Comal river swim

For some reason most public pools close in winter here in these parts of Texas. After falling in the river and realizing how warm and clear the water is. I figured I'd swim in the river.

While thinking about that I wondered how the GoPro might work...

I figured there was no harm in trying (apart from looking a right dork).

I was quite surprized by the results, I figured there would be water splashes on the lens, and an angle that saw the back of my head and sky, some of the pictures came out well.

The Comal River and spring is part of the fascinating Eduards Aquafer system of overground and under ground rivers. Definitely warrants further exploration :)

Internet Strike

It appears that there is a fair bit of support of the "STOP SOPA and PIPA" bills already, but the gap between senate and actual public opinion is vast. So a little more emphasis...

For example Trey's creative talents like his most recent below could not legally be shared.
This Spring at Marina from Trey Kropp on Vimeo.
For more information this presentation words the situation well.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Another Float on the Guadalupe

Another day, another float, this time the Guadalupe below Canyon lake for about 7 miles.

One thing you may notice, county roads in Texas are named FM (Farm to Market), Which would be CR in California or just "B" in the UK. I haven't found a Farm to Farm road yet...

For the most part the river was a bit on the shallow side.

The water might be a bit higher in the summer when water is let out of the dam a little faster to keep the water from getting too warm for the fish.

A raft would have been a more appropriate craft, not that I have one.

Splendid day out none the less. Pre-occupying my mind that instead wants to be in Forbes right now. Where the Hang Gliding PreWorlds are full swing. A few days to go and they have already flown over 1000km (600miles) !

We pulled out near this crazy 7 story treehouse.

A couple more Texas rivers

We put in this time up in Guadalupe River State Park.

It's 20 miles or so upstream of Canyon Lake.

With the rocky cliffs, clear water teaming with Catfish, Spotted Gar, Perch, Turtles and more, it is a scenic river.

Nice day to be on the water :)

A few days later Kit, Andy and myself put in, in San Marcos with the car parked 10 miles downstream.

Just look at how clear the water is !! It's straight out of the Aquifer, drinkable and slightly above swimming pool temperature. Which is good as I continue to find myself up-side-down every now and then ;)

The Turtles seem to like the warm water too.

This rope swing was too tempting to pass up :)

You never know what you might find in the river !

Note to self 10miles is a long paddle in a slow flowing river. Fun day though !

New Year 2012

For New Years eve, Kit, Joel, Andy, Heidi, Deidre, went out to Lulling to watch the last 2011 Sunset.

It was a nice warm and calm evening.

Perfect for a little bit of this.

Kit took his Freedom for a high cruise too.

Then we went out and saw the Midnight River Choir, which I really enjoyed.

The Mystiqueros rocked it too. Really enjoyed the song "Love is more like a river than a road"

Happy New Year, one and all :)