A few hours to spare…

Creative Reflection

Creating and sharing content through social media platforms like WordPress and Twitter is an essential skill. Whether it is for professional or personal reasons, continuous development of creative content will enhance your abilities to communicate in today’s digital immersed culture. Combining your passion and digital footprint can bring you joy and may even lead to monetization.

Understanding the tools at your disposal is important if you want to succeed in content creation. WordPress is a wonderful platform that makes creating and sharing content easy and stress-free. From pre-designed templates to complete customizable settings and features through the dashboard, WordPress allows the creator to dictate how content is presented. The “dashboard” also contains statistical data relating to visitors and how they are interacting with content.

The ability to view statistical data allowed better understanding how my content was being received. I was able to see which post created the largest amount of traffic and how visitors were referred to my site. For instance, Twitter was referred the most visitors to my site. This was expected because I promoted every post with a direct link on Twitter. However, Instagram had the second most referrals and I only had a direct link to my WordPress on my Instagram profile page. I suspect that if I could post a direct link on an Instagram post, then Instagram would become the top referral site.

Throughout the semester I learned that creating passionate content is therapeutic and entices creativity. This blog has encouraged me to follow my dreams and ignited an adventurous spirit within me…

with a few hours to spare.

Austin’s Trail

In a previous post, I mentioned one of Austin’s most frequented trails, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The trail consists of a 10-mile loop that winds along the water’s edge and passes sky scrapers, scenic views, and some of Austin’s greatest attractions. Whether you are wanting to explore the whole trail or just escape the downtown bustle, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a must on anyone’s itinerary.

The trail acts as the main artery for the adventurous spirit of Austin. As it loops around Lady Bird Lake, the trail connects destinations like Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. These popular attractions are just a short walk from downtown because of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Since the trail is located in the heart of Austin, the diversity of the city is represented on the trail as well. As you visit the trail you will cross paths with a wide variety of people. Some frequent visitors even include prominent, public figures that live in Austin. Grab a pair of tennis shoes and take a walk along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail…

with a few hours to spare.

Fishing the Guadalupe

As the cold weather arrives, many anglers grab their fly fishing equipment and head for the clear waters of the Guadalupe River in pursuit of beautiful rainbow trout. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) stock the Guadalupe River with trout each winter.

During the summer, the cool water of the Guadalupe River is filled with visitors floating on tubes as they escape the Texas heat. Once the season turns and winter arrives, the river transforms into a fly fishing destination. As one of the few places in Texas to catch trout, the Guadalupe River is a great place for seasoned anglers or individuals who want to try the art of fly fishing.

Located 50 miles south of Austin, the Guadalupe River is a great destination to explore. Head south and fish the clear waters of the Guadalupe River…

with a few hours to spare.

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A few hours to spare with Ivan

In the following video Ivan explains why Austin is an amazing city.

The Greenbelt

It was a crisp, cool Sunday morning as the alarm sounded at 6 am. No, I didn’t have to work…I had the day off and decided to hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail. Although it is possible to explore some of the Greenbelt with a few hours to spare, you will need at least 4-6 hours to hike the trail in its entirety.

Barton Creek Greenbelt consists of 7.25 miles of trails spanning from Zilker Park to the so-called “Hill of Life.” Gorgeous limestone bluffs border the trail as it winds along Barton Creek. The creek is filled with several natural swimming holes, filled with rain water and springs from Edwards Aquifer.

There are several locations to access the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Each entrance point is unique and requires a different level of hiking ability. The entrance nearest to Zilker Park is great for beginners while the furthest access point at Trails End is for more experienced hikers because of the steep, rocky terrain. The Barton Creek Greenbelt trail accommodates both novice and skilled hikers alike.

Time to plan a hike through the scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt…

with a few hours to spare.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

2017 marked Zilker Metropolitan Park’s 100^th anniversary. Zilker Park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Austin. Comprised of a sprawling 350-acre lawn, the park is open to the public for recreational use. It is also home to several big events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the annual Zilker Park Kite Festival. As the holiday season approaches, the park is preparing for another highly anticipated annual event known as the Trail of Lights.

Nestled between Barton Creek and the Colorado River, Zilker Park provides great access to the 10-mile hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake. Whether you are going for a quick run or just wanting to join a pick-up game of ultimate frisbee, Zilker Park is a must visit for anyone in Austin. Since preparation for the Trail of Lights has begun, some of the areas of the park will be closed to the general public.

Even with some parts of Zilker Park closed, there is still ample room to enjoy what the park has to offer. Put on your running shoes and head to Zilker Metropolitan Park for a quick run and enjoy a beautiful view of the Austin skyline…

with a few hours to spare.

Fall, in Adventure

It’s finally here! The crisp, cool air has arrived and invigorates the adventurous spirit in us all. The dog days of summer are far behind us as we begin to brace ourselves for the River coming winter; however, there is no better time to enjoy a few nights of camping or trekking your favorite trails—than now.

Fall may be the perfect season to explore the outdoors. Whether you enjoy the fall foliage or the mild temperatures, grab your Ready-Bag and embark on another adventure. Since the sun sets earlier with each passing day it is paramount that you plan your adventures around the inevitable nightfall that quickly engulfs the day. As I mentioned in a previous blog, a headlamp is a great piece of equipment to have.

Since our time is limited and we may only have a few hours in the early evening, I recommend exploring areas with a higher elevation. This allows you to maximize the limited daylight and ultimately provides you with a great opportunity to observe a gorgeous sunset.

A perfect place for a quick hike and magnificent view is Mount Bonnell. The park provides a short hike to one of the highest points in the Austin area. With an exceptional view of the Colorado River and the Austin skyline, it is one of my favorite early evening hikes…

with a few hours to spare.

City dark

Creative Creation

“To create means to originate or to bring into being from nothing. It means bringing into life something completely new.”-Otto von Münchow

As I read Otto von Münchow’s recent blog, Into the Unknown, I was instantly encouraged to create and venture into unfamiliar territory. otto Münchow uses his blog as platform to teach and inspire people to revive their creative instincts. His writing rekindles the poetic beginnings of our childlike curiosity.

Münchow’s own work is comprised of a more traditional concept, however, he is expanding his talents into the blogosphere. His use of social media and constant interaction with his audience welcomes people from all talent levels. Münchow encourages his readers to submit a personal photo so that he can use his professional experience to evaluate and critique the photo.

Münchow’s professionalism and talents transcends throughout his blog. His continuous updated content generates a desire to create and venture into the unknown. Adventure should be exciting, unique, and creative…

during your few hours to spare.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of Texas’ most prized possessions. Less than an hour drive west of downtown Austin, visitors can experience the beautiful effects of nature. Thousands of years of erosion has created outcroppings of limestone that rise above a natural pool and form a canopy accompanied with a 50-foot waterfall. Not only is Hamilton Pool home to a picturesque ecosystem of vegetation and rock formations, but it also accommodates to those wanting to hike or swim.

In 1990, the Travis County Commissioner’s Court designated Hamilton Pool as a nature preserve. Since then, locals and visitors have experienced the secluded treasure that Hamilton Pool offers. A 1/4-mile trail descends into the canyon and leads to the pool. Although the trail is rather short, the rugged and steep terrain creates an adequate workout. Swimming is allowed; however, occasionally it is prohibited due to high bacteria levels in the pool. You can call (512) 264-2740 or visit the Hamilton Pool website for updated information.

Although there are several areas to hike and swim closer to downtown Austin, Hamilton Pool exceeds expectations of everyone that visits. After October 1, no reservations are needed so now is the perfect time to visit. Grab your Ready-Bag and head west…

during your few hours to spare.

The Ready-Bag

Life is full of random occurrences that can lead to amazing opportunities. Failed preparation can squander the most promising of those moments. How often have you thought about going for a hike, swim, or trail run, and talked yourself out of it? The most common excuse tends to be that you don’t have any gear ready to go. Having a designated bag for adventures will alleviate the setback of not being prepared.

A Ready-Bag should have essential items that are needed for a venture. Every person’s “essential items” may differ, but you should practice a minimalistic mindset when putting together your “Ready-Bag”. An excessive amount of gear will only hinder your ability to take advantage of spontaneous outdoor adventures. Think light and pack light.

**“Ready-Bag” contents:**

Container of water (i.e. CamelBak)
Flashlight (headlamp is preferred to keep your hands free)
Small first-aid/survival kit
Lightweight water-resistant jacket

Use the above list as a foundation, but it is important to recognize that different circumstances may require additional gear. It is imperative to stay flexible and evolve so that you can use your time efficiently…