Have you ever ridden a Duck? – one of those amphibious tour vehicles. Super Sister and Husband Paul treated me to an Austin Duck Adventures Tour. Great fun, and I learned something also.
The “unsinkable” (As certified by the Coast Guard) hydra terra vehicle provided us a tour of Austin and Lake Austin. For many years the Duck Tours used military vehicles adapted for the tours, but this Duck was recently built especially for Duck Tours.
As we boarded the Duck, we were given our duck kazoos. These are great fun. Once when Ever-Lovin’ and I were dining outside an Italian restaurant in San Francisco’s Little Italy (Even I think this sounds romantic.), a Duck Tour passed by, and the entire tour group serenaded us. (“Let Me Call You Sweetheart” – ah-h-h-h) I loved being serenaded, and I was eager greet people on the street with a duck call.
Mr. Tour Guide was an Austin fireman. (Yes, I have forgotten his name – sorry!) He was informative and funny. I think he looks a little like Robin Williams.
We began our tour along historic 6th Street. These buildings are beautiful, and by law their facades cannot be changed.
The Paramount Theatre has been in downtown Austin on Congress Avenue for almost 100 years. It was once home to Sam Houston’s office and the War Department of the Republic of Texas. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. In this historic building, you can experience films and other live shows.
The restoration of the Texas Governor’s Mansion is almost complete, and the Mansion will soon be opened for tours again.
Of course, the tour had to pass by the University of Texas. This is their Bell Tower.
Sometimes it is very hard to get a picture while riding on a Duck. This is the thirty-five foot Lone Star in front of the Bob Bullock State History Museum. If you have not visited this museum, you must. There are three floors that tell “The Story of Texas”.
This is the Texas Capitol building. (No, it is not kin to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I am the one leaning out of the Duck. – Sorry!) It is fifteen taller than the U.S. Capitol. I love touring the Capitol. If you have missed this, put it on your bucket list.
Then we splashed into Lake Austin. This is a reservoir on the Colorado River. (Which is not the same Colorado River that flows through the Grand Canyon – just thought you would like to know.)
Mr. Tour Guide told us that the city of Austin would flood regularly, and it was decided that the flooding would have to be controlled, or they would have to move the city. In 1939 the Tom Miller Dam was built. This dam provides flood control, generates electricity, and creates Lake Austin that provides a super recreational area.
See the pretty houses on the hills overlooking the lake. This community is Westlake, and the homes are pricy. Famous people like Sandra Bullock and Mr. Dell of Dell Computers live here. (Mr. Dell bought his own mountain. Must be nice.)
When we returned to the Visitor’s Center, we walked over to the Driscoll Hotel. I do have a weakness for beautiful old hotels.
Sweet Mother of Pearl! What a wonderful day! Thank you Super Sister and Paul for a fantastic day. Touring Austin on a Duck was beyond fun.
Blessings to you and yours,