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.
