August in Austin

Late summer is beautiful here, hot and dry, with a flawless sky and wild flowers. But it is sad in a way, too. Today we took along the Barton Creek "greenbelt". Barton Creek runs through South Austin and on into town at Zilker Park. The trail winds and winds alongside the creek, shaded by limestone cliffs, trees, and shrubs.

In August the creek is completely dry. Here a lonesome rope swing allows you to drop onto stones, instead of a shady pool.

The bed doesn't show even a puddle. The white and light tan limestone reflects the morning sun into your eyes.

The cliffs and caves do not show even a seep.

The falls that usually fill a big pool stand dry and stark.

All the work people do to stem the flow at the other end of the pool looks a bit silly at this time of year.

There are still fruits and colors to be seen, catching the eye of runners, hikers, bikers, dogs, and families. But the music of the water is gone.