Rooney Loves Nature

As we all know, Jon Rooney's LOVES nature in a way that only "all-caps" can sarcastically convey. Obviously, irony #1 is that Jon chose a business school in a city known for its treasure trove of outdoor options. Irony #2, is the nature freak launched his own summer camp (he even named it after on of town lakes most furry creatures). So without further ado:

The Official Camp Nutria

Outdoor Adventure Lineup

Austin Outdoor Spots

1. Zilker Park: A bounty of open fields and wood glens offers excellent opportunities to enjoy both the searing South Texas Sun and cool naps beneath tick invested oaks. There's rock climbing and frisbee golf, but don't forget about the kiddy trainride. Plus, there's primo swimming. You can choose between diving with the Nutria or swimming laps at Barton Springs Pool (more on the Pool below).
   

   Rooney Nature Scale: 2 Claw Marks out of 5

2. The Greenbelt: A hike next to Barton Creek under both the Mopac and Loop 360 bridges? You bet! Sure you've got exhaust raining down on you and the water may be saturated with lead and oil from the constant traffic, but what a scenic trail. Did I mention there are racoons? They're huge, and they hate people. Awesome!
   

   Rooney Nature Scale: 3 Claw Marks out of 5

3. Barton Springs Pool: Is there anything better than swimming in non-chlorinated water with seaweed tickling your feet? I don't think so; unless you tack on freezing cold water. Best of all, this treat ain't free... It's 3 bones per person.
   

   Rooney Nature Scale: 2 Claw Marks out of 5

4. Guano Fest (aka Bats at South Congress Bridge): Waiting see some bats with cars screaming by on the South Congress Bridge, now that's a recipe for fun (and flashes of your life before your eyes). Did I mention these bats poop and in high enough concentrations guano is deadly?
   

   Rooney Nature Scale: 1 Claw Marks out of 5

Texas Hill Country Spots

1. Hamilton Pool: This place has it all: a secluded beach, a huge swimming pool, a 75 foot waterfall, a cool cliffy overhand thing. No kidding around, this place is awesome. And, they allow you to bring beer!
   

   Rooney Nature Scale: 4 Claw Marks out of 5

2. Enchanted Rock: A gigantic peice of stone, and you get to climb it. Pretty much no shade and lot's of slick spots to fall to your death. Rooney loves this one.
   

   Rooney Nature Scale: 5 Claw Marks out of 5

For those of us who don't hate the sun we should definitely consider hitting these spots at least once during the summer. Besides Rooney can catch up with us after the damned fireball in the sky drops below the horizon.