Sunday, June 23, 2013

Fish Creek Linear Trail (Arlington / Grand Prairie, TX)

2013.06.22 (07:38) - Parked near the Walgreens at Green Oaks and New York in Arlington, Texas where we made our way west toward the rising sun. It took me about 30 minutes on the bike to get from one end to the other. Let's see how well our feet do.

From the start, it is obvious this trail was designed to get the neighborhood active with all its residential tributaries. One such and our first excursion was Fish Creek Neighborhood Park. With a gazebo in the center, one can make a loop and then rejoin Fish Creek Trail. It is well manicured, pleasant and well worth the extra steps.

At 08:12, we started caching and our pace would slow but the breaks to search are also good. I definitely didn't miss the beggars lice or the thorns, and being in shorts didn't help, so I treaded wisely off the trail while hunting.  We found four by the time we crossed into Grand Prairie. Later on while looking for a cache, I turned over a rock and found a baby snake. Remembered not to panic, as I did more harm to this little fellow than he did to me.  

At 09:31, we made it to the bridge under S Great SW Parkway where the creek is almost nonexistent. Where has all the water gone? Not far from there we found a water fountain that blasted water out the spout with a majority of it hitting the pavement. That answers that question. 
At 09:54, we make it to the Western end of Fish Creek where Sheffield and Dartmouth intersect. Run Keeper had us at 4.66 miles projecting a 9 mile day with the walk back. We made a goal of trying to average about 20 minute miles on the stretch back. It is after all starting to warm up. But we had to find our final cache of the day first.

It took us almost 10 minutes to find it and it raises another dilemma. What is the point when caching diminishes the exertion of exercise. Right now, I am trying out a 5 to 10 minute rule. If it takes more than that to find a cache, I have to move on as the joy is more in being outside and active. 

We hauled it on the way back averaging between 16 and 18 minutes. We didn't see as many people with the rising temperature  Matter of fact, it was down right hot and we stunk. Now for some food, a shower, and the Tim McGraw concert tonight.

2013.06.23 (10:32 - 86 degrees) - Even though we walked a big chuck yesterday, we had not completed Fish Creek. Today, I am determined to finish it off. Parking at the same spot, I went west at the split.

At 11:01, I found my first cache off the trail and this point on, I will be removing beggar's lice. But somehow, it is not a big deal today. It so happens, I came across a stamp on the trail that read, 'Life is short, Live it to its fullest.' Resonated as last night I went to see Tim McGraw and one of the songs the crowd sang back was 'Live Like You Were Dying'. The part about love deeper and speaking sweeter is working on my mindset. 

At 11:29, I found myself taking an excursion toward the Arlington Animal Shelter. There is a doggie park here where the humans sat and rested next to their resting pups. Funny. 

At 11:46, I found a very neat Geocache. It is a wired honey comb. Very creative and way cool. Speaking of creative and cool, as the trail crosses Silo Road, look south and admire the murals.

At 12:30, I made it to the eastern terminus and sat while finding the last cache of the day. Summer in Texas doesn't take long to warm up and stay hot so I needed to make haste on the way back. Still, I took an excursion into Craven's Park where folks were playing baseball. As I walked from first to home, a wild pitch was thrown and the runner coming from third was tagged out. Just like that life happens as I walked by.

On Saturday (2013.06.22), we walked 8.73 miles in 3 hours : 40 minutes averaging 25 minutes : 17 seconds per mile with geocaching. Our fastest mile was on the 8th mile at 16 minutes : 18 seconds.

On Sunday (2013.06.23), I walked 6.35 miles in 2 hours : 36 minutes averaging 24 minutes : 40 seconds per mile with geocaching. My fastest mile was the 6th mile at 15 minutes : 58 seconds. The temperature when I stopped at 13:12 in the afternoon rose to 98 degrees. I took 13,098 steps.

Total Blogged miles : 87.95 miles. 

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Fair Park (Dallas, TX)

2013.06.20 - Taking a work break day, I decided it was a good time to walk the fair grounds while it is calm and quiet. Parking near Grand Avenue and Robert McCullum Boulevard, I noticed there was an active security guard post at the gate. No charge for parking made it even better.

I headed east on Grand. During the Texas State Fair this street is lined with vendors on both sides and packed full with people. Immediately on the left is the Africa American Museum which I have to admit, I had not realized was there before. Instead, I would rush by toward, oblivious, to the corn dogs and soda.

Magnolia Lounge is a throw back to a different time. Probably where many important decision about Fair Park are made. That is speculation, but that place has that appeal.

Past the Magnolia, I found a map of the park and decided on a course. I will head north on 1st where the Old Mill Inn is located and is open year round. At this point the photography was overwhelming and I knew I wasn't going to break any walking records. Sometimes, a little extra time taking it all in is well worth it the sacrifice in speed. Besides, I am not here to break any records. 

The Dart Green Light Rail line travels along Parry Avenue with a stop at Fair Park. Highly recommended during the fair or sporting events or even today. Maybe next time, as I was coming from a bike ride in Irving and was sweaty. Sure the commuters would thank me for driving instead. 

At this end of Fair Park, there is a Veteran Memorial with a lot of names. If not for those that gave all none of this would be possible. Salute!

Don't walk too fast and miss the Texas Centennial Exposition Historical Marker. It explains the conversion of Fair Park into what it is today. 'Employing thousands of people in the midst of the Great Depression, the project resulted in the creation of impressive structures, works of art, and landscaping.'

The entrance to The Women's Museum is impressive. An Art Deco building with a  snow white lady in front of a painting with bluebonnets and a longhorn. It is a very neat place to visit, if time permits.

Walking back south, The Esplanade came in full view. During the fair, there is a light show here and it is amazing. However, not often during the fair can one look down to the other end and get an undisturbed view of the Texas Hall of State. The Esplanade divides two buildings, the Centennial Hall of Transportation building housing the Portico of Spain, Portico of Confederate States, and Portico of Texas with massive murals by Carlo Ciampaglia on the east side and the Automobile Hall of Varied Industries building housing the Portico of United States, Portico of Mexico, and Portico of France with just as impressive murals by Pierre Bourdelle on the west side.

In my wondering aimlessly, I find myself to the place where Big Tex stood. It was a sad day when he went down in flames as he represented a mythical strong image of us Texans. Almost like a super hero. However when super heros fall, they recover in grand style.With the construction crew here, I have the feeling he will be back better than ever.

The Natural History Museum faces the Leonhardt Lagoon. In the water, there are duck paddle boats that can be taken along the perimeter. While paddling, one may notice the "Pteris Multifida" by Patricia Johanson, a protector of the lagoon.

Across from the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park is an outdoor auditorium where birds of prey shows are performed during the fair. If one needs a drink there are fountains, if you get lost, a map, and if tired, some benches. 

There are hidden gems everywhere on the fair grounds. One example is the story about WRR radio and how it started to prevent tragedies as the fires in 1912 when all the trucks responded to fires south of the city and then some fires north of city started. Central command was unaware as the communication lines were destroyed. A historical marker is between the Planetarium and the Texas Discovery Gardens. 

I had not realized the Midway part of the park had been converted to Summer Adventures. It looks like a park for the kiddos but it also blocks off the entrance to the Ferris Wheel. The best time to ride it however is at night as the sun dips behind the Dallas skyline.

Needing to find an alternate route, I went down First Avenue and turned East at Pennsylvania. I can see Summer Adventures coming to life and wonder if it will be incorporated into the fair. Another cool spot down here is Gexia or Starplex. It is where many big name bands perform. This weekend, I may get to see a show there.

Circling back, I found myself walking by the farm animal and cattle pens. I believe these were super popular at first but now are a more acquired taste. How the times have changed but show can still be seen at Pan American Arena.

Another Texas State Fair treat is the nightly parade. Goes down Admiral Nimitz, which today feels surprisingly empty. But I did learn about the Texas Woofus. It is a composite of a Texas Long-horn, a sheep head's, a stallion's neck with mane, a hog's body, the dulop of a sheep, turkey tail feathers, wings, and a highly decorated strip of blanket according to sculpture, Lawrence Stevens.

On the Texas Hall of State grounds, a replica of the Statue of Liberty can be found. More imposing is the statue in honor of Robert Lee Thornton, 'For More than forty years an inspired leader and powerful force in the development of the city he loved from village to great metropolis.' If one blinks, one may miss the bear given by the city of Berlin to Dallas in 1970.

I had only one stop left before finishing my trek around Fair Park, the Cotton bowl. Former home of the Texas - Oklahoma football game and actual Cotton bowl. I fear this place may get demolished one day, like Texas Stadium, for a newer model and that would be a shame. We need some historical places so that generations can share time amongst themselves.

I walked 3.67 miles in 2 hours : 44 minutes averaging 44 minutes : 57 seconds per mile while also sight seeing. My fastest mile was the third mile at 31 minutes : 53 seconds. I took about 10,000 steps.

Total blogged miles : 72. 86 miles. 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Duck Creek Greenbelt (Garland, TX)

2013.06.15 - The next on the list of 60 hikes within 60 miles around DFW is the Duck Creek Greenbelt.  It seems familiar from my fanatic geocaching days, but today it will be through an walker's lens. We parked near the Surf and Swim at Audubon Park in Garland and off we went.
An urban trail, we learned from the small loop at the southern end that the small paved stations may have had exercise equipment at some time by the sole standing signs. A shame that they are gone, but us walkers, all we need is a trail. One good modern conversion of the park we noticed was the frisbee golfers. 

The early morning thunderstorm made parts of the trail muddy. However, we knew the Texas summer heat would soon burn it off. Just wish it would do the same for the Mosquitos.

With the trail being narrow it brought nature a bit closer during the Gatewood Park section of the trail as the birds chirped away. Still pretty active with joggers, walkers, and bikers, it could get crowded but our traffic jams were minimal. Actually, it is just good to see people exercising, at whatever speed. 

At Bass Park, there is a pond for ducks and restful reflection. This section is quiet. The soft sound of traffic in the distance behind the wind creates an inner city get-away. 

From the various views of Duck Creek, it is pretty obvious a trash detail can be used here. That is too bad as nature doesn't need the makeup. I wonder where all that garbage comes from?

Further north there is parking and a huge open field utilized by Cricketers. A cross over to the east side can be taken. Careful if it is muddy, the slopes up and down to Duck Creek can be tricky. There is a split of a trail here, going north toward the Northern terminus is more of a sidewalk along Duck Creek Road. It was there that I found a "Quickie" Geocache.

From the split going south is a quicker trail, closer to the road and creek. At every quarter mile, there are yellow poles indicating the distance. It is also on this stretch that we met up with a coworker of mine. He is a smart guy that I respect we talked for a few and it made the rest of our walk more pleasurable.

At our 4.5 mile mark, we encounter an A-Frame, Camp Gatewood Pavilion. On the end closest to the road, it has a wooden back with a couple of chimneys. This must of been or still is a place for Boy Scouts to congregate.

We were not sure where the trailed ended at Cody Park, so we walked to the Greenbelt Parkway light. At that point, we looked at our maps and decided it would be best to turnaround. Regardless, of the turnaround point, it is paved this way with a port-a-potty along the way.

Crossing the bridge at Oates and then getting back on the trail, we recognized the same frisbee golfers we saw earlier in the day. Seems we were finishing off about the same time.

We hiked 7.11 miles in 2 hours : 51 minutes averaging 24 minutes : 04 seconds per mile. Our fastest mile was the 6th mile at 22 minutes : 32 seconds. I took about 18,000 steps.

Total blogged miles : 69.19 miles.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Downtown Big D (Dallas, TX)

2013.06.09 - Ever been a tourist in your own town? It can be done and it can be enlightening. Just never know what is out there ready to be discovered.

Our first stop was at the old cabin in Founder's Plaza. It marks where it all began for this sprawling metroplex. Amongst the cold steel skyscrapers is this warm wooden structure still standing in contrast as a reminder of how much we progressed. An interesting fact on the plaque: George Mifflin Dallas was elected the 11th Vice President of the United States.

Downtown Dallas is well known for what happened on November 22nd 1963. There is a monument in honor of our president who died. 'It is a memorial to the pain and sorrow of death, but stands as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of one man's life.' Walk around and walk into this cube while remembering John F. Kennedy.

We make it to WFAA Plaza, which is private property for public enjoyment. From here we can get a good view of the Belo Building and Reunion Tower. From the standing markers with faded text, we learned that WFAA radio was the first newspaper owned radio station in June 1922.

Lubben Plaza was developed in 1985 to commemorate the centennial of The Dallas Morning News. Here moves 'Harrow', a motorized cone that completes one revolution in 24 hours within a circular sand pit. There are chairs where one can sit and watch the sands of time get plowed during the park hours. 'Journey to Sirius' incorporates two structures formed of welded steel plates each diagonal across a bed of black rocks.

Near the Dallas Convention Center is the famous cattle drive sculpture. It depicts cowboys herding cows up the Chisholm Trail to Dodge City and Abilene, KS, two rail stops for packaging plants. We tried to calculate how long it would take to get up there on horseback and how open the plains were back then. Nowadays, it would be impossible with the fences and traffic. 

Walking through the nearby cemetery, the confederate roots can be felt by those that settled and served in the early Dallas Days. James Latimer caught my eye as he founded the first newspaper in town, the 'Cedar Snag' in 1849. Plus, many of those honored by street names are resting here in center of one of the busiest cities in our country.

If there was ever a question about the amazing architecture around this town all one has to do is come to the Dallas City Hall. It slants upward and at the right angle, the Dallas skyline reflects off the windows. A reflection pool glistens in the plaza creating a bit of urban utopia. Check out the 'The Dallas Piece' by Henry Moore, it sits on the plaza as well resembling a 3-D puzzle piece and inspired by Stonehedge.

When the water is flowing at Thanksgiving square, the powerful sound transforms the place. This Sunday morning, like others I am sure, an assembly was gathered highlighting the spiritual roots that have sprang throughout Dallas. 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' is written on a tile piece displaying people from all walks of life.Words to live by as I can be found guilty of not appreciating them at times. 
The Dallas Museum of Art Sculpture Park is an amazing walk through full of creative pieces. For a couple of them, I wasn't sure if we could sit on or not. It is good place to rest, refuel, and reflex. And it is free!

Kyle Warren Park is new and sits on top of Woodall Rogers Freeway. Today it is festive. Full of pups in the dog park and folks playing badminton, ping pong, and Foosball. Jane's lane is a series of arches stretching the length of the park. If hungry, try out one of the numerous food trucks. There were lines when we passed through. For a moment, it almost feels like New York or Chicago.

Next up is the West End, but along the way we stopped for lunch at one of our favorite places that has wings, fried pickles, and the Rangers game on. From there we went by the Dallas Holocaust Museum on our way to the Grassy Knoll. Before leaving, I had to see the 'X.' I had not noticed it before and seeing it triggered the reality that things just weren't the same after the shot. It was before my time, but I believe it had the same effect as the Towers at the World Trade Center.

Today, we hiked 4.07 miles in 3 hours : 04 minutes averaging 39 minutes : 12 seconds while sight seeing. Our fastest mile was the fourth at 25 minutes : 39 seconds.

Total blogged miles : 62:08 miles.

Campion Trail Far North (Irving, TX)

2013.06.08 - After my bike ride this morning on the Campion, it just felt like a great time to finish it off on foot. I headed toward the dedication maker at Sam Houston Trail Park, where I had stopped the last time. This new section was dedication on March 2009 and funded by the Dallas County Trail & Preserve Fund, making it new and popular.

Admittedly, there is something about walking and hearing the whizzing of cars as the LBJ intersects with the Bush. In a way it is calming, but I guess I have become accustomed to the Big City Life. The correlation is how road bikers whizz by the walkers as they stroll along.

At the bridge going north, caution is required because there are two traffic poles positioned in a way to make things interesting when bikers and walkers pass through at the same time. Not sure why they are there, but there must be a good reason. Just be careful as it makes for a tight squeeze with limited space to pass through.

Speaking of bridges, along the way there are a few of stone foot bridges. Some may wonder about their placement but they do add a little texture while listening to the birds chirping and wind blowing. If need be, a few benches are available to sit and listen in surround sound. 

At the Northern Terminus, there is another trail marker and a place to rest and refuel. From here, a few options can be pondered. Continue north and out of the park where the path continues though some residential areas. Turn around and head back on the Campion or veer left onto the Autre Trail.

The Autre Trail is a .6 alternate loop back trail. It keeps cyclists from having to a completely stop and keep up their momentum. Much quieter and less used, it is also perfect for picking up some speed. 

When i got back to the main open area where I park at Sam Houston Trail Park, I took a right following the paved trail to the parking lot. This also makes a loop, but from here I noticed where another possible trail extension is or was planned through a creek. Plus, a smaller paved trail heads west, also connecting to local residential areas.

I walked back to where I started, the Sam Houston Trail Monument, to pay my respect to this well placed trail. At that moment, I had completely walked the entire Campion Trail and thus closing this trail chapter. I do vow to return whenever the connection between the southern and northern sections is made.

Today, I hiked 2.91 miles in 1 hour : 06 minutes averaging 22 minutes : 57 seconds. My fastest mile was the second at 22 minutes : 15 seconds.

Total blogged miles : 58.01 miles.