From Swimming Holes to Home Construction

Much of central Texas sits on shallow layers of rock, mainly limestone and sandstone. The rock is found very near the surface so it doesn't allow much of a topsoil layer. This contributes to a large amount of runoff during the rainy season, as well as surface water access to underground aquifers through cracks in the rock layers. The end results are manifold.

As the water runs off the rock, it creates a number of rock bottomed creeks and rivers. These pristine rivers are great for tubing, a very popular pastime here. Three rivers just south of here boast large tubing enterprises (San Marcos, Guadalupe & Comal Rivers).

Where a limestone creek layer or ledge becomes eroded, small waterfalls are created with subsequent downstream swimming holes. Our recreation destination last Sunday was just such a place. McKinney Falls is one of a number of State Parks with typical park amenities, shaded picnic areas, trails etc. But it also has relatively safe waterfalls (to some, large rapids) and several swimming holes to enjoy. A great place to escape the Texas summer heat.

Another aspect of these rock layers is that eventually what goes down must come up. The water sinking through the rock strata to create large underground aquifers later appears on the surface in a number of spring fed pools and swimming holes. Michael and Sharon have already blogged about Barton Springs Pool right in downtown Austin. We also look forward to visiting Krause Springs about 30 miles out of Austin. It is said to be one of the prettiest swimming holes in the area, with dozens of springs. We also plan to visit other nearby swimming holes and springs to include, Hamilton Pool, Llano Slab & The Blue Hole in Wimberly.

Once the fun stops, the stones are economically quarried, being so close to the surface, and used for many things to include residential housing. A typical Central Texas home will have an exterior that will be primarily masonry, to include the locally quarried stone, brick or a combination of the two creating an affordable but distinctive regional look. Because of the abundance of local stone, stone veneers are not yet commonplace and almost heretical to suggest as siding, as we found out.

(PICTURED IS AUSTIN LIMESTONE)

Michael and Sharon's home's exterior will be primarily brick (3 sides) with with some Limestone front gables and cement fiber siding along the back. Our home's exterior will have a lot of sandstone and cement fiber siding. These types of exteriors were one of the first things we noticed when looking at housing in the area because they are so costly in No. Cal. The most common is a cream white limestone called Austin Limestone. From there, the list includes sandstones which incorporate a little more color as well as Leuder Stone which includes gray.

(PICTURED IS ONE TYPE OF SANDSTONE)

I am sure that I don't have everything technically correct in the above narrative but I just wanted to give you an idea of the unique way the geology here contributes both to recreation and commerce.

Next time, we hope to have visited Donna & her fiancee, Dennis' new Texas building lot purchase in Bastrop (25 miles east of Austin) and tell you all about it.