“Texas Flood” – Stevie Ray Vaughan
“Hard Sun” – Eddie Vedder
“Take Me To the River” – Talking Heads
Best $3 spent – ever – is admission to Barton Springs Pool in Austin’s Zilker Park. Memorial Day was pushing 100 degrees with a heat index well-above, and my previous post’s cry for water was answered in a way I couldn’t have imagined. I had remembered there being water in Zilker Park when I was down here for ACL Music Fest a few years ago, and headed over with low expectations and visions of a sickly stream and hordes of people. Turns out there were hordes of people, but plenty of room – and icy water – for all of us. The first and last word that comes to mind is “glorious.” I cannot recall more perfect swimming conditions. The first contact with the water is quite a shock – the website says it averages 68 degrees year-round, which sounds pretty warm but it’s an intense contrast to the air temperature. The body acclimates quickly and it is very refreshing after literally dripping sweat. I discovered backstroke is a wonderful remedy for guitar-shoulders. Not to mention steering-wheel shoulders. Watching people go off the diving board was fun, too, as there is a constant line and stream of people doing everything from back-flips to belly-flops. I alternated reading a chapter and swimming laps all afternoon. Heaven.
(Note: you can get into this area for free – it’s on the other side of the fence/dam though not really deep enough to swim:)
It was a perfect summer day, and I decided to end the evening by seeing Iron Man, which seemed like a perfect summer movie. I’m not much of a comic book or super hero fan, but everyone I know who has seen it has raved about it. Apparently I wasn’t the only one with this idea, because every showing at the theater on South Lamar was sold out, but thanks to Dorothy (my trusty GPS) I found another theater nearby, which was nearly empty. I loved it. I thought it brilliantly incorporated contemporary issues – mainly the war – in a way that felt relevant and sincere. I wasn’t expecting that element of “truth,” for lack of a better word, from a film based on a comic book. I thought it was a tremendous success. The acting was terrific, the technology was incredible, the story was heartfelt – if you haven’t seen it, I really recommend it. I might go see it again. Interestingly, there are a lot of super hero movies coming out… a reflection of our desire for a real leader, perhaps? Someone to clean up after this mess?
Yesterday afternoon I returned to Barton Springs to once again seek refuge from the 100-degree heat. It was as splendid as the previous afternoon, with the added relaxation of much fewer people, yet far more attractive young men. I like Austin more and more 
In between swims I started talking to some girls from Jackson Hole and Atlanta, respectively, and when the winds kicked up and the sky grew eerie we headed to my car, where I eventually (miraculously) carved out room for all of us. On the way back to 6th street we swung into Whole Foods… where we remained… um… for over three hours. This may be difficult to comprehend. Unless, of course, you’ve been to the Austin Whole Foods. It’s triumphant. I’ve been to many Whole Foods stores, from Manhattan to Portland to Los Angeles to Washington DC to Omaha – and this one puts them all to shame. In addition to the sheer size, I was blown away by the amount of organic produce and the variety of prepared food – there are the regular hot and cold bars, but also a gelato station, a VEGAN restaurant (in Texas! – excuse my ignorance – I stand corrected), an Italian restaurant, a seafood one, a pizza station, a Mexican station, wine tasting (we partook), desserts, cheeses, confections, a coffee & tea bar – the variety was inspiring. I think it’s wonderful when people are passionate about food. After all, it’s what we’re made of.
On the subject of food – this is really embarrassing – as bad as “Freedom Fries.”
For the chocoholics: After a few laps and much shameless sampling (and befriending several employees – whether they wanted or not) we settled into the warm evening air of the outdoor patio and chocolate tasting commenced. Natalie, one of the girls, got Newtree’sRenew – dark chocolate (73% cocoa) with blackcurrent (aka cassis – much sexier) – and Tranquility – lavender and milk chocolate. I am a big fan of Dagoba organic chocolates. The variety is astounding and it keeps growing – my favorites include the Xocolatl (74% cocoa with chilies and nibs), Lavender (59% cocoa with lavender and blueberries), and New Moon (74% cocoa), which I like to dip in tahini, chips-and-salsa style (try it – it’s outrageous). I just saw on the site they now have a Prima Materia (100% cocoa!) – and I’m psyched. Look for these at Whole Foods and lots of other grocery stores, as the prices on the site seem rather high… though worth every cent, buying them locally will also prevent further shipping emissions. I tried the Roseberry – raspberries and rosehips – and Green & Black’s Cherry dark chocolate, which is also organic, fair trade, and sustainable. The cherries are quite tart, which was a nice contrast. They are both 60% cocoa content, and I would’ve liked something a little darker – the Renew was actually my favorite of the night.
Today I came to Bryan, TX to play KEOS, which was a delight. Stevo, the DJ who hosted me, has phenomenal taste in music and a sparkling personality – I had a lot of fun. I also got to meet his lovely wife Mary, and the three of us had dinner in downtown Bryan (Main St has really cool buildings – a great feel) before my show at Revolution Cafe and Bar. I met some more wonderful people, and as if that weren’t enough goodness for one day, the station has put me up in a suite (sweet!), as you can see above. This is quite the upgrade from last night’s motel. And on that note it’s time to try out that bed… Thanks for reading. Tomorrow is San Antonio! I’m excited to see the Alamo. Dallas and Houston follow before I head further West. Join the mailing list here for updates.
The Ultimate Road Mix So Far…
1. “Escapade” – Janet Jackson (May 6, 2008)
2. “Cars Trucks Buses” – Phish (May 7, 2008)
3. “Heart of the Country” – Paul & Linda McCartney (May 8, 2008)
4. “Why Georgia” – John Mayer (May 9, 2008)
5. “Runnin Down A Dream” – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (May 10, 2008)
6. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (May 11, 2008)
7. “I’m So Tired” – The Beatles (May 12, 2008)
8. “Tennessee Jed” – The Grateful Dead (May 13, 2008)
9. “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road?” – The Beatles (May 14, 2008)
10. “Tennessee Blues” – Steve Earle (May 15, 2008)
11. “Consolers of the Lonely” – The Raconteurs (May 16, 2008)
12. “Midwest” – Sound Tribe Sector Nine (May 17, 2008)
13. “The Big Country” – Talking Heads (May 18. 2008)
14. “Everyday Is A Winding Road” – Sheryl Crow (May 19, 2008)
15. “Omaha (1994 – Live at Elysee Montmartre) – Counting Crows (May 20, 2008)
16. “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” – Bob Dylan (May 21, 2008)
17. “Bandits” – Buck 65 (May 22, 2008)
18. “Is There Anybody Here That Love My Jesus” – Medeski, Martin, & Wood (May 23, 2008)
19. “Highway 61 Revisited” – Bob Dylan (May 24, 2008)
20. “Girl From the North Country” – Bob Dylan (May 25, 2008)
21. “Texas Flood” – Stevie Ray Vaughan (May 26, 2008)
22. “Hard Sun” – Eddie Vedder (May 27, 2008)
23. “Take Me To the River” – Talking Heads (May 28, 2008)
One week and I’m there! I’m happy though because I just loaded up on some organic produce and other goodies from Central Market. This place is the most enormous market I’ve ever seen. Got some basil, peaches, watermelon for my own Memorial Day party tomorrow. Still have some champagne… glad to have a day off tomorrow. After singing four hours today I am un petit peu sick of myself. 
