Tom: You don't mention if you are coming to Austin in your Z06 or not.
If you are, it would be a crime not to sample some of the roads. Here are a few easy suggestions. Just try to run them at any time EXCEPT rush hour:
2222: This is, I'm convinced the World's absolute best "commuting highway". You can get onto it easily from Interstate 35, just north of downtown (approximately exit 240), and head west. Although the road is these days used as a "commuting highway", its "cow track" roots are very evident, and it makes the scenic transition from the city to "Hill Country". Lots of fabulous curves and hills and combinations thereof. If you follow it "all the way", it runs maybe 15 miles total, and ends at a "T" intersection. If you turn left at that T, you'll have a VERY pleasant "bonus" drive to a deadend at a tiny town called "Volante". Then, turn around and do it in reverse direction! Fun.
Hwy 360 "Capital of Texas Highway": This is a divided highway "ring road" that runs from the north end of Austin right to the south end, right on the line where the prairies meet the hill country. Despite the fact it's a divided highway, it's a VERY pleasant scenic drive, right through some really neat western Austin suburbs.
Hamilton Pool Road: This requires a bit of a trip to get to (starts maybe 20 to 25 miles from I-35), but well worth it if you have the time. From Exit 230 of I-35, go WEST on Hwy 71 / 290. When 71/ 290 splits after a few miles, take 71 west. Follow it into Hill Country. Be aware when you get to the town of Bee Caves. You will cross FM 620. After crossing FM620, look for Hamilton Pool Road within a couple of miles (it's the 1st or 2nd traffic light after FM620), and turn left onto it (FM620 has a left trun lane at that light). The first few miles is ok but not fabulous, but then the road narrows a LOT and becomes very, very interesting. Be extremely cautious about the switchbacks over the creeks: they ARE dangerous if taken too quickly, especially because of oncoming traffic. Guaranteed to make you feel good.
For mediocre food but a spectacular view, go to the Oasis Restaurant on Lake Travis. Take 2222 west from I-35 about 10 to 15 miles, to FM620 up on the escarpment. At FM620, turn LEFT. Go just 3 or 4 miles maybe, and you'll hit a road on the RHS with a sign directing you towards the Oasis. Go about 1 mile to the restaurant parking lots. The restaurant is a series of outdoor decks hung on the side of a steep hill overhanging Lake Travis. The view will recharge a tired soul.
I am normally not in Austin during the week, as my current comouter consulting assignment has me at SBC Communications in Dallas Monday through Friday. I come home to Austin for the weekends only, otherwise I'd offer to meet you and show you some of these roads.
Have fun.
Jim Gnitecki
JimGnitecki@msn.com
Tel. 612-270-7645
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