Today’s hot hike was launched from Bull Creek District Park in weather beyond 100 degrees Farenheit. I walked a short way along the Inga VanNynatten Memorial Trail, then plunged into Bull Creek and took it as far as the super hot day would allow. Along the way there were plenty of people and their dogs enjoying the cool creek water.
I have returned to my new favorite pastime for beating the afternoon Summer heat in Austin. Yes, hiking in another section of Bull Creek. The water is clear and cool and typically no more than waist deep. However, there are a few swimming holes to enjoy if you like. The fish are both curious and friendly too. 🙂
This evening, instead of hiking the trail alongside Bull Creek, I waded my way upstream from Bull Creek District Park. It was a lot of fun and the water was beautiful thanks to all the rains we have experienced this year in Austin. I need to take more hikes like this in the near future. 🙂
Hey. I got a new backpack. It is the Marmot Kompressor Plus. I also got this groovy Sea to Summit Lightweight Drysack. The concept is to take them hiking, and then stash everything into the Drysack so I can more easily jump into rivers and stuff. I am kind of a chicken when it comes to swimming in unknown places or crossing weird bodies of water, but maybe since I won’t have to worry about my stuff getting wet, I’ll be less scared? I will be sure to report back to you with the results. 🙂
Well, old hiking boots, you have gotten a little bit uncomfortable with the slight pinching at the toes and my right heel has been hurting for some time. Enter new hiking boots. The Moab Mid Waterproof from Merrell is my new style. After a day of wearing these, my poor feet are feeling a bit better. I think my old boots just weren’t sized the best for my feet. I have high hopes for the new ones which were gotten for a deal at the new Round Rock Bass Pro Shops last night. I’m sure we will get along fine and share some cool adventures together. 🙂
It continued raining in Austin today, so I thought I would see what the view looked like from the top of Mount Bonnell in the rain.
By the time I reached the scenic overlook at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, the storm clouds were building. Lucky for me, I snapped some photos, hung out with a friendly rabbit, and made it back to the car just before the storm. Good timing, indeed!
My goal today at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve was to see the waterfall. I thought it would be raging with all the rain we have had recently, and it did not disappoint. The downside was that the crossings for Bee Creek were also raging and the hiking conditions were muddy in places. A good test for my hiking boots. 🙂
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve advertises that it has 2.5 miles of trails. I did the outside loop this evening and finished just before a heavy downpour. I trekked over to view the waterfall, then headed to take in the scenic views. Overall, a nice quick hike.
This hike was much more beautiful than I had expected. Mayfield Nature Preserve had a lot to offer in a relatively small place. I found mushrooms, wildflowers, the lake, a creek, a cave, small waterfalls, and plenty of mud to hike around in due to all the recent rains. Too much fun! 🙂
earthrobert 