LBJ Grasslands Training Hike

Two weeks from today I will begin the long journey from Sunset, Tx to Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, UK.

I've wanted to get to LBJ Grasslands for a training hike and yesterday was the day. I've only worn my new hiking boots 3 times and the third time was when I fell and fractured my hand, so not a pleasant memory as I pulled them on. I also needed to get an idea of what my hand would do after several miles of gripping a hiking pole. Great news! No issues with the boots or the hand. 

As a matter of fact, I can almost wrap my little finger all the way around the handle. 

I was already excited about the upcoming hikes, but getting out into the grasslands brought it home that I'll be doing this in England in two weeks. Now I'm super excited!

It wouldn't be a hike if I didn't take photos so here you go! Unfortunately, we got a later start than intended due to me directing us to the wrong trailhead. oops!

driving to the "wrong" trail

the fields were teeming with wildflowers

the picture doesn't really show how steep this little hill is

coneflower

partridge pea

pinkladies

evening primrose

even the thistle is beautiful

pyrrhopappus, desert chicory or Texas false dandelion

entire leaf indian paintbrush

nightshade

and of course

mushrooms

There's a turnip aphid on this plant.

sumac

daisy fleabane

ripe raspberries

orange flags marking the trail

If you've never walked in the grasslands, you are missing out. I would walk here every day if I lived closer.

there was much tall grass that stuck to our pants like burrs

and man's contribution

cottontail - just to the right of the trail and above center of photo

finally managed to get a photo of a butterfly - there were so many of all colors and sizes but they just wanted to flutter along with us and not land for a photo

forgot to take a photo at the start of the hike so took one at the end when we were all hot and sweaty

Thank you Kim for walking with me! I am so blessed!

This was our route, part of the Orange Trail

5.9 miles

315' elevation gain

2 hours 13 minutes

15,723 steps