We have a community Trails Group that maintains our trails, clearing branches and clearing up wash areas. They also cut new trails through the common areas. When a new trail is complete, all neighbors are invited to a "grand opening" with a guided tour. Such was the case on September 5, when the Salola Trail was officially opened.
The flyer gave some good advice for hikers: "Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and a hiking stick." In this case it was a bit of overkill. The new trail is barely a mile long with a total elevation of only 170 feet. And the notice said refreshments would be served at the trail's end, along with transportation back to the car for people who preferred not to hike the trail in the opposite direction.
This is the trail's head. The group did a fine job of building steps and providing hand rails in many spots.
The trail crossed a small stream that is likely not running in dry weather. There was very little water (and lots of muck) in spite of recent rain.
The trail winds through laurel thickets and deep green forest.
The sun shines on the path in many areas.
This is the opposite end of the trail. Several people are already gathered at the trail's end.
And refreshments? How can you have a grand opening with Champaign? There were also soft drinks, water, brownies, cookies, etc.
This was an easy trail, more a walk in the woods than a hike. Yet I was surprised at the large numbers of people who took the shuttle back to their cars. Perhaps they had plans for the morning and needed to get back home.
We love hiking the trails in our community, although we won't likely use this one. It's too far from our house and is not well-suited for the dogs. The mucky creek bed along the trail would definitely be a deterrent. But the new trail tour made for an interesting morning. It's always nice to get out and meet neighbors you didn't know. And, more importantly, to support those people who get out and work for the good of the community.
20 comments:
A walk in the woods is better than medicine.
Walking a mountain trail....the best! :)
An interesting grand opening for that trail. It does look like an easy mile.
What a lovely addition to your neighborhood. People took the shuttle back?
sissies :0
I'm truly surprised people took the shuttle back. Looks like a lovely trail and great that they keep developing new ones. We were looking through our book just yesterday to see if there was a new trail we haven't yet trod.
They had to take the shuttle back after only a mile? Even I'm not that slugly.
But hey--at least they came. Maybe some will be inspired to join in on blazing new trails.
Looks like a lovely trail. I wonder how many people would walk it if there wasn't champagne at the end?
Looks like a lovely trail. I wonder how many people would walk it if there wasn't champagne at the end?
It's wonderful that your community is so supportive of trails. Our community is split - and a powerful faction believe that there shouldn't be trails or people in vast areas of the woods. While I understand that they're trying to protect wild animals, I also think that we humans need places to visit in the woods. It sounds like your community would agree with me!
What a nice trail and doable for many categories of people - young old and in between. Looks very green in your world. I don't think I've ever hiked a trail where there was champagne at the end!
We figure any trail is good for encouraging people to just get out walk, talk to their partner, and enjoy the fresh air.
Even if it is a short walk, I think it's just so neat that the people in the community have made this little path.. People of all ages need to walk... Wish we had more of those types of places right here in Fairfield Glade. We walk the golf course cart paths --but we can't when they are playing golf . SO that limits us to early early morning or late late in the evening.
Neat little walk/hike.
Hugs,
Betsy
Very nice!
One of my fav things to do is walking the trails in my local woods!! Great pics!!!
lotsa licks,
Miley
A good walk is better than not walking..maybe they will return again and then will have to walk back down..now that they know it was a hard climb up. Neat post..I love to walk!
What a nice looking trail! I wish we had more like that in our neck of the woods...
Looks like a nice trail!
I think it's wonderful that your community has a trail group to build and maintain trails. We could use more trails in our community.
Thanks for commenting, everyone.
Lynne - You are so right.
Robin - It was quite an easy walk. Perhaps that's what it will take to get some people out into the woods.
Suz - Oh, yes. Lots of people walked back, but at least half of them waited for the shuttle.
Delia - I agree. At least they were outside and did some walking in the woods.
Ruth - I was surprised at the number of people drinking several glasses that early in the morning.
KB - We have lots of green space, but nothing approaching vast areas of the woods. Some people do argue against the trails in the National Forests. Truth be told, the more difficult ones are not used all that much and only by experienced hikers and bikers who tend to have more respect for the land and the animals.
Herd - Amen to that.
Betsy - When I'm walking for exercise, I actually use the roads rather than the trails. We do have a very nice track for walking but it is so BORING!
Sounds like fun. I love to walk trails, especially with my camera.
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