2010, Austin, Texas

Perhaps it was not really accurate to label this as a trip to Austin -- I did go to Austin, but this was a very short trip during the holidays in 2010, and my only excursion was to >Enchanted Rock.

(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)

I had been there before when I lived in Austin from 2000 to 2002, but this is a place that I would rank as one of the best in Texas Hill Country, along with Hamilton Pool. The two places are very different: Enchanted Rock is a granite dome, dry and mostly barren, in an open area under the Texas sky; Hamilton Pool is a collapsed limestone with a waterfall, wet and verdant but in a confined space. It is hard to say which is "better", but I think both are fine natural areas. As far as dramatic scenery, I will probably give the nod to Hamilton Pool, but Enchanted Rock has more space for one to roam. And roam I did on this sunny day in the winter.


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock


Enchanted Rock

Around the area, I saw a new bird, a Black-crested Titmouse. This is a very interesting bird. If you look at its distribution map, you will see that it is mostly in Texas and northeast Mexico, with just a sliver into Oklahoma. Can you say "Tex-Mex"?!


Black-crested Titmouse



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