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 time, and I quickly acquired a cancellation discover. Blue Gap has closed for the remainder of the season as a result of low spring circulate. Tragic.
Fortunately — for now, anyway — the chilly pure springs that fill Barton Springs Pool in Austin proceed to circulate. We pivoted and went there early one morning to beat the crowds. By arriving earlier than 8 am, we additionally obtained in at no cost. The tradeoff? We weren’t sweating at that early hour, so the 68F-degree pool felt even colder than common. 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 area with you, with a pure cliff alongside one facet and downtown beckoning on the finish, it’s a blissful summer time 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 outdoors of Austin. The stately Caldwell County Courthouse stands tall in the primary sq..
We headed to Outdated Pal for lunch, the place we loved burgers and hen. This place has an excellent vibe, pleasant service, and good meals and drinks.
Dolly trying just like the icon she is
A cowgirl on our tabletop
Take a look at the 78644 Podcast for every part 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 symbolize beloved musicians. Right here’s Willie.
And Stevie Ray Vaughan
And Elvis
Christy’s branching out from her standard and humorous grackle artwork and portray tumbleweeds as of late, experimenting with a muted palette and a western-minimalist model. I like them.
Yet another
If you happen to haven’t been out to Barton Springs Pool or Lockhart this summer time, there’s nonetheless time, Texas pals. You received’t be sorry.
For a earlier submit I wrote about Barton Springs, with extra element, click on right here.
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