Yoga, First Day Hikes at Enchanted Rock postponed because of winter weather
UPDATE
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, Yoga at the Rock and First Day Hikes at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area have been postponed from Jan. 1 until Jan. 3 because of winter weather conditions. Check tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock for updates.
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
ENCHANTED ROCK — When the sun crests the horizon at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on New Year’s Day, you can be there to welcome it and even enjoy some early morning yoga and meditation.
Patty Williamson of Lizard Dreaming Yoga is holding a class at the park to ring in the New Year. But you don’t have to be a regular yoga participant — or have any experience at all — to enjoy this special time.
“Anybody’s welcome,” Williamson said. “The thing I tell people interested in participating is as long as they can hike up Enchanted Rock, they can come.”
Williamson will be leading participants in sun salutations as the sun rises about 7:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Everybody will gather at the base of the rock about 7 a.m. and hike up to just near the top.
“As the sun rises, we’ll do some sun salutations,” she said. The poses are very basic, so anybody can participate. “It’s such a beautiful spot overlooking the Hill Country, and as the sun comes up, you really get to take in the beauty of the area. It’s very still at that time of the day, which makes it a wonderful experience.”
Along with the yoga, people will be able to think a little bit about their “intent” for the upcoming year.
“We’ll do a little meditation,” Williamson said.
The entire program on top of Enchanted Rock will last about 45 minutes, she estimated. “And then we’ll hike down together.”
Williamson is donating her time for the program, so there is no charge with the exception of the regular Enchanted Rock State Natural Area entrance fee of $7 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
While Williamson makes regular trips to Enchanted Rock, she said this program came about when park interpreter Scott Whitener started tossing around ideas for New Year’s Day activities. The park is holding several First Day hikes and runs Jan. 1 as well. Click here for more about the hikes.
“Scott has some wonderful programs he’s bringing to the park, and so when he asked me about doing yoga in the morning, I thought it was a great idea,” Williamson said.
People interested in participating in Yoga at the Rock can email Williamson at patty@lizarddreamingyoga.com for more information or to reserve a spot. She said reservations aren’t required.
“There’s a pretty big area up there,” Williamson said. “So people can just show up as well.”
Williamson recommended dressing appropriately based on the weather. She said dressing in layers works well because people might warm up a bit as they hike up the rock and do some poses but then get cooler during the mediative portion.
“I’d say wear something you can move freely in,” she said.
And while yoga is typically done barefoot, Williamson said people should wear shoes for getting up the rock and even during this particular yoga.
“Also, bring a mat or towel because Enchanted Rock is rough, so I’d bring something to place on the rock for doing yoga,” Williamson added.
In case of inclement weather, check for changes or cancellation under the events tab at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock, at Facebook.com/enchantedrock or on Twitter @GoEnchantedRock.
The park is located at 16710 RR 965 between Llano and Fredericksburg. Call (830) 685-3636 for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com