Volt sighting

Visiting Spring lake preserve in San Marcos,tx, there was a 2011 Chevy Volt . My first sighting. http://www.chevrolet.com/volt/

San Antonio

So my cousin came up from Corpus Christi yesterday and today we decided to go to San Antonio to do some "tourist stuff". I myself like to talk about different things then mainstream attractions, but if you have kids I would go this route. We took off this morning and went to the San Antonio zoo which at this time of year was not that crowded and did not cost anything to park. There are bear,lions,cheetah, rhinos, snakes.....well here is their website. http://www.sazoo-aq.org/. Right next door are the Japanese tea gardens which is an amazing attraction. Guys, the women will love it. But you will as well. I didn't bring my camera and am kicking myself. Of course it is just a short drive for me, but I still wanted to share with everyone. After a few hours at the zoo and tea gardens we headed over to Bombay Bicycle Club http://www.bombaybicycleclubsa.com/  and had lunch. I enjoyed their pattymelt. It tasted how it should and the atmosphere wasn't bad either. They have pool tables and a bar.  After lunch we headed over to the tower of the Americas http://www.toweroftheamericas.com/ . Great view of San Antonio and a fun Skies over Texas 4-d theater experience for the kids. It might make you smile too. There is the Chart House restaurant at the top on the observation deck and Alcohol is available at the top. From what I saw it was a few light beers and some Shiner. At the end of the day we finished it off with a visit to Canyon lake at overlook park http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/canyon/Recreation/Parks/Corpsparks.asp. You can walk down to the lake. It is quite steep at some spots. You can also walk across the dam and enjoy the hill country views. Admission is free and if you book early you can schedule a viewing of Canyon Gorge(fees apply) http://www.canyongorge.org/. The picture posted today will be of a past trip to Overlook park on Canyon Lake.

Trip back from DFW

So on my way back from a wedding in  the Dallas-Fort Worth monstrosity on Sunday  I decided to take the toll road 130  around Austin-metro because I hate traffic and wanted to try something new. All politics and opposing views of the legitimacy of toll roads and eminent domain set aside, this thing is amazing. It has great views of East Austin and the plains to the east and clear lanes as far as the eye can see with the occasional vehicle passing you every few minutes or so. I am not gonna lie, I felt like a million bucks with a price of around 7 dollars when it was all said and done. I am gonna say this drive is a must. I am not condoning breaking the law by speeding, but if one were to take out their weekend driver, this would be the safest place to do it aside from the pitiful 1/8 or quarter mile track until the formula one track opens up east of Austin in 2012; and amateurs are allowed in possibly by 2014.

San Marcos,tx

It is a really nice day in San Marcos, Texas (78F). I stopped by Texas State University or Southwest Texas to some, for a seminar and to check in on my friend who is a professor there. Either I am getting older or college students are getting younger. Everywhere I look and listen there is the unpleasantness of the words "like" and "you know" being thrown around. I hope these kids learn how to speak as
adults before it is too late and you have the president in twenty years talking as if it were a scene from "idiocracy". Other than that you have the pleasantness of San Marcos Springs and Sewell park by the university. You also have the grandeur of Texas State University in the background to make a perfect panorama. (if only I had my camera). I am familiar with a few hiking and biking trails in the area. One of which is Purgatory creek, right next to Wonderworld drive. Another of my favorites is Spring lake. At the top of the hill you get a wonderful view of the hills to the west,if you don't mine cedar or Ash Juniper I should say.I would suggest this as a beginner hike if you are in the area. This website is helpful if you are new to or not familiar with San Marcos. Picture is a view from the end of the trail at spring lake. http://www.smgreenbelt.org/

Hill Country Digest-Canyon Lake brief overview

Imagine a beautiful blue lake with amazing views of hills with limestone outcroppings and an abundance of wildlife. Hiking, biking, whitewater rapids, tubing, rafting, sailing, kayaking, power boating, water skiing, camping, wind surfing, fishing, and live music just to name a few activities that might capture your attention. I am referring to the area known as Canyon lake, Texas in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The Guadalupe River whose headwaters start about thirty miles west of Kerrville,Texas is dammed at Canyon City,Texas (part of which is said to be at the bottom of the lake)forming the lake we enjoy today, serving as power for our homes, recreation, flood protection, and water supply. My name is Sam Times and my job is to let you know what I know about the areas that make up the Texas Hill Country. I will give advice on where to eat and what activities are available for all ages. I will let you know in advance, hiking is my passion and there will be quite a bit of commentary on the subject. This is my first of hopefully many post. I will be your guide. Follow me.