How could I resist a morning ride on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail? The temperature was moderate for a Texas August, in the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–28 °C), so I set out to bike the entire length of the trail — and I did, with several stops for hydration and to enjoy the scenery.
I often ride from Round Rock to Cedar Park. The trail stretches about 7.75 miles (12.5 km), mostly on concrete, following Brushy Creek and stringing together a series of parks along the way. Once I crossed the dam at Brushy Creek Lake — a 38-acre (15-hectare) lake formed by a dam across the creek — I stopped at the location you see in the featured photo. That is always such an inviting place, with plenty of shade and a great view through the oak trees.
Today, I also decided to ride a side section along the main trail. The Picnic Trail is not very demanding and allows me to get really close to Brushy Creek. The water was so clear and still that the trees and sky seemed to rest on its surface.
With all the stops I made, I rode 15.25 miles (24.5 km) in 2.5 hours — not a pace for setting records, but exactly the pace for noticing things and doing some forest bathing.
Both of these images were photographed using my Samsung S23 phone.
That is the story behind the shots. For more like this, enjoy these related stories: Brushy Creek, Brushy Creek Lake, Brushy Creek Regional Trail, Cellpic Sunday, Landscapes, and Texas. Until the next shoot, keep chasing the light and the wonders it reveals.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
Sources:
- Williamson County, TX — Brushy Creek Regional Trail — https://www.wilcotx.gov/1288/Brushy-Creek-Regional-Trail
- City of Cedar Park — Brushy Creek Lake Park — https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Brushy-Creek-Lake-Park-1
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restlessjo
That shade looks so welcoming in warm weather, Egidio. A lovely place to linger xx
Egidio Leitao
It was really nice and a perfect place for an extended break. Thanks.
Steve Schwartzman
Your second picture is especially placid and pastoral. Eve and I visited Brushy Creek Lake as recently as July 23rd, when we stayed below the dam and walked the shoreline. Among the highlights there were the flowers of buttonbush, sensitive briar, and green milkweed.
Egidio Leitao
That was the shot off the Picnic Trail. It’s off the paved trail, but always worth a visit. Thanks for the note.
pamperrault21
Lovely post through and through. Your story and pictures made me wish I was there. Best line of all: “not a pace for setting records, but exactly the pace for noticing things and doing some forest bathing.” pp
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Pam. The older I get, that pace gets slower. 🙂 It allows me to see more around me.
photobyjohnbo
A beautiful area, and perfect temperatures for your ride, Egidio! Love the photos, especially that reflection shot.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. I did a little walking around and used the wide-angle lens on the phone.
Anita
A wonderfully serene spot, Egidio. Your mobile photos really convey the peaceful beauty of that place.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anita. It is always worth taking that short detour to be closer to the creek. It’s very peaceful.
Anne Sandler
A great ride and beautiful scenery Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne. I must say, though, I’m still a bit tired.