I’ve been in Austin for a little over a week now, but the majority of that time has been spent getting settled in, decorating my place, and running errands. After a dreary weekend, I woke up this morning to sunshine and the need to get outside and do some exploring. In the comments on my recent posts, and in conversations with people who live here, the Greenbelt has popped up many times as a great place to hike, swim in the warmer months, and lose yourself in nature – and it’s right here in the city.
Beginning at Zilker Park, the Barton Creek Greenbelt winds like a snake through the southwestern portion of the city for a little over seven miles. As you make your way down the trail along the limestone cliffs and rocky riverbed, the sounds of the nearby highways are gradually muffled by whispering trees, wildlife, and the crunch of your feet on the trail. You can lose yourself for hours exploring the web of trails that break off of the main ones, every so often leading you to the creek bed. When I was there, it was completely dry – but at other times, shallow swimming holes offer a welcome escape from the sizzling Texas heat. It was somewhat eerie to see rope swings dangling over a rocky, dried up riverbed, but at the same time they offer a promise of what’s to come, of hot summer days spent barefoot and wild.
There’s something to be said for getting in touch with nature in a new city… thanking the earth for letting you tread on it for a while. It really helps you feel more connected and more rooted in a new place.
Exploring nature was my favorite thing to do when I first moved to Lexington. I felt less overwhelmed. More like a native…. more like a person in this big, giant world. There is something special about getting lost on a trail.
As a side note, gosh darn I love the photo editing in the first berry picture.
Great post – I loved looking through these photos. It really makes me want to go wandering through the woods – although that wouldn’t be so wise at the moment seeing as how cold it is outside here in Berlin!
rae of love from berlin
One of my favorite mornings in Austin was to go for a walk/run/hike on the greenbelt, it is so beautiful and peaceful! Make sure if you’re by the Barton Skyway entrance that you stop for breakfast tacos and coffee at Tacodeli afterward!
I definitely agree – exploring nature in a new city is really refreshing and calming. It’s a good way to get to know a place while escaping all the hustle and bustle for a second.
xoxo Sara
http://www.restlessnomads.com
So much greenery! Your photos are lovely – I’m so happy that you are exploring.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
ERMEHGAHD IT’S AUSTIN <3
A little south of Austin is Wimberely, TX and it is the most beautiful little town. I recommend going to explore the shops and walk along the river.
A little south of Austin is Wimberely, TX and it is the most beautiful little town. I recommend going to explore the shops and walk along the river.
I just wrote a blog post about my serious case of wanderlust, and this post just heightened it! Beautiful photos.
xoxo Kennedy
Northern Indigo
Great photos! Outside is my favorite place to be. I never feel like I truly know a place, until I’ve spent many seasons out in nature there.
oh gosh! this post was swell! may just be my favorite one so far!
What a beautiful place.
http://korinsusanne.blogspot.no