Lone Star Last Call: Austin, Texas

An “Accidental Tourist” Hill Country road Trip

They arrived shortly after 9am, Three men & a truck. Decades of pictures, furniture, clothing and memories, packed up and moved in a matter of hours. Literally before noon it was an empty shell again, ready to become a memory magnet for another family. After closing on my house and finally handing over the keys, I backed out of the driveway of my Houston area home for the last time as an owner. It was 7 years (and probably the most challenging) of my life, the longest I’d ever lived in one place as an adult. Now, on to new challenges and adventures.

Interstate 10, Westbound

My good friend Bobby invited me to visit his Hill Country home as I would not be able to travel to Williamsburg for Mother’s Day. Getting away to decompress after months of stress was a viable option.

Bobby, and his sons live in Kyle, Texas. Kyle is a bedroom community along interstate 35 just south of Austin. Part of this trip was to relax and see some of my favorite destinations in the Austin area. The other reason, to purchase a used Nikkor zoom lens from Precision Camera in North Austin. Traveling to Central America in the coming days requires a different type of photographic glass for capturing crisp images from a distance while exploring.

Driving to Bobby’s place was fairly easy. I-10 west to route 71 then to I-35 south. The drive took roughly 2.5 hours. He lives on a golf course just off the 1st green. As I pulled into his community, you can easily see golfers teeing off for a day of sport. Shortly after getting to his place I transitioned from traveler to short term resident. On this Saturday, we were attending a Seafood pool party in his community. Bobby packed a half gallon of “Fireball” (Satan in a bottle) whisky, Scotch, ice, and plastic cups. Hey, I don’t eat seafood and wasn’t planning on a liquid diet! On this day, my voice was unheard! We found where the group was sitting and I grabbed a chair. Without going into detail, I will only say the next few hours passed without major incident, learning later one of the group ended up in the pool without her top! Why, I don’t know. Hill Country fun is much different than other parts of the Lone Star State. At the end of this waterside excursion, we piled into Bobby’s SUV for a late dinner and games of knowledge at restaurant table. Here, I began to understand the competitive nature of Bobby’s family. While waiting on dinner, Bobby’s sons were fighting for the highest scores in the trivia challenges. Right up to paying the check, it never ended. The next day, I listened to Bobby talk about his brother in the same competitive spirit! Like Father, like sons. Now to bed, sleep and preparation for a Sunday in the Hill Country.

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On to Austin

Sunday morning, Both of Wilhite sons were heading out the door for work early (shortly after 7). The oldest, works as a store manager at Dollar General. The youngest, just home from college and doing fill in work while waiting for an opportunity to become a lifeguard at a local pool. Today, he was doing busboy/kitchen work at restaurant. Bobby and I left the house about 9:15, first briefly visiting the elder son at his store, then heading to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters & Bakery for some fresh brewed coffee on Lake Austin. I’d never been to this part of Austin before. This is just down the street from Lions Municipal Golf course, in an area called “The Doke.” Bobby explained that this area is owned by the University of Texas and this part of town reminded him of West University in Houston. I can see that comparison, affluent and eclectic. There was also another reason for this visit, to meet his significant other, Katrina. A very kind lady and Bobby was very excited for me to meet her. We spent an hour or two there, talking about the area, the people and the culture. At the same time, the magic of the lake/Colorado River is a magnet by itself. Both Katrina and his son came by to chat a few times. We were then on our way as Bobby was proud and happy.

During the morning drive we stopped at the University of Texas main campus. Here, preparations were underway for graduation. As one of the most well known colleges in the United States, UT was a beehive of activity on this Sunday morning. Construction crews were about and seniors were posing for photos all around campus and proud parents marveled at the beauty here while looking at a vastly depleted savings account. I took a few photos and we moved on. We were waiting for Precision Camera to open and decided to stop at a favorite watering hole to pass the time away. One Budweiser product later, we drove on. Driving through north Austin is a slightly different experience than the well known parts of town. Here, are the small businesses that make the region thrive. The window tinting, tattoo shops, auto repair and cleaners were the norm here. Nothing tourism, collegiate or tech driven was in this area.

Picking up my Lens

We arrived at Precision Camera shortly after 1pm. When I told one of the sales representatives I was here, I was shown to a counter where the lens (Nikkor 28-300 fx) was waiting. I brought my own camera and took a few sample shots. Satisfied, I decided to purchase the lens and also wanted to look at camera bags. Bobby was laughing as I went from being a confident professional to an insecure shopper!

Fast forward past a Mother’s Day shopping experience, we stopped at a place called “Bucks Backyard” in Buda. Behind this watering hole was a vast open field and Onion Creek running parallel to the property. We walked down to the edge of the water and I took a few dozen photos. On the way back to watch the Warriors/Spurs game, I passed a sign that summed up “Bucks.”

On to Pedernales Falls

Bobby went to spend his Mother’s Day with his significant other, and it was my time to begin exploring Dripping Springs, Pedernales Falls, and other points along the way. While driving, I spoke to my little sister Sonia about her weekend experiences. While talking, I was riding through an area known as “The Devil’s Backbone.” During the previous two drives through here, I always felt nervous. This trek was no exception. Shortly before arriving at Pedernales Falls, I jumped off the telephone as the terrain began to change. The entrance to the park is a series of sweeping curves and scenic views of the Hill Country. At the check in facility, you are charged by the person and not the car. I paid my $6.00 and moved on to the Falls. Parking, I saw few cars and fewer people. The walk to Pedernales is a downhill stroll through a sea of trees, brush and silence. As you get closer, you begin to hear the dull roar of the falls. Then, reaching an observation point, you see vast area where the water rushes through the rocks.

Walking down a series of steps, I arrived at the base of the falls. The water runs left to right in front of you. Some of the water is only a few inches deep, other places 7-8 feet. Watching where you step is important, actually critical. You can explore this place for hours. This trip would be only about 45 minutes. Finishing up, I headed towards Zilker Park. I wanted to arrive shortly before/after sunset to capture the reflections of downtown on Ladybird Lake.

Zilker Park

Zilker Park, Is a favorite for locals to enjoy being outside while also being close to the city. Among the miles of paths and trails, there is one location where photographers gather to watch the sun set and the reflections created. I arrived shortly after the sun had gone down. There were no clouds in the sky. A dull blue background was the backdrop on this evening. Beside me, a photographer from Houston and behind me a gentleman who flew in from Portland to experience Austin. We took photos in silence until it was nearly dark. I think I was the last to leave. Packing up my gear I wondered when/if I’d return. Austin is a magical town

South Congress Ave.

I had my last Texas “Accidental Tourist” meal on South Congress Avenue. Looking back towards downtown, you can see all the way to the State Capital building, which is over a mile away. Along this stretch of road, the food choices are nearly endless. Me? I selected an old Austin favorite, Lucy’s Fried Chicken. There I sat in an eclectic, 1960’s styled eatery with nostalgia on every wall. At the same time, the old fashioned “tube” television was on Turner Classic Movies. This night I watched a 1950’s Humphrey Bogart film while enjoying my meal.

The Return Trip

The morning departure was quiet and unassuming. I picked up a cup of “fast food” coffee for the return trip. My good friend, and often harshest critic Stephen called. We talked about life and a potential change in his world. We chatted for probably a half hour, which got me past Austin, the international airport and heading away Travis County. Later in the drive along route 71, I spotted a railroad bridge to my right. I’ve noticed this Colorado River crossing for over a year and this time turned into the town of LaGrange, Texas to see if I could find it. Later realizing this was a bridge with no public access, I moved on. Approaching another bridge, I noticed a boat access point, and exploring the area was underway. Pulling down to the boat ramp, the views were simply captivating. A lone fisherman sat at the edge of the water. We chatted for a bit as I took a few photos. A fitting way to wind up this trip as a Lone Star “Accidental Tourist.” Now, back to Katy/Richmond, Williamsburg & the rest of my life.