April 13th, 2014
Hike: Turkey Creek Trail, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Austin, TX
Weather: Overcast, humid, mid 70s
Hikers: Ian, Court, Biff
Length: about 3 miles
Our first hike in over a month! Almost forgot how to do it. This was also Biff’s first hike since his back surgery and he did really well. We had to carry him up and down stairs and big rocks and over one of the creek crossings, as he’s still not allowed to make big jumps due to his back. He was very happy though and was completely worn out afterwards.
Trail head and Biff’s harness leash
First creek crossing
Lamenting the dry creek
But still some water further upstream
There was some water in the creek, but way lower and slower flowing than the last time we did this trail back in December. The trail was very green and had a lot of bluebonnets at the higher elevations as well. There were also a lot of other dogs on the trail, most off leash, but Biff stayed on leash and got along well with all of them, although one pit bull mix puppy was a bit aggressive and was packing with about five other dogs. Other than that, we all enjoyed the hike immensely. We got to the Fern Wall at the far point of the loop and even though the ferns weren’t all the way out yet, it was very beautiful. It’s so nice to have this little trail so close to home.
Red flowers along the trail
Carrying Biff on the big jumps
Fern wall
Fern wall close up
Court also tried out her new Patagonia hiking shoes that we picked up with our REI dividend the day before, but is going to return them for some Brooks with better arch support. We are also planning on our first overnight (just car camping though, no true backpacking yet) on May 2nd at either Inks Lake or Blanco State Park. We will be using the tent that Court’s brother gave us for Christmas and borrowing a couple of sleeping bags and pads from my mom. This will be my first overnight since I was a kid and am very much looking forward to it.
