Enchante!

So back in 2010, when Bill and I first took our Tour out and about, we stopped in this part of TX too.  And I (and Ouray and Seneca) visited a place called the Enchanted Rock.  On this trip, I wanted to climb it with Zou, and we lucked out and got a decent weather day to do it.  For a look back, go here: http://carriebartonphotos.blogspot.com/2010/04/out-and-about-part-ii.html   For a look forward, go here:

 Zou walks "the piano"  (well, doesn't it look like every other few "keys" should be painted black?!)

 Me & my Z at the start of things.

 Because I read on the website that this place is super popular - and that they actually close it to entrants once there are a certain number of people (and that it had just happened the day before...) - Zou and I did the 45 min. drive and got there at 9:30am.  I was surprised at how many other people must have done the same!  But this was nothing compared to the crowds that showed up later...!  So here there is actually empty space around us... (and yes, you can see the summit destination)

 The "early birds."

 Looking back at the parking lots that actually still have empty spaces available (but not for long!!).

 Zou on top!  There are several depressions in the rockbed.  Several just become vernal pools given enough rain.  Others are little cactus/grass/yucca islands, like the one here (the prickly pear cactus is pretty much a weed in much of TX and is something they try to eradicate, but like most weeds, it's an easy propagator and hardy, so...).

 Zou trying to talk her momma out of sitting for a picture.

 We are coming down off the summit of the highest dome, and here you can see (in the background) the other main dome.  We end up going down in the little canyon between the two and doing a crazy 8 sort of thing with the outer loop trail.

 Down on the loop trail.  

 I think I found this on-line and it's called Desert Christmas Cactus (good name, eh?!).

 We are criss-crossing back to complete the outer loop now, and you can see there are few more people now.

 The loop trail is 4 miles (unless you do it the way we did it!  Then it becomes 5 or 6!) and goes through grasses and cacti and trees and even by ponds/creeks/lakes.  It's mostly level, so the complete opposite of the summit trail, which is mostly just up the rock face!

 Looking at the people-ants, crawling along towards the top of the main dome.

 A smaller rocky hill.

 A couple of fun-loving dogs whose owners let off-leash to more fully enjoy the joys of living!  (and they were good dogs, so that was fine)  Zou tried to enjoy the same but had to do it solo and on the leash because Mommy didn't want her zooming about in the cactus!!!

 Not many wildflowers blooming so early in the season, but these pretty little ones were out (most were white, but a few were purple).

 I was glad there were so many spots for Zou to cool off and get a drink because even though it was cloudy and cooler than it would be otherwise, it was still mid-70s, and may I remind you - she's wearing a fur coat!

Just the line-up at one of the bathrooms on the way out!

It was a good hike, and we had a great time, but it was also good to leave those crowds behind!  Reminded me of Mt. W (back home) on a holiday weekend!!!