The first thing I did, after parking, was to walk up this knoll near the bathroom/picnic area and look out over the small lake near-by. The breeze blowing across the water was cool and the ducks and other water fowl resting beneath the tree were refreshing to the eyes. It really was a pretty sight.
Walking down the back side of the knoll, I met a young woman and her little daughter, and I asked if she came often. She said she used to do a lot of walking/running on the trails when her daughter was younger and in a stroller, but she doesn't come much anymore, except to bring her children to the camps in the summer. I asked how far the trails went and she laughed and told me I could walk all the way to Round Rock if I wanted to. Nope, I said, not exactly what I had in mind. She went on to tell me of a fear she had of running into a mountain lion while out running in the early mornings. WHAT??? She could have talked all day and kept that tidbit if information to herself. I thanked her for her information (sic) and started off down the trail.
After walking just a few minutes, I saw highway 183 overhead and wondered why I had never noticed the trails below. I continued my journey.
There is a tremendous amount of vegetation along this trail, and this helps, especially with the fierceness of the Central Texas noon day sun. I came across a place that had tracks in the concrete that definitely looked like large cat tracks. They went straight across the concrete toward the creek. A little further up, there were return tracks. hmmmmmmm I continued walking and came across large bird tracks leading across the concrete toward the same creek, and, yes, they came back. Whew! It wasn't breakfast for that cat!!! These tracks reminded me of the hand prints students used to put into wet cement. About 3/4 of a mile along the trail I found this:
I definitely had some reservations about taking this trail because of the cat tracks and thoughts of rattle snakes (left over from the ranch), but I felt like I would be missing out on a real treat if I did not venture up that tail. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Right? So, off the broadway I went. The rocky trail led up the hill and I followed it. Of course, I was looking for signs of snakes... It was really pretty and I rather enjoyed the climb. When I am out like this, I can not help but think of the Creator who knew I would one day stroll through here and enjoy what He had made. It is like a gift just for me!
Turning back, I went back down to the broadway and continued on my walk. I saw several people, but not many, and I was thankful for that. I enjoy walking and looking and not needing to worry about running into loud, boisterous individuals. It was not only beautiful; it was serene.
I came across another trail and, yep, I took it too.
Eventually, I turned around and found my way back to the broadway and continued for awhile, before turning back towards my starting point. Walking back I walked on the right and was able to enjoy sights I did not see on my way out. The creek is visible in many, many places and is very inviting. No, I didn't venture into it... Could have been a real treat, though. :-)
Walking back did not take as long as walking out, but then I was not "exploring" the land around me, and most of it was on more of a downward slope. I came to a spot I did not notice on my way earlier that I thought was very nice. I wanted a picture of it too, and did not know which side of the walk I wanted to use to take the picture, so I turned to go to the other side and nearly got hit by a bicyclist! Man, I was I embarrassed! He was pleasant enough, but I felt like and idiot. Note to self: never turn to walk to the other side without looking both ways. LOL
The hour I spent walking that trail was the highlight of my day. It never ceases to amaze me that we are surrounded by beautiful things for which to praise God. I also learned a few things on the walk:
One doesn't need to be a member of a gym to workout.
Look both ways before crossing the trail.
There are a number of places to secure keys and a cell phone when one does not have pockets.
My old tennis shoes need to be replaced.
Water is always a must.
Maybe there really is a Big Bird.
This walk would be wonderful with a male friend.
Does anyone know an old man, in walking condition, that would like to take this walk with me? :-) I would like to have someone to hide behind should there be a mountain lion...
Remember, always, that there is a God and He does care.
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Great post, and appreciated the pics!
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