Solitude

Sunday was a perfect fall day whether you were walking, running, hiking, or riding a bike.

Visit #1160, Sunday 30 September 18, 7:40-10:20AM, 6.0 miles.
Temps in the 60's, sunny and dry.

As I arrived at Hubbard Park on Sunday, I found there was a fundraising walk/5k road race being held for Hope After Loss. Since I would be starting my weekly jaunt well before the event's 9AM start, I decided to walk the route of the event ahead of time, around Merimere Reservoir, and make things nice and clean.

 Hope After Loss wasn't the only organization hosting an event in Hubbard Park today. Bike Walk Connecticut was holding a bicycle ride from New Britain through Hubbard Park via Merimere Reservoir, and posted signs along the route.

Upon reaching the north end of the reservoir my first trash bag was pretty full so, sneaky guy that I am, I left it at the event's water stop, hoping they'll do the sensible thing and take it away with their trash.

Here's where the real solitude comes in: The walk up the road toward East/West Peak takes you away from the noise of the city, and until the road opens for cars at 10AM, is just a enjoyably quiet place to be, whether you're picking up litter or just working hard on the uphill climb.

I reached the split to East/West Peak and had filled another bag with trash. I left it for later collection by the Meriden Parks Department.

I turned my attention and my feet toward West Peak. Enroute, I checked on the telephone poles I staked in place at a trailhead, to prevent vehicles from driving down it. I deliberately positioned them to prohibit cars but hoped the gap was wide enough to let ATV's through, otherwise they'd merely run over some other foliage to make their way to the trail.

Well, the gap I left apparently wasn't wide enough, and my stake job not permanent enough because they managed to remove a couple stakes and swing the log to widen the gap. I expected it to happen sooner or later. I don't know whether there will be a Version 2.0 on this but for now, the poles still serve their purpose.

Cleaning up the West Peak parking lot, I picked up a lot of litter; I left two more bags for later collection.

I walked out to the peak and took in the views.

Enough solitude; time to leave and rejoin noisy civilization.

I hiked down to the main trail, past the Halfway House, and down the Green Trail to the south end of Merimere Reservoir. There I ran into a large collection of police, fire, and ambulance vehicles. Everyone who knows of my time in Hubbard Park always says they're surprised I haven't found a body yet. Well, today was going to be about as close as I expect to get-for now. It appears there was a reported missing person in Hubbard Park. The search began Saturday and was likely suspended due to darkness. They didn't resume the search until after I walked by the spot at about 8AM Sunday.
As I reentered the park, a WFSB TV vehicle was driving around but couldn't drive up Percival Park Road to the scene because the gate was closed. I wonder if they walked up to the scene to film their report? As of this evening, nothing is mentioned on the WFSB TV web site.

(Update: The missing individual was found later on Sunday.)

I returned to the park, turned in my Solitude Card, and dropped off my final bag of litter for the week.