[LoneStarMike]

A continuation of Springtime in Austin, Texas (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=149084)

All were taken in April and May.

The first 5 photos were taken from an 8th floor condo during the last Austin Forum Meet

Partial Skyline

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet1.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet7.jpg

Federal Building

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet5.jpg


Omni Hotel and St. David's Episcopal Church

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet6.jpg

Driscoll Hotel and Sixth St.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet3.jpg


The next five photos were taken from Mayfield Park. (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/mayfield.htm)

Allison Mayfield purchased the picturesque cottage and 23 acres for his family as a summer and weekend retreat in 1909. His daughter, Mary Mayfield Gutsch and son-in-law, Dr. Milton Gutsch moved into the cottage in 1922 and added porches to three sides of the house, reflecting the Bungalow style of the early 20th century.

Mary Mayfield Gutsch designed the gardens while Milton directed the building of the stone walls, ponds, and garden features. The peacocks were gifts from friends in 1935 and their descendants are here today. The Mayfield-Gutsch family developed this site over a 62 year period. Dr. Gutsch died in 1967. Mary Mayfield Gutsch died in 1971 and left the home and acreage to the City of Austin to be used as a park.


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Mayfield1.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Mayfield2.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Mayfield3.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Mayfield4.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Mayfield5.jpg


The next eight photos were shot from Joe's Crab Shack on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. (Formerly Town Lake)

It's a popular place to photograph the skyline from.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/JCSSkyline1.jpg

The outdoor patio looks out onto Lady Bird Lake


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/JoesCrabShack.jpg

Towers of Town Lake

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/TowersofTownLake.jpg

Wildlife

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/JCSDucks.jpg

Downtown core

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/JCSSkyline.jpg

More wildlife

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/JCSBird.jpg

Holiday Inn Town Lake

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/HolidayInn.jpg

Four Seasons Hotel

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/FourSeasons.jpg

The next five photos are all morning views to the west from the Mount Bonnell area

West Austin Homes

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/WestAustinHomes.jpg


Lake Austin and Tom Miller Dam

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell1.jpg

Homes of the filthy rich

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell2.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell3.jpg

Loop 360 Bridge and Shepherd Mountain

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell4.jpg
(Note the street on Shepherd Mountain in the upper right hand corner of the above photo. The following three late-afternoon photos of the skyline were taken from there.

The whole skyline

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Shepherd1.jpg


Skyline from the State Capitol to Lady Bird Lake

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Shepherd2.jpg


Skyline from Dobie Center to the State Capitol

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Shepherd3.jpg


Palisades West - an office complex under construction along Loop 360 taken from the Wild Basin Preserve

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/PalisadesWest3.jpg

The next thirteen photos were taken from the Loop 360 Bridge area. The bridge's offical name is the Pennybacker Bridge. You can park along Loop 360 and hike the trail up to the top of the cliffs overlooking the bridge and Lake Austin. Although you get different views than you would at Mount Bonnell, they're every bit as dramatic.

Halfway up the trail

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge1.jpg

At the top of the trail you can see Lake Austin and the downtown skyline to the east. The golf course for the Austin Country Club is in the foreground.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge2.jpg

Directly below is the bridge and to the west is Plaza on the Lake - an office complex on the south shore of the lake.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge3.jpg

Northbound traffic was quite heavy at 5:45 pm on a Friday afternoon.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge4.jpg

After you've taken in the view, you can follow another trail that runs west along the top of the cliffs for about a half mile up Lake Austin. Not too far from the overlook, there's a chain link fence, but someone thoughtfully cut a huge hole (a doorway really) that leads to the other side and the "forbidden" part of the trail. Past the chain link fence, it's very secluded. My friend and I only saw 4 other people the day we were there. There are some nice of Lake Austin



http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge5.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge8.jpg

You can see all kinds of boats on the lake.


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge6.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge7.jpg

The last part of the trail was narrow and kind of close to the edge. When my friend and I came to a steep ravine that went down to the lake just before it makes a southwesterly turn, we headed back.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge14.jpg

On the way back, you notice several places 15-20 feet off the trail along the cliffs where you can sit and take in the view.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge9.jpg

Another boat

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge10.jpg


Almost back to the overlook

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge11.jpg

Austin Country Club Golf Course through the bridge.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge12.jpg

A last look at the bridge

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/360Bridge13.jpg

The next 8 photos were taken from Lou Neff Point on the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline1.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline2.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline4.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline5.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline7.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline6.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/LouNeffPointNite.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/NightSkyline1.jpg

The next 13 photos are just random shots around downtown after the forum meet in April

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet19.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet21.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet22.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet23.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet10.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet9.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet11.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet13.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet14.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet15.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet16.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet17.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ForumMeet18.jpg

The next 6 are from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

A portion of the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Almost looks like a rural scene...

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/TownLakeShore.jpg

Until you zoom out... (The highrise is called The Shore)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Shore3.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Shore2.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/SouthFirstBridgeSunset.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Shore1.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/SouthFirstBridge.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/EmbassySuites.jpg


South First Street Bridge from hike and bike trail

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NightSkyline4.jpg

Next two are from the South Austin Museum on S. Lamar - next to Planet K

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/PlanetKCar.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/SouthAustinMuseum.jpg

The next 4 are from Oyster Landing on Lake Austin near Walsh Boat Landing and Tom Miller Dam.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/OysterLanding04.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/OysterLanding03.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/OysterLanding02.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/OysterLanding01.jpg

The next 10 are all late afternoon/early evening shots from Mount Bonnell.

Visitors at Mount Bonnell. If you go to watch the sunset, take mosquito repellant.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell8.jpg


View of Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell5.jpg


Enjoying the view - expensive homes below.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell7.jpg


Everybody wants their little piece of the hillside

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell9.jpg


Lake Austin and Tom Miller Dam

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/MountBonnell6.jpg

Skyline from Mount Bonnell

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/BonnellSkyline1.jpg


UT Area

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/BonnellSkyline2.jpg


UT Tower

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/BonnellSkyline3.jpg


Amli2, 360, & the Monarch

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/BonnellSkyline4.jpg

Downtown Core

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/BonnellSkyline5.jpg

These last 10 photos are all late afternoon/early evening skyline shots taken from the Zilker Clubhouse

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse01.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse02.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse03.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse04.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse06.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse07.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse08.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse09.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse10.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse11.jpg

Thanks for looking.

[stepper77]

What a wonderful diversity of photos! Love all the skyline shots especially! Our dear capitol could learn a few things from Austin. Thanks so much!

[Top Of The Park]

Austin is really getting after it!

[Randy Sandford]

Some of the best Austin photos I've ever seen!

[ATXboom]

Great diversity... you captured a good chunk of the lifestyle!

[urbanactivistTX]

Really great thread!!! Man, I'm going to miss this skyline (considering it won't look the same in a few years):tup:

[Boris]

These are some awesome photos.

[KevinFromTexas]

Great pictures, Mike. Enjoyed them very much. Especially the West Austin views.

There's a pretty funny optical illusion going on in this one. If you notice, there's a small tan and orange highrise on the left side, which is framed in this photo by two cranes. The building seems to be floating in mid air. This is because there's another building that is located several blocks west of it that has a reflective metal roof. The roof in this picture is almost perfectly reflecting the color of the sky. So it gives the illusion that the building is floating. That view won't last long though, since those two cranes are working on the 683 foot The Austonian.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/ZilkerClubhouse04.jpg

[jtk1519]

360 is such a spectacular addition. I can only imagine how The Austonian and The W will add to the skyline.

[krudmonk]

This is honestly the best I've seen of Austin here.

[Boris]

The building seems to be floating in mid air


Come on Kevin, we all know Austin is the only city in the world with a floating building.

Again, these are some awesome photos. I forgot to add, the photo with the man on the boat with the city skyline in the background; perfection.

[TinChelseaNYC]

Great pictures! This one reminds me of California:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/WestAustinHomes.jpg

[LoneStarMike]

Thanks everyone.

This one reminds me of California:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/WestAustinHomes.jpg

It does, doesn't it. We have a lot of people from California that move here and I've read that a lot of them who live out in the hills say it reminds them of California.

On a sidenote, has anyone ever seen those "It could Happen Tomorrow" shows on the Weather Channel? One was about a fictional F5 tornado hitting downtown Dallas. They show what might happen and they show "past" footage of similar weather events in other parts of the country.

Anyway, they had one on Austin focusing on what would happen if wildfires were to erupt and go out of control in the hills of West Austin. There was lots of good footage in Austin with shots of the skyline from a scenic overlook on Loop 360, and shots and interviews with people on Mount Bonnell, showing all the development in the hills. And the "past" footage they had on the show was from the Oakland fires. It was really interesting.

In the fire danger map for Austin, pretty much everything east of Mopac was ok, but west of mopac, there were lots of areas with moderate to severe fire risk. And west of 360, there were even more areas.

Oh well. At least we don't have major earthquakes. :)

Although we do sit on a fault line.

[OhioGuy]

Fantastic photos!!!

[Texas Tuff]

What a stunning set of photos! You really captured the beauty of Austin very well. I especially like the pics with the skyline reflecting off the surface of the lake.

:tup:

[TXLove]

Stunning collection of photos LSM...you capture the city well and just think the skyline is still changing!!!!!

[John R]

Those are fantastic photos of Austin. Your photography is much appreciated.

[OfCourse]

Ugh, all this stuff is great. I don't know where to begin. Heh. :yes:

I was at Mayfield Park about two weeks ago and one of the male peacocks had gotten into the parking lot. He saw his reflection in a black Jetta Passat wagon and began to fight it. He scratched up the car pretty bad. Ha.

[denveraztec]

Austin is looking beefier in density department! Nice pics.

[DeBaliviere]

What fantastic photos - Austin looks great.

[matthew2109]

love the photos, thanks for sharing

[dharper6]

I'd forgotten how nice things looked during the spring. Since we're now in an extreme drought, things look a lot different now. Lots of landscaping has died, and except for the trees, nothing is green. This time last year we were having one of the wettest years in the city's history. This year...one of the driest ever.

[dktshb]

Wow, that has to be the best Austin thread I've seen. Looks like the city got its act together and is putting out some nice new buildings trending away from those suburban box buildings it was building not too long ago.