Inga’s Trail – Bull Creek 4/1/15

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Ian

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Hike: Inga’s Trail – Bull Creek, Austin, TX

Weather: Overcast, mid 70s (high of 77), humid

Hikers: Ian, Court, Biff

Length: 2.89 miles

It was Courtney’s suggestion to get out to Bull Creek this morning, as we’ve had more rain in the past few months than the past few years, so the water is flowing nicely all over the hill country. The last time we did this trail was in 2013 and the creek was almost completely dry. Quite the different experience this time.

look at the huge boulders in the middle of the creek

We started at the main Bull Creek District Park and checked out the water flowing and the huge boulders that have been here since time immemorial. There are some wagon tracks dug deep into the limestone from the 1800s when Bull Creek was used as a “highway” for the early settlers in the area, presumably when it was in another dry phase. When we got to the second trail head a bit further down the trail, we realized that the house that Court’s parents are considering buying was visible from the parking lot. It has a great view of the hill country.

house is upper right overlooking the second trail head

There were a couple of beautiful waterfalls flowing really fast. We weren’t used to having to plan creek crossings, as when it is dryer, you can cross wherever. So we had to double back a couple of different times to find the best place to cross and keep up with the trail. Court eventually completely submerged her feet instead of trying to stay dry and rock hop. Her Brooks PureGrits are much more breathable than my Merrell’s, so that is an easier option for her. My Merrell’s are “water proof” so I was trying my best to keep the water from coming over the tops, but that proved difficult. Can’t wait to get a more breathable pair of trail runners in the future so I can just ford the creek instead.

Another short, but beautiful hike today and we are taking advantage of the Texas springtime as much as possible. I also used my REI dividend today and bought our official backpacking tent, the Marmot Limelight 3P. It is back ordered and won’t ship for a month or so, but it is nice to get one of the big pieces of gear off our list. Hoping to finish out the big three (shelter, pack, and sleeping bag) in the next few months and get to some real back country overnights.