Ongoing Events - 2008

Each Saturday in the month - Kayak at 9am

Saturday kayaking will take place at different locations. Please email June or call at 922-5718 to participate. The weekly email reminder to the Yahoo group will include detailed information about location, time, and leader.

Organized Saturday kayaking will be announced as the weather permits. Feel free to organize a kayak outing and announce it via the Yahoo group. Plenty of us will kayak in the chilly weather.

Wednesday evenings - 6pm

Paddling begins at the Rowing Dock on 2418 Stratford. Directions and information at www.rowingdock.com . Bring kayak, paddle, lifejacket, water, hat, sunscreen, snacks. Rentals available $10 for the evening. Friends and spouses invited.

Please respond to Andra if you plan to attend or have questions.

If you kayak with TOWN-Austin on Wednesday evenings, you must wear a PFD/lifejacket. No kayaker will be left behind.

May 7 - Andra to lead

May 14 - Andra to lead

May 21 - June to lead

May 28 - June to lead

June 4 - Andra to lead

June 11 - Andra to lead

June 18 - Andra to lead

June 25 - Andra to lead

MAY

Friday - Sunday May 2 - 4 Inks Lake Outing Friends, spouses, children, and dogs on leashes invited.

I have made reservations for a campsite at Inks Lake, May 2 and 3.  If you would like to join me make your reservation on-line or by calling the reservation line in Austin 512-389-8900. 

We will camp, hike, kayak to Devils' Waterhole and other part of the lake, swim, eat, read, play some games, have a campfire at night if no fire ban. We'll have a potluck Saturday night so bring a dish to share. Bring camping gear, kayak, paddle, life vest if you have it, food, water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, bug spray, dish to share Sat night

The park is having a Basic Canoe Skills Clinic between 11 and 12 noon on Saturday.  Fee is $4 for adults and they will have a tour of Devil's Waterhole from 1-3pm, $6 for adults.  You can make reservations by calling 793-2223. 

Schedule:  If you just coming for the day we will kayak at 10am, come back, have lunch and then take a hike at 2pm,

Website for Inks Lake  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/inks/

If questions contact June.

Saturday May 3 Washington-on- the Brazos/Antique Rose Emporium Outing - meet in Elgin at 8am Family and Friends are welcome as this can be a fun family day!  No dogs this time, please. Entry fees are listed below.

There are a couple of museums on site.

Independence Hall - Revered as the site of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, Independence Hall serves as the historical focal point for the park. A representation of the original Independence Hall is available for daily guided tours. Unique living history programs are also offered. Trail signs and exhibits tell the story of independence and the beginning of the Texas nation.

Star of the Republic Museum - The Star of the Republic Museum is situated in the park and depicts the colorful saga of the Texas Republic through 10,000 square feet of modern exhibits, audiovisual presentations and educational programs. In addition, seasonal exhibits, special events and interpretive demonstrations illustrating early 19th century life are regularly scheduled. The museum is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas through New Year's Day.

The museum houses:
• A collection of more than 20,000 artifacts and depicts the colorful saga of the Republic period through modern exhibits, audio-visual
presentations, and education programs.
• A 1,000 square foot Discovery Room providing interactive displays,
involving the visitors through multi-sensory elements and activities.
• Seasonal exhibitions, special events, and interpretive demonstrations illustrating early 19th century life regularly scheduled.
• A research library consisting of over 3,000 volumes, journals, and
magazines archived historical documents and public records, manuscripts and map collections. The library is open by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call the Museum's Education Department at (936) 878-2461.

My favorite is Barrington Farm - We talked at length with the volunteers at the farm. With Anson Jones's (last President of the Republic of Texas) daybook as their guide, the interpreters at Barrington Living History Farm conduct themselves much as did the earliest residents of the original farmstead. The Jones home is original; the outbuildings are replicas constructed by Texas Parks and Wildlife using Jones's own journal and drawings.

Also, we took the 1.6 mile hike. The path has been improved but was wet from recent rains. We saw a good few bluebonnet plants so we may have a beautiful show of wildflowers. Another thing we found was people with their dogs on leashes. I did NOT see any dogs in the Farm area. I expect the hike to take about 1.5 hours with children along.

The proposed plan is to meet in Elgin (for those of us carpooling) and leave for the park by 8:00am. It is an hour and a half drive. The museum and farm open at 10:00 but the visitor center opens at 9:30. There are exhibits and a gift shop in the visitor center.

This is where we may purchase tickets. Cost is:

$4 per site (Independence Hall, Star of the Republic Museum, or Barrington Farm) for adults.
$9.00 for adults for all 3 sites. Kids $3.00
$6.00 for adults for 2 sites. Kids $2.00

Morning - hiking and museums.
Afternoon - farm.

Lunch - we found a good hamburger place (105 Grogery and Grill) close by but it took an hour and five minutes from the time we walked in to the time we walked out. The park has a picnic area. Paulette has offered to cook burgers. We will also provide the fixings for the burgers. Please bring chips and drinks fro you group.

It looks like a wonderful place for kids. You may email me or call me if you want to go.

Check this link for camping possibilities. http://www.hikercen tral.com/ campgrounds/ 111902.html . I will send more info as the time gets closer.  Contact Lisa .

Saturday May 3 Hike at McKinney Roughs 9am Everyone is invited, including dogs. The fees are $3 for adults (no charge for kids under 13) at this LCRA park.
Howdy Hikers! Join me at one of my favorite places to wander around, McKinney Roughs (the other McKinney). my main goal with this hike is to explore the terrain and inspect the flora/fauna.

Bring a walking stick, hat, water, snacks, sturdy shoes, the usual suspects.

Directions: McKinney Roughs is located on Hwy 71 13.2 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The facility's entrance is 8.4 miles west of Bastrop.  If you are heading from Austin towards Bastrop, the park will be on your left.

Length:  Depends on desire, there are over 16 miles of trails (probably 3 - 4 miles)

Terrain:  Nothing too strenuous, one big hill that I recall, mostly easy going walking Intensity.

This will be a leisurely stroll through the woods, bring binoculars, cameras, and identification books with you to check out.

Come join us on a walk through McKinney Roughs, a beautiful park just to the east of Austin.  Let me know if you would like to carpool, if not I will see you at 9am!  Email me directly so I know to look for you, I'm going to write it down this time! jenn Led by Jenn.

Sunday May 4 Bike, then Hike at Reimers Ranch 9am
Cancelled

Saturday May 10 Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake 10am

Join Janet and Jacque for an easy paddling trip. We will meet and launch behind the Holiday Inn (located along side I-35) on the lake. You need not be strong or experienced for this outing. We will paddle to Bird Island and the dam. Contact Jacque.

Saturday - Sunday May 10 -11 Camping at Lost Maples State Natural Area Open to anyone who wants to join in the fun.  we might bring a dog, haven't decided yet.
Join us for car car camping/hiking/relaxing/star gazing etc.  all the usual camping suspects to be entertained.  there are roughly 12 miles of trails to be explored.  if anyone joins us, we can decide as a group if we want to share a potluck meal or two....

Visit this site: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/

The park is located 5 miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187

intensity: the hikes at lost maples do have a couple of steep climbs, but it is nothing serious.

rsvp to :  Nance

Tuesday May 13 Tour the Antique Rose Emporium (located in Independence TX) 10am and Blue Bell Creamery (in Brenham TX) Guests / spouses are welcome. Well behaved supervised children are welcome. Kids may not enjoy the Rose Emproium, but will definitely like the creamery tour. Costs listed below.

Please join us for an outing to the Antique Rose Emporium near Brenham. It is absolutely wonderful and everyone there is very knowledgeable and kind. They have so much more than Roses! Everything I have bought from there has thrived! The visit is a memorable experience that I recommend to everyone!

Meet in Elgin at 8:30 am to carpool / caravan to Brenham. We will need vehicles capable of bringing plants back home. Brenham also has antique stores and “quaint” places to have lunch.

I will arrange for an orientation to be given by the staff on Tuesday Morning May 13 at 10:00 am. Please visit the link below. Following the Rose Emporium, we can plan to attend a tour of the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory. Please see the schedule below.

Contact Lisa.

http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/

How to get to Blue Bell in Brenham, TX:

From Austin, take Highway 290 East approximately 85 miles, turn left on Loop 577 which becomes Blue Bell Road, go past the second stoplight and we're on the right. 1101 South Blue Bell Road Brenham, Texas 77833 Tour Information: Brenham, Texas

Tours are weekdays only.
Closed most holidays.
Please check with hostess upon arrival.
Visitors are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Admittance token required. Tours last 45 minutes including a serving of ice cream. No cameras permitted on tour. Limit 45 people per tour. Tours limited to 800 visitors per day. Groups of 15 or more must always have a reservation. *Group reservations cannot be accommodated during Spring Break. All visitors need reservations during Spring Break. **This year there are two weeks of Spring Break, the week of March 10th and the week of March 17th. No tours will be given on Friday, March 21st. Please call October through February as tour times and days may vary.

800-327-8135

Weekday Tour Times: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Admission Costs (Includes a serving of Blue Bell Ice Cream): General Admission $3.00 Senior Citizens (55+) and Children (6 to 14) $2.00 Schools and MHMR groups Free (September thru February)

Thursday - Sunday May 15-18 Camping, Swimming, and History at Fort Parker State Park Mexia, TX TOWN ladies, families, and friends, dogs okay. Cancelled

Saturday May 17 Walking Tour - Ghosts of the Capital District 8pm Everyone is invited: friends, partners, spouses, kids (none that will take it too seriously, though), anyone who likes historical and scary stories. Cost is $15/person; purchase tickets on line.

Join me for a frightfully fun night as we walk the Ghosts of the Capital
District tour, so bring comfortable walking shoes and clothes. It should be nice and warm by then, but check the weather to see if you need a light jacket.

Check out their website: www.hauntedtexas.com

More info:

Description:
On this 90 minute walking tour discover the haunting stories of ghosts that wander the Governor's Mansion, the Capitol, and the Driskill. Also, you will hear the chilling tales of the dead wealthy Austinites who's sad spirits remain. If you don't believe ghosts are around you right now you will after this tour!

Schedule: Year Round. Every Saturday at 8:00 PM.

Price: $16

Location: THIS TOUR BEGINS AT:
603 East 3rd Street , Austin, TX, 78701
"Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill"

TOUR ENDS AT:
Congress Ave at 11th Street, Austin, TX, 78701
"Texas State Capitol Building"

Important Notice:
"Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early So Tour Can Leave On Time.
Cancelation Policy: TOURS RUN RAIN OR SHINE!
We do not issue refunds for tickets. However, IF you give 24 notice prior to your scheduled tour time, you may reschedule within 30 days, subject to availability Haunted Texas reserves the right to cancel any tour due to unsafe conditions. If we cancel the tour, participants who have bought tickets from Haunted Texas may choose to get their money back or reschedule.

Email Jenn directly at and let me know that you would like to come along; we can talk about carpooling if desired. You will need to
purchase your own tickets online, and as of right now, I don't see May's schedule, but no worries! I will probably be eating dinner at the bar and grill beforehand, so let me know if you want me to save you
a chair! Jenn

Saturday May 17 Crossings Outing Time TBA cancelled due to increased price

Saturday - Sunday May 17- 18 Lost Maples Campout Rescheduled for May 9-10

Thursday May 22 TOWN-Austin Board Meeting 6pm

The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Friday - Monday May 23 - 26 Kayaking and Camping for Memorial Day Weekend

Just a heads up that I have been doing extensive research on river trips for the Llano River/South Llano River (yes 2 different rivers!) and a good place for us to camp, for Memorial Day weekend/May 23-26.  I have been speaking with kayak outfitters about doing a trip on Saturday AND one on Sunday (different shuttle companies/different rivers each of those days)....BOTH days would be open to anyone who has their own kayak or wants to rent, and the campgrounds that I am considering allow for rvs or tents.  I need to get some things confirmed and then I will send out an email with all details. The reason I am letting you know now is that there are very few sites available at the campgrounds where we would stay, and you might need to get on the phone immediately to grab a site...if I could narrow it down to which one at this point, I would give you that, but I can't just yet. I hope to send that email out tomorrow nite so be watching for it if you are interested. Sorry but I will not be able to respond to questions just yet, plus I will not have email access from Friday to Sunday this weekend. I am pumped and it is going to be fun! Stay tuned! Dawn

Saturday - Monday May 24 - 26 Urban Outings

Details TBA.

Tuesday May 27 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center. Bob Spain from TPWD will discuss the Texas Kayaking Trails. Join us and and bring a friend!

Thursday - Sunday May 29 - June 1 Galveston Sand Castle Competition This is open to all TOWNies, their spouses, friends and kiddos! 

Please join Judy and me in Galveston for their annual sandcastle competition.  I have been many years and it is fantastic!  They have approx 80 sculptures spread over a mile and a half!   

We are leaving on Thursday afternoon to drive down there if anyone wants to take off early.  Otherwise you can drive over anytime Friday.  It is a 4 hr drive from Austin to Galveston. 

We will head over to see them building the sand castles around 11am on Saturday, will eat at the deli on the beach or you can bring a picnic if you like.  Parking at the beach is $5/car so carpooling is recommended.  Feel free to bring your beach chair, umbrella, hat, plenty of sunscreen, icechest of cold drinks/adult beverages permitted to the beach, and you might want to toss in a pair of flip flops because the sand gets really hot!  They judge the competition early afternoon which is best time for photos if you want to bring your camera.  We can play on the beach, wade, swim, boogie board, whatever.  Afterwards, we will go back to hotel to freshen up and go out for a delicious seafood meal on Seawall Blvd. 

For those that arrive early on Friday, we could go to Kemah for unique shopping experience and walk along the boardwalk they have, it's awesome!  Or we could go to Moody Gardens - the botanical gardens and aquarium are amazing.  We will take off Sunday after lunch to come back home.  We can carpool down there for those that are interested. 

We are staying at the Victorian and I have their room rates and those of several other locations nearby if that property fills up too fast.  You will need to make your own reservations and the sooner the better.  As soon as you RSVP, I will send you all the contact info and rates so you can decide what works best for you.  I will be keeping track of who's going and where everyone is staying so I can coordinate our activities together or in small groups so please RSVP to RoxAnn.

JUNE

Sunday June 1 Hike at Bastrop State Park 9am

Howdy Hikers! Come join us for this hike!   If you have never been out to Bastrop SP, I highly recommend this hike.  We will be hiking the 8 mile Lost Pines Trail.  Everyone who can hike 8 miles is welcome to join in the fun; well behaved dogs are always welcome to hike with me.

Bring hiking shoes/boots, walking stick, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, water and snacks (the usual suspects).

Time for completion:  3-4 hours - it really depends on number of breaks I need

Terrain:  Moderate - nothing too intense, a beautiful rambling walk through the woods

Length: 7 - 8 miles Intensity:  This is not for people who have to huff and puff around the 4 mile loop on Town Lake, if you are not in pretty good shape, I would say skip this one.  Definitely not for young kids or older dogs.

We will not be speed walking through this hike (since I am leading it), but 7 miles is longer than it sounds.

Getting there: From Austin head east on Highway 71. Take the Loop 150 exit and continue east to the intersection with Highway 21. The entrance to the park is in the middle of the Y-split in the road. Once in the park turn left at the T-section in the road past the ranger station. Continue on State Park Road 1A until it intersects with State Park Road 1C. Turn right to continue on Road 1A and look for the parking area on the right soon afterward.

For more info: www.tpwd.state. tx.us/spdest/ findadest/ parks/bastrop/ . Please email me directly at jltrivette@yahoo. com so I know who will be hiking.  We could even stop for lunch after the hike if anyone is interested.  Since this is a state park there is a fee to get in - $4 I think? - but well worth the admission to this beautiful park.  Unless you are smart and bought a park pass, that's the way to go! Happy Hiking, jenn

Thursday - Sunday June 5-8 Kerrville Folk Festival and Camping Who's invited: TOWN ladies, families, (though dogs are not allowed at the Festival. You would have to leave someone to dog-sit at the campground.)

This outing takes us to a campground on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Tx during the famous Kerrville Folk Festival. The Festival itself runs three weeks, and lucky you if you can go for the whole time: It is quite an experience! I got Kerrverted every summer back in the days before I got serious.
I have reserved a water+electric site at Kerrville Schreiner Park (formerly Kerrville State Park) for Larry and I. We can carpool 8 miles to the festival site in one or two cars. That will save us parking money. I notice that the Park also has cabins for those of you not wanting to tent camp, plus the city of Kerrville has motels and the YO Ranch resort.

What to bring: camp gear, etc., but, for the Festival: HAT, sunscreen, entrance fees (see site below), folding chair, sunscreen, bug stuff.

Note: There is a list on the site below what you can't bring to the festival. www.kerrvillefolkfe stival.com/ Other activities possible: kayaking, fishing Target time leaving Austin Thurs., June 5 12 noon. Time returning Sunday afternoon, June 8. Let me know if you're interested and I will keep you in the loop! Marilyn

Friday - Saturday June 6-7 Kayak Race in Castell 10am

Annual kayak in Castell, halfway between Mason and Llano, west of the Burnet/Marble Falls area.  this is the 7th annual event.  The race starts on Sat . morning at 10 a.m.  It's open to anyone who wants to paddle.  I'm not a racer but going to splash around.  It's a fundraiser for Lance Armstrong 's nonprofit group, LiveStrong.  cost is $25 and includes camping fee -- RVs are welcome.  it's necessary to call and make a reservation though at the RV campground to be sure of space.  there's a dinner on Sat . night [i believe it's included in the entry fee] and some musicians will play; there will be a bonfire if there is no burn ban in effect. Contact JeanG.

Possible Saturday June 7 Canopy Zip Line Tour at Wimberly Ziplining 9am Bring any guests or family members you like. Cost is $60 per person.

Please join me for a Canopy Zip Line Tour at Wimberley Ziplining.

They can accomodate 16 people in our tour so it will be first come first serve. I'll let you know if I am sucessful shortly.

Bring any guests or family members you like. Just let me know how many so I can reserve the spots. Children must be a minimum of 10 year old and at least 80 lbs.

Contact Lisa.

THE LONGEST ZIPLINE IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S.!

Prepare for highflying fun as you harness up and glide through the air on this thrilling, action packed zipline adventure. Experience a rush as you soar over canyons and creeks with breathtaking 15-mile views of the Wimberley Valley. Your adventure will begin with trained guides leading you on an educational walking tour. You’ll learn about the local ecosystem of plants and wildlife, local history, and other interesting Wimberley area facts. Your adventure continues as you experience Texas Hill Country beauty as never before while soaring through a series of five zip line crossings.

Your Wimberley Zipline Adventure will last approximately 1&1/2 to 2 hours. The thrilling finale will leave you screaming for more!

We are located between Austin and San Antonio just south of Wimberley on the scenic Four Winns' Ranch. Wimberley is a great tourist destination with unique shops, fantastic food, art galleries, and many fine accommodations including over one hundred bed and breakfast inns.

Wimberley Zipline Adventures

Website www.wimberleyzipline.com
Phone Number: 512-847-9990
Email: contact@wimberleyzipline.com

Saturday June 14 See outing listed below for Texas Water Safari Race
Meet at Aquerana Springs in San Marcos to cheer Joy and provide support as she heads off on the TX Water Safari Race.  They leave at 9am so you'll want to arive by 8am to check out all the boats! Contact Lisa.

Saturday June 14 Texas Water Safari Race
The Texas Water Safari is billed as the toughest river race in the world. It is held here in Texas, starting at the headwaters of the San Marcos River, joining the lower Guadalupe, continuing to the coast, near Seadrift. It begins Sat June 14th. It is 262 miles of continous paddling, blood, sweat and tears. Kim and I are crazy enough that we have decided to do it!!! If anyone would like to watch any of the event, the best places are the beginning, in San Marcos and at Palmetto State Park that night. Late that evening, the fastest boats begin passing the low water crossing there. Hopefully Kim and I will pass through there somewhere around dusk. We would love to see familiar,
smiling faces as we come through! The last boats will come in Wed morning in Seadrift. I hope Kim and I will make it there by Tues morning. Also, if anyone is interested in volunteering to help with the race, there are many areas they need help with. This is a good way to be around the boats, get an idea of what it is like and meet the crazy people that do this sort of thing! If you are interested in learning more about the race or volunteering, go to www.texaswatersafari.org. If
you plan to camp at Palmetto State Park, get your reservations early, they book up fast for this weekend.

See you on the water! Joy

Thursday June 19 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Saturday June 21 Experimental Paddle Time TBA This is not for beginners as we are going to check out this trail for the first time!
Nichols Landing, Spring Branch, TX (Comal Springs, on Guadalupe north of San Antonio) experiment paddle. Contact Lisa.

Tuesday June 24 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center. Debbie Main of Ride Like a Girl will join us.

Saturday June 28 Tubing on the Guadalupe

Jenn to lead.

JULY

Friday July 4 Celebrate July 4th Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

Paddle to see the fireworks on Lady Bird Lake. Contact Lisa.

Thursday July 17 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Saturday July 19 Kayak Cypress Creek 9am

Contact Dawn.

Tuesday July 22 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center. Judy Aswell will share her secrets to dehydrating foods for backpacking and camping. Come join us and bring a friend!

AUGUST

Saturday August 9 Paddle the San Marcos River

Contact Andra.

Thursday August 21 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday August 26 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center. Ellen Ott will introduce us to Volksmarch organization and their activities.

Friday - Sunday August 29-31 Kayaking and Snorkeling

Aransas Pass/Port Aransas.  Worthington Ship Wreck kayak and snorkel.  The kayak and snorkel portion of this trip will be for experienced only. Contact Dawn.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday September 18 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday September 23 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center.

Friday - Sunday September 26 - 28 Kayaking in Town Lake for the ACL Concert Exact date and TBA when concert details are announced.
RSVP to Lisa.

OCTOBER

Saturday - Sunday October 4 - 5 TPWD Expo XVII More details as the date approaches.

As in previous years, TOWN-Austin will have a booth at the Expo. Contact Jenn to volunteer at the booth.

Thursday - Monday October 9 - 13 Brazos Bend State Park Camping Outing, Needville, TX Everyone Invited

Brazos Bend State Park in Southeast Texas is a nature lovers' paradise.  Join Jenn & me for this October outing.  Brazos Bend is about 3 ½ hours from Austin, SW of Houston.

Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, biking , equestrian , and fishing. Six lakes are easily accessible to fishermen, with piers located at 40-Acre, Elm and Hale Lakes.  Bring your bicycles, fishing equipment, horses, and binoculars. 

I would expect bird walks and alligator walks to be scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings.  We will be in the fall bird migration at that time.  Also, the George Observatory will be open on Saturday.   http://www.hmns.org/see_do/george_observatory.asp?r=1

Fees are:

Primitive Equestrian Campsites .      $12 per night.

Campsites with electric and water. $16 per night

Screened Shelters .                              $23 per night

We can have 8 campers per site.  I have reserved an RV site so we can put tents on that site as needed.  Brazos Bend has been named as one of the top 7 state parks in the US.  It's a very popular place so you'll need to make a reservation soon.  It only costs $5.00 to cancel a site. 

Let Jenn or me know if you plan to come and we'll try to arrange the sharing of sites or shelters if you are tent camping or want a shelter. If you need an RV site you'll need to make a reservation.  A tent camper can share your site.

You are welcome to come any or all of the days that we will be there.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/brazos_bend/

RSVP to Judy or Jenn .

Thursday - Sunday October 16 - 19 South Padre Sand Fest
Open to all TOWNies, their spouses, friends, and kiddos!  More details to follow very soon. 

This sandcastle competition will be a little different as they offer free sand castle building classes to the public the day prior to their professional competition.  This will be ALOT of fun!  And it will be on one of the prettiest beaches in Texas. RSVP to RoxAnn.

Sunday October 19 "Thank You TOWN Members" Outing 10am - 6pm Open to all TOWN members and their family members. Bring the kids! More details as the date approaches.

We have reserved the pavillion at Mary Moore Seawright Park. The park has hiking/biking trails, a great playscape, and even disk golf. Helen and Jill have promised to cook. Paulette (I haven't asked her yet, so don't tell her) will lead our disk golf. RSVP to Jacque.

Thursday October 23 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday October 28 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center.

NOVEMBER

Thursday November 20 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

Tuesday November 25 Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm
Pizza snacks at 6PM, followed by our short business meeting beginning at 6:30pm in conference room 225 of the new LCRA Red Bud Center.

DECEMBER

Thursday December 18 Board Meeting 6pm
The TOWN board meets upstairs at the Central Market on N. Lamar. Email Jacque if there is a specific topic you would like to bring to the board's attention.

No monthly meeting in December

JANUARY 2009

Friday - Sunday January 2-4 Annual Holiday Party at McKinney Falls State Park

Make your camping reservations by called TPWD at 389-8900.
I reserved the enclosed "party room" for Friday evening for dinner and games and Saturday evening potluck dinner and gift exchange. More details as the date approaches. Helen and Jill will be cooking. Contact Jacque.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL