Greenbelt travel : Winter day on Barton creek

The Barton creek greenbelt is a great place to spend an early winter day. Located in the southwest part of Austin, it covers eight miles of the seasonal, yet beloved, Barton creek. Autumn rains were plentiful this year, providing a temporary relief to the devastating drought that this part of the state has been in for several years.

In winter, a week-day hike along this famous Texas creek can find the place almost deserted. On a recent overcast Monday, only 14 other visitors were encountered during the course of the day, making for some fine attempts at outdoor photography without interruptions generally associated with busy places.

While Texas hill country land is not famous for a brilliant peak fall foliage, save for Lost Maples, we do have an extended autumn, starting in mid-October and lasting through mid-December. Muted colors come alive on what many consider to be dreary winter days. Here’s a bit of photography advice for when those days arrive: grab the camera and tripod, head for the hills.

Austin’s famous Town Lake hike and bike trail attracts throngs of people on a daily basis, simply for the easy terrain and its seen and be seen attitude.  This is great for the neighboring creek trail.  While the access point from Loop 1 receives the heaviest load of foot traffic, much of the Barton Creek trail is a splendid relief from the noise of the city center.  

Designed for culprits such as the two shown in these photos, many cities now have a leash law in effect to help curb the annoyances of unruly pets.  No such law exists for the equivalent in children.  However, the wildly popular invisible leash is a great way to comply with this city law. 

Red eared sliders, non-compliant with the above mentioned pet law, take a mid-winter break from the hectic holiday schedule.  

Current water flow in the Barton Creek watershed is providing numerous possibilities for good photography. The small falls along the greenbelt can be havens for multi-image scenes. Carefully studying the scene is an effective tool in learning to see creatively. Additional photography composition of the creek environment is available for photographers willing to brave the brisk early winter water temperature.

Quality river shoes are essential in providing secure footing while photographing from mid stream and for crossing the stream. Cold water and ambient air temperature can combine to create uncomfortable conditions. Plan ahead by either wearing quality outdoor apparel or bring along a change of dry clothing.