Cedar Ridge Preserve - Hiking

Mike's Lexus battery had given out, and Ray swiftly came to our aid, offering us a ride in his car.

Our lunch spot was Twisted Root Burger in Mansfield, and it's where we were joined by Jim, Curt, and Robert, fellow members of our seasoned hiker group.

Afterward, we drove to Cedar Ridge Preserve for our hike. The Cedar Brake Trail was bustling on this splendid sunny day, with a warning sign to stick to the trail. It became more significant when Curt narrowly missed stepping on a Copperhead snake.

The hike proved to be a bit challenging for some, with numerous rocky areas, exposed roots, and steep sections with steps. Consequently, it took longer than expected. After Ray stumbled over an obstacle, we decided to take a shortcut back to our vehicles.

The "planning meeting" began promptly at 5 p.m. on the Palmer's outdoor patio, accompanied by drinks and snacks. Aubra's opening remarks reminded us that this marked our 18th excursion as a group of seniors in the past ten years, emphasizing the strength of our bonds and friendships.

Grill master Heinz commenced preparing chicken and bratwurst while our host Aubra readied all the accompaniments for a delightful patio dinner, which we all relished.

The evening's highlight was Heinz's Video Quiz, featuring short movie clips from our 17 previous hiking adventures. Everyone was tasked with recalling and jotting down the names and locations, and the group performed remarkably well.

We eagerly anticipate our gathering for a brief hike in the Grapevine area tomorrow morning.Read more