Travel Tuesday-Hamilton Pool Preserve

Saturday was the 1st day of Summer.  Our Summer started on Friday when we took a road trip to Austin to visit the Hamilton Pool Preserve. 

I like the opporunity for road trips to be educational learning for the entire family.  Just because school is out does not mean we stop learning.  Even the little one can learn a thing or two, and we are never too old to stop learning. 

With Austin being so close to home, we have decided to visit another beautiful place I never knew excited.  As I was goggling beautiful places to visit a place here in Texas popped up.  I had to double check that this place was really real and it was.

Look how beautiful this place is.  It is so serene.  A natural beauty and it being so close to home, we had to add it to our Texas Road Trip Places To Visit List.  (picture and information below come from https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool)

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court in 1990.  Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle.

You can call to check if there is swimming on the day of your visit.  Our visit day included a no swimming day due to the bacteria levels, which was ok with us because this place was just beautiful to be at, take in, and experience.

During our walk we saw butterflies, worms, and fish.  We heard a couple of strange noises out in the brush but we didn't get to see any other animals.

 The beauty of this place was all around us.  The water flowing of the waterfall.  The birds flying around from their nests hollowed in the Limestone.  Seeing how the rock and the trees surround this place was so beautiful to look at, even my daughter was so amazed.

-What I learned was not to put white on a toddler. 
-Bring water for everyone.  Short walk but you get lost looking at everything that time passes you by.
-Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for this experience.
-Even if you go on a NO SWIM day, enjoy the view.
-No matter what age, you will all enjoy the beauty of this Texas treasure.
-Take breaks if needed. 
-Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc... it is HOT right now.
-Plan ahead.  Due to the size of the preserve and trying to preserve it for everyone to enjoy-limited entrance.  Call ahead.
-This place is perfect for a picnic.

Travel Tuesday-Oasis in Austin

How romantic can it be to be watching the sunset with your loved one?  Very romantic.  I found the perfect place for my husband and I to have dinner when traveling in Austin.

We almost did not make it in time to catch the sun set at Lake Travis.  But my hubby made got us there just in time.  The Oasis is located on top of a cliff that overlooks Lake Travis in Austin, Texas.

This place is awesome.  You can take the elevator or stairs to the top and enjoy the view of the lake while waiting to be sitted.  We checked in at the front and hung out listen to the live music.  Yes, live music.

 The band was awesome.  They have different groups and the schedule is online.  I called ahead and checked if reserved seated was needed-nope.  They did recommend we get there early to get a good spot.  I recommend if you want to be entertained seat where the band is playing-top floor.  Live music, dancing, and good food...yeah the food is good!

They have something for everybody.  The chicken fireballs appetizer is so yummy to share and the perfect size, so you won't get too full and not want to eat the main course.

Can't wait to go back!