Nice day hike, solitude is marginal

Comments: Nice day, May 24. Humid and overcast in the morning, but nice breeze from the south. Trails are well defined and marked at most junctions. Bluff Loop Trail was the most secluded and challenging, although the steps up to the road from the Wash Pond can leave you huffing and puffing. The field north of the primitive camping area was a riot of wild flowers! See''em soon before the summer sun does them in. A trail not marked on the map has been mowed between the northern viewing area (Lookout)and the Prairie Trailhead (Alt T.H.). Nits and picks: Mother Neff is convenient to the Waco-Temple area. The entire trail system can easily be hiked in a leisurly four hours, including a lunch break. The Wash Pond is a relaxing place to visit. A good starter hike. Construction and road noise were always present, even if in the distance. The primitive camping area is a stone''s throw from the highway. Rather than camp in the absolute primitive area, try the low stone wall area (ruins) on the trail going east southeast from the Prairie Trailhead. This spot is away from the road and gives you a solid surface to cook on. Some streams in the park had dried up, but the major ones could provide water if you wanted to filter it. Oh, the scenic spot marked for the Wash Pond is too far west. The Pond is right at the junction of the trail coming up from the Rock Tower and Cave, and the one going east to the Primitive Camp site. 03-08-05 added. The construction seems to be finished, but there is still noise from the road throughout the park.