After a quick trot through a nearby park (the family that runs together, sweats together), we were ready for a swim.  Even my mom who famously refuses to get in any water that is below reasonably warm wanted to go visit the famous Barton Springs.  So the four of us put on swim trunks, climbed into our rented pimp mobile and drove towards Austin’s most renowned summer visit.

Although the swim hole is a consistent 68 degrees Fahrenheit, it sounded like a great idea for a warm November afternoon.  The day before Thanksgiving was not only gorgeous in Austin, but perfect for site seeing and  Barton Springs is a natural swimming hole that reportedly has been enjoyed  by the local folk for 10,000 years  (and it is my uncle Kurt’s favorite spot to visit in the Texas capital).

Glad to see that we were not the only people who thought the day was perfect for a dip, we stepped out of the car in search of the entrance to the ‘pool’.  Birds announced our arrival to the park with loud singing voices- maybe they have been there for all of the visitors of the springs 10,000 year history or maybe they are just flying south for the winter.  Either way, smart birds; Austin is a great place to stop for a travel break.

Before diving in (or cannon balling in, in my case), we took a family picture.  Mom put her toes in and decided that the water was just too cold for her taste, but the rest of us dived in without looking back.  And damn, it was cold.  After getting over the initial shock of the freezing water, I actually enjoyed paddling around in the freezing pond.  I was beginning to understand the local love for such a treasured swim spot.

After a few laps, and a race nearly won- to be fair, my little brother is at least 1/2 a foot taller than me), we were ready to go.  The sun was high in the sky and begging for more exploration, so we loaded back up into the rental car and said goodbye to Barton Springs.  Morale of the story, never forget your bathing suit, because you never know when you will need it.

(PS- Happy birthday to an inspiring Go Girl and the classiest lady I know, my Nina Gloria.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such supportive and amazing women.)