Good To Be Back

After a week away from my girlfriend, it felt good to see her again.

Visit #1557, Sunday 19 October 25, 7:00-9:15AM, 4.9 miles, 12.1 lbs. of litter.

Temps in the low 60s, partly sunny.

A week away from Hubbard Park really renewed my enjoyment of hiking there. Maybe there was some voodoo or karma involved as my chainsaw went belly up during that little diversion on South Mountain. It's currently at the repair shop being assessed and hopefully it can be resuscitated as you'll see I truly need it.

I initially had planned on hiking a clockwise loop up to West Peak and back but, arriving at Hubbard Park I noticed they were setting up for what was going to be a fundraising run for Footprints On Our Hearts.

A clockwise route would put my timing in conflict with the runners; I'd be walking on the route in the midst of the event. So instead I walked counterclockwise around Merimere Reservoir and made sure the road was clean of litter for them.

One thing I did notice while walking on the road is that the speed bumps, barely six months old, are coming loose from the pavement whether intentionally or not. I think it's time to go to Plan B or        Rev. 2.0.

I moved this rumble strip out of the way to make it easier to spot.

Every speed bump is affected in one way or another. Time to rethink this; it's a good idea that needs to be developed.

At the north end of Merimere Reservoir I was mooned by a gaggle of Canada Geese. The nerve!

I considered giving them the finger but what would be the point-they wouldn't see it anyway.

So I hit the first trail and expecting to find storm damage. You may recall we had some rain and winds in the 30 mph range last week. I wasn't disappointed.

The trees may look small, but they aren't moving and a chainsaw is the best way to deal with the volume of work.

At West Peak I found what I'm guessing would be the belongings of a homeless person camping in the woods. I had to transfer everything into a 33 gallon trash bag because of the sleeping bag, clothing, and unopened convenience foods and energy drinks. Carrying this heavy load put a halt to most other litter patrol I had in mind today.

But all was not negative at West Peak. The view as I descended the Blue Trail was great.

Hiking the trail heading back to the park, I encountered the largest fallen tree which needs to be removed. Getting my chainsaw back can't happen soon enough for me or all the people that want to enjoy the colors of autumn in Hubbard Park without having to go over or around this.

If I get my chainsaw back this coming week I may do a double session during the weekend, preparing South Mountain for the Three Peaks Challenge and doing some clean up in Hubbard Park.