September 07, 2023
I had reservations for a dip at Blue Gap swimming gap in Wimberley, Texas, simply earlier than Labor Day. However the drought has left little untouched in Texas this summer season, and I quickly acquired a cancellation discover. Blue Gap has closed for the remainder of the season resulting from low spring movement. Tragic.
Fortunately — for now, anyway — the chilly pure springs that fill Barton Springs Pool in Austin proceed to movement. We pivoted and went there early one morning to beat the crowds. By arriving earlier than 8 am, we additionally bought in at no cost. The tradeoff? We weren’t sweating at that early hour, so the 68F-degree pool felt even colder than ordinary. However when you begin swimming, it’s grand.
I don’t come right here fairly often (disgrace on me), so I’m at all times struck anew by how magical this place is. Swimming in nonchlorinated water, with fish and geese sharing the house with you, with a pure cliff alongside one aspect and downtown beckoning on the finish, it’s a blissful summer season expertise to lazily paddle and float from one finish to the opposite and again once more.
An Austin treasure
Lockhart within the afternoon
That afternoon we drove 45 minutes southeast to Lockhart, my favourite small city simply exterior of Austin. The stately Caldwell County Courthouse stands tall in the principle sq..
We headed to Outdated Pal for lunch, the place we loved burgers and hen. This place has a terrific vibe, pleasant service, and good meals and drinks.
Dolly trying just like the icon she is
A cowgirl on our tabletop
Try the 78644 Podcast for every thing Lockhart.
We stopped at Commerce Gallery to see Austin artist Christy Stallop‘s new work. Her present is over now, however we loved her grackles with tumbleweeds.
That’s gonna be fairly the nest!
Different grackles in her present signify beloved musicians. Right here’s Willie.
And Stevie Ray Vaughan
And Elvis
Christy’s branching out from her common and humorous grackle artwork and portray tumbleweeds nowadays, experimenting with a muted palette and a western-minimalist type. I like them.
Another
When you haven’t been out to Barton Springs Pool or Lockhart this summer season, there’s nonetheless time, Texas buddies. You received’t be sorry.
For a earlier put up I wrote about Barton Springs, with extra element, click on right here.
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