Last night I went over to the Hill Country Water Gardens to enjoy an evening at the ponds. Every once in a while (usually on the solstice, the equinox, or some other seasonally relevant date) they have the ponds open at night. This time the ponds were open until 9:30pm and the event featured live music, wine tasting, and free food from some of our local restaurants.
Now, the ponds are a wonderful place. I’ve visited many times before (and truth be told will probably go back time and time again) but I have to admit I was shocked at what happened last night. I was shocked at the number of people in attendance. I honestly didn’t even know that many people knew the ponds were there. I honestly didn’t think there were that many people in Cedar Park. It was CROWDED. I’ve never seen so many people hanging out by the ponds. It was amazing. I overheard somebody say, “This is the big social event in Cedar Park!” I didn’t even think Cedar Park had any big social events but, in hindsight, he was totally correct. This was big and social and it was an event to behold.
We’ve had a kind of heat wave here recently. It hasn’t been all that hot, but it has been quite muggy and humid lately. Last night was no relief from that type of weather either-it was muggy with temps in the high 90’s even towards the twilight hours. The masses of people didn’t help much in this regard. It was just plain too hot and crowded for me to take a lot of pictures, so I ended up just enjoying the show a bit. I had some food and managed to taste one dry white wine for good measure.
This weekend also marks the “super moon” as they have been calling it. The moon is closer to the earth’s orbit than usual so it appears larger in the sky. I kept looking for the “super moon” but didn’t manage to spot it until we were just about to leave. I did manage to sneak a peek at the “super moon” but didn’t take any photographs. (Honestly, I much prefer having the gardens to myself to take pictures-it’s a lot easier without masses of people walking in, out, and around clogging up the joint. It was nice though to be there at dusk and to try to spot the evening blooms coming up, instead of having to face the usual heat of the midday sun.)
Even with the crowds and the heat, I’d have to say it was a nice evening. I love the ponds and I love the fact that they open then up at night for us to walk through, enjoy some food, music, and the like. It makes for a nice, enchanting evening.
Until next time…
Author
Hi Carol, Interesting light reflecting on those leaves. 'People' can be such a nuisance when you're trying to take photos! I've saved an article you shared a couple of weeks ago that includes how to take multiple photos using a tripod and then use Photoshop or Elements to get rid of the people. Will give that a try sometime.
Have a good week!
Author
well we are hot but not muggy, no humidity. Like your pond photo-was looking for a moon reflection…lol!
Author
Thanks, Janice. Yes, that trick does indeed work! I've used it before (blending multiple images in PS or Elements to rid yourself of "tourists" and such.) I didn't use it this week since it's just as easy for me to go back there and re-shoot when it's empty (and, frankly, I have been shooting it a lot when it's empty.)
Thanks, Lin. Yes, this is a reflection but one taken on a moonless night. It was during the winter too-no leaves on that tree there!