Staying cool by getting wet in the Hill Country

Top of my list for staying cool in the heat is getting wet. There's nothing quite like a cool dip in a natural river on a hot day. The Guadalupe River State Park (near Boerne) provides ample water, tubing and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Hamilton Pool (near Dripping Springs) allows only 75 cars into its lot, so you won't be ambushed with people, and the unique habitat will be protected. This is just a few miles outside of Dripping Springs. It's rumored that Lance Armstrong has his ranch somewhere in these parts.

In the same region of the Hill Country sits the larger and more impressive Pedernales Falls, (between Dripping Springs and Johnson City) also a state Park. You could easily spend a day here viewing the falls area, jumping from boulder to boulder or playing in the water.

The Guadalupe River runs all through the hill country. Hook up with it again in the town of Gruene for some great tubing -- in a beautiful environment. Spend some time shopping in Gruene and grab a beer or a bite to eat at the Gristmill Restaurant when you're done. There's hand dipped ice cream in the general store.

New Braunfels (Gruene) also provides tubing on the Comal River. This is a much more relaxed (some might even say boring) river. My teenage son lamented the strength of the current. It's an excellent, first-time tubing experience, especially if you have small children. Rockin R (as well as many other outfitters) will rent you a tube ($14-16) and pick you up at the end with their shuttle.

When you rent your tube, it's for the day, so you can ride over and over again. It takes about 1:45 hours from start to finish with a tube chute near the beginning and very minor "rapids" depending on the water level. Keep your eyes open about 20-30 minutes in. You'll see a restaurant on the right-hand side with stairs up. You can take your tube out of the water, have lunch and then set afloat afterwards.

Red Bud Isle, Austin In the city of Austin don't miss Town Lake (recently renamed to Lady Bird Johnson Lake upon her death) for some kayaking or paddle boating.

This is a great family activity. The Rowing Dock provides life vests and there are no rapids to maneuver or power craft on the lake. The scenery is breathtaking no matter which direction you decide to take. However, heading up to Red Bud Isle is particularly peaceful.

Also in Souh Austin is Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park. Brace yourself for a brisk swim in temperatures that will make you giddy with shock (68 degrees year round). The pool is open year round and you will find diehards out there on the very coldest days, swimming its length.

Barton Springs Pool, Austin

Finally, the big, bad granddaddy of them all .....sitting along the banks of the Comal River in New Braunfels is Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort . On a hot day this is better than Disneyland.

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