Today was a learning curve for Titmouse and Tundra in hoisting their loaded packs, how to dress for hiking, what to carry and not to carry, and on and on. So many little details to consider when it comes to backpacking and "living" in the outdoors!
We are on the trail by 8:15 a.m. and it is warm and very humid.
As any of you who know me, you know that when it comes to technology I am really a dinosaur. However, most of my friends are very tech-savvy! Titmouse pulls a tiny GPS gadget out of her pocket and is trying to figure it out to see if she wants carry it on our upcoming hike on the O.N.R.T.
We begin our hike today along the Cedar Break Trail which is rated as "moderate-difficult". It is very well maintained with lots of ascents and descents and several nice wooden bridges for when there is water running in these little streams. They are all dry today though.
The trails are littered with rocks...
...and even double-bridges!
As I said the day was warm and extremely humid and the many rugged ups and downs were quite challenging, especially for "new" backpackers carrying 20 pounds on their backs. We saw many other folks on the trail either walking or running. After walking for almost two hours we reached the top of this steep climb and Tundra was feeling a little queasy and short of breath so when we reached the top there was a nice bench for her to lie down for a few minutes. She recovered quickly.
We followed the Cedar Break Trail back to the Cattail Pond Trail and followed it all the way to the pond. Along the way we came to a nice tower to climb for a great view of the valley below.
We suddenly noticed that the wind had shifted around to the north and with it came much cooler air! And it began to rain lightly, so we stopped to put our pack covers on.
This pergola at Cattail Pond would have been ideal for us to stop for our lunch break had it not been raining. We decided to continue on from here onto the Fossil Valley Trail which is rated "difficult".
I was impressed with all the trail maintenance that has went into making this trail so nice for hikers, runners, walkers, and it is so close to a major population center like Dallas. It is owned and managed by the Dallas Audubon Society and the county of Dallas. No admission, however a donation of $3 is suggested. I gladly dropped $5 into the donation box because I loved it. What a great place for a day hike! Thanks Titmouse for knowing about this place!
We looped on the Fossil Valley Trail back to the Cattail Pond Trail and since it was still misting rain we headed back to the main trailhead where there were picnic tables under large trees that formed a canopy to keep us semi-dry while we ate our lunch. (The restrooms there also were a huge plus!)
Following our lunch break we headed out on the Escarpment Trail and saw this tree with hundreds of tiny white mushrooms growing on its trunk.
While on the Bluebonnet Trail we came to another tower to get some great views below us.
As you can see in the photos the Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve is located in the wooded hills overlooking not only Joe Pool Lake but densely populated neighborhoods and city beyond!
I wonder how many of the thousands of folks who live within view of this awesome place even know about it or have ever came here for a visit into these gorgeous wooded hills filled with trails and picnic opportunities. How fortunate they are to have this so close to where they live and work!
By 2:00 p.m. we were headed out since we wanted to be ahead of some of the afternoon rush-hour traffic "Bye-Bye Cedar Ridge Preserve"! What a fun day hiking with friends!
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