Flugtag

Flugtag - German for 'flight day', also an event sponsored by Red Bull USA where man-powered crafts are launched off of a 30ft platform into the water.

Austin hosted the Flugtag this Saturday at Auditorium Shores, and Chad and I went down to watch with an estimated 85,000 people. It was crazy crowded. After walking around for about an hour, we settled on the west sidewalk of the 1st street bridge.

We actually had a pretty good view for the first 3 launches until the police forced everyone off of the sidewalk. It was a bummer because you couldn't blame them for needing an emergency route. Once we were cleared there were virtually no places left to view the festivities because other 85,000 people had already settled into the places where you could see.

Once the crafts actually began launching, it was hilarious to watch the build up of each one and then the ultimate 30 foot plunge into the water. I wish we had been able to see better after we were moved, because I would have loved to stay to watch more. It was just too crowded and hot to find a spot where we could see.

Next time they have the Flugtag in Austin, we will pack a cooler with more than the recommended 'water only' and sit on the north side of the river where they were not inspecting the coolers. We will get there early enough to find a good viewing spot and park there for the afternoon.