Boulder Park - Loop A - (Dallas, TX)

2013.05.04 - Boulder Park is located just south of Dallas Executive Airport near Duncanville, Texas west of highway US 67. To get to the trail head parking exit on West Red Bird Lane going West and turn South on Pastor Bailey Drive, there is parking on the East side. Once parked the trail head is marked by a good size trail map.

'May the 4th Be With You' was a nice day for a hike. It was not as unseasonable cold as the past couple of days, yet a bit cooler than most years.

I took the opportunity to try out my new Osprey Mantra 20 day pack. It holds a 3 liter reservoir with enough room for snacks and whatever else I need for a day hike. Today I filled it with two liters as I knew I wouldn't be out long. As it turned out, it fit perfectly and I didn't feel the extra weight the entire hike.

Following Loop A, we were welcomed with a canopy of tree cover that shielded us from the bright sun. The dirt trail was wide enough for hikers or mountain bikers, but definitely not wide enough for both. We often heard noises and looked back to see if a biker was behind us, sometimes it was just the scattering of an animal under leaf cover. We voted on them being mice, since we didn't want a bad snake encounter at the beginning of summer. When there was a biker we were surprised they didn't announce their presence as I thought it was a common courtesy. A point of consideration for DORBA (Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association) and for its members, being that this park is frequented and co-maintained by them and Dallas Parks.

Markers for Loop A can be found in two colors, red and blue. We followed the blue markers for most the trail, but a couple of times deviated. The good thing is that every trailed loops back, appropriate for customizing every hike taken. On one extra looper, the trail dips and raises under a fallen tree that one has to duck or get knocked in the head or off their bike. On two feet it was neat going up and down the dirt hill, bet it is far more thrilling on two wheels.

A section of the trail went along Boulder Branch Creek. Definitely adds to the ambiance of the hike, but the fall to water could be hurtful if not careful. At a couple of places, the water line on the white rock displayed how high the creek rose at times. It also alerted the hiker of its steepness and danger of one false step.

Along the creek side, we ran into a few geocaching friends. There were a few geocaches in the park and they went for them all. I admire them because they were all women and they were all older than me. I hope I will be in as good a shape as them when I get there. As it turned out, we also found a few caches as well. It was fun considering I hadn't done it for a while, but I must admit, I don't see me geocaching off the trail. I have been infected by the hiker's bug and don't want a remedy.

We hiked 3.7 miles in 1:53:25. The terrain was pretty flat as we averaged a pace of 30:57 per mile. There are a few more loops to do here, so I plan on returning after a while. Next time, I fear it won't be as perfect.

Trail Miles Blogged: 9.9 miles.

Red Rock Canyon - Moenkopi Trail (Las Vegas, NV)

What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us - Henry David Thoreau

2013.04.27 - While in Las Vegas, I heard about Red Rock Canyon one night and the next day I found myself out on in the Nevada desert on a beautiful day hiking the Moenkopi Trail. Moenkopi is a little over 2 miles, estimated to take 1.5 hours and starts at the welcome center. It is the 1st of 19 possible trails in Red Rock Canyon and gives amazing views of the national preservation area.

Located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, it is just far enough away not to hear slot machines, yet close enough for a great excursion from the Vegas crowds and craziness. Can't be a better win-win situation, especially if at night at certain heights, I heard the lights from above and nearby are awesome. I won't be able to experience that today, but maybe on my next Vegas trip.

At the start of the trail, there is a neat circle of rocks honoring our military. The main rock with an American Flag at the top reads: Defending Freedom "It is wrong to mourn the death of men like these. Rather we should thank God that such men lived" -- General George S. Patton. So true, without those men, I wouldn't be able to walk this trail. Really set the mood for the path we were about to follow.

A defined dirt trail leading west toward the mountains, a park ranger told us if we missed our turn we would be walking into the desert. I felt immersed into the desert after only a few steps. Good thing for an accurate map and well placed trail markers. Otherwise, it would have been easy to get lost amongst the shrubs and the majesty around me.

I learned, from the trail signs, that this area used to be an ocean. That isn't so surprising, noticing the water marks on the mountains and the flatness in between ranges. If I were a better fossil hunter, I am sure there are some treasures out here. What was interesting is a fire that consumed Red Rock recently. Caused by lightning striking an unusual high amount of non-native red brome and cheat grasses, the most recent fire happened in 2006 and burned 1,500 acres mainly around the visitor's center. This is most evident on the Moenkopi loop back with its charred landscape. In a couple of places we saw buds growing again and hope it comes back strong. However, with the small amount of vegetation at this time, I can hardly imagine a fire stirring anytime soon, but it could happen.


The main attraction at Red Rock is off course the red rocks. There are great perspectives of them from the Moenkopi at the start, in the middle, and at the end. We discussed the Calico Hills, and how beautiful the white looks on top of the red with the rings from the mountains in the backdrop. For a closer look and other trails, a scenic drive circles the preservation area with plenty more photo opportunities.

I walked 2.1 miles and it took 1:12 minutes. I stopped often to admire the beauty I found myself in, happy with my trek.There is a small hill, but it was not difficult nor was it treacherous. Loose rocks can cover the trail at a few spots, otherwise it is clear. I hope to get back here and take on the Grand Circle trail of 11.4 miles for a more definitive perspective of Red Rock Canyon.

After the trail, make sure to stop into the welcome center for more information and maybe some souvenirs. It is also a good place to recharge with water. Just don't get frightened by the cougar guarding the place.

Trail Miles Blogged: 6.2 miles.

Bachman Lake Trail (Dallas, TX)

Bachman Lake Trail / Park

2013.04.21 - Cool was this Sunday Morning in mid-April, when Wade Mercer and I started our hike around Bachman Lake near Love Field. I had on shorts, a long sleeve shirt, and a new pair of boots that I needed to break in. Feeling a bit under dressed in the brisk wind, I knew over the next few miles, my body would warm itself up when my feet got to moving.

Childs Play at Bachman Lake

This is the first hike listed on Joanie Sanchez's book, "60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Dallas - Fort Worth." We started at her posted coordinates, (N 32.51'11" W 96.52'14") and parked near the playground, Childs Play at Bachman Lake. After making sure the GPS Pal app was started and my camera was ready, we headed east.

Cool Morning at Bachman

I wasn't sure how much I was going to shoot until my finger went snap-happy. After the first hundred feet, I knew there would be frequent stops around this photogenic lake. It was an unexpected pleasure, considering I've been around Bachman once or twice before and still there was so much more to capture.

A Kayaker on Bachman

The trail is wide and paved allowing both walkers and joggers to enjoy the wind coming in off the lake. There is also room for kayakers, but they have a wider expanse to explore. Yet, surprisingly, there were more kayakers than I expected on a Sunday morning. After some thought, however, I conclude it is probably the best time and note when I need to come back to do the same. I, suddenly became envious, of their unique perspective of seeing a Southwest Airline airplane land from the middle of the lake.

While walking, I couldn't help but pass some of the neatest signs. Their message are pretty standard, Safe Speed, Listen for Others, or Announce left. It is their catchy smiley-face presentation that caught my eye and made them effective. There are so many others, just as cute, and I hope everyone will find them irresistible as I had.

Mother and her Ducklings

When we got to the Web Chapel bridge, we noticed the trail split from the main trail and we chose to follow our sense of adventure. From prior experience, we weren't aware of a crossover, but I didn't recall taking it to its end (Embassy Suites). We were glad we did or we would have missed out on a Mother Duck and her closer to 15 ducklings reminding us that it was after all, Spring time. Sure there were a few river rats that were bigger than cats, but even they have some beautiful qualities like we all have.

No Papparazzi

After coming back and crossing over to the South (Love Field) side of the park, we became acquainted with two geese. One of which, I swear would have pecked me if I stayed where I was shooting pictures of them. I soon got the impression that they do not like paparazzi and left them to their pecking.

Watch Birds Come Home

Speaking of Love Field, we were treated to a landing plane as we were coming around the western dam. It is the first time I saw a plane land at this angle adding more icing to an already sweet Bachman-Lake-Hike-Day-Cake. I think the developers of the park must of recognized the aerial significance of the lake, because they placed benches where one can sit and spend the day watching birds come home.

The Trail Continues

The hike around Bachman Lake took us 01:35:58 from start to finish with a pace of 23:17 per mile. It was pretty flat as we only ascended 200 feet and descended 219 feet for a net elevation of -19 feet. Total distance was 4.1 miles, but it could have been cut shorter if the extension was not taken. For me, this walk in the park was pretty amazing as I couldn't stop snapping pictures.

Next up, I am headed down to Boulder Park near another airport, Dallas Executive. There are five loops and I look forward to exploring everyone.

In conclusion, I want to thank Dallas Parks and Recreation for making this opportunity to trek and explore possible.

Trail Miles Blogged: 4.1 miles.

Adventure Inception

2013.04.18 - Ever since I had stop geocaching, I had been looking for something to fill that void. Geocaching had taken a lot of my time and I enjoyed it very much. One thing I loved about it was all the new places it took me and discovering their hidden gems. Like when I climbed Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, or an Estrella Mountain peak just outside of Phoenix on a warm May day, or even a trail in the back country of Colorado or the Wind Tunnels north of Salt Lake or even a nice cactus trek outside of Tucson. If you haven't noticed, I have this thing for high places.

Marana and Saguaro National Park (Near Tucson, AZ)

The best aspect of that game was going outside, kicking up dirt along an unpaved path and smelling the trees at their prime. At night, the stars winked at my smallness and its vastness. It was easy to determine how short life is against the timelessness of the universe.

If there was a turning point to hiking, it must have been the first few miles on the Pacific Crest Trail over Thanksgiving '12. I started close to the numbered walls along the US-Mexican border and headed the only direction I could, north. In the next couple of days, I balanced hiking and geocaching while having the time of my life. For the first 20 miles, I only had 100 ounces of water and I didn't feel dehydrated even with an overnight stay and a nice valley forge. However, it was being alone with California desert, vulnerable to the unexpected and the wild, while always being confident that everything was gonna be alright. that sealed the deal. That trail and that hike made for a perfect transition. I knew that I could stop geocaching, but I would never stop an adventure.

Pacific Crest Trail (California)

The inspiration for this blog project, actually comes from Cheryl Strayed and her book, Wild (From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail).  Her ups, downs, rawness, unpreparedness, journey, and soul search, pushed me to action. In this virtual, world wide space, I am going to write about my hikes, bikes, and/or kayak experiences, and/or any awesome places I discover. In words, photographs, and/or videos, I aim to share my life. In essence this is my adventure inception blogger style.

I am going to start with some hikes in the book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Dallas/Fort Worth by Joanie Sanchez. All the while keeping myself open to whatever opportunities come. I will go into the wilderness armed with only my camera, phone, and sense of adventure. I believe the only way to trek is with footprints in, memories out.

Trail Miles Blogged: 0 miles.