One of our favorite ways to explore a new city is to experience their playgrounds and parks.

Upon return from one of our many park adventures, I open the camper door… with the only comparison being similar to releasing the suction from a sealed can.

Feathers come flying through the air towards my head.

I look down to see Birch, our dog, covered in down. Our pitiful feather pillows did not survive.

Despite our dog issues, we absolutely LOVED the city of Austin.

Here’s what I learned.

The city thrives on positivity.

From billboards to graffiti art, even carved under playsets at the park, one will find endless encouragement.

Don’t follow the GPS route for bicycles, unless you want to go into some unknown territory.

I have my bike set up with a phone holder on the handle bars. I set up my gps to direct me and I tour the city. Sometimes, I choose to head off and get lost, only to use the gps to get me back. At one point, I was headed into a not so good area off to the side of Rainey street where construction had taken over. There were fields of grass leading to a thicket of trees and a vacant lot next to a trail that headed deep into an area darkened by trees, littered by trash, and the site of several homeless camps. As I headed in that direction, a man who obviously lived in the tents down by the river spoke to me sternly. “YOU be careful heading over there.” It was an immediate cause for me to turn around and avoid the trail that dipped down into the apparent danger.

There is a natural spring that allows for a perfect, but crowded swimming spot.

Barton Springs is a natural spring not far from our camping spot at Pecan Grove RV Park. The spring leads right into the colorado river that heads into downtown. Many choose to launch off in kayaks, paddle boards, row boats, and the tubes to enjoy the sunny days. We were thrilled to enjoy a cold but refreshing dip, but watch out for those moss covered rocks! We all had a slip or two… I wanted to take the paddle board out, but honestly, I take it out to get away from people and enjoy nature. I wasn’t looking to join the mass of people hoping to catch the sun’s final rays. Unfortunately, the bats under the Congress bridge were not out during this time of year. We look forward to seeing them take flight on our next visit.

In general, people of Austin love the outdoors.

Zilker park has this large grass field full of… well nothing, honestly. It’s a beautiful view of the city, but there is nothing on this side of the road. Now if you head over to the other side, there is a typical park. However, the empty grassy field is always swamped with people. Some are sun bathing, some are playing soccer or using their own volley nets. Other’s are having a picnic date. It caused us on multiple occasion to take a second glance that people truly enjoyed this empty area so much. It just goes to show that people, in general, don’t need much but the earth, the sun, and the original things we were provided.

Austin LOVES dogs.

Every store, eating area, and shop that we encountered allowed dogs. Birch was ecstatic, to say the least. There are so many dog shops, bathing areas, and water bowls scattered about the city that I’m a firm believer that there are no homeless dogs. Unfortunately, the people of Austin have to struggle a little more than their pets.

Austin cares for their people.

The homeless population in Austin is vast, similar to most major cities. Though different from others, Austin allows it’s homeless to set up residence in public areas. I was blown away by the amount of tents and makeshift homes made from whatever one could find sitting along intersections, underpasses, and right along the colorado river as it runs through downtown. I believe most cities make it so that the population of people without homes are not seen in the public areas. I’ll keep my political opinions to myself, however, I so appreciate the care of people here in this city. When arriving at a local park, we noticed a homeless camp in the trees. A local woman, about 30, headed out of the parking lot carrying food. She reached out handing hot dinners to each of the campers. This love for others just captured my heart. This city and it’s many residents astounded me by their openess to others. At patio dinners, we would end up chatting with each and every table in some form or other. Passerby comment and joke to our kids. Mom’s at the park would all join in in conversation rather than keeping to themselves. Overall, I was refreshed by the feeling of warmth and kindess coming from the people of Austin and I will be back.

SO… What’s my blog about?

Hmmm… travel, crazy family adventures, homeschooling from a camper, life, and motherhood.

Let’s just stick with that.

Hope to see you here next time. If learning about Austin wasn’t your thing, who knows what next week’s blog will entail. Stay tuned!