Superstar

[Richard_]

It had been somewhat of a boring day. I watched Lance win 3rd place in the Tour de France this morning, but then I just kinda hung out at the house not doing much else for the rest of the day. I felt the need to move around so I headed to downtown Austin this evening for a little photography.

After about an hour of architectural photography on the east side, I drove over to Zilker park hoping to get some good photos. While driving around the area I spotted a gal taking photos of a pro wrestler guy near Zilker Botanical Garden.

A little while later I drove by the same spot again and saw that the photo session was still in progress. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity twice so I quickly stopped my car and then introduced myself to the couple.

Gerald goes by the name wrestling name Superstar and Rose was getting some publicity shots of him. I visited with them awhile and found out that they were finished shooting at this particular location. I suggested another location that would provide the Austin skyline as a background. They thought that was a good idea, so off we went.

Once we arrived at the new location I asked if it would be okay to shoot a few photos too. Both agreed and I got this fine portrait of Superstar.

http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601849611_UhoGa-XL.jpg


Here's the view of the Austin skyline from the same location.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601846383_C9dow-L.jpg


Some of the other shots I got this evening.


Murals on the side wall of the historic Victory Grill in east Austin
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601841758_2FY3E-L.jpg


http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601843985_VdKr7-L.jpg


Loitering is not allowed at the Victory Grill, but if you're tired you can sit for a spell.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601842919_U86C4-L.jpg


Zilker Park and the Austin skyline
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601845081_HHw8d-L.jpg


I like the pink & green paint scheme of this house on the east side.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601838267_TuG6i-L.jpg


Later on, I met Daniel at a convenience store when I stopped for a beer. He has customized his Toyota pickup - open back and no rear window. Very cool and perfect for the backroads of Big Bend.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601864170_tTDix-L.jpg


All in all, this was just what the doctor ordered. I got out of the house, had a good time meeting some new folks, and even got a good pic or two.

I love Austin.

[AusFletch]

Great pic of Zilker Park. I run by it every day and have been dying to run barefoot through the new grass. Your picture does it justice..... -Fletch

[Richard_]

Thanks, Fletch. I had exactly the same reaction when I saw it. "Wow, look at that grass. I'd like to be barefoot in it." I respected the big fence though and stayed out.

[gotdurt]

Later on, I met Daniel at a convenience store when I stopped for a beer. He has customized his Toyota pickup - open back and no rear window. Very cool and perfect for the backroads of Big Bend.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/601864170_tTDix-L.jpg



Sure it's not just an '80's 4Runner?

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb195/adawg_1988/Picture011.jpg

[kurt]

You need to venture down to to 12th and Chicon and take a few pictures of the folks standing around. It makes them very nervous. :trust:

[M2]

Sure it's not just an '80's 4Runner?

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb195/adawg_1988/Picture011.jpg

Same thing I was thinkin'....and I think we're right!

[Richard_]

By golly, I believe you fellas are right. That's just what it looked like, minus the back glass of course.

[Richard_]

You need to venture down to to 12th and Chicon and take a few pictures of the folks standing around. It makes them very nervous. :trust:

I'll need you to go with me and pull security.

[Richard_]

A few more Austin shots.


Called "Philosopher's Rock", this bronze sculpture is at the entrance to Barton Creek pool. It depicts three prominent 19th century Austin personalities - naturalist Roy Bedichek, humorist J. Frank Dobie and historian Walter Prescott Webb.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/602184809_ozdmr-XL.jpg


Good gosh, I'm a dork. It's nearly inconceivable that I've been living in Austin all these years and didn't find out until today that there is a east Austin chicken coalition.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/602187898_uutyP-XL.jpg


On the other hand, I discovered Chuy's when I was living in Houston so maybe I'm not all that much of a dork. This is the restaurant on Barton Springs Road. Ask for a serving of their secret creamy jalapeno salsa next time you are there.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/602192697_oAcGH-XL.jpg


The UT Clock Tower. Completed in 1937, this 28 story structure is one of the most recognized symbols of UT and Austin. The observation deck of the tower is open via a tour (http://www.utexas.edu/txunion/ae/tower/index.php?section=ae) - clearly I need to take advantage of this.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/602194486_iX74D-XL.jpg


Austin loves Lance. Go Lance Go. Congrats on your 3rd place finish in this year's tour. You da MAN!
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/602197820_ZJoBo-XL.jpg


Austin loves a good cup of Joe, too. Austin Java is a home-grown cafe and coffeehouse with 4 locations in Austin.
http://rgibbens.smugmug.com/photos/602200219_5ZKqw-XL.jpg