2013.06.01 - We started at the southern terminus of the Campion Trail on Riverside Drive near California Crossing. There were clouds in the sky and we were hoping to beat any possible rain. Sure felt humid but the wind was blowing and all was good to this start of June.
It was around 7 am when we headed out from the trail head and immediately veered toward the first Trinity River area. The Trinity River runs through a few suburban cities but has not been the most attractive attraction. Maybe that will change if all these cities get together to create on large continuous trail. Wouldn't that be awesome?!
There is a nature trail that starts or ends at the viewing area which we happily follow. It travels alongside the river and there are benches along the way for rest, relaxation, or retrospective. After a quarter mile or so it reconnects with the paved trail. An unspoken rule was made then that we would take any and all nature trails today. The next one was a bit longer and ended right before the Northwest Highway underpass.
It wasn't until the third Nature turn off that we started geocaching. Funny how thorns are camouflaged amongst the leaves. Did not find a tick today which was good and better than last week. One cache was inside of a log and I wouldn't have found it if the latch had not come off. Very nicely hidden.
The first real parking is at Birds Fort Park. There is water and places to rest, but don't trek on without trying the treadmill. Not far north, at trail ID 1192, there is a place to admire the width of the Trinity in all it's natural beauty.
Spring Trail Park claims the next section of the Campion. By now, the trail is increasing in traffic as more and more people begin their weekend exercising on this very accommodating wide paved path. Dipping a little, the trail gave us a view under Riverside Drive where we spotted a crane sitting on the retaining rock wall. A little further down the trail a canal lined with bricks adds tasteful ambience. Looking into the bushes, we notice some ducklings with their mother near a small puddle of water. 
It was also in this section that we were introduced to the leg press. Different than the treadmill but with the same engineering flare. But it wasn't until we found the seated lat pulled that we thoroughly experienced the fun of using our own weight to exercise. My favorite is the rowing machine, as it really simulated the rocking of a boat. 
At Keenans Crossing Trail Park there is a wide opening of the river that transforms it into a lake. This expanse, in comparison to the south one, is far better manicured. A cache along here had us going in circles. Also, if house hunting and like access to this trail, there are a few options where the backyards almost kiss the pavement.
Once past the I-635, LBJ walkway, Sam Houston Trail Park starts. There is some information about when General Sam Houston crossed in August and September of 1843. A piling in the river is a remain of the bridge crossing. Now, there is vegetation growing at the rim.
Coming to the parking lot that held one of our cars, it seemed like a good place stop. Sometime this coming week, I will come back and walk the far north section of the Campion to finish it up. This next part is newer and has trails that intersect. Should be fun.We hiked 5.82 miles in 3 hours : 48 minutes averaging 39 minutes : 11 seconds per mile with geocaching. Our fastest mile was the first at 26 minutes : 32 seconds.
Total blogged Miles: 55.10 miles.
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