Bike, Hike, and Paddle at Lake Bastrop

Lens-Artists Challenge #374: On the Move!

My Mountain Bike

Being so close to the Austin metro area, the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) Lake Bastrop South Shore is a hidden gem. Many people confuse it with the more popular Bastrop State Park. The two parks are close and not the same. I love spending a day or longer enjoying everything the park has to offer.

When John announced this week’s challenge, I hesitated about what I’d feature in my post. I like to stick to one theme and one location whenever possible. John wrote: “this week’s theme is all about movement.” Well, there’s plenty of that at Lake Bastrop. Be sure to check John’s post to see what he has to say about the challenge.

As my featured image shows, biking is one of my favorite things in the park. The trails are wonderful and offer plenty of variety.

Winecup Visitor

There are always some flowers blooming in the park. Biking or hiking at the park allows me to stop often and explore the flora and fauna leisurely.

One of the hike-and-bike trails features several lake viewpoints where you can stop, sit down, and enjoy the scenery. The park has a lot of loblolly pines. It is located in the heart of the region known as the Lost Pines.

Lake View #1

If you prefer to get closer to the water, you can rent kayaks and canoes.

Kayaking on Lake Bastrop
On the Move

Besides tranquility, you always see a lot of wildlife along the shore or on the move. This great egret took off as I was getting closer.

Whether biking, hiking, or paddling, there will always be wonderful surprises along the trails. Sometimes, something different requires a different approach, such as an ICM capture.

Flames

Many thanks to all of you who joined my challenge call last week. I saw such amazing and varied landscapes. Thanks for the thrill of seeing your images. I hope you’ll also join John’s On the Move! Challenge. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag so everyone can find your post more easily.

Next week, it’s Patti’s turn to give us a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Abstracts, Biking, ICM, Kayaking, Lake Bastrop South Shore, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Macros, Parks, Texas, Texas Winecup, and Wildflowers.  Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.


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28 Responses

  1. Wandering Dawgs
    | Reply

    Egidio, what a beautiful place and a beautiful post! I love the different movements you’ve included.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Beth, thank you very much. That park was my escape during COVID. It’s a tranquil and beautiful place.

  2. Sofia Alves
    | Reply

    Such beautiful photos, Egídio! I love the last one, very creative but my favourite has to be the egret, great timing!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you, Sofia. Catching birds in flight can sometimes be challenging. I lucked out.

  3. Steve Schwartzman
    | Reply

    Before I saw your caption, the final image made me, too, think of flames.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks for the feedback.

      • Steve Schwartzman
        | Reply

        And like you, I get the impression that people outside the Bastrop area likely think Lake Bastrop Park, whether South or North, is the same as Bastrop State Park.

        • Egidio Leitao
          | Reply

          Oh yes, it happens many times. The same goes with Big Bend and Big Bend Ranch. They think it’s the same park.

  4. Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
    | Reply

    You have captured beautiful views while on the move Egídio, loved the first shot.

  5. Wind Kisses
    | Reply

    Always a chance to breath deeply reading your post and looking at your photos.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      That’s the best feedback. Thank you so much, Donna.

  6. restlessjo
    | Reply

    Love the trees reflected in the lake, Egidio. I don’t cycle but it’s a great way to cover a bit more distance than I manage xx

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Jo. Yes, cycling allows me to move faster and farther.

  7. Leanne Cole
    | Reply

    Beautiful images Egidio of being on the move, I like how you have included nature as well.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Whenever possible, I always include nature. 🙂

  8. Lindy Le Coq
    | Reply

    Your take on this challenge gives me a wider sense of what I might do with it! I love how you glide us through the park from your bicycle leaning on its stand, to the flora, beautiful water vistas, and the great egret taking flight. The final shot is a winner for sure!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Lindy, I’m very glad you liked the post, and, especially, the last shot. Thank you.

  9. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    Beautiful images of a beautiful park Egidio!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Anne. It’s a wonderful park indeed.

  10. Toonsarah
    | Reply

    Some lovely images here, especially the first lake view, the egret taking off and the ICM to finish – very effective!

  11. solaner
    | Reply

    I like your last image, Egídio. The ICM makes the leaves really look like a flickering flame. Well done!!!

  12. Terri Webster Schrandt
    | Reply

    Gorgeous images of moving through your favorite nature areas, Egidio! Biking and paddling opportunities look inviting!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Terri. They are. I like going to the park on weekdays to enjoy quiet times.

  13. Tina Schell
    | Reply

    Terrific approach to the challenge Egidio, loved your choice! The park looks amazing and your inclusion of the bike and kayak answered John’s request for movement (as did that beautiful egret) 😊. How far is the park from Denver??

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Tina. I was not sure how I’d keep one location only. Then, it came to mind about what I do in that park. Now, your question about the park’s proximity to Denver made me laugh. You’d need to fly from Denver to Austin and then drive 30 minutes from the airport to the park.

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