PNCA Hike: Fun and Surprises

New trail equipment in Middle Purgatory. Photo by Mayor Daniel Guerrero

SMGA’s Saturday, May 28th hike reminded me of the many benefits of the greenways, one of which is having greenbelts throughout town and within just a few minutes’ drive (or better yet, a few minutes’ walk). This became very important for me when I, the hike leader, awoke 20 minutes before the hike was to begin!

Even though Saturday morning began a bit frantically for me, the 3-mile hike (or 3.5 miles depending on which GPS we referred to) from upper Purgatory Creek Natural Area to the Hunter Road entrance was a wonderful reminder of the benefits of greenways. Fresh air, fellowship, and a good bit of exercise were a perfect way to begin a weekend. The weather was breezy and overcast, and the area was showing off its greenery with highlights of summer wildflowers thanks to rain the week before. We enjoyed a break at the overlook and a surprise along the way (see photo), and we finished up just in time for the sun to glare down on us as a reminder that summer is here.

I would like to thank the 13 folks who joined SMGA on the hike. Mayor Daniel Guerrero joined us for his first through-hike of PCNA. We truly appreciate that he took the time on a very busy Memorial Day weekend to experience this beautiful greenway. Many women from Texas Outdoor Women’s Network (TOWN), including two from Wimberley and Bastrop, came to explore PCNA. Rob Roark, a frequent Purgatory Creek hiker, Melissa Millecam, who is quite the birder, and SMGA trail workers Aart Millecam and Mike Baugh, showed off the new shaded route near the dam. Great work guys!

We are taking a bit of a break from our guided hikes for the summer, but we will return with new ones this Fall!

– Maggie Hutchins-Wagner