Average ratings are based on the published values and not the values entered in your own log entries.
I hiked most of upper Purgatory Creek today. The one exception was the Paraiso Trail, which is closed through the end of May for Golden Cheek Warbler nesting. I'll come back another time to mark that part off.
The weather was pleasant today and not too hot. There were some muddy sections to navigate given the recent rains but much of the trail is rather rough and rocky so the was not much of an issue.
During my hike I spotted two white tail deer and even a wild turkey. Unlike the deer, the wild turkey didn't seem too disturbed by my presense.
Because there is a trail righ near the water line and one above it the milage stated here is about right. The main trail is an out and back you don't elect to try the lower trail when turning back at the dam.
Texas Parks and Wildlife was running some program for women outdoors this weekend, so the park was fairly packed with campers and day visitors. Even so, there were not that many people on the trail itself.
I have to admit it's not really that great of trail, though it is well maintained. It provides a nice little stroll for park visitors who are there, but I wouldn't recommend travelling very far for it.
Coppertone and I walked the western portion of the trail that we had not yet mapped out. The western path we hiked is all paved and makes for easy walking.
Though not a tough hike by any means we experienced an equipment malfunction that had us making decisions on how to proceed. Coppertone's boots started to come apart as the soles separated from the boot. Her boots were old, but we had no warning that they were on their way out. Halfway through the hike she removed one, then both soles and walked the rest of the way in the boots with no souls (soles). At times we planned how to have me walk back to the car and pick her up, but she made it all the way back.
Our first stop after the hike was to REI to purchase a new pair of boots. REI was kind enough to let her wear the boots out of the store.
If getting your dog outdoors is your goal then Veterans Memorial Park is a great place to visit. There is a large lease-free dog area divided into two sections, one with a pond and one for owners who don't want Fido getting wet.
Coppertone and I walked around the perimeter of the park on the partially paved and partial crushed granite trail. It's very flat and straight most of the time. Not particularly scenic but a nice way for neighbors to get a mile of walking under their belts.
It may be worth a trip from out of the area for your dog though!
I came today to knock the remainder of the trails at McKinney Roughs that I'd not done during my previous trips. I think now I have all of them. Track file for this log will include only what I did today.
The overcast skys might have prompted some folks to stay home, so there were not too many people on the trails. More horseback riders than hikers. Also note, that the main visitor center is closed on Sundays, so if you want to visit you have to start off from either the Hwy. 71 or Pope Bend Rd. trailheads.