swedegirl5's Logbook

Stats
Total Log Entries: 5 (Rank: 111st)  [List Them]  [Map Them]
Total Distance: 14.50 Miles (Rank: 237th)
Average Distance: 2.90 Miles

Average Rating: 3stars (3.39)
Average Difficulty: 2stars (2.06)
Average Solitude: 2stars (2.25)

Earliest Log Entry: 2/1/2010
Latest Log Entry: 2/23/2010

Average ratings are based on the published values and not the values entered in your own log entries.

Photos
Walking up the trail head

...going back up, however, was another matter all together! [Barton Creek - Upper North]
Log Entries
Canyons, rivers and volcanos in the middle of town.
Blunn Creek Preserve - 2/23/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 1star
Distance: 1.20 Miles Duration: N/A

Nice little hike with several amazing views and interesting history lesson about the geology of the region.

Charming hike with a couple of choices for hikes.
The Canyonlands - 2/6/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 3.20 Miles Duration: N/A

As others have described, this an attractive walk with three trails that can easily be completed in an hour.  Just enough ups and downs and just enough change in the scenery to please everyone. 

Where Dogs Bring Their Owners to Play
Shoal Creek - 2/5/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: 2stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1star
Distance: 3.50 Miles Duration: N/A

I grew up playing at Pease Park, so I have a sentimental attachment to the place.  That being said, you have to have a high tolerence for trash, transients, muddy trails and dogs to really enjoy this walk. Despite its weaknesses, it is a pretty impressive stretch of path in the middle of a busy cityscape.  Trying to maintain a highly used park and path is nearly impossible and this place is used by lots of people.

The walk from Windsor (24th) to 29th is a no-leash zone and the dogs are plentiful.  I was walking on a muddy day and acquired lots of muddy paw and nose prints on my pants, so if you aren't a dog lover, watch out for this section. The path is easy to walk and sections of it are paved. Many people use this trail for jogging, biking, walking and frisbee golf.  Don't go here if you are looking for solitude.  If you do want some privacy, stick to the part north of 29th, that trail is not as popular.

No Crowds On a Cold Winter Weekday
Barton Creek - Upper North - 2/2/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 2stars Solitude: 3stars
Distance: 3.40 Miles Duration: N/A

I can see why this is a popular hike, once you scramble down the hill the walk is picturesque and easy.  If I had more time, I would have kept on walking.  Since it has been raining in Austin, Barton Creek was running full and fast.  For 45 minutes I had the walk to myself, and only saw two other couples the rest of the time.  I'm glad I read this site before I headed back up to the top of the trail--it was more difficult than I expected! This walk will stay on my list of places to take people visiting Austin for the first time.

Easy walk--who hasn't done this yet?
Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail - 2/1/2010  [View Log Page]
Rating: 3stars Difficulty: 1star Solitude: 1star
Distance: 3.20 Miles Duration: 55 minutes

Enjoyed watching the winter water birds, especially the swans.  I haven't walked Lady Bird Lake in a long time because it is usually so crowded.  This month, however, I am going to take a different hike/walk a day, all over Austin. This is an easy place to start and get into the mood--I have been inside a gym too long!