Congress Avenue Bridge: It's Raining Bats and Dogs

          Okay, so maybe it’s not really raining bats and dogs but what in the world is that huge black cloud coming out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge?  Believe it or not— it’s a huge flight of bats! 

The bats putting on a show for their fans. (Photo: Unknown, Courtesy of transactaustin.com)

          This spectacular scene is well-known part of Austin, Texas that you must check out. I mean, when do you ever see over a million bats in one place?

          Now if you’re anything like me you’re probably cringing right now and wondering who would ever want to go see some bats. Keep reading. I assure you this a promising form of entertainment

          The Congress Avenue Bridge along Lady Bird Lake is home to the largest bat colony in North America. From about mid-March to November, these Mexican free-tail bats emerge every evening from beneath the bridge.

          Although bats may be known as creepy creatures, (who definitely aren’t the cuddly kind) these mammals sure do know how to draw a crowd in.

          This bazaar scene attracts locals and tourists from all over the country as an unusual yet fascinating experience, and that’s why I have chosen this spot to share.

          Almost every summer night you will see the top of Congress Avenue Bridge lined with people waiting for the bats to come out of their roost.  

You'd think it's time to open presents looking at the crowd the bats attract. (Photo: Samsudin K.)

          I personally suggest gathering some friends and taking lawn chairs down to the bottom of the bridge to set up along the lake. This gives you a view from underneath the bridge, making it feel like you’re closer to the action.  

          When the time finally comes, and the bats emerge you hear an exhilarating chattering noise that leaves a thrill in your bones. The sound of their flapping wings adds excitement to the perfect picture they paint flying off into the dusk. (I might add there is a little smell but what do you expect? They’re bats!)

          “The bats at Congress Avenue Bridge are insane,” said Austin, Texas resident Michael Khairallah. “It’s one of those things you have to experience to truly understand.” 

          Since the population of bats living under this bridge is close to 1. 5 million you can imagine that it takes awhile before they are all out of the roost... about 20 minutes to be exact.  (Pick up your jaw. It just fell.)

          You’ve probably already figured this one out but the bats leave the bridge every night to hunt for food. Facts like this can be found around the area on educational posts with information on the bats and suggestions on things to watch for when they emerge.  

Tips can be helpful for first-time visitors who don't have a clue what's going on. (Photo: Lydia L.)

                 Okay, so over a million hungry bats swarming right before your eyes may not sound like the safest thing, but trust me on this one when I say you are safe watching them from the bridge, along the lake and even from a boat on the lake itself. You are out of harm’s way because all of these spots are beneath the bats and not in the direction they are flying. (Phew, hope you didn’t almost have a heart attack.)  

           The spot is obviously safe, as people have been visiting for quite some time now. A range from families to local college students, come out to experience this interesting phenomenon because it is fun, free and a part of fully experiencing Austin, Texas. 

          The actual time you should arrive at the bridge for a bat watch and how long you’ll wait on them varies. The bats generally emerge around sunset every evening so it may be best to find a spot about 7:30 p.m. For estimated emerging times on a particular day I advise you to call the Austin American-Statesman’s bat hotline at 512-416-5700 ext. 3636.

A great thing about visiting the bridge is that you don’t have to bother searching for a parking meter or paying for it at all. The Austin-American Statesman’s parking lot is located at 305 South Congress Ave. right next to the bridge and offers free parking after 6 p.m. so go! Go do something you’ve never done before. Go get wild and free… like the bats!

Mount Bonnell: The Highest Point in Austin, Texas

       Mount Bonnell— another new and exciting place to explore. It doesn’t cost much... in fact it doesn’t cost anything at all.

       No matter the time of day or weather, Mount Bonnell is always there to please its public. It’s free and it’s fascinating.

       It all starts at the foot of some stairs where you walk up a little over 100 steps to the top of the mountain. The walk is honestly not bad so there is no need for hiking shoes. (Although I wouldn’t wear your favorite pair of heels.)

       During the walk up the steep stairs you will probably feel a slight burn in your legs so be ready. Once you get to the top you may be out of breath for a second but it won’t take long for you to start talking about the view.

Here I am feeling pretty and loving Mount Bonnell. (Photo: Mandie Medina)

       This view from the top is gorgeous, especially during sunrise and sunset. You can walk around the mountain and find the perfect spot to get a good view of Lake Austin and the many million dollar homes down below.

       During the day there is usually always some activity to watch below whether it is boats on the lake or someone water skiing. At night you have the breathtaking blanket of stars and all the glistening lights from the beautiful houses to stare at. 

This view of Mount Bonnell is sure to make anyone fall in love. (Photo: Christopher Lin)

       Regardless of the time of day, taking a camera to Mount Bonnell is definitely a must. There are various nooks and ledges that you can safely stand and sit on to look out and take pictures from.

       “I took my girlfriend on a date here for her birthday,” said Austin, Texas resident Matthew Davis. “She loved the scenery and couldn’t get enough pictures.” 

       This couple is not alone. Many families, friends and couples can be spotted taking pictures and sharing a meal together on the ledges and stone tables.

       Another perk of Mount Bonnell is that it offers a small trail you can follow once you hit the top of the stairs on your right. This could be an easy way to walk off a meal and burn some calories.

       Mount Bonnell also houses a pavilion that you can sit under to get away from the heat during the daytime and maybe after your walk. On this topic of heat, I must advise you not to visit Mount Bonnell during the peak of a summer day because you will quickly be soaked in sweat.

       Overall, Mount Bonnell is a hit for special occasions and random adventures. This destination is an inexpensive option for anyone looking for a good time outdoors.

       A great thing to about Mount Bonnell is that you can stay as long or little as you please. Since there is no entrance fee you can get a fresh breath of air, take some pictures and head out when you are ready to go.

       The entrance to the mountain is located at 3800 Mount Bonnell Road. You won’t spend a penny so you have nothing to lose. Plus, you’ll have a new and exciting experience to talk about!

       Even though the place could get crowded at times, the view still makes it worth the trip up the mountain so grab some friends and family, or maybe even your significant other, and make it happen. This lovely location is sure to give you a huge taste of the beauty nature has to offer and again... it’s absolutely free!

Mayfield Park: Peacocks, and Lilies, and Trails! Oh My!

      Exploring a big town like Austin with little cash can be a hard thing to do. You want to try something new and exciting. You want to find what the town has to offer, but everything seems to cost money.

      This blog is based on my experience with this exact situation. I want to help people who aren’t yet aware of all the cool things to do and see in Austin—things that are absolutely free, or truly affordable for a college student.

      For starters I want to introduce Mayfield Park. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to reflect on your crazy week or just need a special spot to spend the day with your significant other, Mayfield Park is the perfect getaway.

      “It’s just a nice romantic spot to take someone special and spend the afternoon enjoying each others company,” said Jacob Merrit, an alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin. “My girlfriend and I like to go out to the park with lunch and just watch the peacocks run around the grounds." 

      From peacocks to lily ponds this scenic spot is sure to take your breath away. The small nature preserve is filled with various spots that encompass the beauty of nature; spots that are perfect for picture taking.  

  

A pink lily basking in the sun. (Photo: Mandie Medina) 

      Now when I say peacocks, I mean strikingly gorgeous peacocks with beautiful vibrant feathers. The park is home to nearly two dozen resident peacocks that walk the grounds freely.

A male peacock struttin' his stuff on the grounds of Mayfield Park. (Photo: Mandie Medina)

      The birds can be found in the trees, on the rooftops, lying in the gardens, or just wandering the park grounds. These friendly creatures make the perfect park greeters and are sure to make any picture look great.

      On another note, they also seem to stay close to those who have food so be warned, and watch your chips.

      If you’re not too much of a bird lover don’t be worried... there’s more. The park offers a nice set of trails for those who love to hike or just want to take a nice walk.

      The trail that I chose took me on a nice cool walk that led to views of Lake Austin. It was nice to walk off my lunch after a sweet afternoon date with my boyfriend. Whether or not you have a picnic at the park, I highly suggest this walk.

      The trails seem well maintained and easy to walk along although a lot of the trails do cross each other. I suggest you follow whichever trail looks the best and go get lost. Enjoy the scenery and appreciate the outdoors!

      Mayfield Park is located at 3505 W. 35^th St. The park is open on a daily basis from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but does not allow pets at any time.

      The best part about the park is that it’s absolutely free. Go check it out and then come back for more ideas on affordable things to do in Austin.