Woodway Park (Waco, TX)

2013.08.24 - Woodway Park Nature Trail

After a day of geocaching near Walburg in Central Texas, we cached our way to Lake Waco and Woodway Park. On the Google Maps, Woodway dubs as Midway Park and is just inside the Waco city limits. As a matter of fact, it appears the whole Lake Waco is within the Waco city limits.

There is trail head parking on the Park loop to the east of Estates Drive overlooking the lake. As we learned from our walk, this nature trails has many entry points. Some are obvious and with others, after a few trips, they maybe obvious as well.

The trail head also is the start of a night cache, but it is too bright to do it as intended. Right off, we like the dirt path and it is wide enough to not be rubbing brush, yet intimate. Within a hundred feet, we are united with nature. It feels great leaving civilization for a couple of hours. Nothing could be better.

At the first cross path, we turn to go west. I thought I had a idea of how the trail went, but not far we come across a trail map that shows me how off base I am. Woodway is divided into four sections, yellow, red, green, and blue. Yellow follows the park loop road to the lake and comes back. We entered the trail almost at the southern end of Yellow before it met Red. The Red is the largest section and the most confusing. We found ourselves making a wrong turn thinking we were still on the outer section of the trail only to realize we got on the cutoff. The cutoff is the White trail and runs north and south from the southern border of the park to the northern loop park road. In this section we heard the faint sounds of frisbee golfers and stepped aside for one biker. Thinking back, getting lost on Red with many exits was an adventure.

On the Green southern section, there are exits to a playground. Green is meant to be pass through from Red to Blue and back to Red. There are places to cut between the northern and southern park and bypass Blue, but that wouldn't be much fun. Green is also where we found our first cache, A Tree with Roots - Park 1. In the Blue section, we picked up a couple more caches, An Uphill Battle and On Olden Pond. On Olden Pond was after we made the loop back and on a blocked paved road nature is retaking. We tried for a couple higher difficulty caches but came up empty.

As we were spending time looking, the sun was quickly setting. I looked toward the lake and snapped a photo of the Texas Loop 340 bridge. Beautiful. I admired it for a moment and then we started our sprint back to the car.

We realized we got through the Northern Green section fast. I enjoyed the elevation changes of this trail. It is not flat and there are some small switchbacks. There are many dips for biker enjoyment and a couple of places where ducking is required. This may not be a long day's hike, but it is far from boring.

To our amusement, we find ourselves at the creek crossing where we made the wrong turn earlier. How did that happen? We reexamined the trail map and then decided on which way to proceed. By now, the trees were blocking the remaining sun rays. There was still enough light for us to see and when we made it to where the Red Loop completes, we could almost smell the sandwiches we were about to order at Subway. I wish we had come by earlier so we could walk the Yellow to it's end and back, but maybe another cooler day.

We walked 3.77 miles over 1 hour : 38 minutes averaging 26 minutes : 12 seconds per mile.

Total Blogged miles: 228.93 miles.

L.B. Houston Nature Trail (Dallas, TX)

2013.08.18 - L. B. Houston Nature Trail

Like a true weekend warrior, I decided to tackle L.B. Houston on a hot, hot, hot Texas August day. Strapping on my new Osprey Viper hydration biker backpack with 1.5 liters of cool water, I headed to the trail head where I turned on the RunKeeper app and started the GPS on my Garmin Fenix Watch. It is my new toy, but I am not sure it ever acquired satellites making it pointless on this hike.

L.B. Houston is another trail maintained by Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) with it's own Facebook page. Unbeknownst to me, an event was being held at the Wildwood Road Parking area and could be the reason that nearly 20 mountain bikers passed me on the trail. None of them ran over me. They just whizzed by and for most of the day, it seemed I was alone on the trail.

'Do not ride muddy trails.' This was not going to be a problem today, but the dirt trail had not harden from the heat instead it had a soft bounce. Combined with the leafy canopy throughout the walk, the sun was blocked but not so much the humidity. From the beginning, I followed the big red arrow, but I later discovered there are plenty of smaller loops for diversion. However, I felt the trail was set before me with all the caution tape that blocked many of the trail exits and intersections with other trails. It felt a bit like a crime scene.

If there was one downside to this wonderful trail, it would be the amount of trash along the path. Numerous water bottles lay stranded from their bike brackets. If only they could be recycled. It was disturbing to see a trash can flipped with its contents spilled everywhere. I wonder why anyone would do this? Guess they felt the need to deface beauty.

Speaking of beauty, L.B. Houston is an off-road biker's gem. It zig-zags and winds back again. After the first few miles, I found myself going in one direction then another until I lost my bearings. If it weren't for the landmarks and big read arrows, I would have gotten lost. One such landmark was going underneath railroad tracks. It really felt like I was out in the country when in actuality, I was surrounded by city.

The section I followed the Elm Fork of the Trinity River where I encounter an older man teaching a little girl how to fish. She had the worm on the hook and was ready. It was a classic photo opportunity, but the moment past as quickly as I did.

From years before, the trail cut north but now the trail went under Wildwood road and into the park east. This section is more of a straight loop and doesn't zig zag as much, however the improvements on this side make for a fun ride much less a thrilling walk. A concrete bridge went over a dry creek bed and got me closer to the river with another concrete bridge to get me back to the other side.

When the sign read, swamp loop, I thought about alligators, but I think the Texas Heat dried up the swamp. Instead there were a series of three wooden bridges. They looked bumpy to ride. Then again that may have been the point. These only added to my growing impression that L.B. is a biker's dream amusement park ride. Plus, there were logs laying around waiting for another bridge to be built or maybe something far more exciting. I will have to come back and see what other rides have been installed in a couple of years.

I hit the 5 mile marker before crossing over back to the westside. By then, I was pretty tired and I drank more and more water. The event was over and I hadn't seen a biker in a while. This meant, I couldn't bum a ride and had to use my feet to get me home.

Soon after, I came to my favorite section of the trail, the Jeep Loop. It intrigued me, because I was sure a Jeep couldn't be driven on this trail. Perfect for a hiker and challenging for a mountain biker, but a Jeep? No way. Then I turn the corner and there it is. Pretty beat up but bandaged with bumper stickers. Who knew?

That railroad I crossed under, I was looking forward to it, but I remember it was not a straight shot to it. Instead, I walked along it for a while, then cut back. Truth is, the crossing earlier in the hike was only a few hundred feet south from this one. I was so tempted back then to just take the bypass, but the caution tape prevented me. Besides, I am glad I experienced the WHOLE L.B. Houston trail. Really I am.

Before I knew it I was at an exit that would have given me a straight shot to the car. But I saw a sign. It read Lake Loop Trail. I couldn't resist. It twisted me back into the bush and I followed tired and gladly. The unnamed lake is the centerpiece to this section of the trail and provides serenity. I reflect on the walk I was about to complete and am amazed at doing such a long hike in close to triple digit heat. I drink more water.

When I get to the exit point, I eye the car and realize it is so close yet so far away. I take my time and savor the moment. I've been on longer, harder hikes, but this one took a lot out of me. It definitely was the heat. More the combination of temperature and exertion, not the lack of water. At the trailhead, I saw the infamous red arrow that continued the circle. Not today, but maybe another time.


I walked 7.81 miles over 3 hours : 8 minutes . 51 seconds averaging 24 minutes : 12 seconds per mile.

Total Blogged miles : 225.16 miles.

Sedgwick County Park (Wichita, KS)

2013.08.10 - Sedgwick County Park

This is my first walk after coming off the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. It is pretty flat, paved, and just what I needed. Even the weather cooperated by providing sunshine while minimizing the heat. Couldn't have asked for a better day with a no better friend.

We started near the closed park office in the middle of the park and went west. First thing we saw was a wooden bridge resembling those from Madison County that just begged us for a visit. It was sturdy as we walked back through time and back again at the other end. It is one of several in the park, but the only one we experienced.

Sedgwick County Park is customizable to the hiker, walker, or biker. There is a greater loop that goes outside of the designated park and encircles the zoo property, the park, and the open area west of the Big Slough. However, if one just wants to see a portion of the park, there are many smaller loops, particularly around every lake. We decided to walk the perimeter of the park property.

Not surprising, there were a few caches along our route. The first we couldn't find, but since then we found more than we didn't. One great aspect of geocaching is how it can enhance an outing by giving us direction. Also, a couple of times, I couldn't realize how fast we were moving as we raced from cache to cache. My favorite cache location is at a two trunk V-Shaped Tree that is unusual, fascinating, and beautiful. Just never know what one will find while out walking.

An exercise course is at the south east corner of the park. Here the path is marked by trimmed grass instead of pavement with exercise stations. It doesn't appear to be used often and we didn't see anybody running through there in our brief passing. I hope it doesn't go by the way of the dinosaur.

The east side is photogenic. At the southern, 13th Street Entrance, there is a windmill spinning in the open prairie under puffy clouds. Along the big lake, there is a wooden dock waiting for hanging feet. Then, just when inspiration is needed, 'Push Yourself' graffitied on a bench. Perfect timing as we were about halfway through our walk.

We turn the corner and walk the Northern stretch. Around Horseshoe Lake, we notice fishermen casting their lines. It is peaceful and quiet and perfect. I wish I had the patience to fish. Not sure I am patient enough to fully enjoy the hobby, as I can't seem to stay still even when I sleep.

In the Northwest corner, we found ourselves in an open field. There is a mound in the distance and we suspect during the snowy times, the mounds makes for great sledding. Ah, the memories from my youth and how I had so much fun. But those days are long long gone, just hope next year's snow provides better memories for a youngster.

We pass a structure with two benches that face each other. An interesting place to rest, it stands out in the prairie. We didn't stop because we were so close to finishing the loop. But if we had our lunch, then this place would be perfect. Maybe a place to reflect on the beautiful day along a wonderful trail. Couldn't have asked for anything more.

We walked 4.18 miles over 2 hours and 16 minutes averaging 32 minutes : 40 seconds per mile while also caching. 

Total Blogged miles: 217.35 miles.

Wonderland Trail-Part IV (Mount Rainier, WA)

2013.08.01-Golden Lakes Campground to Cataract Valley Campground (Day 6):

By Day 6, we could feel the warm bed and taste the Diet Coke meeting us at the finish line. However, we still had a lot of miles to go. It didn't hurt that the walk down to South Mowich River was crowded with wet foliage either by morning dew or the rain from the night before. Then came the 2.9 mile 2,100 foot climb up to Mowich Lake in a mist. It was the type of weather Seattle is well known for, yet we hadn't experienced all week. Our luck ran out inspired us to make the final push and finish a day early.

Mowich Lake was our second food drop. Like before, we took all the high protein and carb items. My favorite were the tortillas, not the same as grandma's, but a reminder of home. The facilities there had a concrete floor, real toilet paper, and a roof. We talked to some of the hikers out for day hikes and some spending the night here. In reality, we were killing time, because our original campsite for the night was Eagles Roost, only 1.8 miles away. It was pretty much decided when we left Mowich we weren't staying there. Instead, we would push another 4.7 miles and get over to Cataract Valley. 

We pass Eagles Roost without giving it a second thought and stop at the Spray Falls trailhead. Here we found about 10 backpacks lining up the trail from a boy scout troop. There is an unspoken code that everybody's backpack is sacred and one is not to disturb another's backpack. It is like a motorcycle at a motorcycle rally. It is good to admire, but hands off. This is why we paid no mind to dropping our packs and going down to Spray Falls without fear of our packs getting stolen. Besides they are heavy and if somebody can run off with mine and theirs, it would be a relief of sorts. Maybe for a double dawg dare. 

Spray park is known for a huge cascading waterfall that sprays everyone. Today, it only added to the wet caused by the mist. As a matter of fact, we were warned about the trek ahead. Still we were determined to move on. 

The afternoon climb had us climbing another 1500 feet. For the day, we started at a low point of 2,600 feet and will surpass the high point of about 6,400 feet. More importantly, we walked through a fog that hid Rainier creating an eerie distance with our friend.  

Maybe even more eerie is the flowers in bloom in high altitudes with snow only feet away. We had noticed it before, yet somehow today it was surreal. They came across very green and crisp and healthy.

I may have mentioned before that above 6,000 feet there is snow and more than likely, we will walk across some. Today was no exception. When we got over the high point, we had to follow boot steps in the snow downhill.  Normally, this wasn't a big deal, except for the mist that hindered our vision. At one point, it felt like we were entering the abyss because we were surrounded in white. This could be a preview of heaven, but something tells me, I have not punched my card just yet. It was good when we were descended to an elevation below the clouds and get back to the land of the living.

We make it to Cataract Valley to find it empty except for us. We take a site close to the stream and bear pole. That night we had Mountain House's Chicken and Rice and warm tea. It was going to be a cold night, but we only had one more day!

Total Trail Miles hiked on Day 6: 16.30 miles (75.20 miles total)
Total Blogged miles: 198.37 miles.

2013.08.02-Cataract Valley Campground to Sunrise (Day 7):

Today, was going to be a good day! How could it not be? It was the day we complete our circle around Mount Rainier. The number of miles didn't matter nor how long it would take. This is it! I felt it in my bones that morning. Or was that the chill from the mist. Either way, we packed our tents for the last time on this trip and started our hike to Sunrise.

First up, we walked the 1.6 miles down to Carbon River for our second suspension bridge crossing. This one is not as long and not as high, but I still wouldn't recommend being reckless. Just walk down the middle and stay calm. Ignore the missing board and keep going. Everything is going to be alright.

Across the river was the start of our first climb for the day. It was about 1800 foot, with an elevation of 3,200 at the bridge to about 6,000 about a half mile before Mystic Lake. What would  a day be without a nice climb in the morning? By now, we were used to the pain. 

What we weren't expecting because of our conversation with the Rangers on our first day was this big golden brown black bear to be strolling down the trail. I was straggling in the back, looked up and there he was 30 feet from our point man. I tried to be calm in alerting him and then he ran back to the two of us and we got in a line. Mr. Bear didn't seem bother, but we were terrified. When he kept coming, we blew our whistles and our middle man had the bear spray at the ready. He didn't seem aggressive and was probably annoyed at the loud sounds. Either way, he strolled down the hill and allowed us to pass. For the next mile or so, we blew our whistles and I kept looking back for the next couple of hours. Just in case, our new friend had a taste for plump Mexican food.

Fleeing the bear, the hike up to Mystic Creek didn't seem so tough. Just wish some of this mist and clouds would burn away. We got a few looks at Rainier, more than yesterday, but far less than the days before. Mystic Creek was our camp for the night and the thought did come to me to just drop my pack and pop up the tent. However, we had cheese burgers, diet coke, and a warm bed waiting. Plus, the car being the magnet in the east was getting stronger.

Yet again, we had one more climb to make. At the valley between Mystic Lake and Granite Creek, the low point was at 4,600 feet to 6,700 feet about 1.5 miles from Sunrise. It was our last Hurrah! 

We reunited with a couple we met at the other end of or our hike. That was neat as it was our first and only reunion with someone we met before. I gave a few thoughts about all those other hikers we met and where they are on their journey. 

Now is probably a good time for a retrospective. The wonderland Trail is simply amazing. At the beginning, it looked like a regular wide trail that can be found in any other park. Then the climbs and the mile high meadows and it took me somewhere else. We went from green to white, then back to green while never being far from water. Water in streams, falls, lakes, mist, or clouds. Maybe it was also the animals like the chipmunks, marmots, deer, and bear that seemed oddly friendly. Or the people, that were so willing to share. Everyday, we experienced something different in this natural amusement trail. All we had to do was walk. 

We met a family that does Youtube videos at the top of Skyscraper pass and they tell us that the view here is the best in the park, but we can't see much today. They just started and with the 6 or 7 children, I believe it is going to be a fun trip. Well, at least for the kiddos. 

A ranger stood at the intersection of several trails, and we knew we were very close. We had a mile and a half to go and the visitor center was closing at 6pm. Despite the pain, I was motivated to move and get there before we close so that we can pick up our benchmarks we had on reserve. Also, the restaurant was closing at 7 and those cheeseburgers were smelling good. 

When we saw the car, we knew we were there! I slowed my pace and we all gave high 5s. Boy we've come a long way to get back here and it looked awesome! The visitor center was open and we got our souvenirs. Then we headed to the restaurant where they were closing. Turns out, instead of throwing their food away, they gave it to us for free. What a reward! 

Total Trail Miles hiked on Day 6: 14.80 miles (90.00 miles total)
Total Blogged miles: 213.17 miles.

Wonderland Trail-Part III (Mount Rainier, WA)

2013.07.30-Pyramid Creek Campground to Klapatache Campground (Day 4):

As long as day 3 seemed, we learned how fast we could cover flat land. However, day 4, while not as many miles, had us trekking over three ridges at over 1,000 feet each for a total elevation climb of about a mile without all the descending. On the west side of Rainier, the Wonderland Trail went up a ridge and then back down before climbing another ridge. It definitely would make one heck of a roller coaster ride, if there was one.

Another interesting fact about the west side of Mount Rainier is the amount of flies and mosquitos. Pyramid Creek gave us a slight introduction, but the word through the Hiker Grapevine was that Devils Dream campground was by far the worse. One set of hikers said they didn't bother to cook anything, just got inside their tent, zipped up, and ate a Cliff bar for dinner. The Paradise Hotel hikers said they skipped their reservation there to get to Pyramid Creek which was just 2 miles further. On our hike-by, we noticed Devils had the most sites than any other with 7 or 8. Which didn't really make sense since it was the less desirable. Like one of my teammates mentioned, you can't trust a place named 'Devils.'

A little over a mile up the trail, we come across a Patrol Cabin at Indian Henry's Hunting Ground. It is not manned with Rangers, instead there is a Mother with her children there. She told us this was her 5th time! They were headed a few miles up the road to South Puyallup River Campground, which is the campsite at the base of the ridge from ours. At the Patrol Cabin, we rested, ate some snacks, and I left another treasure for a passing hiker. A book about a flood that may have formed the surrounding area. I hope someone reads it and gains an education. My lesson here is that when carrying an iPad Mini that is battery efficient and I don't use very often, it is better to download the book, because it is lighter and easier to transport. 

Once we were well rested or the bugs became too much, we continued our ridge hoping. What happened next became a highlight in our adventure. It can almost be told through the voice of Bambi and her mom. Because a family of deer were hanging close to the trail. We paused as to not disturbed them and watched as they groomed each other and the children played. The young ones would jump from one side of the trail to another. Then when we started to walk, a doe and her fawn walked the trail in front of us for about a quarter to half mile. Yes, they just walked right in front of us. At one point, mom and baby got separated, we stepped back, and very soon they were reunited. I wanted to pet them and say you can trust us, but they have their right to keep a safe distance. I am not sure how that day could have gotten any better. 

From that point on, I was on a natural high for the rest of the day and then came the suspension bridge. Only one person can cross at a time and it is best to walk right down the center. You can look down or up or all around, but stay in the middle. Half way across, it may rock a little. No worries, just keep walking, everything will be alright. Of course, I had to go back to the middle without my pack to catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier. 
 

Now we were headed up our second ridge of the day. Going up 50 feet of elevation at a time really made the climb more manageable and it also felt like we could get over it quicker. To relate, think about the tallest building being about 2200 feet and our total climb that day being twice that with backpacks on. That sure is a confidence builder! 

What this also meant is that we probably smelled pretty bad. At least, we hoped we didn't smell as bad as the fellow we talked to after the suspension bridge, but it is quiet possible we smelled worse. This brings up hygiene and the tricky part of bathing in glacial water. But we figured out we can boil water and sure enough, our cleaning became more comfortable. Warm water cures stinky me on the trail.

At the base of the next ridge is South Puyallup River Campground, where the experienced mom and her family were staying for the night. We spotted them having a meal in chairs and were fascinated that they brought chairs with them. Our packs were overstuffed with items we needed or thought we needed, but they brought chairs. So jealous. 

Our next ridge climb was the one that brought us home for the night. However, this time it seemed like it just kept getting higher and higher. At a rest stop, a couple on a day hike passed us. Turns out, she did the Wonderland 19 years ago while 5 months pregnant. Then off they went flying over the ridge. 

The body is a fascinating work of art. I didn't bring any pants for our hike and for the most part didn't need any because while we walked up hill we got so warm that I was taking off layers regardless of the amount of snow around us. On this last ridge before camp, we even picked up some snow and rubbed it across our hot heads to cool us down. But while standing around in the chilly evening or morning, it would get down right cold. The lesson here is to stay in motion, even when it hurts. 

When we make it to camp we are amazed at the view. For my teammates, Klapatche Park is the best campsite because of the way Mount Rainier reflects off Aurora Lake. It also doesn't hurt that the water in the lake is warmer than the streams. Still cold by my standards, however warm enough for frogs to live. While sitting there looking up at the snowy giant, there is no doubt, this is beautiful!

Also staying here, were 4 men, who we played leap frog with part of the day. They were dressed in camouflage while sleeping under a larger A-Frame tent. I had a flashback to basic training. It did not look fun. Then again, neither were my Army Pop-UP Tent days.

Turning in for the night, I felt a sense of accomplishment that another hard day was in the history books. I still can't get over how much elevation we overcame that day. Imagine all the steps at Willis Tower, Empire State Building, and Reunion Area combined all together and then some.

Total Trail Miles hiked on Day 4: 13.20 miles (51.10 miles total)
Total Blogged miles: 174.27 miles.

2013.07.31-Klapatache Campground to Golden Lakes Campground(Day 5):

I woke up on Day 5 feeling pretty rested, but wanted to spend some solo time. While my teammates were getting their stuff together, I was fully packed and started the down hill hike to North Puyallup alone. It felt good going off on my own, but a little risky. Within 15 minutes, one of my teammates caught me and at North Puyallup all of us were together again. 

It was here that we met up with a young couple that were doing part of the Wonderland. They seemed pretty young and I am not sure I could let two young people of the opposite sex hike alone for that distance. But who am I to judge. It looked like they were having fun and that is all that counts. Life is too short to not have fun! 

Like other parts of the trail, the bridges over the springs and waterfalls came in different shapes and sizes. A few looked like a tree had fallen and the park rangers sliced it in half for footing adding some rails for stability. Other times the bridges were pretty and a work of engineering art. The good thing is we never fell in the treacherous ones and on some small ones, we got our shoes wet. 

We had a daily climb to get to Golden Lakes Campground, but nothing like the day before. Instead it was a mere 1500 feet, piece of cake. As a matter of fact, we got to camp in the early early afternoon. We debated about moving on or staying put and decided it was best to keep with our itinerary. Besides we had a great view of the lakes below. Another lesson, however, is that whenever a campground ends with lakes, it translates to bug pool. 

That evening there was a threat of rain with dark clouds that scared the bugs away, but soon passed. We went to see the sunset and talked with some kids that had just graduated high school and were about to embark on their college lives. They were so young and I was happy that they decided to spend time on the trail together before their lives go in separate directions. One was going to Lewis and Clark in Portland, which impressed me, because I am huge fan of those two explorers.

Before bed, we talked about the days to come. What we had left and what was left ahead of us. By the next day's end we will be going East and on the homestretch. We were beginning to sense the end.

Total Trail Miles hiked on Day 5: 7.80 miles (58.90 miles total)
Total Blogged miles: 182.07 miles.