Life around Austin has a main focus point—the outdoors. From Zilker Park's Barton Springs swimming hole, to Town Lake's gorgeous hike and bike path, this relaxed city is the centerpiece of an area with recreational jewels.

But to be able to enjoy the benefits you need to be prepared. "The first time I ever thought of outdoor sports I really didn’t know what it was all about," said journalism sophmore Edna Carmona. That is the case for many who don’t know the nature-oriented face of sports.

"I thought of the idea as something fun to do but I never imagined that I needed to be in good shape to handle the hard work it takes," Carmona explained.

Many people are unaware that outdoor sports is an adventure that doesn’t take much. Richard Smith, camping leader, says a great way to start your adventure is by packing up your equipment and heading off to the right place. You will be on the way to a unique experience.

In order to be successful Smith says that it is necessary to have the essentials. Not being prepared can cause many inconveniences. Carmona regretfully says, "I went to enchanted rock for camping and hiking but I didn’t even have the right gear."

Carmona adds, "At night it was so dark and kind of scary since it was my first time having this experience and I felt like a little girl afraid of the dark."

It is important that you consider that camping is a package in itself and it’s necessary to take the right measures to enjoy the benefits of a night outside this world of technology.

Carmona’s bad experiene is a living proof that when you are not prepared things don’t go right. "I had forgotten to take a flashligh and I wasn’t prepared for the cold night. So I was there in my tent freezing my butt off but nevertheless I was camping," exclaimed Carmona.

Carmona’s experience is one of the many that happens to many who are not prepared to take the challenge of outdoor sports.

Pamela Parker, journalist, exclaims, "What a joy it would be to live only in Zilker Park—floating in Barton Springs pool, soaking in the sunshine, and mountain biking on the Barton Creek greenbelt! For life in Austin is all about enjoying life's little pleasures, whether it be outdoor dining under a tree along Barton Springs Road, an ice-cold Shiner Bock beer after a hard bike ride, or a view of the sunset from the hills overlooking Lake Travis."

Outdoor sports and the natural beauty of Austin make it very attractive to all those willing to explore and enjoy mother nature. As Carmona says, "Even though I went through rough times in my adventure I really liked it and I would not think twice of coming back very soon. But this time very well prepared."