Gas Saving Getaways - Mansfield Dam and Windy Point (Lake Travis)

Summer is calling and Lake Travis awaits!  There are many great parks for enjoying Lake Travis, and this edition of Gas Saving Getaways features two of them - Mansfield Dam and Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point.  Both parks are operated by Travis County Parks.

Take a look at this week's video for a taste of what you'll find at both parks:



Mansfield Dam is a wonderful day-use park.  It features boating, picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, and wind surfing.  There are picnic areas with grills so you can make a whole day of visiting the park.

Another Lake Travis day-use park is Bob Wentz Park at Windy Point. A wind surfer's dream, Windy Point is a very popular park for water sports.  As the name implies, Windy Point is ... well ... windy, thus making it a great location for sailcraft.  "The Point" is a popular place for sunbathing and provides easy access to the water for swimmers.

 At no more than 1/2 hour from downtown Austin, these Lake Travis parks make excellent Gas Saving Getaways this spring and summer.

Why We're Thankful

Thanksgiving is this week. It seems impossible to imagine that in just 3 days time, I'll be with my family and enjoying a good (and very large) meal ... and each other's company. This year has really flown by.

This is the time of year when we gather together with good friends and family to give thanks for the blessings our lives hold. Love. Life. Friendship. Health. And so many more. No matter how small, each is important in our lives.

At the Colorado River Trail, we are thankful for all of those things. In addition, we are also thankful that the rains have finally come to our part of Texas. That the drought is finally ending. And that the Highland Lakes are growing closer and closer to the full mark every day

So as 2009 draws closer to an end, we wish you a warm and heart-felt, "Happy Thanksgiving!" Be safe in your travels, and many happy returns.

Photo courtesy of The Austin Sage.

Jump In!

I don't have to tell you. You already know. It's darn hot outside! But it's summertime in Texas, and hot weather doesn't prevent us from getting out there and enjoying all the things the Colorado River Trail has to offer.

Want to escape the heat and still enjoy the great outdoors? The Colorado River Trail exists because of the Colorado River and the Highland Lakes. All offer a multitude of ways to enjoy a Texas summer day on the water ... and staying cool.

Rent a kayak or canoe. Take a swim. Grab some friends and go boating. Or simply go jump in the lake. Have fun on these hot Texas summer days by staying cool on the water.

See you on the lake.

Photo courtesy of DAR_Austin.

Balloons Over Lake Travis

You see hot air balloons from time to time, but they always seem to give you pause. They're beautiful, interesting, unusual, and just a little different from our everyday lives. This shot, taken just after daybreak, shows hot air balloons in flight over Lake Travis at Mansfield Dam Park.

The park accommodates many groups, including scuba divers, swimmers, boaters, picnickers, and nature enthusiasts. Other features include central recreation area offers picnic sites, a playground, horseshoe pits, chess tables, and a panoramic view of the Lake Travis basin.

Keep your eyes to the sky, and maybe you'll be lucky enough to see a sight like this some fine Central Texas morning too!

Photo courtesy of BlazerMan.

Catch Some Air!

Do you enjoy getting out on your bike and hitting the trails? Then you should try out Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area on Lake Travis. Muleshoe Bend's 6.5 mile mountain bike trail is a favorite among Central Texas mountain bikers. The trail accommodates all levels, and there are several short cuts if you don't want to ride the entire length. If you go, bring a tent. There are lots of tent camping sites, and picnic tables with views of Lake Travis. Photo courtesy of EggMasterDuke.

One ... Two ... Three ... JUMP!

The Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. This photo really puts you in the right frame of mind for enjoying the holiday, doesn't it? What do you have planned? Try to spend some time on the Colorado River Trail with family and friends this weekend. Whatever you enjoy doing, you can find it here. From water activities on the Highland Lakes or the Colorado River, to hiking or camping, the Colorado River Trail is sure to please. Photo courtesy of joannamarieharris.

Memorial Day Is Coming Soon. What Are You Doing To Celebrate?

Summer will officially begin for many of us this weekend as we gather to celebrate Memorial Day. And what better way to spend a long weekend, than gathered for some fun in the sun with family and friends? Whether you're destination of choice is the pool, the river, the lake, or the beach, Memorial Day on the Colorado River Trail is sure to please. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area on Lake Travis is a great place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and tent camping. Gather the family around and plan a fun-filled excursion that will get you outdoors. Photo courtesy of EggMasterDuke.