The Liberty Bell Arch Trail starts from a wash in the desert, and then rises in elevation to provide several scenic views of the hills surrounding the Colorado River, just below Hoover Dam. This hike is a super hot desert hike, always in the sun. It is best left for the winter months. However, if you take the challenge, you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views.
Got a chance to get out on Lake Travis today with some friends. We launched a boat from Cypress Creek Park and went for a ride. We caught some sun and fed a pair of ducks in a cove where we were relaxing. As you can see from my snapshots, the lake is very pretty at this time of year. I’ll have to remember to get out there more often.
Things are blooming and growing at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. I hiked through several different zones on the outside loop trail, and there was much to see and photograph along the way.
If you are looking for a relatively easy and sunny hike just outside of Austin, Doeskin Ranch in the Balcones Canyonlands Natural Wildlife Refuge is a good spot. The three main trails form a loop that is about 3.5 miles long. At this time of year you will find a clear stream to cross, rolling hills to climb, and plenty of wildflowers to enjoy.
I went for a short hike at sunset today. There were plenty of yellow wildflowers and beautiful purple skies.
I took a visit to Bull Creek this evening after work to see how the recent rains have contributed to the water flow. It was pumping. A hiker’s Labrador Retriever attempted to bound across the rocks, and accidentally got swept into and over the main falls. There was a minor rescue effort to get him back on dry land, but he shook off the water and was back in high spirits before long. The lady bug hung onto her flower and watched the whole event in anticipation.
Attending a classical guitar concert this evening, and stopped along the way at the top of the hill to take some photos of Austin on this cloudy day. Everything is so green after the weekend rains.
After work today, I walked along the shoreline of Emma Long Metropolitan Park and then beat the heat by going for a sunset swim. The summertime people were out in full force.
The recent rains in Austin have transformed Bull Creek District Park into a giant water park for the family. People were having a great time this evening with swimming, sliding down the waterfalls, playing on the rope swing, picnicking, and wading through the shallow parts. There were million dollar homes in the hills, wildflowers on the trails, and family pets wondering how they ended up in the middle of a flooded creek. Forget paying those expensive water park fees for a while and get yourself over to Bull Creek for a swim. 🙂
earthrobert 