Enchanted  Rock
by Tania Larson
   Out in the middle of nowhere, Texas, a few miles north of Fredericksburg, stands a gigantic batholith that reaches 325 feet above Shady Creek which flows around its base. Until it was discovered that the creaking noises from the rock were merely the sounds of the rock contracting as it cools, the geological phenomenon was thought to be enchanted by spirits. 

Mountain Biking
by Aaron Kutzer
    In today's increasingly high-pressured society, many are choosing to spend their spare time outside in order to relax a little and get back to nature. One of the ways to do this is to go mountain biking. Though many do not realize it, Austin has tons of different places to go mountain biking, some of them right in the city: 

Barton Springs Pool
by Cindy Tom
   Barton Springs is Austin's best known pool. Donated to the city in 1917, it sits in the middle of Zilker Park and is fed by a natural spring. 
    For swimmers, this means the pool water stays at a chilly 68 degrees year round. On the plus side, the water is not treated with any chemicals. On the down side, a combination of algae and silt routinely floats to the water's surface on sunny days and can be a nuisance for swimmers, getting in their eyes and swimsuits.

Camping
 by Nora Ramirez
   It’s that time of the year again when campers get ready for the new adventures this season will bring. Austin’s parks provide many options for many that are willing to break from their normal routine, making everybody’s journey more exciting and more adventurous.