A herd thunders past, feet striking the path. If it hadn’t rained a few hours prior, a choking dust cloud would have been thrown up in the air. Instead, runners dodge miniature canals and lakes while dogs run right through them, speckling anyone close enough with mud. Bodies glisten with sweat, even though the sun barely reaches through the branches and it’s a cool 70 degrees out. The number of shirtless men and women gliding along the trail (the women have sports bras on, for modesty, I’m sure) outnumber any that I have ever seen anywhere. I won’t complain but I also won’t be taking my shirt off to join them anytime soon.
On the trail, I pause every mile or so to snap pictures of the lake. It’s too early to be crowded with the kayakers and paddle boarders that brave the cloudy green water and snapping turtles to sunbathe on the water. The underside of the bridges are still empty, typically crowded with informal lake parties, except for a pigeon or two.
A river of tanned bodies continues to roll by. On the topside, the crowd begins to thin and the sky starts to turn a darker hue of blue. A beautiful day for the beautiful people in Austin.
Loved this post Rooth! I know very little about Austin so keep the piccies coming!
ReplyDeleteGreat captures. I need to make my way to the lake before it gets too hot. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, Rooth:) Austin sounds like a great place, esp. for runners like yourself.
ReplyDeleteUnder the bridge, that is such a wonderful moment and a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteLovely pics! And the narrative adds a hint of beauty to running . . . now that's some impressive writing!
ReplyDeleteThis was like a love letter to your new city! I loved it.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'm glad the women weren't completely topless. That could have been awkward. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that first photo!
Very pretty, I think the first is my favorite picture.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful city! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely image and lovely post. Austin is definitely on my list of places I want to visit. I am glad you are finding a love of your new home :)
ReplyDeletewow this post makes me miss the summer! We're well on our way to mid winter... still alive! lol
ReplyDeletegreat post. too bad it was so short :)
ReplyDeleteYou really do make it sound beautiful. This post makes me want to visit. Is it true that Austin is food central in Texas???
ReplyDeleteGirl, are you safe out there? Woke up to news of bad storms. Yuck. I have have other people to check on today too.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a couple of warm days here and the runners are out in force! We live down the street from a local university and my favorite is when the swim team runs (the loop of our street makes a perfect 5K) past in their swim suits. For modesty, of course.
Lauren @ still + life
I love Austin. Such a great town.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully written post - thank you
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are enjoying your new stomping grounds.
ReplyDelete