Yesterday I had an early doctor’s appointment and afterwards I went out to Friedrich Wildnerness Park and did the 2 mile Main Loop Trail. Unfortunately, the steep part of the Main Loop trail has been replaced with a new section that, while longer, does not provide the steep climb that the old section did. I was also disappointed that they had Fern and Vista as well as the new trail in the back blocked off. Anyway, I did a quick two miles with a weighted pack, mainly to see how my feet would respond. I felt a little discomfort on a couple of toes, but nothing major. This picture is of my friend Billy Ward. We hiked Friedrich a couple of years ago- I believe this picture is on a part of the Fern Trail. It has been a long time since I have been out to Friedrich. A couple of years ago I volunteered out there with the crew that built the new trails. It was interesting to see the planning that goes into proper trail construction, as well as the equipment and techniques that are used. This morning I got to hike on a portion of trail that I helped build (the Main Loop extension. to the West of the original Main Loop Trail).
This morning I went to the farmer’s market at the Pearl, then headed over to Eisenhower Park. I did Hillside and Red Oak for 3+ miles. The information on the sign post at the start of Hillside: 2.6 miles; 386′ (117.7 m) elevation gain; typical grade 4.8%; 17% of trail is 9-20% grade; 353′ of trail is 21-37% grade. I didn’t copy the information for Red Oak, but it is about a half mile down into a ravine and back up. Both trails have some sections that were very rocky and slick with the wet conditions of the morning. These conditions made me focus on each step, which was good. Took me one hour to do both trails. I think my new boots are going to be ok- once again I experienced minimal discomfort after the hike.
Last week my vet (Dr. Elizabeth Fowler) recommended River Place in Austin as a good place to train. I will get up early and drive over there for what appears to be a challenging hike. Looks like it is a 5 to 7 mile out and back, with (according to who you believe)1,200′ to 1,800′ elevation gain. I am looking forward to it!
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