New Trail

 The weeks are flying by. I can't believe it is already February. I'll be heading off to Peru before I know it. First though I have Big Bend NP coming up soon. It will be an adventure this time as the Chisos Basin where I will be based is currently without water service and I expect it still will be when I arrive. Port-a-potties are in place and they are telling everyone to bring all the water that they will need while there. Luckily I had been saving jugs of tap water the past nine months as we have had numerous boil water notices here at home. So I will have that to use for washing up and then my purchased jugs of spring water to consume.

Yesterday (Sunday February 1), I went hiking at Inks Lake State Park. It was my first time there. They have a five mile loop trail that looked like it would be a perfect hike for a cool winters day. The drive is about 80 minutes from where I live so it wasn't too bad of a drive. The trail I took is a combination of three trails to create the southern loop trail. The length was right at five miles. The trail has a good balance of terrain and views. There were rocks, boulders and stone formations, wooded areas, lake views and lake front and then hills with panoramic views across the area for miles all around. The trail was mostly well marked with few exceptions. I was glad to have the map downloaded from my All trails app. The weather was perfect, clear and sunny with a starting low of 40f to a completion high of 55f. I would classify this trail as moderate, but leaning towards the easier end of it. I never felt challenged, but I did get a good workout. This trail would be perfect for someone ready to level up from easy trails to moderate trails. 

I will be returning soon to hike the Devil's Backbone trail there and will be a regular on this Southern Loop trail. I liked it that much! They also have a tent camping area so I might look into that for a future trip.

Here are a few pictures from the hike.

Another Trip Around the Sun and Another Summit of Enchanted Rock

 I quietly celebrated my 67th birthday a few weeks back. I delayed my annual trip to Enchanted Rock due to way above average temperatures and the crowds that descend there during the holiday break. So this past Monday (January 12th) the forecast called for cooler weather and mostly overcast skies. Perfect for hiking the trails there as there is very little to no shade. It was in the low 40's (Fahrenheit) when I began and was in the low 60's when I finished. 

First up was the Summit trail. 1.2 miles round trip 500+ feet altitude gain. I first did this trail for my 65th birthday. I had just started hiking and doing some simple workouts at home. It took me 40+ minutes to get to the top. I had to stop frequently and pick out the route cautiously. I was so proud though to have made it to the top. When I went for my 66th birthday my two youngest kids went along with me. I was in better shape and had been working out at the gym for about 7-8 months. I had also completed the Manitou Incline four months prior. it took me 30 minutes to get to the top. It was much easier and I didn't stop as often. This year for my 67th birthday I was expecting to do maybe slightly better than the last one. As I stood at the trail-head and looked up, I felt like it had increased in altitude by100 feet. I don't know why it looked so daunting, but I came to conquer. Conquer it I did! I only paused once on my way up and that was to check my pulse rate. I did it in 22 minutes. I was shocked, excited and proud that  my fitness level had improved that much. It was so easy to do this year. Not bad for a 67 year old.

After completing the Summit trail I headed out on the Loop Trail. at 5.2 miles it is the longest trail in the park. It is a moderately easy trail with a few hills, lots of rock and gravel. The scenery is nice (even in the winter) and on a quiet weekday there were only a few other people about. It was a really nice hike and I completed it about 45 minutes ahead of my targeted time. 

My trips to the gym lately are still a bit irregular. Life has a way of interrupting plans and schedules. Today I will be sitting home waiting for a plumber to come install a new toilet. I have also adjusted a few planned workouts due to just being tired and worn out.  I had my flu shot last week and it hit me with a few restless nights and low energy so I skipped one day and lightened my workout on another. I did purchase a weighted back-pack. I'll have to wear it for short spells before I start working out with it on. I just will need to get used to it.

A few pictures from my hike....