Times Two

 

Calendar-wise, it's still spring. But it sure felt like summer.

Visit #1599, Tuesday 12 May 26, 6:00-6:50PM, mileage and litter n/a.

Temps in the 60s, mostly sunny.

Visit #1600, Sunday 17 May 26, 6:00-9:00AM, 5.0 miles, 5.0 lbs. of litter.

Temps in the 50s, rising to the 80s today, sunny.

Knowing what I know about one (of multiple) graffiti vandal in Hubbard Park and their recent activity, I thought there might be more unsightly trail markings to be found so I set out on my mountain bike earlier in the week for some exercise and trail maintenance.

I'm sure more than one can of red spray paint was used as I found dozens of trees and rocks marked. I could not cover all of them with the time I had.

I found at least a couple hearts.

I also found something tucked into a tree.

I took it home and inspected it.

Now, I don't know who they are referring to; the person painting the trails red, or me covering over the red markings. They need to clarify who they are addressing. 😉

Between Tuesday's ride and Sunday's hike, I found and removed Cat Graffiti #s 32 and 33 since November 2016.

On Sunday I hiked the remainder of the red painted trails to cover whatever markings I missed on Tuesday.

This sweater I found looks to be in serviceable condition so I'll wash it and donate it to Goodwill.

I followed the trail of red and completed covering all that was left, including two more hearts.

Nailed to a tree was this warning sign.

The message reads:

Which makes me wonder; is Porky Pig loose in Hubbard Park?

Done with painting duties I hiked uptrail to the road to Castle Craig. Enroute I picked up my Find of the Week.

Mounjaro has two approved uses. Why this injector was found far from settled areas will remain to be pondered.

I exited the trails and walked the road back to the park. Once at the parking lot and with some time to kill, I decided to police the playscape and adjacent area. Most of today's litter was from there.

It was at this time that the best part of my day occurred. While I was cleaning up inside the playscape, a gentleman parked his truck and brought his granddaughter to the playscape. He told me it was her reward for behaving. He thanked me for cleaning up the area and here's the cool part: With him he had a trash grabber and was planning to clean up the playscape while his granddaughter played, except I put a dent in his plans. How neat is that (his plans, not my dent)?!

During our conversation I learned everything but his name: He is a lifelong Meriden resident who lives on Winthrop Terrace and had nothing but positive things to say about the city. He said he has adopted one of the islands on Winthrop Terrace, has planted things there, and mows the grass. Later on Sunday I took a bicycle ride to see for myself and since he told me his house number I was sure I was looking at the correct island. Definitely looks different than the other islands on the street. Your opinion may vary, but he gets an "A" for effort.