enchanted?

Geologists say temperature changes cause the dome rock to “creak and groan” on occasion. Native Americans believed the sounds were from ghosts. As well, on clear nights, after a rain, the top of the rock glitters resembling flickering “ghost fires,” which enhanced legends and stories through the ages. Scientists believe the glittering is reflections from collected water or wet feldspar (crystallized magma).

Save The Date

As part of the Texas State Parks’ 100-year anniversary, Enchanted Rock will have a 45th birthday celebration and fair Thursday, March 2 from noon to 4pm. Visitors are invited to learn new skills, enjoy old hobbies, and explore the history and beauty of the domes. Free day passes will be available in February.

Stargazers are in luck as well. The park has International Dark Sky status and, while visitors are welcome to stay until 10pm daily, Rangers occasionally host Rock Star Parties for expert input.

Scan the code to visit their website for events and updates.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

Georgetown In 2023

“What makes Georgetown distinctive?”, consultant Ron Cox asked City Council members.

“When Barbara and I moved here, we had an assumption that we would spend time in Austin to do this or that. We don’t go to Austin,” Councilman Ron Garland says.

“I think it’s self-sufficient. There’s not really many reasons you have to leave Georgetown to buy something,” Councilman Mike Triggs says.

“You can live, work, go to school, have fun, all in the same community. I think, when you experience those things together, you begin to realize how rare it is,” Mayor Josh Schroeder says.

How Pickleball Got Its Name

In our story on page 40, Exercises-in-Disguise to try, we list pickleball as one fun way to start working out more. But how did the popular sport get its name? It has nothing to do with the sour snack; rather, it came from either a dog or a boat.

Some are adamant that it was inspired by Pickles, game founder Joel Pritchard’s dog, while others insist it was drawn from his wife Joan's suggestion to name it for the pickle boat of rowing (a crew consisting of random, available racers) since pickleball is a mix of several games, including badminton, tennis, and Ping-Pong.

Joel's daughter Peggy agreed the name didn't come from the dog because the game started before they adopted it it was just easier than trying to explain a pickle boat.