So once Dan and I got up and moving around, we wanted to go and find a place to go horseback riding. So we went downtown, to the informational booth to ask where to go. Only to find out, that there is NO place within an hour of Austin for horseback riding!! I was surprised, considering that we were in Texas. But I guess the area is just too urban. But its funny--since you drive just a few minutes outside of Austin, and there is nothing--I would expect to see some ranches, but maybe it just isn't the right area. But the guy suggested that we go down to Zilker Park, which is just south of downtown. There are botanical gardens there, and walking trails and that sort of thing. And Dan and I just wanted to be outside, since the weather was just stunning. It was about 70 degrees, partly cloudy--perfect.
But first, the Capitol Building was right next to the information building, so we figured we should see that while we were there. What a beautiful building.
This is a Civil War memorial
Davey Crocket's portrait hangs inside the Capitol.
The inside of the Dome. When you stand right here where Dan stood to take the picture--and you speak, it's like surround sound. The accoustics are just right for your voice to be amplified, but only to you (and maybe to anyone standing above you too...) It was so cool.
So, then, we finally head down to the park. This picture makes me laugh. We're trying to show the size of the railroad tracks. They were so little. They were for a little tram, which takes people on a tour of the park.
So, we saw a sign in the park for canoe rentals. So we rented a canoe for like an hour. It was so great. What a perfect day to canoe. It was quiet, peaceful, warm, and just wonderful.
There were so many ducks...all over the place, all kinds. There were probably a few hundred.
Yes...he really is this close to me. I was praying he wouldn't bite me. :) He didn't.
And turtles everywhere, sunning themselves. They were so cute!!
So then, when we brought the canoe back, we were starving. So we went to this burger place down the road, which was outdoor seating. Called Shady Grove. It was awesome. They set the place up like it is a trailor park...it was so funny. There, they sold a bunch of tshirts--this was one of them. Dan actually bought this shirt. ha!!
The trailor in the back is the bathrooms. However, they were the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen in a public place--ironically.
After we left Amy and Dale's we headed back into downtown Austin to experience some of the nightlife around there. Because it is supposed to be great. We went to this place called The Elephant Room, which is a jazz club. It's in a basement, and we went down in there, ordered some wine, and listened to jazz for a while. It was nice. Jazz is not always my first pick, but I like it for a while. After about an hour we were done with that and ready to move on to the next thing.
We headed over to a coffee shop called The Spiderhouse Cafe. It was awesome. We sat outside on a bench, ordered some hot drinks (because it was like 45 degrees outside) and just enjoyed the night air. Unfortunately, our heater was broken...so it didn't take me very long to get cold. I think we might have been there for over an hour though. But by the time we left, I was pretty much frozen.
Luckily, right around the corner, on the way out of the place, there was a fire going. So we went and stood by that for a bit to warm up. Then hopped in the car to head back to the hotel.
We both agreed that we wish we had one more full day in Austin. The time was just too short, especially for Dan, who only had one full day there. We would both like to go back in the summer (to see if the heat is unbearable) and spend more than a few days there.
There were so many ducks...all over the place, all kinds. There were probably a few hundred.
Yes...he really is this close to me. I was praying he wouldn't bite me. :) He didn't.
And turtles everywhere, sunning themselves. They were so cute!!
So then, when we brought the canoe back, we were starving. So we went to this burger place down the road, which was outdoor seating. Called Shady Grove. It was awesome. They set the place up like it is a trailor park...it was so funny. There, they sold a bunch of tshirts--this was one of them. Dan actually bought this shirt. ha!!
The trailor in the back is the bathrooms. However, they were the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen in a public place--ironically.
So, after this, we headed out into the country to have dinner with Amy and Dale--our new Texas friends. :) They took us out to dinner for Tex Mex---so yummy. And we hung out with them at their house for a bit. They are such fun people. I wish we had gotten a picture of the 4 of us together. Dan and I thought of it after we left. Oh well--next time (since I'm sure there will be a next time)--so get ready Amy and Dale. :)
After we left Amy and Dale's we headed back into downtown Austin to experience some of the nightlife around there. Because it is supposed to be great. We went to this place called The Elephant Room, which is a jazz club. It's in a basement, and we went down in there, ordered some wine, and listened to jazz for a while. It was nice. Jazz is not always my first pick, but I like it for a while. After about an hour we were done with that and ready to move on to the next thing.
We headed over to a coffee shop called The Spiderhouse Cafe. It was awesome. We sat outside on a bench, ordered some hot drinks (because it was like 45 degrees outside) and just enjoyed the night air. Unfortunately, our heater was broken...so it didn't take me very long to get cold. I think we might have been there for over an hour though. But by the time we left, I was pretty much frozen.
Luckily, right around the corner, on the way out of the place, there was a fire going. So we went and stood by that for a bit to warm up. Then hopped in the car to head back to the hotel.
We both agreed that we wish we had one more full day in Austin. The time was just too short, especially for Dan, who only had one full day there. We would both like to go back in the summer (to see if the heat is unbearable) and spend more than a few days there. I really didn't want to leave when we did, and neither did Dan. So--I think it is safe to say that another trip will be taking place in the future. Plus--we now have friends in Austin! Dale, Amy, Sarah, John and Joley. So, it is nice to have some connections down there.
We never did get to connect with Paul Vick, sadly. But he and I have been playing phone tag the past few days. So hopefully one of these days we will actually connect on the phone, and we'll hopefully get to meet in person the next time I'm down there. That would be great.
No comments:
Post a Comment