Through the Woods - Sun., July 14

Our hike today with San Antonio Hill Country Hikers started on the Government Canyon State Natural Area trail at precisely 7:45 a.m. One of the attributes I like about this group is they start on time...no dilly-dallying.

We headed out into the frontcountry on easy trails to warm up before heading uphill into backcountry. The first part of the hike was on wide, flat trails. When we ventured into the backcountry, the trails became narrower and a lot rockier. Thankfully, most of the hike was in the woods. Woods = shade!

Hill Country Hikers at one of the park overlooks.

Trail distances. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Trail map. (Click photo to enlarge.)

Shade!

Nice logo on the spur trail signs.

Well, not quite. Paul took us down to an overlook.

View from the overlook toward park headquarters.

Brief break.

Paul describing the lay of the land.

Our group with Paul, our leader.

Gone to seed.

Nice tree trunk arch frame.

 Straw flower.

 

Horse crippler cacti.

Mountain lions inhabit area.

Saying our good-byes.

We hiked six miles this morning and learned a lot about Government Canyon: There are at least 40 miles of hiking trails, more acreage has been added to the park, and new hiking trails will be constructed; wild pigs live in the park as do rabbits and mountain lions.

There was talk of going out for pancakes after the hike and I was game, but a solid plan didn't materialize by the time we left. Instead, we stopped at Taco Cabana and each had egg and potato breakfast burritos with salsa from the Salsa Bar and a bottle of orange juice. What a great protein replenisher after the hike.

This afternoon our 5th wheel refrigerator stopped working. It's a Norcold and the display window is giving us a symbol like an "n" or upside down "u." We have tried turning it off, waiting a minute, then turning it back on. No go. We bought a bag of ice and put the most critical items in our Coleman cooler with the ice. Tomorrow I will call about our warranty and see when we can have the refrigerator fixed or replaced. Looks like we'll be eating out quite a bit until then ** or ** buying lots of ice!!

Movie review: Last night, we watched our Netflix selection, Side Effects, starring Jude Law, Rooney Mara, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The plot was very convoluted and involved prescription anti-depressants, a murder, medical ethics, and mental instability. Our rating was so-so, maybe 2-1/2 stars.

Now we're kicking back and relaxing. Thought about going to the San Antonio Missions baseball game, but the wind kicked up, clouds moved in and there's a chance of showers or thunderstorms. Don't want to sit exposed in a stadium with lightning bolts flashing around us.

Have a good week. Travel Bug out.