Comments on: the sun... it's so bright!

the sun... it's so bright!

Pants! — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:05:57 -0800

It's been WEEKS since the last Austin meetup, and now that all those crazy foreigners have left town, it's time for another meetup. There's been entirely too many meetups lately involving TV. How about rock climbing at Enchanted Rock? If you don't know how, that's cool. We can find an instructor for a very small fee, that will train for an hour or two. We can rent equipment. Alternatively, if this turns out to be too expensive after some basic research, we could do some other outdoor thing at a different nearby location, including (but not limited to!) a Cave Tour! at Longhorn Cavern or a Day of Adventure! at Pedernales Falls. So, Tasks: 1) Determine if this is a Good Idea (or if we somehow need to incorporate a television into our plan) 2) Find Our Where and determine costs 3) Pick a Saturday or Sunday in the next month or so

By: Navelgazer

Navelgazer — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:23:32 -0800

Oh god I LOVE Enchanted Rock.

Sadly I live in a different time zone now, but I highly recommend it for those who can make it.

By: freshwater_pr0n

freshwater_pr0n — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:30:12 -0800

Oh! That sounds great. I teach classes on Sundays, but I'd love to go on a Saturday.

Another idea: I never get to go to Hamilton Pool, because they don't allow dogs and all of the people I do fun, outdoorsy stuff with have dogs. It's a state park, so there's a charge of $8 per car, but I suspect that any outing we do will involve carpooling anyways.

By: katemonster

katemonster — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:56:38 -0800

I'd love to go, although if there's not a television involved I'd at least like to vote for something that would allow for non-running/jumping/climbing trees activities, as I am definitely not much of an outdoorswoman. Even sitting on a picnic blanket or dangling my feet in a river while other people do the active stuff is fine with me.
And Jesus Christ, that picture of the flash flooding at Pedernales is terrifying!

By: Faux Real

Faux Real — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:23:33 -0800

I often hike up Enchanted Rock; it is one of my favorite places in the world.

The first time I went, we left from the IM fields at 11 pm. I had no idea where we were going, just to dress warm, bring a flashlight and good shoes, and get ready to GO TO THE MOON (which in my naiveté I assumed to be a drug reference of some kind)! When we got there it was a new moon, so all I could see was this dark imposing shape on the horizon. As we ascended, I followed behind a man I had only met a few hours before. He had two speakers strapped to his back and they were softly playing the weirdest space music I had ever heard. The air was cold, and people around me were bouncing around like they were on the moon. I will never forget the experience of hiking to the top in the dark with complete strangers, all who were convinced that they were ON THE MOON. We sat on the top and shared stories of space, told tales of the stars and legends of our fellow man. As the sun rose that morning, the strange man in charge played “Thus Spake Zarathustra,” and several people around me pretended they were apes first discovering the 3rd class lever. I will never forget that night. It is the most surreal experience I have ever had.

I have been back many times, chasing the memory of that first visit, and while I have always enjoyed myself, it has never captured the terrifying excitement of that first voyage.

That night, Enchanted Rock was the moon.

By: donajo

donajo — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:39:10 -0800

I'm game, but I'm with katemonster--I don't so much see myself scaling Enchanted Rock, but hiking or splashing around in a river would be fun.

As far as dates go, I'm free April 12, 19, or May 10 (or later).

By: fnord

fnord — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:51:34 -0800

I'm down for some outdoorsin. My climbing abilities aren't that hot, but I'll do anything stupid at least once.

By: spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints

spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:59:35 -0800

I own a lot of climbing equipment, but not enough to share around a group, and large climbing groups full of newbs are kinda discouraged at E-rock without a guide there. It's honestly a kick-ass place to just hike around and camp. I've been itching to get my toddler out there, as she's been asking me "Can we climb a mountain tomorrow?". I think she'd love being up on Main Dome (I'm a little scared to get her on top of Buzzard's Roost due to that dropoff at Fear of Flying). Warning: there's not a lot of shade out there.

There's a good place for food/drink in Fredericksburg, as well as tons of craft and antique stores.

By: batmonkey

batmonkey — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:39:52 -0800

I'd really like the opportunity to meet other ATX MeFites, so I'll keep an eye on the convo.

Very into the idea of swimming/wandering around/camping.

Am sadly too gimpy for climbing/aggressive hiking.

Dates are flexible, with Saturdays being best.

By: Pants!

Pants! — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:59:49 -0800

So it sounds like the actual rock climbing is out, but do we still want to hike on The Moon, or do we want to go to somewhere else?

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:22:02 -0800

I'm totally in Austin RIGHT NOW. Your timing is terrible. I love Enchanted Rock.

By: Burhanistan

Burhanistan — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:29:41 -0800

Two things for those who don't know the area: 1)I've seen toddlers walk up the side of Enchanted Rock so no special gear or skill is needed; 2)In Fredericksburg, they roll up the sidewalks early, like 6PM--overbearing chamber of commerce doesn't want it being a night spot.

Will probably be up north around that time but enjoy yourselves and maybe you might get to hear the rock creak.

By: Faux Real

Faux Real — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:11:44 -0800

When do you leave ColdChef? I'll buy you a beer, at the least for this comment.

By: Orb

Orb — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:23:40 -0800

I'd be totally up for going up the rock minus any actual hard rock climbing. I haven't been up in a couple of years, and I need to plan a trip over there to visit family soon anyway, so it could be a dual purpose trip. :D

The brewpub there is awesome too. It's open until 10 pm Saturdays and 7 pm Sundays. There's the added bonus of being able to walk around in town while drinking beer which always feels so strange. I totally suggest a stop of the pub.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:07:12 -0800

Faux RealThanks for the kind offer. I didn't have time for a MeFi meetup this trip, but next time, I will. Thanks.

By: fiercecupcake

fiercecupcake — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:57:21 -0800

Jen and I are up for it, I'm sure. Enchanted Rock is one of my favorite places in the world. And I'd definitely be up for going up the dome and hanging around by the crick if there's any water and going to the Fredericksburg brewpub (they got some tasty snausage!).

By: fnord

fnord — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:21:07 -0800

ColdChef, when you come back to Austin, I'll buy you a beer for every awesome comment, story, or witty retort you've posted. I hope you can drink a few gallons. I'll probably have to take out a loan.

By: batmonkey

batmonkey — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:30:05 -0800

Prior comment should have clarified: I'd definitely go to Enchanted Rock and give it a whirl.

At worst, I end up at the bottom taking pics.

By: Faux Real

Faux Real — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:50:32 -0800

If you stick to the path (which every hiker should do if they love Texas and do not wish to mess with her!) and pace yourself, the ascent is about 45 minutes of walking up a bit of a slope. It’s not bad at all. It is even easier in daylight.

That being said; Hamilton Pool is also amazing, as is Paleface Rock. There are so many cool places within a few hours drive of this town.

By: Pants!

Pants! — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:57:51 -0800

Okay, so far we've got enchanted rock, then the brewpub for beer/sausage.

Now: when?

By: batmonkey

batmonkey — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:37:42 -0800

Soon?

:)

(still in favour of Saturdays over Sundays, but either is doable)

By: Pants!

Pants! — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:37:22 -0800

Okay I'll make some arbitrary decisions. First, April 12th it is. We will meet at Torchy's Tacos (1207 S 1st St) at 8 AM, then park any unused cars on Elizabeth St. If you want to get tacos, get there about 15 minutes earlier.

Then, we'll carpool/drive to Enchanted Rock. Google says it will take 1 1/2 hours or so to get there, so we'll get there around 10 AM. We need to leave this early because the park website says that the park often reaches capacity around 11 AM on weekends and they begin to turn people away.

We'll hike around for a few hours, nothing too strenuous. There may be some splashing involved, so if you feel like extra splashing, bring a swimsuit.

Then, after awhile, we'll go to Fredericksburg for beer/sausage. We'll still need to figure out when to leave. Of course, different cars can leave at different times.

Things you'll need:

1) Water. You'll need water. Bring some with you, at least two quarts per person.
2) Cash. You need 6 bucks to get in, plus whatever else you want.
3) Cool clothing (as in temperature, not trendy. Of course, you can do BOTH!)
4) Comfortable shoes, especially shoes that support your ankles

Things you may want:
1) Something for lunch/snacks while we hike around/splash
2) Swimsuit/towel etc. Please note that swimming is not required.
3) A boom box for space music. Please see the comments above.
4) Other money to spend in Fredericksburg, etc
5) A camera. It's pretty pretty out there, plus it is a meetup.

Before I post this on the sidebar, I'll give people time to make changes/suggestions. I'll post on the sidebar on Monday after work.

By: donajo

donajo — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:18:19 -0800

All my Saturdays in April just got by filled by an unexpected rush of social activity. Have fun, guys!

By: katemonster

katemonster — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:39:06 -0800

I'm tied up on the 12th -- I'd be able to go on the 19th or 26th, but otherwise I'm out.

By: fiercecupcake

fiercecupcake — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:08:19 -0800

Oh, crap -- what katemonster said. A very good friend's b-day party is the 12th, and I can't miss it. :/

By: Pants!

Pants! — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 06:29:40 -0800

Okay, this is the final update on where/when/how issues, based on feedback. The sidebar links here.

WHEN: APRIL 19th, 8 AM
WHERE: First Torchy's Tacos for a few minutes, then Enchanted Rock, then Fredericksburg
WHAT: Some hiking, maybe some splashing, some nature awe, tiny microscopic shrimp, beer, sausage, fun

What you'll need:

1) Water. You'll need water. Bring some with you, at least two quarts per person.
2) Cash. You need 6 bucks to get in, plus whatever else you want.
3) Cool clothing (as in temperature, not trendy. Of course, you can do BOTH!)
4) Comfortable shoes, especially shoes that support your ankles

What you may want:
1) Something for lunch/snacks while we hike around/splash
2) Swimsuit/towel etc. Please note that swimming is not required.
3) A boom box for space music. Please see the comments above.
4) Other money to spend in Fredericksburg, etc
5) A camera. It's pretty pretty out there, plus it is a meetup.

By: likesuchasand

likesuchasand — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:09:02 -0800

I'm in!

By: spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints

spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:22:31 -0800

Which Torchy's? The Airstream on South 1st or the new restaurant one?

By: spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints

spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:22:55 -0800

Read the thread stupid.

By: Pants!

Pants! — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:02:02 -0800

Good point! For clarity, the Airstream with Monk, the firepit, and the creek.

By: fnord

fnord — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:05:31 -0800

It turns out I'll be a photo gallery opening this day, so I can't make it.
Damnit! Let's do another one in a few months!

By: bigmusic

bigmusic — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:34:52 -0800

I'm thinking about meeting you guys at Enchanted Rock (driving up from San Antonio) - What would be a good way for me to make sure I don't miss you guys? I love me some hiking.

By: Pants!

Pants! — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:52:53 -0800

Big - I'll mefimsging you my phone number. Anyone else that wants to do the same, send me a mefimsg.

By: fiercecupcake

fiercecupcake — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:52:10 -0800

Jen and I will be there with bells on (OK, I'll be the one wearing the bells).

By: fiercecupcake

fiercecupcake — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:49:14 -0800

Scratch that. We won't be there -- I had a family issue come up last night and I need to stay closer to town for now. Y'all enjoy yourselves!

By: donajo

donajo — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:01:34 -0800

Well, what happened? Were Austinites able to meet up without a tv in the room?

By: dirtdirt

dirtdirt — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:19:11 -0800

Did this happen? I have a hard enough time getting to meetups that happen within city limits where there is beer and AC, so I didn't even pretend that I was going to go to this one.

Pictures?

By: Pants!

Pants! — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:58:11 -0800

Didn't happen, as far as I know. I went for a bit to torchy's, then left to go back to old settler's.