We decided rather than brave the insanity in Wharton this week that we would instead explore the Parker Preserve. Thursday morning we entered at South Gate and headed west on the white trail. Much of this area has been left in it's natural state, flooded, and is easier on the eyes than what greets you at NorthGate.
This is a scan of a map that is sometimes available at the gates. I is particularly useful in that it shows impassible breaches in the dikes.
A large flooded bog is called Bald Eagle Reservoir. It appears to be untouched since the DeMarco era.
An island.
There is an observation tower built on top of an old pump house.
A very nice pair of binoculars.
There are also benches and picnic tables scattered around the area. We hiked it in sneakers and got wet crossing one of the keyboard spill ways. It was not above the ankles so a good pair of hiking shoes should be fine, or you could just get wet, it wasn't bad.
A key board spill way.
In 3 days of hiking there we did not see another person. On Tuesday we found the suspension bridge. It is a substantial piece of work, and is fun to walk across. I will go back with a camera and post later.
Ed
This is a scan of a map that is sometimes available at the gates. I is particularly useful in that it shows impassible breaches in the dikes.
A large flooded bog is called Bald Eagle Reservoir. It appears to be untouched since the DeMarco era.
An island.
There is an observation tower built on top of an old pump house.
A very nice pair of binoculars.
There are also benches and picnic tables scattered around the area. We hiked it in sneakers and got wet crossing one of the keyboard spill ways. It was not above the ankles so a good pair of hiking shoes should be fine, or you could just get wet, it wasn't bad.
A key board spill way.
In 3 days of hiking there we did not see another person. On Tuesday we found the suspension bridge. It is a substantial piece of work, and is fun to walk across. I will go back with a camera and post later.
Ed
