In June, I took a trip to the mainland making four stops: California, Montana, Ohio, and Texas. The last stop was in Austin, Texas, where I meet seven other college friends for a three day reunion. My friend Carol Clouse did a wonderful job of writing up our adventure and organize all our photos and has given me permission to use her text here on the web post. Thanks Carol!

Real Austin
Our Fourth Biennial Reunion June 18-21, 2016
By Carol Clouse

Our adventure stared out on June 18, 2016, eight friends traveling from Maui, Chicago, Breckenridge, Willow Glen, Santa Clara, and Watsonville gathering in Austin Texas, the live music capital of the world.

Jay, our thorough and very organized travel agent, found our 705 Garner Ave. palatial six-bedroom house. On arrival, we were greeted with an amazing BBQ dinner from Terry Black’s Barbecue, a great find by Eric. The brisket and ribs were cooked to perfection, the cheesy sausage was an amazing blend of flavors, and the beans and the additional sides made for a perfect start to another fun adventure.

After catch up and cocktail hour, we walked the “Dirty Six” (6th St.) checking out bars and music venues. We popped in the Nook and played a ring game, which involved tossing a hanging ring onto a hook on the wall (quite a challenge). Not finding the right venue on 6th St., we traveled to One-2-One club where the band was playing Tom Petty music.

Our Barbecue leftovers made for a yummy breakfast, perfect with coffee roasted by Matt. Next, we settled on a list of things to see and do. The Lauries, Nan, Judy and Carol walked S. Congress from Heritage Boots to Allen’s Boots, enjoying shops along the way. The designer boots were tempting, but the over $1,000 price tag kept us at bay.

Shopping is hard work, we eventually found ourselves with drinks in hand at Guero’s Garden listening to four musicians who just got together to form a band called Blue Sunday. Their bluegrass music was lively, entertaining and well done. With air misting to cool us down, we were very satisfied. After a bit, Eric, Jay, and Matt joined us.

Next on our check-off list of Austin finds was Barton Springs Pool. Nan, Jay, Laurie B., and Judy went swimming to cool off while Eric, Laurie and Matt stayed cool in the air-conditioned house enjoying margaritas, gin and tonics and the US Open. On our way back, we hit the food trucks near Barton Springs and brought home Monte Cristo Sandwiches from “Hey!…You Gonna Eat or What?”, chicken and avocado cones from “The Mighty Cone” and cupcakes from “Hey Cupcake”. We were very pleased with our selections.

Our evening plan was to watch the NBA Finals and then seek out some live music. Our half-time entertainment was Eric on the piano and Judy singing. The current Californians cheered the Warriors while Eric and Laurie B. for some unexplained reason rooted for the Cavaliers/LeBron. Much to the disappointment of the Californians, the Cavaliers won the very close game. Eric and Laurie where kind not to rub our noses in it. The lure of spending a beautiful evening with a full moon, on the deck with college friends trumped a night of live music.

Our second full day was a day of many check offs. We got out early in the morning and walked down to Barton Springs Trail before it really go hot. We fallowed Barton River to the Colorado River (little Colorado) on a very well-traveled, tree covered path that followed the river. We even caught photos of an owl perched on a branch hanging over the river.

And what brought us to Austin??? Jay heard about the Mad Dog Margaritas at the Texas Chili Parlor in the Townes Van Zandt version of Guy Clark’s “Dublin Blues” tune. Judy and Laurie B met us there after their fun shopping excursion. The margaritas and Bloody Mary’s were quite tasty and the chili did not disappoint, what flavor! Well-done Jay, we love Austin food and the music scene.

Laurie B. and Carol walked down to Barton Springs, this time not to the very large pool, but to a free section adjacent to the pool. A perfect spot to cool off in the refreshing water was found. A paddle boarder came along looking for someone to watch his paddle-board…perfect. Laurie was stoked with the opportunity to try paddle boarding again and Carol made a first attempt and got up on a first try. Very fun time.

We were a group divided on the evening, half looking for great music and half looking for bats. Nan, Jay, Matt and Carol rented water bikes and tootled around the river waiting for the bats of Austin appear. Under a full moon, summer solstice sky at dusk, bats emerged from under the S. Congress Bridge. We definitely saw bats but not near as many as desired. (The one photo with bats shows what we were hoping to see.) Meanwhile, Judy, Eric, Laurie and Laurie went off to find some music and returned excited with their find at Antone’s. There was a $5 cover charge, lots of special guests and a birthday celebration for Derek with cake and pizza.

When we all returned, we shared stories of our adventure and enjoyed each others company. Carol and Matt received great news that night that Andrew and Julia were pregnant with their first child.

Although we were not able to check out more sites, music venues, restaurants and bars in Austin, we were pleased with the balance we were able to reach in the limited time we had together.

One last stop at La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria for tacos; their tortillas and salsa were quite tasty and really added to the taco.

Another trip filled with new adventures and memories with good friends. We are left with the question, “Where to go in two years?” There are so many great destinations in the United States!

Photo gallery below:
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