Dan and I traveled to Austin, Texas earlier this year to visit family and see the sites. I have not been there for years and the beauty of this city has not changed. The city is located near the Balcones Fault, as a result, much of the eastern portion of the city is flat with soil heavy in clay, whereas the western suburbs consist of rolling hills and is located right on the edge of Texas hill country… Beautiful I tell you!
Image by Dan Traun
Because the hills are primarily limestone rock with a thin layer of topsoil, parts of the city are frequently subjected to flash floods from runoff caused by thunderstorms. We traveled to the Lone Star State in May which was unfortunately one of the rainiest months on record. Actually, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, 35 trillion Gallons of rain fell on the state in the month of May; enough to cover the whole state up to nearly 8 inches deep. Whoa!
It was a wet trip, however, that did not stop us from venturing out when we could. Hiking, eating, laughing, and spending time with family; what a grand time and it came with a few firsts… First time consuming brisket cooked to perfection, first time actually liking a good margarita with Sotol (way better tasting than Tequila, in my opinion) and the best margarita mix ever (Jalapeño- lime, produced by Republic Spirit Blends); both of which you cannot find in Minnesota.
The following images were taken on a hike in these rolling Texas hills.
Thank you, Dean, Vickie, Brian, Megan, Adam, and Renae for your wonderful hospitality!
Find the Beauty 
What, no photos of the brisket? 🙂 One of our favorite cities especially for the barbecue. So good it brings tears to my eyes. Love your gorgeous nature images from the hill country, Cyndie. I need to get back there!
I ate the Brisket way too fast 🙂 Thanks Jane; I too, hope to travel back in the near future
I agree with Jane. The food in the Austin are was phenomenal. The rain was crazy, but as you stated, we manged to get out and hike around the beautiful hill country. Great photos. Brought me back there for a brief bit during this extremely cold day in MN.
Wow! That’s a lot of water! Great shots Cynthia as always! 🙂
You have a wonderful gift to make something normal look so beautiful.
🙂 thank you!
Funny how things change, I remember when it went years being too dry down there. Now there’s too much water and flooding.
Your pictures capture the beauty of the flora well. Dan’s photo is pretty rad too, of course. 🙂