Labor Day Weekend in Austin, Texas

On September 1, 2007, Crystal showed me around the town of Austin, Texas. Crystal Conde and Jean Kelly both live there now. The three of us make up the "Rivercrest Girls." We all grew up and were neighbors on Rivercrest Valley Drive in Joplin, MO. My family moved there when I was in 1st grade and left after I was in 8th grade. The three of us haven't all been together since we were 14 years old! It was time for a reunion!

Of all weekends in Austin, it was the time for the Bat Festival. As we were taking a nice stroll alongside the water, a lady passed us by with a unique and obnoxious bat hat that advertised that the Bat Festival was taking place. The bridge on South Congress was loaded with booths and entertainment. Looks like more than just a few people get excited about bats! Crystal was telling me that the bats hang out under this bridge, and around a certain time, they all fly away. I guess it's quite the scene.

So this is the famous Town Lake in Austin. It runs right next to downtown. Walking paths are available all around the lake to provide hours of entertainment. Actually, it was pretty fun watching the dogs run around and jump in the water.

These last pictures are from a scenic spot in a residential area. We took a short hike to see the views of some beautiful homes and lake properties. Oh, to live like them. Some of the homes had docks that were garages. So fancy! Crystal and I were reminiscing of the past...when we had it all! Just kiddin'...we never had a house on the lake! Maybe someday, though.