Tuesday 4-15-25 Trail Closed, Walking, Reading & Games

 

Disappointed, Trail Closed

 

We had a gorgeous day of sunshine and wind. Even though it was windy we still had a gorgeous day. In the morning the temperature was a brisk 40 degrees. The wind was out of the NW at 10 to 20mph. It got up to 63 degrees.

I crawled out of bed at 7:15 and made breakfast. Another easy breakfast, bagels and cream cheese. After breakfast we got ready to go on a hike. We were ready by 7:45.

We started from the campground on Canfield Savanna Trail (.4 mile one way). The trailhead was by the bathroom/shower building. It was an easy trail that went through the trees to a covered bridge. The bridge was under construction so we couldn't walk through it but I took a picture. Then we walked to a wooden bridge where the Boardwalk Locust Creek Riparian Trail begins. Both bridges go over the creek. When we walked over the bridge we discovered the trail was closed due to construction. There was no sign telling anyone that the trail was closed nor did the website indicate it was closed. This trail was the main reason we came to this park. The boardwalk trail led to another trail providing over 5 miles of hiking. We were disappointed. No one was doing any construction on the bridge or trail.

 

Covered Bridge

 

Bridge entrance to Boardwalk trail

 
 

Larry went to plan B, which was to walk around. We walked the road to the archery range. Then we walked the range. It was a very nice trail that weaved us through the trees, through the creek many times and by 20 different archery targets. Each target had three different color marks at different distances for you to shoot the target from. Each target had a sponsor (company) on it. It was a beautiful trail. The trail was well marked with signs and arrows telling you which direction to go. While walking the loop we saw cattle in their field. When they saw us they stopped eating to check us out. But as soon walked on they went back to grazing. When we drove in we saw the sign for the archery range and four different targets lined in a row. But we didn't realize how nice the range actually is. The trail was about a half mile loop.

 

Sign for the archery range

 

The practice targets

 

After walking through the archery range we rested at a picnic table deciding which way to go. We had a choice, either the way we came or walk the road. We decided to do the road. We walked across the road to where the bridges were. Then we walked the park road instead of Canfield Savanna Trail. When we got to the campground we decided to do the walk we did last night except go the opposite direction. While walking to the non-electrical loop we saw the host with a cat (calico). We asked if it was his and he said no. She has lived in park for about five years now. He just feeds her. We walked through the non-electric loop to the end. Then we crossed the street to Scout Lake Trail. We hiked around scout lake (.3 mile). We walked the road to the picnic area and walked around. It was very windy and cold. We walked to the small lake, screened shelter and playground. We picked up Oak Ridge Trail (.4 mile) and hiked back to the Minnie. While hiking oak ridge we saw a giant snapping turtle sunning on a log and Canadian geese swimming in the riparian area. Riparian areas are the interfaces between land and the rivers or streams. We had walked/hiked for 4 miles. We had a wonderful time.

 

Giant snapping turtle

 

Canadian goose

Once we were back at the Minnie I walked to the pay booth to return the literature I had gotten yesterday. On the way back I stopped and said hi to Buddy.

 We spent the rest of the day relaxing. Larry started a new book and finished it. 

I played my games. I did the Daily Challenges of Solitaire and Mahjong. The event was Event: Experts Only of 5 games. It took me 2 hours, 41 minutes and 34 seconds, which put me in 14th place in my group. Then I played Angry Birds.

After playing games I read.

After dinner I walked around for 2 miles to get my steps. I stopped and talked with the lady, who has Buddy. She is very nice. We had another outstanding day.