I love exploring new cities on foot and by bike. In Austin, Texas for the SXSW Eco conference this week, I spent each morning running and biking the river trail with other outdoorsy Austinites.
Staying with Lillie’s college friends that live here, it was easy to get around with the bikes they lent us, allowing us to drink in the city at ground level, without having to worry about driving around. 
Along a tributary of the river is Barton Springs, an aquifer-fed swimming hole groomed by the city for public use. We joined early morning swimmers for a dip in this 68-degree city center river, something I could get used to.
Food trucks are everywhere in Austin – in backyards, parking lots and busy streets. Some friends from the conference recommended the one with the *best* breakfast tacos, Veracruz All Natural, so for breakfast one AM, we biked over through the sauna-like air for some mango agua fresca and migas tacos on homemade corn tortillas.
On my run this morning, I ran out on one side of the river, crossed and headed back on the other side, exploring the paths leading to the river trail from office buildings, neighborhoods and parks. I find it encouraging when cities like Austin preserve ecosystems and make them accessible for people to explore and enjoy. It makes adventuring available to all, and city living more connected with the natural environment.
Adventure Everyday.
Life is an adventure – live it!
Filed under Open Water …
Exploring and enjoying
I’ve spent the past week in Mendocino, CA with Lillie – doing some work by day, exploring and enjoying the north coast in the afternoons and evenings. So much so that I haven’t written a post!
Every day has been occupied with a hike, walkabout, dip in the ocean, blackberry picking, – you know – country stuff! Loving life and the places we go, the people we see.
Here’s to living in the moment and soaking up the late summer sun!
Big River Splash!
15 minutes. 50 degree water.
A dip into the 50 degree waters of Big River: I swam across and warmed up on the other side before swimming back – while tourists looked on in horror!
Cold water makes me feel especially alive. While it’s often breathtaking jumping into the frigid water, I always feel refreshed, revitalized and energized afterwards as the warm sun dries me.
