Outdoor: Rafting the Rio Grande...

photos: The Rio Grande as it passes under the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

...or, more specifically, rafting the most exciting section of the Rio Grande: the Taos Box run just outside of Taos, NM. I made this trip in June 08 and it was fantastic. Although the rafting season runs from April-July, the snow melt in early June results in very high CFS flow rates. Thus, class III+ rapids became class IV+, and the water was freezing cold. The result was 16 miles of incredibly beautiful scenery punctuated by very exciting whitewater action. Still, outside of the month of June the run is sufficiently thrilling (actually, it's probably better if it's your first time rafting) and the natural splendor is unchanged.

If you like history and/or geology, then it's worth noting that the Rio Grande in New Mexico was the original western boundary of Texas and that the gorge is actually a rift valley (i.e., the river didn't carve the gorge, but rather is flowing through an area where the Earth's crust is splitting). A good river guide should be able to offer a lot more anecdotes about the history of of the area, and should be able to point out the spot where the Air Force jet crashed into one of the rock walls.

If rafting isn't your thing, northern New Mexico is still a lot of fun. There is great hiking around Taos in the Santa Fe Nat'l Forest and in the Kit Carson Nat'l Forest. Furthermore, Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, is just north of Taos (above the ski basin). Hiking up that is a good time.

Events: Leadership Austin Emerge Kickoff Party

If you are interested in the Leadership Austin Emerge Program, then you should plan to hit Star Bar on 7/15 for the program's kickoff party. Leadership Austin staff and program alumni will be at the event in order to answer questions about the program and to explain the application process.

I'm an alumnus of the 2008 Emerge program as well as this year's Essential class. Both classes were quite different, but very cool. Emerge is the class that got me hooked on Leadership Austin. I met a lot of great young professionals in my class, as well as some very interesting instructors (e.g., Bijoy Goswami). I still draw on the lessons from the Emerge curriculum, and I still have regular contact with friends I met though the program.

I'm not going to spill the beans about what the class has to offer. I will tell you that if you're a young professional in Austin who's involved in the community and wants to take said involvement to a new level, then you need to attend the Emerge kickoff happy hour at Star Bar next Thursday, 7/15. And, if you can't join us next Thursday, then visit the Emerge information session on 8/10.

Events: Catalyst 8 Digital Revolution

The Summer of Catalyst 8 continues with the annual DJ party on the terrace of the Long Center. This year's featured DJ's: The Peligrosa Allstars. Celebrate with Catalyst 8 as they ramp up for the BASH 2010 and work to fund 100 nights of performances in the Long Center's Rollins Theater.

Catalyst 8 supports the Boost Program, which provides rental subsidies to emerging and underserved performing arts groups in Austin. This summer is the best time to get involved with Catalyst 8, because for a limited time 3M has generously arranged to match the annual pledge of new members. That's double the impact on performing arts in Austin. Catalyst 8 and 3M: Together Launching Innovation.

Destinations: Wrigley Field

photos: outside of Wrigley field; classy Cubs merch; the A's and the Cubs on the field video: the 7th Inning Stretch, with vocals by drunken Cubs fans in the bleachers


There are some places you've wanted to visit since you were in 3rd grade. Some of them, like the Airwolf cave, sadly can't be visited. Other places, like Chicago's Wrigley Field, welcome you with open arms as long as you have $50 cash and/or a functioning American Express card. And, unlike the average 3rd grader, I was able to more thoroughly enjoy my trip to Wrigley by sitting in the famous bleachers (as seen in Ferris Bueller's Day Off).

I'm not a very serious sports fan, so take that into consideration when you read this: visiting Wrigley Field is an awesome experience and I highly recommend it to anyone. Seriously, I don't know what they add to the beer but I had an exceptional amount of fun watching the Cubs and A's play an afternoon game. I wasn't a fan of either team when I walked in the door, but the Cubs' charm had sucked me in by the third inning (sorry A's, I still don't care about your team). [note: while I was with the gf, a Cubs fan, the Cubs wooed me as an individual]

A latent interest in the Cubs and visit Wrigley probably had something to do with the introduction of the WGN cable channel into my house during the above referenced 3rd grade time period and the aforementioned inclusion in the Ferris Bueller plot. However, I'm pretty sure it was the historic stadium and the relaxed, fun crowd which amped up the fun. It turns out that baseball is better watched in a smaller, brick walled, ivy covered, jumbotron-less stadium which is located in the middle of a nice neighborhood with a lot of bars.

I had heard from certain people (including but not limited to the gf and a certain trivia host) a lot of extreme statements about the awesomeness of Wrigley. I chalked this up to the bias of former Chicago residents. I was indeed wrong. I had been off the plane six hours when I decided the trip to Wrigley was indeed as awesome as advertised.

Drinking a couple of beers, eating amazingly delicious hot dogs, and watching an afternoon Cubs game is a great way to spend a Thursday afternoon. You must do this if you're in Chicago during baseball season.

Events: HYP Pool Party

There are times when you need to reward yourself. Sometimes it's a blueberry power smoothie after a hard workout, while sometimes it's an ice cream cone after kicking opposing counsel's ass. Personally, I enjoy an ice cold Tito's and soda after doing something noteworthy. I also enjoy a good pool party. I'm assuming that you do too.

Fortunately, you can reward yourself after the July 17th Habitat Young Professionals house build (hit the link for more info on that). After the build (about 5p), HYP will be hosting a pool party at the Gables Pressler apartment building (hit the link for directions). And hey, if you're busy and can't make the house build, come by anyway to celebrate with the good folks at HYP whatever it was that you did.