We are lucky to live by a gorgeous trail here in town that we use often to ride and run on. It flows by a creek, a duck pond, numerous playgrounds, nice bridges, and a lake. Recently, they opened up a new section, about four more miles I suppose. So, I headed out into the ‘ole blue yonder too see what this had to offer. This new section, still running along the creek, was mostly paved. As I rode along, I got much more than I expected. I came up to an old trestle, how quaint and charming I thought. Even better, it had great historic significance. Right up my ally….

This old train track had a lot to do with the building of the Texas capital. The construction  in Austin  began in 1885. It was originally planned to be constructed entirely of  limestone, but the limestone was found to have a high iron content when it began to discolor. Hearing of this problem, the owners of Granite Hill in current Marble Falls, TX offered to donate the necessary amount of pink granite as an alternative. It was hauled from Granite Hill to Austin by steam train. As pink granite was being hauled over the years to construct the capital, an unfortunate derailment occurred in 1886, in Brushy Creek. Thirty Six Giant blocks were left behind. They remain, untouched, there today. This trail is situated right through them, along with the old wooden train track up above you. The first question my son asked was ” is the train still there?!! ” Well, unfortunately, no. But the historical significance of this spot is not less amazing to me. Anywhere with a heightened reality of people in the past walking on the same ground really strikes me. I am thrilled I get to run or ride by this spot whenever I want to. Further down, towards the end of the trail, I was even more shocked to hear the sound of something a bit unfamiliar. iPod earbuds off, I listened to what sounded like running water. Could it be,…oh my god, a little waterfall! What a treat of treats! On MY trail?! OK, I’m completely fullfilled. But wait, theres more! Just when I couldn’t take any further natural nature amazement, I saw a quaint footbridge leading to a perfect spot to recollect, journal, think, or as others have decided to use it , make out. ( bleh! )   I guess its nice for that too. But, not when I ride by, mmmk. So don’t take my word for anything, or these iPhone snaps. If you are a local, this is a great trail to hit, and extremely accessible. Oh, and there are plenty of nice people who will gladly lend you their cell phones to call for a ride cause you used all your iPhone battery for podrunner and runkeeper, and who will help you carry your bike all the way back to a populated location to catch a ride cause your tire blew out. Really. Just go, do it….