We finally made it to Austin after days on the road. (At this point I couldn’t actually tell you how long we were on the road, or what day it is – it’s one big blur – but I’m having fun!)
So, I’ve been going on and on to the crew about how excited
I was to head south and feel some real Summer heat. I mean, I love steam showers and saunas so
anywhere with 100 degree days should be like a spa, right?! Well, it’s definitely hot here – REAL hot.
Ok, I’m kinda melting and I feel like I’m getting a laser treatment when I
stand in the sun, but I’m down for anything, so let’s do this!
My crew has an
exciting night planned for us. Matt has an uncle who lives in Austin, so he’s
giving us the low-down on Austin’s City Secrets. So, tonight we’re going to
check out the bats. -Yes, bats! Like creepy/cute black mice that fly. I’m excited! (because, you know vampires are SO hot right now!)
I’m told every night in the summertime thousands of bats fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge and over the city in search of food (bugs) and it’s a must-see, so off we go!
I’m told every night in the summertime thousands of bats fly out from under the Congress Ave bridge and over the city in search of food (bugs) and it’s a must-see, so off we go!
We arrive at Lady Bird Lake and it's just beautiful! It’s just
starting to get dark, and the skyscrapers are glistening and reflecting on the
water. Wow. Hundreds of people have gathered to see these little bats! I’ve never
heard of this, but apparently everyone here knows this is the place to be on a
summer night.
To get the best view, (and to cool off) we rent a boat from Capital Cruises. Capital provides boat rentals as well as guided tours at Ladybird Lake. We got a "Duffy" rental.
These boats are really cute, easy to operate, and start at $65/hour. Ours' could easily fit 10 people, so it’s
a bargain if you’re with a group!
We head out on the water and wait near the Congress Ave
bridge. It’s really a beautiful lake and even if there were no bats, I’d be
cool just hanging out on the water all day.
HERE THEY COME...
Like clockwork, as soon as the sun sets, people start cheering and taking pictures and we start to see some bats. Then some more… then LOTS more!!
HERE THEY COME...
Like clockwork, as soon as the sun sets, people start cheering and taking pictures and we start to see some bats. Then some more… then LOTS more!!
This is unbelievable. There are so many bats that the sky
now looks to be filled with black clouds! They’re so tiny, you have to squint to see
individual bats, but they fly together in giant swarms and streaking formations, so the effect is
breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like this!
The display lasts about half an hour.
We all loved the show and agree we’d come back again and
again. If you're visiting Austin, this really is a must-see!
Check back tomorrow for Day 2 of our Austin adventures.
Check back tomorrow for Day 2 of our Austin adventures.
