On this spring road trip our ultimate goal was to attend South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin. We were looking forward to attending thought-provoking presentations by world leaders, perusing the wellness expo for new fitness approaches, and listening to music from artists around the world. A week before the conference was set to begin, and days before we were to arrive in Austin, the event was cancelled. What a let down!
Of course, when you are traveling you have to be flexible. You never know what’s on the road ahead, but none of us had this on our radar. We decided to continue on to Austin and use this as an opportunity to just be Austinites. Little did we know that Austin, and the rest of the world, was going to change dramatically during our time here.
In the first few days here we biked around the popular Lady Bird Lake, which has a 13 mile trail that encircles the lake at the center of the city. Taking us through downtown, Zilker Park, a lengthy boardwalk, and other highlights, we biked the trail several times. We did a little city exploring, too.
Like most people, we’ve spent quite a bit of time following the developments of the pandemic and with each day our game plan has changed. The signs of the times are all over Austin, just as they are across the world. Shelves emptied, events cancelled, and even the gym at our RV Resort has been closed until further notice. Today the bars and restaurants were shut down and we stood in line to get into the grocery store. We are grateful to be feeling fine with the ability to practice social distancing in our little home away from home.
One day we got out of the city and headed to Pedernales Falls State Park to enjoy the nice weather and have a picnic. We bought a Texas Parks annual pass way back in west Texas, and it’s definitely paid off and encouraged us to visit places we might not have otherwise checked out.
After visiting the falls we stopped in Johnson City to check out LBJ’s family home and more interesting Park Service displays. Johnson left an indelible mark on this part of the world and it’s commemorated in many ways.
Of course, this was at the time when the bars were still open, so we stopped at another of the Hill Country’s great breweries. Mia enjoyed another patio adventure.
We’ve been looking for opportunities to practice social distancing while still making the most of our time here. One day we visited an area called the Veloway, a city-managed, bike only path. 
The three mile loop had plenty of hills and curves challenged us for awhile. We were able to get some exercise, see a new place, and not be in contact with other people. Another day we hit McKinney Falls State Park with the bikes.
The hike/bike trail there took us right up to the meager falls but also gave us a chance to see the start of the Texas wildflower season. We are a few weeks from the peak but it was still nice to see the colors and imagine what it will be like in full bloom.
Originally we had planned to stay in Austin for another week but the world has changed. We have a choice in where we hunker down and outside of a busy, congested city sounds like a good idea. Tomorrow we’ll hit the road back toward a more rural area. So far the State Parks are still open and provide an opportunity for us to keep our distance while still enjoying the outdoors. For now, that’s our plan.
We hope you are feeling well and are making the most of these difficult times. Let’s stay in touch.
It didn’t really matter though since the power was out half the time we were there. Thank goodness for propane and batteries.
The surrounding salt flats made for some incredible photos.
From there we hit Devil’s Golf Course, where it was once said, “even the devil wouldn’t golf here,” because the hardened salt field is so rough and sharp. Even Mia checked it out.
From there we checked out the Harmony Borax Works exhibit which is set in the ruins of Death Valley’s first successful borax mine. 
Twenty Mule Team Canyon is a short but thrilling drive on a narrow one-way road through striking badlands.
On the way back down to sea level we stopped at the iconic Zabriske Point for another view of the landscape.
Marnie and Steve Travel 