Chasing Waterfalls

I’ve always been drawn to bodies of water.  Even as a child I would seek out local creeks with friends and spend the day getting my feet wet, hopping from slippery stone to stone. I can spend hours staring at the ocean, mesmerized by the crashing waves, the push and pull of the tide. Maybe it has something to do with my zodiac sign – I’m a scorpio, a water sign – moved deeply by the fluidity of water, how it is endlessly moving. It’s so powerful; when things get in its way, it just flows over and around them.

You wouldn’t think there are so many bodies of water to be found in the dry, central location of Austin… but, oh, there are. Large, stoic lakes, hidden swimming holes, and believe it or not, waterfalls. Gorman Falls is located in Colorado Bend State Park, a couple of hours north of Austin. The hike to the falls is a little over a mile, and takes you through fields spotted with cactus paddles and rocky formations. It’s so dry, it’s hard to believe there’s a waterfall at the end, and I kept wondering if I was going the right way. The last portion of the hike gets very steep and rocky as it takes you downhill towards the falls. I heard the sound of rushing water before I could see it. Suddenly I descended into a lush, green oasis – and I was the only one there.

I sat for a while, listening to the sound of the water, watching it flow over velvety green moss and slick stones. It was the most at peace I’ve felt in a while.

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