If the purpose of National Trails Day was to clean up the many trails available to the public, then our day was not productive. The two parks we visited were already in 
pristine condition.
If, however, the purpose of National Trails Day was to experience nature and all it has to offer, my husband, John, and I had a most successful day. With bottled water, granola bars, insect repellent, and our cell phones, we headed to Gunpowder State Park in the Eastern part of Baltimore County (practically our own backyard.)
We chose the White Tail Trail because of its proximity to a pavilion hosting dozens of picnickers, and a civilized rest room. At 79 and 73, our wilderness-hiking days are in the past. We were quite alone on the trail, with the exception of a chipmunk, a groundhog, and three boys from the city. Our own children had practically lived the woods, and we found ourselves reminding the young hikers to watch out for snakes and check for ticks when they got home.
After a pleasant hike, we left White Tail Trail for the Marshy Point Nature Center, (a couple of miles down the road,) where there were more trails, also in excellent condition. We learned about wild flowers and animal tracks. The exciting wildlife we came upon (in the air-conditioned center) took our breath away, but I’m proud to say that we were not in the least fearful — despite John’s horrific experience with a black bear. He is so brave!
I hope others will take advantage of trails. Sometimes we need a little encouragement to do what is good for us. Thank you, American Hiking Society, for providing it.
8 Comments
Having grown up on the bank of the Lake Pearl Bayou I so appreciate the quiet of that type of area. There is nothing like walking and relaxing or in my case riding my 4 wheeler down all the little lanes we cut away. Thanks for another great story.
Sounds like that air conditioning was greatly appreciated!!
I love the picture of dear John being “mauled”. Hope he came out with all important limbs.
Thank you, Mrs. Rowe.
As Marylanders we are rich in our state parks.
We are also fortunate in our regional parks with their nature centers and trails, such as Black Hill, Little Bennett and Rock Creek in Montgomery COunty.
Have you ever been hiking along the C & O Canal at places such as Carderock, Great Falls, and on into the District? It is so lovely, especially this time of year when the waters of the Potomac are not still and heavy with the heat and humidity of Summer.
I enjoy a relaxing walk in the woods. It’s is kinda exciting finding tracks from several different animals, bear tracks are something I wouldn’t want to come across. I’ll leave that for your brave and daring husband. Always enjoy your story’s and you are starting to become a bigger star to me than your single adorable son whose my age. Send him back to AL. Glad to see you and your husband getting involved more into Mike’s world. Keep up the good work and God Bless! Pat from Auburn!
Dear Mrs. Rowe, I am reminded of a poem I wrote while running in the woods in my own back yard. I hope you like it. On my run this morning, I took an old trail. The trail was overgrown with picker bushes and deer tics but it didn’t matter. I was following Him. When I came out of the trail, suddenly I felt a rush of cool, crisp morning sea air hittinig my entire body all at once. I was now running on the open road and I realized that I had to go through all of those thorns, twists, and turns to be free. Free from the shackles of my past. To enjoy all of His glory and love. As I kept running, a doe crossed my path. Not slowing down, I whispered a good morning greeting to her. She turned around to look at me and winked. Have a beautiful day. Sincerely, Shannon.
Hi Peggy,
I would have never guessed that one of my favorite TV personalities would turn out to be your son, Mike! I love all his commercials and now, you are one of my favorite TV celebrities as well! I especially liked the “jeans for breast cancer” campaign….how very clever! My niece, who works for Old Navy sent it to me.
You are surely a natural actress!
God bless and keep up your new acting career!
What a huge step up from Elmwood!! Patty
PS: Our dear friend, Sandy Hamilton, told me about your blog!
Often it’s the simple times of experiencing fresh air, exercise and the beauty of nature that keeps us young.
You go girl. As for the bear’s victim…just another example of the apple falling from the tree. Thanks again for sharing.
Maureen