As I headed out of my hotel this morning for an early jog, I was thrilled to find that there is this beautiful running path that runs all along Lake Austin. As I crossed over the bridge from 1st street to head down to the path on the other side of the lake, imagine my surprise when I saw this:
Apparently, if you go to this bridge at dusk, there are tons of bats flying around. I didn’t see any doing any day time hanging around, but I am intrigued enough to try to go back. I guess this would be like whale watching somewhere else, as you can take a river boat tour and see the bats from that angle. Signs are posted that caution you-don’t touch the bats if you find one resting on the ground. Don’t worry, I won’t!
As I continued down the path, I ran into this statue of the late and great Stevie Ray Vaughn:
A fine tribute to one of the world’s greatest musicians who left us way too early in his life due to a plane crash many years ago.
I headed back to my hotel and found that even at an early hour, the music scene had already begun. Here was a street band that found a corner and started playing for fun:
What a city!
March 15th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Hi Rachel!
It is so great to have you in Austin! I met you yesterday morning and gave you some of my artisinal candy bars. I hope you enjoyed them! It was great to meet you and I love all that you do! Your ability to relate to just about everyone in the kitchen is astounding.
Happy SXSW,
Courtney Fuqua
March 16th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Wonderful party at the Beauty Bar yesterday…yum-o, tasty food and the music was the perfect mix. Cringe is polished, professional and put on a great show…I was the one who kissed your husband’s head when he did the “front row plunge” and can hardly wait until they make the Seattle scene. Anybody who gripes about you is just full of sour grapes…ride the wave for all it’s worth.
Raylene from Seattle
March 16th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Come back in late September to see lots of bats, it is very impressive. The repairs along César Chávez will be finished next month, so a jog around Lady Bird Lake will be a lot easier.
March 16th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Glad to hear you’re enjoying Austin. I love it too. There’s lots of cool stuff to be seen.
Take the “Austin Ducks” tour if you get a chance.
March 17th, 2008 at 7:52 am
My wife and I had a great time at your SXSW party. Thanks for the guitar! Sorry if I snatched it a little too fast. John signed it for my wife later on, it is now a prized possesion. The appearance of Billy Gibbons(ZZ Top)onstage with the Cringe was awesome! I didn’t know that you were such “a cool rock chick”. Your smile is amazing.
BTW the Rose’s mojitos were perfect for the warm day. I know what my new summertime drink will be.
Vinnie and M.J.
Tejas
April 12th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Hi Rachael Ray,
That “street Band” is us– Green Mountain Grass, taking advantage of all the euros and pounds floating around our home town that week. If you give a P.O. box, we would be glad to send you a GMG care package, with CD and such.
Cheers and glad you liked Austin,
Jesse, bassist GMG
April 12th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
howdy ya’ll,
thanks for posting the picture of GREEN MOUNTAIN GRASS(the street band). we are based in austin and travel and play all over the country. we’re currently releasing a new album called “as the crow flies” and planning a vibrant summer. including the northwest. maybe we’ll see you there!!!!
if you have any suggestions for good cheap road food we are all ears.
thanks
gmg