Zilker Trail of Lights
Sunday Dec 24, 2006
On Thursday 21 December 2006 we visited the annual Zilker Trail of Lights in Austin. We've gone at least 3 years in a row now, maybe more. This year we brought along Nick's friend Jack. Jack's sister Caroline broke her leg in a trampoline accident so it was difficult for Jack's family to attend, so we offered to take Jack with us. All went well, but adding one boy to our two boys seemed to increase the volume by 100%! I'm sure you parents and teachers can understand that!
We got to the trail about 6:10, which was a little worrying since it wasn't supposed to open until 7. We were able to park very close to the yule log and tree of lights, which was really nice. Parking cost $8, but parking at the state parking ramps near the Capitol and taking the shuttle bus would have cost $11. We checked out the big yule log near the tree of lights and then went under the tree of lights and spun around, an Austin tradition if there ever was one. Karen bought a funnel cake, and between the five of us it disappeared in about 60 seconds :). We headed towards the entrance of the trail of lights across Barton Springs Road, and waited in a long line. Fortunately, the powers that be opened the trail at 6:30 rather than 7, but while we were waiting we contemplated why they had set the start time to 7, and decided it had to do with getting all the volunteers in place.
We oohed and ahed at the cool light displays. One of the most impressive to Karen and me was the large live oak tree done up by RunTex, with lights all the way out the limbs and to the top. Well done.
We picked up another funnel cake and continued on. At the entertainment area we checked out another big yule log and bought tickets to ride the Zilker Zephyr, then waited for the train. We often ride the train when we visit Zilker Park, but it usually starts by Barton Springs Pool and goes out to the turnaround not far from the Mopac bridge. In this case, we were riding from the turnaround spot back to the pool and back again. It was nice that we were able to go through the tunnel near the pool, as it had been closed for repairs for quite some time. The tunnel was decorated with Christmas lights, and you could see the murals on the walls of the tunnel quite well.
After the train ride, we continued on through the rest of the trail and headed back to the car. Getting out of the area was a bit difficult, and also showed us that it was good to get to the trail early! Traffic heading south on Mopac and to the 2243 exit was backed up for at least a mile, and traffic headed north from Barton Skyway was backed up also. We had wanted to go to EZs on 2243, but discovered it was closed or gone. We had to head south on Mopac and ended up down on 360 to turn around and head back north. We did go to EZ's on Lamar across from Central Market. It was good as usual, but I think the kids were getting a bit too tired to eat. We headed home, and all the kids slept in their sleeping bags at home. All in all, an enjoyable evening.
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