2006 Special Events
In addition to the Big Parties that we enjoy, we have several smaller special
activities throughout the year, themed parties, museum trips and other
activities suggested and organized by the members of Austin CHILDFREE!
We will add more pictures throughout the year.
Zip Line Canopy Tour!
Located just South of Austin, the "Cypress Valley Canopy Tour" on the
shores of Lake Travis offers one of the few zip line tours in the United States.
The tour consisted of three sky bridges and 6 zip-lines; the longest is over 350
feet, and most launch and land in platforms up to 40 feet high in the trees.
It was a great cool day, some of us even got to see a Porcupine shambling
around as we zipped through the trees. A few brave souls went on to do the more
physical "Challenge" Canopy tour.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Our Brave Adventurers |
One of the sky
bridge. |
Just lift your
feet and go... |
Look out Below... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Amazing views. |
Geronimo... |
Did I sign the
waiver? |
Why did I agree
to do this? |
Wine Tasting!
Sallie and Tim hosted a very successful and enjoyable series of Educational wine tasting,
from basic concepts and misconceptions of Red Wine versus White Wine to tasting
some specialty wines for special occasions.
Why Wine Tasting? Few of us take the time to break down what
we actually like or dislike about a wine. With a table loaded with fruits, flowers and spices,
we identified the smells when we inhaled the aroma of our wines. A
taste test with sweets, salts and sours showed what a difference it makes to
whether or not you actually enjoy that wine you labored so hard to pick
out! Overall,
a great time was had by all and now to plan the perfect picnic...
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Everyone sits ready. |
Sallie prepares the
first blind taste test |
Sallie as the Sommelier |
Keeping notes about each
wine we taste. |
In May, a wine tasting session was devoted to the joys of Sparkling Wines!
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Sparkling Wine must be chilled! |
Enjoying the fruity flavors of a sparkling
red. |
And contrasting the sweet/crisp flavors of
a sparkling white... |
... but the main component of sparkling
wine is having fun! |
In August, a whole tasting session was devoted to Country Wines! These
are wines made from fruits other than grape.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Our Fruit Wines!
Wines from two different Wineries.
|
Sallie is awarded a Sommelier's cup for organizing Wine Tastings. |
Contrasting the differing flavors of
the various fruit wines...
|
Holly wins the "Mardi Graz" Sommelier's
cup for identifying the Mystery Wine! |
Trip to the Zoo!
Located just outside Johnson City, West of Austin, is the "Exotic Animal
Zoo". The Spring weather was perfect for a Road Trip to see Camels, Antelope,
Deer, Ostriches, Bison, wooly Highland Cattle and other exotic grazing animals.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Lunch at the Nutty Brown Cafe. |
Tristin feeds the Deer |
Jerry gets to know Omar the Camel |
Back in Austin, enjoying a few drinks. |
Spy Party!
Jerry hosted a "live game" with a spies theme! Everyone was assigned a
character, such as James Bond, Boris and Natasha, Maxwell Smart, a mad
scientist, etc. The host Dr. Evil then explained the rules of the game, and
everyone acted the part of their character for a few hours, trying to accomplish
their goals.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Spies & Evil Genius convention
Austin TX. |
"Welcome to my Secret
Island Base" |
Very Patriotic |
Bond & 'M' drop in. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Natasha is concocting a
diabolical scheme. |
Jeff is a Mad Scientist |
On the lookout for the
Unexplainable |
The 'Smart' Shoe Phone. |
|