Located at Emma Long Park (Turkey Creek Trail)
(hiking/leashless dog trail) FREE
1600 City Park Rd. Austin, TX 78730 512-346-1831
UPDATE JANUARY 23, 2009 - The logbooks have all been pulled in favor of having just one log book at the end (in box #7). All boxes are in good shape thanks to those who have visited and taken such care in replacing them. Thanks!
MAP:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkmaps/images/leash_free_emma_long.jpg The oldest city park in Austin, Emma Long Park is really almost two separate entities: The section along Lake Austin with camping, boat ramps and other amenities and the vast, 1,100-acre green belt that surrounds it. Either one's good for a nice day out.
Clues:
Emma Long Park is located just west of Capital of Texas Hwy 360 off of 2222. As you head West (approx 1/2 mile) on 2222 from 360 turn left on City Park Road at the stoplight. Almost exactly 5 miles from this spot you will find the parking lot for the hiking/leashless dog trail within Emma Long Park (this portion of the park is free of charge). City Park Road splits a few times on the way there. Stay to your right each time. Enjoy the drive through the hills; catch some great views of downtown Austin and the beautiful homes that are anchored along the hillsides. If it has been raining, bring your creek friendly shoes, you will find some ankle deep water to cross.
The Basket
After parking your car, enter the trail and continue until you make your first crossing over Turkey Creek. Just after you cross on the right is a picnic table. From the furthest side of the picnic table, facing away from the trail, look slightly to your left for a 3-4 foot stump about 25 steps from the picnic table. Look behind the stump at its base. The Basket is covered by some rocks. Be sure to replace carefully and replace the rocks for all boxes.
The Blanket
Continue down the main trail to the next crossing of Turkey Creek. No water? No problem! The creek crossings can be identified because most have round concrete steps to help you across. Just past this second crossing of Turkey Creek look for a 1/4 mile marker on the RIGHT side of the trail (there is a 2.5 mm on the LEFT at about the same spot). From the 1/4 MM on the left side of the trail (away from the creek), look for a large ceder about 6 steps off the trail. Behind the cedar is a large rock. Under the rock is The Blanket.
The Cheese
Continue down the main trail to find The Cheese. Go to the next (third) crossing of Turkey Creek. Cross the creek and look for a large stone in the middle of the trail. Take another 15 steps from the rock to a log on the right guarding the entrance to a path to the right. This path goes up a steep incline. 30 steps up the incline look for a 3 foot stump in front of a group of large rocks. The Cheese is nestled behind the base of the stump just under the ledge of the rock.
The Bread
Go back to the main trail and continue toward the next crossing. Before you get to it, you will see a split rail fence on the left with a sign giving information about the revegetation project underway. At the sign, look to the right side of the trail for a 1.5 foot stump just off the trail. Inside the stump, under a rock, is The Bread.
The Fruit
Continue down the main trail until you come to a skinny tree growing right in the middle of the trail. To the right of the skinny tree is a path going up a hill. Go up the hill about 10 steps to a 4 foot stump. Behind the stump and under some rocks you will find The Fruit.
The Wine
Continue down the trail and make your fourth crossing over Turkey Creek. Look for the 1/2 Mile Marker. Continue to the large rock in the middle of the trail. 10 steps after the rock is a path on the left. Follow that side path for 25 steps to a cedar tree with rocks at its base. Under the rocks you will find The Wine.
The Guests
Go back to the main trail and continue until you see a 5 foot stump on the right side of the trail. Look to the left into the trees for that stump's twin. It is about 15 feet off the left side of the trail. At the base of the twin, under rocks you will find the guests.
Bonus Box
One of the above boxes contains the clues for a bonus box. The bonus is located very close to the box that contains the clues. Please leave the clues in the box where you find them.
Your picnic is now complete! Please email me and let me know how the boxes are doing and/or if the log books are full.
You can continue down the main path to find X Marks the Spot!
Hike Length: 1.0 miles
