip is free and you are in no way obligated to pay anything to attend this trip. That said, the Texas Cave Management Association provides us use of this cave. They are in need of donations, so that they can continue to provide caves like this for us to visit. As such, we suggest that each participant give a $2 to $5 donation to the TCMA per trip. If you can't, that is no problem, but if you can it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

Saturday, August 27 The Trash Project 5pm TOWNies, guests and children are included. No dogs!

What: Allison Orr's ballet of large vehicles
When: Meet up at 5:00 PM for dinner and to park.
Why: Why not?
Who: TOWNIES, guests, kids, no dogs.
Bring: Umbrella (ha). Dress for the weather.

Let me know once you have your reservation! If I will not be going, I will ask one of you to "lead" the group and help with communication.

I just made a reservation and donation to this incredible project, even though I may be out of town on that date-- In which case I will give someone my reservation printout. This modern dance performance really can't be described, but imagine our CoA recycling and trash trucks, street sweepers, and other huge machines performing ballet. You can search for videos of bits of last year's performance as well as articles, but 6 of us from TOWN went and saw a memorable performance.

Maybe b/c I am a Facebook friend and supporter of this project, I got to reserve one seat, but you can try yourself: http://forkliftdanceworks.org/index.html, or wait till the general announcement goes out.

By the time you (we) go to this, everyone will need a printout of their reservation.

We may like to gather somewhere central for dinner, like that new pizza place in Highland Mall, and carpool from there to arrive at 6:30 PM.

Here are details from the website:

YOU MUST HAVE A PRINTED RESERVATION (YOUR EMAIL CONFIRMATION) TO GET INTO THE TRASH PROJECT. That’s right, no reservation no entry.
If you have made multiple reservations under one name, you must enter the gate with your entire party together.)
A few important reminders
· Come early! Doors open at 6:30pm with One Green Step- a family friendly zero waste fair with activities, giveaways and more. The Performance, with pre-show remarks, will begin at 7:30pm.
· Reservations are only held until 7:20pm, after which we cannot guarantee your entry. If you arrive after 7:20pm, even with a reservation, we may not be able to let you in!
· There is no guarantee of seating regardless of reservation (but we will have 2,000 seats!).
· Seating is uncovered chairs and bleachers and the performance is entirely outdoors.
· The parking area is about a 5 minute walk from the performance area. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
· Please carpool. Bike racks will be available for cyclists.
· No lawn chairs, please.
· No dogs, except for service dogs.
· In case of inclement weather, an update will be posted on www.forkliftdanceworks.org stating if the performance will have a delayed start time or will be cancelled. Reservations are only valid for the night they are reserved for and will not be automatically transferred to the other performance night due to weather.
· Please bring water in reusable water bottles. There will be a water refill station on site. Solid Waste Services will also be distributing reusable water bottles during the One Green Step event from 6:30-7:30pm.
· Styrofoam, glass containers and alcohol are not permitted for safety reasons. Small coolers are permitted, but please try to avoid bringing food that requires utensils. Plastic bottle and aluminum recycling will be provided.
· The performance is free, and donations will be gratefully accepted at the event. We will also be selling unique Trash Project merchandise to support the costs of the production.
Thank you for your reservation/s. We look forward to seeing you at The Trash Project!

For questions or to RSVP, contact CindyF.

Wednesday, August 31 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday, September 6 Hiking Subgroup Meeting 6pm

Join us for a gathering of the Hiking Subgroup at 6pm at Central Market Cafe, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd. These are the folks who select and schedule the hikes for our group. Join them and make your wishes known. Step up and volunteer to lead a hike. Jan and Jenny will help you!

For questions or to RSVP, contan JanB or JennyF.

Wednesday, September 7 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaW(1).

Sunday, September 11 Lake Travis Underwater and Shoreline Cleanup

What better way to celebrate the ten-year remembrance day of 9-11? I will coordinate this. Please let me know if you are interested so that we can get a head count and an assignment.

For questions or to RSVP, contact NancyL . Below is the invitation:

Lake Travis Underwater & Shoreline Cleanup

As you may already be aware, Sunday, September 11, 2011 will mark the
17th anniversary of the Lake Travis Underwater & Shoreline Cleanup.
We appreciate TOWN-Austin's volunteer effort in 2010 as your group along
with more than 1,000 volunteers participated, gathering tons of trash from
the shores and waters of Lake Travis. In 2009, volunteers gathered over 35
tons of trash. The unusually large amount of trash gathered was one of the
few benefits from the extensive drought. This year's serious drought
condition means that we can expect to be able to take advantage of a low
shoreline for collecting trash.

The Colorado River Foundation, Keep Austin Beautiful, Travis County Parks
and the LCRA partner to organize this event. The goal of the event is to
keep our waters and shoreline clean so that divers, boaters and other
visitors can enjoy a clean and healthy Lake Travis and Colorado River for
generations to come.

The Lake Travis Underwater & Shoreline Cleanup's 17 years of success is a
testament to the great community support behind the event. Since the
program began, more than 16,000 community volunteers have come together to
remove over 120 tons of trash from Lake Travis -- an accomplishment that
would not be possible without the help and support of our sponsors.

The cleanup is highly visible in central Texas, including television
broadcasts on FOX-7, KXAN, KVUE, and KEYE, and it provides an excellent
opportunity for businesses and organizations to showcase their commitment to
keeping our vital natural resources clean and healthy for future generations.

We greatly appreciate your support as a volunteer last year, and invite
TOWN-Austin to join us as a sponsor or door prize donor for this year's
exciting event!

Like last year, this year's event will include a post-party at Carlos N'
Charlie's to thank all of our volunteers. Sponsor recognition will be listed
on all signage at the event, as well as on event t-shirts (provided to more
than 1,000 volunteers).

We thank you again for your volunteer support of last year's cleanup and
hope your group can further extend your support by volunteering and/or
sponsoring the 2011 event. On behalf of all our partners, thank you for the
opportunity to present this request. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Wednesday, September 14 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Thursday - Sunday, September 15 - 18 23rd HummerBird Celebration in Rockport TX

THIS IS NOT A TOWN-AUSTIN SPONSERED ACTIVITY

The HummerBird Celebration is held yearly in Rockport and Fulton on the Gulf Coast of TX to celebrate the spectacular fall migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and to expand of hummers and other coastal birds. This a great chance to see hummers close up and learn from a variety of birders. Butterflies, dragonfiles, and damselflies, are also on the agenda.

Activities include: field trips, classes, exhibits, and hummingbird banding. For more information and to register, visit www.rockporthummingbird.com. For lodging and dining suggestions, visit the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce website www.rockport-fulton.org.

Friday - Sunday, September 16 - 18 BOW Outing Open to all female members of any TOWN group.

TOWN Ladies! If you have not had the opportunity to attend a BOW Weekend, the time is now. Or actually September!

Attending a BOW Weekend is a great experience. Quite a few TOWN-Austin women have taken the opportunity to join a BOW weekend. This particular one is located near Navasota at Camp Allen.

Attached is the .pdf file with the course descriptions and registration form. Or you can view the same file using the link below.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/bow/schedule.phtml

Many of TOWN-Austin members have attended a BOW Weekend; it a great chance to participate in activities you’ve never tried before. Just a little background: Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife initiated BOW Weekends to provide women a chance to experience outdoor activities. Women attended and then returned to their hometowns; they found they needed a way to contact other women who enjoyed the outdoors. TPWD then started the TOWN groups.

I will be attending the weekend and teach geocaching. Please join me!

If you have questions, contact Jacque.

Saturday - Sunday, September 17 - 18 ACK Kayak Demo Days

This is NOT a TOWN-Austin outing.

ACK (Austin Canoe and Kayak) is holding Kayak Demo Days in Austin at Hyde Park Quarry Lake located at 11200 N. Mopac Expressway. Hours for Saturday are 10am - 4pm and for Sunday 12pm - 4pm. This is an excellent opportunity to test-ride a kayak; over 75 models will be available.

For clinic schedule, locations, and other details visit www.austinkayak.com.

Wednesday, September 21 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

Thursday September 22 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Meeting location undetermined. Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Friday - Sunday, September 23 - 25 Camping at Inks Lake State Park This outing is open to T.O.W.N. members, their friends, family and well behaved dogs!

Hi Ladies, I'm looking forward to our September outing at our most favorite camping area...Inks Lake!    Lots of opportunity to ING on this trip....biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, fielding, geocaching, etc.  The dates are September 23-25. I've invited theT.O.W.N. Bastrop group and a few Waco T.O.W.N. members to join us. This outing is open to T.O.W.N. members, their friends, family and well behaved dogs!

Let me know if you have reserved a spot and:

if you would like to share your site with a fellow tenter or rv'er?

the nights you have reserved?

if you are bringing a bike/kayak?

if you would like to borrow a tent/sleeping bag, etc.?

if you would like to borrow a bike, kayak or well-behaved dog during the outing?

I'll be arriving on September 22 so that I can get in line early on the 23rd and "check everyone in" which will allow us all to be in the same area regardless of when you actually arrive.

There are still several sites available so go to the website to reserve your spot. http://texas.reserveworld.com/  I'm a tenter and reserved a site in the Water/Electric-30amp area(Northloop, West 1,2,3)  You can't rsvp a specific site until you check in.

If you have questions or need help with the reservations, contact me: MichelleA.

Friday - Sunday, September 23 - 25 McKinney Falls State Park Weekend Events and Campout with Camping, Hiking, Stargazing and Birding Everyone Invited, pets should probably not attend the star gazing or the birding. They can certainly hike and camp.

This is a combo event with the Friends of McKinney Falls State Park.

The Friends of McKinney Falls have planned a weekend of events for September 24 & 25 and I have added on a campout for our group.

Saturday morning, Sept. 24 there will be the regular twice-monthly guided nature hike, "The Changing Faces of Onion Creek." The hike will begin at the Smith Visitors' Center at 10:00 a.m. and will last about an hour and a half.

Saturday evening we will have an astronomy/star gazing evening led by our own Don Behrman. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. and last until around 11:00 p.m. The location will be near the group camping area at the park.

Sunday, September 25, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the Friends of McKinney Falls State Park and Travis Audubon Society will lead a bird walk. We'll join Shelia Hargis as we explore McKinney Falls State Park. This 744 acre park is situated along Onion Creek and has a variety of habitats. We’ll explore several of the habitats as well as learn more about the park and the Friends of McKinney Falls. Bring your lunch to enjoy with the group when the birding is completed.

I plan to camp Friday through Sunday nights and participate in all 3 events. To reserve a campsite call TPWD @ 512-389-8900, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. or make your reservations online @ http://texas.reserveworld.com/.

You are welcome to participate in any or all of events whether or not you want to camp. The park does require a $5.00 daily use fee unless you have a Texas State Parks Pass.

For questions reply to JudyD.

Saturday, September 24 Tarrytown/Austin Walk with the Volksmarch Colorado River Walkers

This is not a TOWN-sponsored event, but if you would like to get out and walk with others, come to the Tarrytown Walk sponsored by the Colorado River Walkers volksmarch club on Saturday, September 24.

Some say Tarrytown is Austin's most prestigious address and it certainly is where many of the city's movers and shakers live.

Check in at the start table anytime between 8 a.m. and noon at the Good Shepard Episcopal Church (3201 Windsor, corner of Windsor & Exposition). There will be 6K and a 10K route to walk on your own through this area of gracious houses, many small but with hefty price tags. Maps and written route instructions will be at the start table. All walkers must sign a liability release and carry a walk card. The walk is free, unless you want to obtain IVV credit ($3).

An event flyer with additional informtion is attached.

Several TOWN members are active with the Colorado River Walkers and would be happy to see you on the walk.

For questions or to RSVP, contact CarolC.

Tuesday, September 27 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm. Emily Maline will present a climbing presentation. Emily has been a rock climber for many years, practicing a variety of climbing styles including lead-climbing, bouldering and multi-pitch climbing. She has climbed all over the country, including much of Colorado, Nevada and Texas

Our speaker is Emily Maline, instructor for REI, who will introduce us to Rock ClimbingI. Emily has been a rock climber for many years, practicing a variety of climbing styles including lead-climbing, bouldering, and multi-pitch climbing. She has participated in climbs throughout the US including the states of Colorado, Nevado, and Texas. Even if you don't intend to ever climb, this should be a hoot to hear. Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, September 28 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Friday - Sunday, September 30 - October 2 Galveston Island Deep Sea Fishing Trip with Fishing on Saturday, October 1. Ladies only and not pets please.

Let's go fish! I am planning on a deep sea fishing trip to Galveston. We will arrive in Galveston on Friday, Sept. 30 and depart on Sunday, Oct. 2. Let's make this a ladies only trip although you can bring your female friends. Pets aren't allowed on board the boat.

I have talked to Capt. John Fishing boat and the plans are to fish on Saturday, Oct. 1. The hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the cost for the trip is $70.00. I plan on making my reservation right away. When you call to make yours, tell them that you are with me so we can be as close together as possible to fish. The number for your reservation is 409-762-8808. They will have my name as Judy Johnson.   http://www.galvestonfishingboats.com/.

We need to get to the boat by 6:45 a.m. Saturday morning. When you make your reservation they will email the information you need for the trip.

There are 4 RV Parks in or near Galveston. I've listed them in order closest to the fishing boat.
Bayou Shores RV Park, 6310 Heards Lane, (409)744-2837., 4 1/2 miles to the fishing boat.
Dellanera RV Park, 10901 San Luis Pass Rd., (409)797-5102., about 8 miles to the boat
Galveston Island State Park   http://www.reserveworld.com or 512-389-8900 (9AM to 6PM Monday-Friday) for reservations.    http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/galveston/, about 14 miles to the boat.
Jamaica Beach RV Park, about16 miles from the boat (409) 632-0200 ‎

I can't tell you anything about any of these except the first two have been rebuilt since Hurricane Ike and the state park is still being rebuilt although there are campsites with hookups open.

If you interested in a condo or hotel, there are a number of those close by. http://www.galveston.com will give you information. If you need additional help, let me know. I have very little personal experience with hotels and motels in Galveston in recent years.

A Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required. Obtain one online at
https://txfgisales.appsolgrp.com/fgtxisa/jsp/preindex.jsp?siteID=TPWDINTBRKR, or by phone at (800-895-4248) — 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday; or Wal-Mart, Academy, or at the office before you board the boat.
Check the online page for prices.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyD .

OCTOBER

Saturday, October 1 Let's Go to the Cow Parade in Downtown Austin! 9am Includes TOWN members, family, friends, children (no pets)

What is it? CowParade is the largest and most recognized public art event in the world. CowParade exhibits, held in 75 cities in 30 counties on six continents to date, have produced more than 5,000 of the signature cow canvases painted on and transformed by artists in the event venues. The exhibits have been viewed by upwards of one half billion of the global population. Each CowaParade event has an important charitable component, and at the end of the public exhibit, about 50 of the best event cows are sold at a live auction gala for the benefit of the nonprofit with which CowParade has partnered in the venue.

Musicowly Speaking

Where to meet: CowParade Austin has nearly 100 decorated cow sculptures painted by area artists scattered around town, but most are concentrated in downtown. Starting at NE corner of 10th Street & Congress Avenue, we'll stroll down Congress, cross the River, over to the Long Center & Butler Park, across Pfluger bridge, circle City Hall and back to our starting point. We'll see approximately 25 cows before noon.

When: Saturday, October 1, 9:00 a.m.

Parking: State parking lots at the SE corner of Congress & 11th (entries from Congress and from E. 11th) and a back-up lot on the NW corner of W. 11th & Colorado should be availabe and are free. Curb parking spaces should be plentiful at that time of day along Congress and cross streets of 10th and 11th should be plentiful at that time of day (bring quarters as the City may begin charging for Saturday parking downtown).

Who: TOWN members, family, friends, children (no pets).

What to bring/wear: Comfortable clothing based on the weather, walking shoes, water, camera (you'll love having your picture made with some of these bovines) and $$ in case an impromptu lunch should break out following the walk.

Udderly thrilled to be your Tour Guide! For questions or to RSVP, email CarolC.

Sunday, October 2 Gun Safety Class 11am - 2pm Includes 10 TOWN-Austin members; obviously no pets.

What:             Gun Safety Class

Who is included:        This will be limited to 10 TOWN-Austin members. If more than 10 members show interest, a second class will be scheduled.

Details:            Marsha Karrass’s husband Frank has offered to present a one hour Gun Safety Class. Frank will discuss differences between rifles, shotguns, pistol and revolvers. He will discuss calibers and how the bullets are sized. He will discuss general gun safety with safety on/off, how to check for bullet in chamber, what does "sawed off shotgun" mean and how that effects spray pattern (illegal but when facing robbery), single action vs. repeating action, etc. He can also make a bullet or two and discuss parts of the bullet, primer, etc. Also, he can touch on rim-fire vs. center-fire and other terms that are used frequently in the gun world. Guns will not be loaded and Frank will not be firing any guns.

Where:            Marsha will send the location information to those members who are attending.

Lunch:            Marsha will provide lunch following the class, BUT all attendees will be asked to bring canned goods for her church. She belong to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, about 50 people, and they have food bank, clothes closet and other homeless services. Food is always needed.

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarshaK.

Wednesday, October 5 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

Friday - Sunday, October 7-9 Volksport March

Please note this is not a TOWN-Austin outing.
For questions, email CarolC.
Saturday, October 8 Owl Prowl 7pmThe fee for the park is $5.00 unless you have a state parks card. Otherwise, the activity is free and open to the public.

Note: This is not sponsered by TOWN-Austin.

Meet at the amphitheater.

Sunday, October 9 Hike the Pedernales Grave Yard Loop 9am Everyone is welcome.

Location: Pedernales State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636-4188
(830) 868-7304

Date: Oct. 9, Sunday

Time: 9:00 a.m. from trailhead parking area located between camp sites 33 & 34

Carpool time and place: 8:30 a.m. at Goodwill parking area at the Y where hwy. 290 & hwy. 71 meet. Jan will meet you there and can transport 7 people (in addition to herself) in her Honda Pilot.

Directions: west of Austin 32 miles on US Highway 290, then north on FM 3232 for 6 miles.

Length of hike: about a 5 mile loop

Intensity: moderate; some ups and downs

Fees:
$5 per day, per person 13 & older
No fee for anyone in a car with a Texas State Park Pass (advantage of carpooling w/JanJ
50% reduced entry fee per card holder of Texas Parks Passport

Lunch: bring a sack lunch to enjoy after the hike

Don’t forget: water, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, sack lunch, snacks.

Please respond directly to JennyF by 9:00 p.m. Sat., Oct. 8th if you plan to join us and where you plan to join us (carpool location or trailhead location).

Hope to see you there! For questions or to RSVP, contact JennyF.

Wednesday, October 12 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

Friday - Sunday, October 14 - 16 Camping at Garner State Park "new section"

Details from Dawn when available.

Make your camping reservations now.

Saturday, October 15 Hike at River Place 8:30 am

Join me for a hike at the RIVER PLACE Nature Trail. Please read details below.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15th at 8:30 am

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends; leashed dogs (plan ahead to pick up waste); the trail surface is not appropriate for strollers.

DIFFICULTY: Challenging. Trail surface composed of boardwalk at the start, then hard pack and rock. There are many stairs and steep elevation gains going up. The good news is that it is mostly downhill coming back. Be prepared for a good leg workout.

DISTANCE: 5 miles. It is an out and back trail. Half way is 2.5 miles.

SCENERY: Gorgeous views of the River Place golf courses down below, million dollar houses in the area, canyon vistas, boulders and rock formations, ponds, creek beds and various wildlife. The trail is well maintained and well marked. Unless it rains soon the creek beds will probably all be dry but maybe we will get lucky and see some water this time.

TIME: We’ll take a moderate pace and should finish exploring the trail in 2.5 to 3 hrs.

COST: Free.

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: Meet at 8:30 am at 8820 Big View Drive. Take RR 2222 west from the RR 2222/Loop 360 intersection for 4.3 miles. Turn left on River Place Blvd. Continue on River Place for 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Big View Drive at T intersection, continue for 0.6 miles and park by the pavilion and restrooms across from the artificial pond. Meet in the parking lot.

BRING: plenty of water to stay hydrated (enough for your dog too), snacks, walking stick if you desire, any other personal items you may want or need.

WEAR: sunscreen, hat, good quality tennis shoes or hiking boots, no flip flops or sandals please. Please RSVP before 6 pm on Friday, October 14th. Email, call or Facebook me if you have any questions.
Thanks!

For questions or to RSVP, contact CarolynD.

Saturday, October 15 Archeology Fair at McKinney Falls State Park 10 am - 3 pmThe fee for the park is $5.00 unless you have a state parks card. Otherwise, the activity is free and open to the public.

Note: This is not sponsered by TOWN-Austin.

McKinney Falls SP will host an Archeology Fair on Oct. 15. A number of events are scheduled including various demonstrations and hands-on activities such as: flintknapping, rope twining lessons, rabbit stick and atlatl accuracy exercises, tracking, and stalking. Participants will learn how to start a fire by friction using such tools as a bow drill and other implements.

Demonstrations using original tools and techniques, will show how trees were made into lumber, which was then crafted into useful items that would have been used by members of the McKinney family during the mid-19th century.

Join guided tours throughout the park, to a rock shelter and to the McKinney homestead and gristmill. A special hike focusing on the edible plants of the area is scheduled. An archery range will be available, and instruction will be provided by certified staff.

For questions or to RSVP, contact JudyD.

Wednesday, October 18 ~~Butterfly Watching at Lake Georgetown COE Park 10am~~ Cancelled due to drought

Anyone want to go up there and see the butterflies? Early migrants are already arriving.

What and where: outing to Lake Georgetown COE Park to see the butterflies - The Cedar Breaks Park

When: Tuesday, October 18. Meet at Academy at 9:00 if you live in the south and want to carpool. We will meet at the Park at 10:00
Who: anyone who wants to come; I don't know the park policy on dogs so check the website
Cost: There is a cost to enter the park - it is free if you have a Golden Age Passport; I don't know if there is a cost on weekdays.

If you live in the south part of town and want to carpool, we will meet at Academy located at I-35 and William Cannon at 9:00. We will hope to arrive at the park at by 10:00 if the traffic co-operates. If you live farther north just meet us at the park near the entrance. Bring a sack lunch and drink, sunglass, sunblock, etc.

The overall park is large and has several " parks" within it. I have been to the park but don't know the name of the part I have been to, so I am arbitrarily choosing the Cedar Breaks Park to meet.

Here is the web site with directions:
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/georgetown/Information/Directions.asp

CEDAR BREAKS PARK - Driving north on IH 35 take exit 261( Hwy 29). Turn left across IH 35 and continue approximately 1 mile to D.B. Wood Road. Turn right on D. B. Wood Road and continue approximately 2.5 miles to Cedar Breaks Road. Turn left on Cedar Breaks Road and continue approximately 1.5 miles to the park.

For questions or to RSVP, contact AmeliaG. If you decide at the last moment to come, Just show up.

Wednesday, October 19 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact LindaF.

Thursday October 20 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Friday, October 21 Twillight Hike 7pmThe fee for the park is $5.00 unless you have a state parks card. Otherwise, the activity is free and open to the public.

Note: This is not sponsered by TOWN-Austin.

Meet at the Smith Visitors' Center.

Sunday October 23 Celebrate TOWN-Austin 9am-2pm Includes members, family, friends, and dogs. (Dogs must be leashed.)

For question or to RSVP, contact Jacque.

Let’s get together and celebrate out TOWN group!

Date:             Sunday, October 23rd
Time:             9am - 2pm (pavilion reservation)

Who:              TOWN-Austin members, their families including children, partners, friends, and leashed dogs are included.

Where:         Note this is Brushy Creek Lake Park         located on Parmer Lane. For map to location, http://www.cedarparktx.us/cp/page41901341.aspx

We have reserved the Cypress Pavilion beginning at 9am until 2pm.  Picnic tables will accommodate 50 folks. Restrooms are nearby. Parking is free. For park details, visit Cedar Park’s website                 http://www.cedarparktx.us/cp/pr_bclp.aspx

Schedu! le of events:                 9am                 Set up food & supplies            need volunteers

                                                10am               Hiking or Kayaking                  need volunteers to lead these activities

                                                12:30pm          Lunch                                       need volunteers to cook

                                                2:30pm            Bike ride                   !                need volunteers to lead this activity

                                                After                Clean-up                                  need volunteers

We have the pavilion until 2pm. So after 2, we can kayak, hike and bike as long as we desire.

TOWN-Austin will provide: hamburgers (beef and veggie), hot dogs, buns, mustard, mayo, onions, cheese, drinking water, cups, plastic-ware, charcoal, and paper goods.

Members are asked to provide:   pot luck dish to share with serving utensil, your choice of drink, and a (just-in-case) lawn chair.

Alcohol policy:        City of Cedar Park – Park and Recreation Department guidelines allow alcohol.

Volunteers needed:     We need volunteers for set-up, clean-up, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs.

RSVP

Please contact jsaustin54@sbcglobal.net to RSVP and volunteer. Please RSVP by 5pm Wednesday, October 19th so we may complete the needed purchases.

When you RSVP, tell me if you want hot dogs vs. hamburgers (beef or veggie) and numbers of each. We don’t want lots of extras left over to discard.

Activities

Activities available include: a playscape, sand volleyball, nature trail, exercise stations, birding trail, fishing pier (see details below), kayak and canoe launch area, kayak rental (see details below), Brush Creek Regional Trail (see details below), and bocce courts.

Regarding the fishing pier: fishing is governed by TPWD. Visit this site                http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/general/fish_licenses/ to determine is you or your family members need a license.

Visit this site for details regarding the biking trail. This is where I will be!                http://parks.wilco.org/Home/Trails/BrushyCreekRegionalTrail/tabid/1769/Default.aspx

Link to reserve a kayak is                   http://www.rowpaddlebrushycreek.com/         The phone # is 809-8916. Darla usually answers the phone. The cost to reserve a one-person sit-on-top kayak is $10/hour; cost for a two-person sit-on-top kayak is $15/hour. Talk with Darla about a 10% discount if you reserve your kayak early.

Tuesday, October 25 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
Bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack and we'll gather at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Our speaker begins at 7pm.

Our speaker is Molly Stevens, the Executive Director Westcave Preserve. Since joining Westcave, Molly has worked to double the size of land buffering the preserve land. She is involved with the Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin, a region wide advocacy group to encourage kids to experience the outdoors. Molly will share a video about Westcave and talk about the formation of the grotto and caves. Come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, October 26 Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake 6pm

It's spring and time for Wednesday evening kayaking! No kayaker will be left behind during these paddling outings. Meet at the Rowing Dock located at 2418 Stratford Drive in Zilker Park. Kayak rental is $10/evening and that's a bargain. Visit their website at http://www.rowingdock.com/ .

For questions or to RSVP, contact MichelleA.

~~Friday - Sunday, October 28 - 30 Camping at Bastrop State Park~~Cancelled due to fire in Bastrop State Park MichelleA is researching various locations to camp for this weekend, so stay tuned.

Sunday, October 30 Hike at Barton Creek Greenbelt followed by Brunch 8am All are welcome except dogs.

All are welcome but no dogs as Willie and Millie are convinced that they are the greatest dogs in the world and want no competition to prove otherwise. Route will take about 2- 2.5 hours.

We will leave from Marsha's house- 4706 Mesa Oaks Circle. It is a circular route, 5.7 miles, with trail through canyons and then greenbelt and Barton Creek (dry) and then back to my house for brunch. There are only couple of spots that are challenging.

It is circular route but my husband will be on standby and can pick folks up at sites if there is need.

I plan on cooking German food as it is Oktoberfest and will have German Stew (pork, apples, etc.) and salad, home made bread and Black Forest Trifle-- all prepared low fat and reduced calorie. If there are specific dietary needs, I will modify--just let me know.

Also, if you cannot hike, then just join us for brunch at 11:00 a.m.

If you would like, please bring canned goods for my little church for the food bank. Thanks!

Directions:

Mopac South
Exit Southwest Parkway
Turn R on SWP and then
Turn R on Republic of Texas Blvd
Turn R on Travis Country Ci
Turn Right on Mesa Oaks Ci
4th house on the right

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarshaK.

NOVEMBER

Tuesday, November 1 Birding at Riata Pond 8am

*********** NOTE - not sponsered by TOWN-Austin

The Travis Audubon Society is having a Two-Hour Tuesday bird outing. These are particularly good outings for beginning birders.

We will meet at Riata Pond on Riata Trace Parkway. Directions are below.

Membership in TAS is not required. Email if you wish to join me and I’ll watch for you. I have one extra pair of binoculars and will have them available if you respond.

Jacque             jsaustin54@sbcglobal.net

Directions: Take Duval exit from Hwy 183. If coming from the south, continue north on service road past Duval for about .6 mile, then turn right onto Riata Trace Parkway. If coming from the north, go under 183 and follow the service road instructions above. The pond is about 1 mile ahead on right. Park in the office building parking lot just past (east of) the pond. Please try to park in the corner of the lot closest to Riata Trace Pkwy and away from the front doors of the office building. No registration required.

Friday - Sunday, November 4 - 6 ~~Practice for Appalachian Trail Hiker Wanna' Be Folks at McKinney Falls State Park~~ Cancelled due to lack of participation.

This is an opportunity to try out primitive camping in anticipation of hiking the Appalachian Trail. See if AT hiking is for you.   We can't reserve the primitive sites, but I have reserved 3 regular camping sites. I will try to get to the park at 8 am. and snag the primitive sites. If I can't get them, then we have the 3 regular sites for back-up and can still pretend.

This outing will be a mini experience in walking the AT trail. We will arrive on Friday sometime and walk to the site with our loaded backpacks and set up camp. We will filter all our water, use our propane stoves, eat our dried food and wear the same clothes all weekend.   We will not use benches or tables. However, we will use the restrooms provided

On Sat. morning we will pack up all our gear, walk the 3 mile trail with our loaded backpacks and set up camp again. Since we are doing it in a park and have benches and tables, we can modify the routine to fit our comfort level as it becomes necessary. A friend wants me to walk with her on some of the AT trail in the summer of 2011. I think I will miss benches and tables the most. I hope I can build up enough strength to carry my backpack comfortably. At least we don't have bears in this part of Texas.   If you are interested, contact AmeliaG.

Friday - Sunday, November 4 - 6 Goliad Flotilla and Campout at Goliad State Park

Visit http://www.canoetrailgoliad.com/ for more details.

Who: Members, guests, well-behaved dogs & kids
When: See above
Costs: Flotilla - $0, Camping fees - $8-$20/night, State park fees - $3/day (free for State Park Pass Holders), Fellowship with TOWNies – priceless!

Come join us for the 9th annual Fall Flotilla at Goliad! This is a beautiful part of the San Antonio River and is a 6.5 mile, nice, leisurely float.

The state park has a mission (Mission Espiritu Santo) that you can tour (free with your entry fee). Down the road are several historic buildings/sites including the Presidio La Bahia and Fannin Battleground State Historic Site and Fannin Memorial Monument, which is the burial site of Col James Fannin and victims of the Goliad massacre of 1836.

What to bring: canoe/kayak, PDF (required) & paddle, sunscreen, food, drinks, water, camping equipment (if you’re camping), sunscreen, bug spray, hat, kitchen sink, anything else you might need. Hopefully the burn bans will be lifted by November so that we can have campfires again! (Sorry, there will not be kayaks or canoes available for rent for the Flotilla.)

I will arrive at the state park around noon on Friday, the 4th. The Flotilla is scheduled for Saturday morning.

Please send Gloria an email ( if you plan on camping. I am registered for the Karankawa section of the park. This is the section by the shelters and has water, electric & sewer. If you are camping in this section with an RV and wouldn’t mind sharing your site with a tent camper, please let me know. Tent-campers, if you’d like to share the cost of a site with RVers or other campers that may already have reservations, please contact me before you make camping reservations. Any other questions, please contact Gloria . If people are interested, we will have a pot luck supper Saturday night.

Information re: Goliad Flotilla: http://www.canoetrailgoliad.com/. You will need to register for the flotilla after October 1st by sending an email to Janie Holcombe: kccanoe@aol.com. Her phone is 830-780-3249. I will send out a reminder to register early in October for those that are interested.

State Park website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/goliad_and_mission_espiritu_santo/#sch

Let's hope we get some rain between now and November!

For questions or to RSVP, contact Gloria.

Saturday, November 12 Hike at Blunn Creek Preserve 9am

Hey TOWNies! Join me for a hike at the Blunn Creek Preserve on Saturday morning, November 12th. Please read details below.

WHEN: Saturday, November 12th at 9:00 am

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends; (sorry - no dogs permitted on this trail).

DIFFICULTY: Easy (due to length and shade). Trail surface composed of dirt with some rock (compressed volcanic ash). The trails are well marked and maintained, although portions are rocky and steep. No potable water or restroom facilities.

DISTANCE: 1.5 mile loop with a short out-and-back segment leading to the Volcano Overlook.

SCENERY: Forty-acre Blunn Creek Nature Preserve, across the street from St Edward's University, remains wild and natural. The trail includes dense tree cover to hilly overlooks. It is a Nature Preserve maintained by the City of Austin Parks Department.

TIME: Approximate hiking time is one hour. We can take our time exploring the area though and it's a great place for bird-watching.

COST: Free.

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: From near downtown Austin, take Cesar Chavez Street to I-35. Enter I-35 and go south over the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) for 2 miles, then take the Oltorf Street exit to the I-35 Frontage Road. Follow the Frontage Road south for 0.5 mile and turn right (West) onto St. Edwards Drive. Go about 3 blocks to 1200 St. Edwards Dr. The preserve is on the right (North) side of the road. Park along the curb. Since this is a public road, be sure to take any valuables with you and lock your car.

BRING: water, snacks, walking stick if you desire, any other personal items you may want or need. We can go somewhere for brunch afterwards in the South Congress area, so bring some lunch money if you want to do that.

WEAR: sunscreen, hat, good quality tennis shoes or hiking boots,(no flip flops or sandals please).

Please RSVP before 6 pm on Friday, November 11th.
For questions or to RSVP, contact CarolynD.
Thursday November 17 Board Meeting 6:30pm

Meeting location undetermined. Contact a Board member if you have an agenda item.

Saturday, November 19 Kayaking on Lake Austin 9am Members, guests and well-mannered dogs

While the weather is still nice lets go kayaking!
Who: Members, guests and well mannered dogs invited.
When: Saturday, Nov 19th at 9am.
Where: Meet at the ramp under the 360 bridge (Pennybacker Bridge).
Why: Because we can!
Bring: your kayak (no rentals available) paddle, PFD, water, snack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

For questions or to RSVP, contact JuneA. by Friday at 3pm. If I don't hear from anyone I will cancel.

Saturday, November 19 ~~Walk with the Volksmarch Colorado River Walkers at McKinney Falls~~ Cancelled

Sunday, November 20 Downtown Austin Stroll 2pm

Howdy Strollers! Come join me for a walk in downtown Austin.

WHAT: Stroll the west side of Congress Avenue and environs west to Guadalupe from the Capitol to Town Lake with narrative about historically significant locations and persons significant to the early days of the City of Austin and today's changing downtown.

Visit locations of 4 Texas capitol buildings, 2 Austin city halls, a once-raucous 19th century bordello district, the new federal courthouse under construction, 2 original public squares and more.

DAY: Sunday, November 20

TIME: 2:00 p.m. for a 3-hour walk.

WHO: TOWN members and adult guests. The walk can be tiring and the talk can be boring -- too much for young children to bear.

WHERE: Congregate on the South steps of the State Capitol building to begin. Restrooms are available on the first floor of the Capitol (north wing; note: you must pass through security screening when entering the Capitol).

PARKING: State parking lots on the SE corner of 11th and Congress and the NW corner of 11th & Colorado (just north of the Governor's Mansion adjacent to the Westgate condominum) should be available. Street parking on Lavaca between 12th & 14th Streets is frequently available (downtown parking meters are free on Sundays).

ATTIRE: Casual clothes appropriate for the weather, comfortable shoes for walking on concrete sidewalks. Bring water.

OPTIONAL DINNER: Anyone wanting to have dinner together in the downtown area after the walk is welcome.

For questions or to RSVP, contact CarolC so she will know who to watch for at the start.

Tuesday, November 22 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm the LCRA Red Bud Complex located at 3601 Lake Austin Blvd in room RBC 225
We'll gather at 6PM for a pot luck dinner and exchange of "free stuff". We'll follow with our short business meeting and our annual election of Board members.

Come and bring a friend!

Saturday, November 26 Twillight Hike 5:30 pmThe fee for the park is $5.00 unless you have a state parks card. Otherwise, the activity is free and open to the public.

Note: This is not sponsered by TOWN-Austin.

Meet at the Smith Visitors' Center.

Sunday, November 27 Hike to Sometimes Island 10am

Who: TOWNies, friends, partners, explorers, investigators, dogs who pick up after themselves, kids

What: short hike, historic opportunity (we hope)

When: Sunday, Nov. 27, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (approx) (hiking could be finished as early as 1 or 2, depending on your schedule)

Where: Mansfield Dam Recreational Park (http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/mansfield_dam.asp; get map of park)

Why: Lake Travis is at historic low levels (624 feet), and formerly inundated areas are now walkable. According to the Statesman, Sometime Island used to be a cattle ranch. Let's walk it before rains fill the lake again (which they will do, eventually. Maybe.)

This should be a two-mile walk round trip on what may be rough ground or soft sand, with maybe some brush to push through.

*Optional: bring a kayak to explore by boat.*

There is a $10 vehicle fee for day use, so once we have a list of people attending, we'll propose meet-up spots.

bring: litterbag, camera, drinking water, trekking rod, dress for weather, swimsuit and towel, old historical maps of Colorado river pre-1941, metal detector, animal track field guide, snack, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, binoculars

Some may like to drive afterward to Iguana Grill for some iced tea.

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarilynF. Also reply with where you might like to meet people for carpooling: north central, central, south central, or near the lake.

DECEMBER

Thursday - Sunday, December 1 - 4 Camping at Palmetto State Park

For questions or to RSVP, contact MarilynF .
Park website: Palmetto SP
Camping reservations: Tx SP Online Reservs, or call 512/389-8900 Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m
There were currently 16 camp sites available (elec + water) as of 10/26. The park also has a new Limited Use Cabin that may be available at a rate of $65 per night Friday - Saturday.

Who: Any TOWN member, non-member, men, dogs, kids, parents.

What: Join me in a weekend at Palmetto State Park, a small tropical oasis in Central Texas. This park is close to historic Gonzales, the beautiful San Marcos River, and set in a “lost” stand of dwarf palmettos (palmettoes?).

Where: The Park is located 10 miles northwest of Gonzales on US 183 to FM 1586, then west on FM 1586 for two miles to Ottine, then south on Park Road 11; or go six miles southeast of Luling on US 183, then southwest on Park Road 11 for two miles
.
Let Marilyn know if any of the listed activities sound especially interesting to you.

What to bring:
·     Appropriate clothing for being outdoors in the weather, at least some of the time: This includes rain gear, hiking boots, trekking rods, thermal underwear or halter tops, goosedown jackets or sundresses.
·      Money for admissions and meals.
·      Something for the “Grill luck” Saturday Night: I will bring my “portable” Weber propane grill, so you can bring a slab o meat, some cut-up veggies, whatever you like, with a little extra to share, to make a pocket stew or chop or steak; this is for the Saturday evening, unless we vote on a different time due to weather, moods, timing, or activity opportunities. We will also have a “cookie luck” if you can contribute a dozen for a sugar orgy after dinner. A healthier option might be a fruit cookie.

Why: We have lots of activity choices TBD later, depending on the weather. They include
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
·      Historic home tours (restored homes dating from the 1880s to the 1920s)
·      Gonzales Memorial Museum
·      Central Texas Oil Patch Museum (Luling)
·      Sebastopol State Historic Site in Seguin
·      City of Gonzales, the "Cradle of Texas History," where the first shots were fired for Texas Independence
·      Pioneer Village Living History Center ($5 admission) Pioneer Village
·      Antique shopping
·      Holing up in a trailer
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
·      Hiking on any of several trails, from ¾-to-3 miles in length
·      fishing
·      birding
·     pedal boat and canoe rentals and swimming (?)

History (copied and pasted from the txpwd webpage)
Gonzales was the farthest west Anglo settlement until the close of the Texas Revolution. In 1831, the Mexican government sent a six-pound cannon to Gonzales as protection against the Indians. This cannon was used in the "Come and Take It" Battle on October 2, 1835, when the first shot of the Texas Revolution was fired. General Sam Houston, while in Gonzales, learned of the defeat of the Alamo from Mrs. Almeron (Susannah) Dickinson. Mrs. Dickinson, her baby, and two servants were the only survivors of the siege. After learning of this event, General Houston gathered troops and ordered Gonzales to be burned. He then began the famous "runaway Scrape," gaining time and mustering troops to eventually take a stand at San Jacinto. There, Santa Anna was defeated and Texas gained its freedom from Mexico.

MarilynF

Sunday, December 4 Hike at Lake Georgetown 10am TOWN members, family, friends, and well behaved dogs

Greetings TOWNies! Please join me for a hike at Lake Georgetown on Sunday, December 4th.

WHEN: Sunday, December 4th at 10:00 a.m.

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends, and well behaved dogs

DIFFICULTY: easy to moderate, rocky

DISTANCE: 5 mile roundtrip (2.5 out and 2.5 back)

SCENERY: Lake views, woods, and Crockett Springs (a natural spring feeds a small water fall covered with beautiful fern)

TIME: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

COST: Free

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: Driving north on IH35 exit 261 (Hwy 29). Turn left and cross IH35 heading west for approximately 1 mile to D.B. Wood Road. Turn right on D.B. Wood Road and continue approximately 2.5 miles to Cedar Breaks Road. Turn left on Cedar Breaks Road and continue approximately 1.5 miles to the park.

CAR POOL: 9 a.m. at Jan’s house, 7907 Ceberry. Ceberry is just west of Mo-Pac off Spicewood Springs Rd. Heading north on Mo-Pac, exit Spicewood Springs Rd. and turn left (west) over Mo-Pac. Proceed on Spicewood Springs and turn right on Ceberry. It’s comes up quickly on your right after passing the big building and parking garage. Jan can take 7 in her car. Jan’s home phone is: 345-2935, cell is 694-1887.

BRING: sack lunch, water, snacks, walking stick if you desire, and other personal items you may want or need.

LUNCH: bring a sack lunch and we will picnic at the park after the hike.

WEAR: good hiking shoes (no flip flops or sandals please), hat, sunscreen, layered clothing if cold.

Please RSVP before 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. Email or call with any questions.

or questions or to RSVP, contact BobbiT.

Saturday, December 10 Hike at Bright Leaf 8:30am

Greetings TOWNies! Please join us for a hike at Bright Leaf Preserve on Saturday, December 10th.

This hike will be led by a Bright Leaf Preserve docent.

WHEN: Saturday, December 10th at 8:30 a.m.

WHO: TOWN members, family, friends. No dogs allowed per Bright Leaf policy.

DIFFICULTY: easy to slightly moderate, rocky

DISTANCE: approximately 4 miles

TIME: approximately 2 ½ hours

COST: Free

HOW TO REACH TRAILHEAD: Bright Leaf is located in central northwest Austin, just north of Camp Mabry. In between Mopac and 360 and between 2222 and Crestway Drive. All hikes start at the northern end of the park. The Bright Leaf parking lot is off 2222 between Mopac and 360.

From Mopac: Go west on 2222 and go past the light at Mesa. The next street is Creek Mountain Road (before you get to Mt. Bonnell Rd.). Take a left on to Creek Mountain Rd. and go straight until the road curves to the right. Follow the road and on the left will be a green gate to the parking lot.

From 360: Go east on 2222, go past Mt. Bonnell Rd. and turn right on Creek Mountain Rd. Then, go straight on Creek Mountain until the road curves to the right. Follow the road and on the left will be a green gate to the parking lot.

Bring: water, snacks, walking stick if you desire, and other personal items you may want or need.

WEAR: hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and dress for weather (layering is good).

Please RSVP before 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9th. Email or call with any questions.

Thanks! Hope to see you there!!

Bright Leaf Preserve website: www.brightleaf.org
For questions or to RSVP, contact JanB or JennyF.
Tuesday, December 13 Hike Planning Meeting 6pm

You are invited to a hike planning meeting extravaganza! Bring all of your hiking desires. Entertainment will be provided by Jan and Jenny:)

If for some reason you are unable to attend this festive occasion, please email the hikes you would like to lead in Jan., March, and April to: j_falkenberg@yahoo.com and jan92138@yahoo.com

Thanks and hope to see you there!

For questions or to RSVP, contact JanB or JennyF.

Thursday December 22 Board does not meet in December.

Tuesday December 27 No monthly meeting in December.