A quick breakfast taco at Tacodeli before a stroll along Barton Creek in Zilker Park. As strolling works up a thirst, a visit to Shady Grove was in order.

I grew up just minutes from Zilker and Barton Springs. I remember picnics on warm summer evenings, riding the train and playing on the playground with the best slides and swings around. Our garage band, the Second Hand Band, was invited to play at the Hillside Theatre in the early 70’s. Lots of memories.

Over the years I’ve seen the park unconscionably trashed and dreadfully maintained. The water was badly polluted from leaking septic tanks upstream, the creek choked with duck weed. I’m overjoyed to report that it’s now loved and cherished more than ever.