Views of the Neighborhood – The Hamilton Greenbelt

April 28, 2019 · by John W. Howell · in Views of the Neighborhood · 73 Comments

Today our walk through the neighborhood will be spent at the Hamilton Greenbelt. I hope you brought your walking shoes and enjoy the stroll.

Here is the entrance to the Greenbelt.

The land and perpetual care for the Greenbelt was donated by Lakeway residents Jack and Myrtle Hamilton who lived in Lakeway from 1975 to 1993. The Greenbelt was opened in 1990.

A broad view of a man-made pond.

The close-up view of the same pond.

Abundant wildflowers and photo spots. Here are bluebonnets.

A sign warning of ants and snakes. Rather deal with an ant than a snake.

Lovely crushed granite paths and more flowers.

These markers are here in case you get lost or hurt you can identify to responders where you are. (Good idea to carry a phone)

I thought the sun through the trees illuminating the cactus bed was peaceful. Too bad I don’t have a $1000.00 camera with filter for a better shot.

A little wall for sitting and contemplation.

More paths and flowers.

A lovely bed of Iris.

An oak that was an acorn during the revolutionary war.

These little white flowers are also in our yard. I wonder what they are?

Here is a location map. We only walked a small portion today. We will come back for the waterfall and other features some other time. Thanks for walking with me.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, Views of the Neighborhood

73 comments

Dina · April 28, 2019 - 4:05 am ·

I always enjoy a good leg-stretch, John. Thanks for your company and the photos. x

LikeLiked by 3 people
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:48 am ·
  
  Thank you for coming along, Dina. 😊
  
  LikeLike
2. Pit · April 28, 2019 - 9:03 am ·
  
  Lazy me always enjoys virtual walks! 😀 And this here is a wonderful one, thanks to John.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 10:19 am ·
    
    Thanks, Pit. 😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. Pit · April 28, 2019 - 6:15 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Victoria Ray NB · April 28, 2019 - 4:06 am ·

Good pictures, even without 1000++++ camera 🙂 & it’s the walk that counts tho! #10000stepsaday

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:45 am ·
  
  You are so right. It is the steps that count.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Victoria Ray NB · April 28, 2019 - 2:37 pm ·
    
    Haha 😂
    
    LikeLike
patriciaruthsusan · April 28, 2019 - 4:15 am ·

Good pictures, John. The flowers are lovely. 🙂 — Suzanne

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:42 am ·
  
  Thanks, Suzanne. We do enjoy them.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
TanGental · April 28, 2019 - 4:21 am ·

Looking warm already. Blue bonnets look a little like what we call blue bells and which are abundant in woods around here just now. Mighty fine is I think the expression.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:41 am ·
  
  Thanks, Geoff. Mighty fine works.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Gwen Plano · April 28, 2019 - 4:32 am ·

I love the dedication plaque. Who wouldn’t want to care for the park after reading that? Beautiful! Thank you for this inspiring journey today. ♥

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:39 am ·
  
  I thought the plaque was pretty special as well. Thanks for coming along, Gwen. 😊
  
  LikeLike
robertawrites235681907 · April 28, 2019 - 5:10 am ·

Very pretty, John. I love irises.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:36 am ·
  
  I do too, Robbie. Thank you.
  
  LikeLike
tidalscribe · April 28, 2019 - 5:25 am ·

A lovely walk, sunshine and dappled shade.we are certainly enjoying your new neighbourhood John.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:35 am ·
  
  Thank you, Janet. We are enjoying it a lot. 😀
  
  LikeLike
Hugh's Views and News · April 28, 2019 - 5:54 am ·

Glad you didn’t meet any snakes on your walk, John. And what a great idea the rescue marker signs are.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:33 am ·
  
  Thanks, Hugh. I think the markers are a good idea too. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt · April 28, 2019 - 6:41 am ·

What a beautiful day for a trip to the park. Thanks for taking us along, John. It looks like you had the place to yourself. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:32 am ·
  
  There was no one in sight but a group of school kids. The trails are popular running spaces but we were there after everyone went to work. (I think) Thanks, Jill
  
  LikeLike
Charles Yallowitz · April 28, 2019 - 6:45 am ·

Nice shots. Really captures the relaxing atmosphere.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:29 am ·
  
  Thanks, Charles.
  
  LikeLike
  1. Charles Yallowitz · April 28, 2019 - 7:45 am ·
    
    You’re welcome.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Writer Lori · April 28, 2019 - 7:02 am ·

What a lovely place to spend an afternoon! I am sure it won’t be the last visit…. Thx for sharing, John.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:29 am ·
  
  There is much more to see,
  lori. We’ll be back. Thank you. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan Antion · April 28, 2019 - 7:11 am ·

Thanks for bringing us along, John. I’m impressed with the relative young age of some of the spaces you’ve shown us. Good stuff is still happening; that’s good to see. My wife and I both enjoy walking. A place like this would be a welcome spot. I really appreciate the photos.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:28 am ·
  
  This area was all ranchland unti after WWII so most everything started in the 60’s and 70’s. Thanks, Dan
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
shoreacres · April 28, 2019 - 8:11 am ·

That really is a glorious area. Austin is filled with so many spots like this, and I’ve seen none of them, since my interest in all things outdoorsy and nature-related came after the years when I was spending so much time in Austin. I have a little list, and on eday I’ll head that direction and start ticking them off — this would be a good one to add.

Those rescue markers are genius. I was with my mother in a Kansas City area nature spot when the police showed up and asked if we’d seen an injured woman who was hiking deep within the grounds. After she had her accident, she called her husband — but she didn’t have a clue where she was. A marker like these would have made it a lot easier to find her.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 10:22 am ·
  
  That is exactly why the markers were placed. There are a number of older folks here and confusion…well confusion in some, makes them a safty measure. Thanks, Linda.
  
  LikeLike
Pit · April 28, 2019 - 9:02 am ·

What a fantastic walk! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 10:20 am ·
  
  Thank you, Pit. Glad you came along.
  
  LikeLike
  1. Pit · April 28, 2019 - 6:15 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Staci Troilo · April 28, 2019 - 9:13 am ·

I’d be on that little wall everyday. Thanks for sharing. It’s a lovely spot.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 10:18 am ·
  
  it is so quiet there. Thanks, Staci.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · April 28, 2019 - 10:43 am ·

John,

A lovely walk, and your camera did just fine!

And I’m with you, I’ll take an ant over a snake any day. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 2:06 pm ·
  
  Something about an ant bite vs a snake bite that doesn’t put them in the same class.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · April 28, 2019 - 6:52 pm ·
    
    Not even the same school, 😉
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:47 pm ·
    
    😬
    
    LikeLike
D.L Finn, Author · April 28, 2019 - 10:58 am ·

What a beautiful place to walk. I’m with you I’d rather deal with ants over snakes while enjoying a walk.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 2:05 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Denise.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · April 28, 2019 - 2:01 pm ·

Thanks for letting me tag along, John — I enjoyed it a lot. That little waterfall, the spreading oak, bluebonnets, and the sun filtered through the cacti are great shots, thousand-dollar camera or not! Are those garter snakes or the poisonous kind??

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 2:05 pm ·
  
  They be the big bad kind that shake their tail at you. 🐍
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Debbie · April 29, 2019 - 3:21 pm ·
    
    Yikes! Better carry something more vicious than a garden hoe then!!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 30, 2019 - 8:39 am ·
    
    I would suggest a shotgun. 😀
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · April 28, 2019 - 2:07 pm ·

Another neat area. Thanks for sharing it with us.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 3:48 pm ·
  
  Thanks for coming along. Finished Panama last night. Really enjoyed it.
  
  LikeLike
  1. coldhandboyack · April 28, 2019 - 6:03 pm ·
    
    Thanks for telling me. Makes my day.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Teagan R. Geneviene · April 28, 2019 - 2:26 pm ·

Sigh… what a beautiful, peaceful place, John. It looks like it would be cool on a hot day too. Simply gorgeous — particularly that magnificent oak tree. Thanks for the stroll. Hugs on the wing.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:51 pm ·
  
  Glad to have you with me. Hugs
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale · April 28, 2019 - 6:32 pm ·

Looks like the type of place I would meander regularly – and yeah. No snakes, please…

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:48 pm ·
  
  It is peaceful for sure.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · April 28, 2019 - 7:49 pm ·
    
    So zen… definitely a place to go when you just need to let your thoughts float as you walk,
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:52 pm ·
    
    Or sit. there is a waterfall further down the trail. We’ll go there the next time.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  3. Dale · April 28, 2019 - 7:53 pm ·
    
    Oh yes… that must be wonderful.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  4. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 8:14 pm ·
    
    Here is a peek https://johnwhowell.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/screen-shot-2019-04-28-at-8.04.18-pm.png
    
    LikeLike
rijanjks · April 28, 2019 - 7:07 pm ·

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 28, 2019 - 7:47 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Jan
  
  LikeLike
aFrankAngle · April 28, 2019 - 10:00 pm ·

A glorious walk indeed. Do you miss the beach?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 29, 2019 - 7:47 am ·
  
  We don’t at this time. The beach life was really hard in terms of obnoxious people, litter, and noise during the holidays. Yes, the solitary walks and the quiet in the off season are to be missed. I also think Hurricane Harvey took a lot out of us. It was a tramatic experience that we more or less powered through but it did leave its mark. The idea of going through that again is something we want to prevent. Thanks for asking, Frank
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. aFrankAngle · April 29, 2019 - 4:09 pm ·
    
    Thanks for the honest explanation.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 30, 2019 - 8:37 am ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLike
Jennie · April 29, 2019 - 6:14 am ·

Lovely, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 29, 2019 - 7:34 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jennie.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · April 29, 2019 - 12:54 pm ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 29, 2019 - 1:48 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · April 29, 2019 - 9:27 am ·

The wildflowers are beautiful, and that bench is a perfect place to read, but at the mention of snakes, I would have been out of there.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 29, 2019 - 9:45 am ·
  
  Rattle snakes want to avoid humans at all costs. If you sit and read they will figure out how to get away from you. (I know not much comfort.)
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
The Hook · April 30, 2019 - 4:52 pm ·

This space is in the same league as the Niagara Parkway in my neck of the woods, and that’s saying something.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 30, 2019 - 7:45 pm ·
  
  I’m glad you have this kind of thing too.
  
  LikeLike
Rhonda · April 30, 2019 - 8:53 pm ·

Beautiful! Maybe we’ll see sunshine and green in Colorado again someday. lol!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · May 1, 2019 - 7:50 am ·
  
  Just a matter of time, Rhonda.
  
  LikeLike