Willie Nelson Concert

Willie Nelson's 81st Birthday Concert at The Backyard

I finally got to see Willie Nelson perform on April 29, 2014. It was his annual birthday concert at The Backyard. I'm not a huge fan, but I'm a Texan and you have to see Willie perform at least once if you consider yourself a real Texan. As much as I was looking forward to this concert (for many many years), I was a little disappointed. After all...the man is 81. His better days are behind him. But, he played all of his classics and did better than I think I'd do at 81. He sort of said the lyrics more than sang them, but he can still play that guitar. His band members were equally as old, including his sister on the piano. The youngest band member was the guitarist pictured to the the right of him above. But, you could tell he really didn't want to be there. I'm fairly certain he was drunk or stoned or both. I have no regrets and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a cool April evening outside and the warmup band (The Peterson Brothers) was truly amazing. Surprisingly, the Peterson Brothers was the highlight of the evening for me. 

If you get the opportunity to attend an event at The Backyard, I'd recommend going. But, avoid the hot summer months if you can. It's a totally outside venue and can get really hot. Reserved folding chair seats are worth the extra money. You get a better view and are generally more comfortable. However, if you're there more to socialize, drink and people watch, bring a blanket and hangout on the grassy lawn. Either way, you'll enjoy what Texas has to offer on a clear night outside.

Hamilton Pool

5 Stars

Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool...ahhhh! If you only make it to one natural swimming hole in your entire life, it should be Hamilton Pool. This place is so much more than a swimming destination. The rocky over hang that shades the pool is simply breathtaking. The water spills over into the pool from above. The maidenhair fern grows naturally where the water spills over the rock. Make it a point to walk all the way along the interior wall under the rocky ceiling. These pictures should give you a sense for the size of the pool & rocky overhang. (Look for the tiny people in the first photo.)

TIPS & INFO:

1. Get here early. Get there early. Did I say, "Get there early"? The place fills up quickly & once it's full, they won't let you in. It'd be a shame for you to drive all that way just to have to turn around and head home.

2. Hours: 9am-6pm daily, weather permitting. No entry after 5:30pm. Swimming ends at 5:30pm.

3. If it rains, you won't be able to swim because of e-coli levels. Call ahead to make sure you can get in & that you can swim. (512) 264-2740

4. It's rocky steps all the way down and all the way up. So, if you have mobility challenges, this is not the place for you. Expect to carry small children on the way up...I know...I'm a Mom.

5. Given the steps and overall rocky terrain, I'd encourage you to only bring what you can carry on your shoulder or your back. Avoid bringing a large cooler if you can...although I did see some college kids lugging in their big cooler the last time I went, but they were young and stu...never mind.

6. Get all the rest of the scoop here.

Anderson's Mill

3 Stars

There really was an Anderson Mill! Did you know that? I didn't until I saw a sign on RR2769 while I was taking a shortcut to Lakeway.

Replica of Anderson's Mill house

The Mill & museum is open to the public the 4th Sunday of each month, March thru October 2pm - 5pm. The grounds, Mill & museum are maintained by the Anderson Mill Garden Club. The cost for all upkeep comes from private donations. There's a lot of history about the Mill on the Internet. So, I'm not going to post it. You can start reading about it here. When the property is open, you can tour the replica of the Mill and a small museum dedicated to the Thomas Anderson's family.

Mill wheel inside the Mill house

The museum contains some of the family's belongings. It's a great piece of history right in our own back yard.  If only the original Mill was still around...

Outside picture of the Mill house with a replica of the Mill wheel

Krause Springs

5 Stars

Krause Springs Pool

Krause Springs is an amazing spring fed watering hole just outside the city limits. The water is cool & refreshing. The grounds are lush and tropical. There are huge old Cypress Trees scattered throughout the park with picnic benches nestled underneath for shade.  The entrance fee to the park is quite reasonable & if you go on a scouting trip to just check things out, they'll likely let you in for free to just take a look around. Near the entrance is a beautiful garden that I'd highly recommend checking out...especially if you are into gardening. 

Spring-fed pool

The first level of the grounds (which slops down from the entrance) is where the pool is located. The pool was built to capture a large volume of the 68 degree spring water for pool swimming before it spills over the cliff into the Cypress Creek below.

Cypress Creek below the pool

Walking down some rather steep steps takes you to the lower part of the grounds where the creek is located. It's not a huge space, but large enough for plenty of floating. Speaking of floating...bring your floats. It's the best way to experience the creek. It's a bit warmer than the pool above. There's a rope swing & rocky shore perfect for catching some sun. The water that spills over from the pool above cascades over the most gorgeous collection of maidenhair fern that I have ever seen. 

Stream below with room for floating & a rope swing

Huge old Cypress Tree

TIPS & INFO:
1. We were told that they never turn anyone away, but I imagine it can get quite crowded. Get there early to secure a picnic table. There are a lot of them!
2. Krause Springs isn't too far from Hamilton Pool. So, if you get turned away from Hamilton because of the crowds, head over to Krause.
3. There's an onsite bathroom (with a shower) for changing.
4. You can bring in coolers, food, floats and all the other watering hole paraphernalia.  
5. There are no trash cans. You bring out your own trash. So, bring an extra bag.
6. They sell ice in case you run out or forget yours.

Picnic tables shaded by Cypress Trees

7. There's a food truck onsite, but it wasn't open when we went. I'm not sure if it's operational or not. Bring your own food & drinks.
8. The slope down to the pool is a bit of a hike. The steps down to the stream are quite steep. If you have walking and/or mobility challenges, this isn't the place for you. 
9. There's onsite primitive camping for an add'l fee. No water or electric. We didn't camp, but toured the camping area. It looks really nice with shaded trees, picnic tables & fire pits.
10. Check out Opie's BBQ on your way to the park. It's simple...meat & beans.  Yum-O.