Remote small towns have one disadvantage – physician and dental specialists are not here that we need. We were directed to a practice in Austin which was located by Shoal Creek Trail. While my husband was busy with appointments, Taz and I walked the trail, sidewalks and along the road.
When have you walked in a totally unfamiliar city? What did you notice and find? Did you feel safe?
There were plenty of sidewalk miles, but the Creekside required venturing into the homeless camp underneath the overpasses. I did not take pictures of the man lying with all his possessions in the middle of the creek on a rocky sandbar. He would hear anyone who approached him. He had relocated from the underpass six weeks ago to the creek from our previous visit.
Plants were dead and recovering from the deep Texas freeze of February 2021.
“Into the hovels of the poor, into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:
“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way, To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.” Psalms 12:5 The Message
The houses along the Parkway were an eclectic mix of old Austin gentrification, never renovated, old ones torn down, and mansions rebuilt kind of neighborhoods. Obviously there was the potential of massive flooding and the residue of previous floods. We were able to walk almost two miles one way, and another mile the other direction. A interesting diversion in a strange town which is known for ‘South by Southwest’ concerts.