Shoal Creek Conservancy's Historic Bridges Tour

I spent a wonderful Saturday morning with fifty other people on the banks of Shoal Creek.

Ted Lee Eubanks, with help from Charles Peveto, Ted Siff and several historical bridges and interpretive guide experts, led us from the mouth of Shoal Creek on the shore of Lady Bird Lake upstream to Duncan Park between 9th and 10th streets.  We were treated to a wealth of knowledge about Austin and these bridges by this international expert who has turned his attention and research skills to downtown Austin.  We're so lucky to have him!  Ted ended the tour in the park under the shade of some 400 - 500 year old live oak trees. It had taken us two hours to travel those ten blocks.  And Ted had led us through hundreds of years of Austin's history.

We gathered at the new library (stunning, by the way - it was my first time inside and I loved the open common spaces, artwork, and very friendly and helpful staff and volunteers). Ted led the group to the artificial island built in Lady Bird Lake at Shoal Creek's mouth.  Then he laid out the story of how intricately Austin's story is woven into the story of Shoal Creek, and described the events that occurred right where we were standing (sans artificial island) that set in motion Austin's founding.


We began our journey upstream, crossing under the Cesar Chavez bridge, where a great blue heron was fishing, then passing the new arch bridge, and stopped at the old railroad bridge and Third Street bridge.

Ted told us some of the many fascinating layers of history that co-exist here, including the layers of limestone that the waters of Shoal Creek have exposed over time. 












Next stop was the West Avenue bridge, where Shoal Creek takes a hard turn and travels east for a few hundred yards, before turning south again to empty into the lake.  Major construction of the creek bed and banks is underway here.  So major, that the creek at this point is basically a pipe.  (Look to the right of the machine in the photo.)







We descended again to creek level and travelled under the magnificent arches of the Sixth Street bridge.  Like almost everyone else, I had no idea what a beautiful bridge I drive over all the time.  Changing up your perspective on things you see everyday can be so rewarding!

This bridge is bordered by The Grove Wine Bar (in the Cirrus Logic building) on the north, and Hut's Hamburgers on the South.  You had no idea there was a bridge there, did you?  And I can't wait to see the creek from the patio of The Grove soon! (Talk about change in perspective.)

Just a few feet on from The Grove's patio, we were treated to a Cooper's Hawk hanging out on a rock in the creek bed.  He stayed through all the ooos and aaaahs and cameras.  We passed under the 9th street bridge, hearing and smelling the Mexican Free-Tailed bat colony living there, and gathered under those stunning live oaks in Duncan Park, across from the Shoal Creek Saloon.