88 Steps

And he dreamed, 

and behold a ladder set up on the earth, 

and the top of it reached to heaven; 

and behold the angels of God 

ascending and descending on it.

~ Genesis 28:12

My friends VM and AH invited me to Cameron Park - to climb Jacob's Ladder,* see Lovers' Leap,** and hike. Because the weather threatened to heat up fairly quickly we started early. 

I didn't count the steps going up as concentration was required. They are varied - some much higher than a standard step and other with a short rise. Two "stopping places" allow a rest between "flights."

After looking around we headed back down the steps. I counted this time - 88 steps.

There are so many hiking/biking/running trails here. Folks were out walking their dogs, jogging, and "spinning" the wheels on their bikes. I loved the older fellow who rang the bike bell to let us know he was heading our way. Each trail is rated for difficulty. We weren't all the easy trails long.

We took a short stroll - mostly along the river - and a trip to Lovers' Leap before heading to George's for a great diner lunch (I had the chicken-fried steak).

The first flight of stairs. They may not look it, but are pretty steep.

The hand-rail was sturdy except at the very top.

Looking down.

Watch your step!

Part of the path.

An old marker on a giant tree.

Does one really run up the tree?

It was a gorgeous day!

Canoes on the river!

I was ridiculously happy to see this passionflower! I had been hoping to see one in the wild someday. Today was the day!

See the squirrel? He's right there in the middle.

We did not take our horses down the trail.

Some crazy bracket fungus.

Looking off Lovers' Leap.

Gorgeous view.

We were warm and tired, but glad to have made the trip!

I love Mockingbirds

Yum! You know, I was supposed to have steamed broccoli, but they forgot it. The rest of it was so good I forgot it until just now!

As we finished our hike we saw a woman at the pavilion setting up a feast. She said she liked to arrive early. We talked about the family (they are coming from all over!) and her siblings (her mother had 15 children including 3 sets of twins. Wow! We weren't invited for lunch so we headed off to George's Restaurant - a Waco tradition - and then home for a nap!

NOTES:

*It is not really a ladder, if you cannot tell from the photos. But it IS supposed to be haunted. https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/cameron-park-jacobs-ladder/

**Lovers' Leap now has a railing that blocks access to the edge of the ledge. It's just as well. It too is supposed to be haunted. https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/cameron-park-lovers-leap/