Friedrich Wilderness Park, Main Loop > Vista Loop > Fern Del Trails

Today's photos:

I have to confess my goal for today's walk had very little to do with nature photography. Today's walk was all about physical challenge. The Vista and Fern Del trails are two of the physically most challenging trails in all of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation system. The Hilltop trail at Eisenhower Park is the only other one that I have encountered that comes close to the level of difficulty of these two trails. This was the ultimate test of how far my conditioning has come since beginning the walks in May.

I figured if I ended up with a few photos I would be doing good. To negotiate the trails, I had to spend most of my time looking at the ground. If there were any birds in the trees, I would likely never have known it. In spite of having to put so much energy and concentration into safely walking the trail, I still managed to get a set of photos that I feel fairly accurately depicts this section of the park. It has a rugged beauty that is nothing less than majestic. The physical challenge was more than worth it to have experienced the wonder, awe and delight that I did today.

In my post on Monday, September 12 about a Leon Creek Greenway walk, I wrote in the commentary about the people that were on the trail that day and how a simple "Good morning!" from a total stranger is amazingly refreshing. Today I had three encounters that deserve mention. I had brief conversations with two of these individuals who took the time to ask if I was managing the trail okay. One was wearing an orthopedic knee brace and said she walked these trails to strengthen her knee prior to surgery.

The third person, whose name, unfortunately, I cannot remember for the life of me, deserves special mention. She was a real-life angel. I had passed her near the top of the Fern Del trail and we had a very brief conversation at that point. I should mention that in addition to the rugged terrain of today's walk, it was also something just over two miles long. I began to really feel the fatigue when I was still about a half mile from the parking lot and knew I was reaching my limit.

This angel happened to catch up with me while I was still a bit more than a quarter mile from the end of the walk. She stayed with me the rest of the way and we had a very pleasant conversation. Her presence was a true blessing on that final part of the walk, making it easier than it would have otherwise been.

In something of a departure from my blog format, as a personal note, if you are reading this, dear angel, I am truly grateful.