Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath: Sunday, 6 May 2007†.
I parked at Four Locks and walked west, past McCoy's Ferry to Post 111, then returned and passed Four Locks and went east to Charles Mill (at 108.1).

It was a nice, sunny day in the mid-60s (°F) with a nice breeze.

2.9 miles each way = 5.8 miles total (2:33 pm--4:55 pm).

Returning home in the early evening, I walked down and thru part of Tayamentasachta and then back, adding another mile.

6.8 miles total for the day.

         Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath: Monday, 3 September 2007†.
I stopped at the western boat rental at Codorus State Park, near the disc golfing. After writing my electric bill check, I walked around. About 1 mile total.

I parked at New Freedom, Pennsylvania and entered the town's restored train depot, now a museum. After looking around and signing the guestbook, I walked south on the York Heritage Trail. Entered Maryland and continued on the trail, named the NCR Trail in Maryland. At Freedomland, Maryland named for John Freeland, I headed back. At least 5.6 miles total.

On my way home, I again stopped in Codorus State Park, this time parking in the eastern boat ramp area, near the bandshell. About 0.4 mile total.

Total for the trip: 7 miles total.

         Colonel Denning State Park & Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Sunday Afternoon, 16 September 2007†.
I parked near the swimming changing rooms at Colonel Denning State Park. I walked the trail over the dam and got on the Nature Trail, then got on a trail to finish circling the lake. Walked the road to the other trail heads and saw a spirited horse tied up; his buggy was nearby. Continuing on that road, I walked to the brown sign that states "Dead End Road" and then returned to my car.

At 4:58 pm, I parked at the Shippensburg Township Park, which borders the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. I walked northwest from Milepost 1. I passed Milepost 3 and continued to the other side of Duncan Road and then turned around (at about mile 3.7). On my return, I walked past the Township Park and halfway down the Fogelsonger Road descent (at about mile 0.9), then returned to my car at 6:35 pm.

Subtotal, Colonel Denning: about 1 mile.
Subtotal, Rail Trail: about 5-5/9 miles (5.6 miles).
Total for the day: about 6.6 miles.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Sunday Afternoon, 23 September 2007†.
After attending the Colonial (Farm) Faire near Welsh Run, PA, I drove north of Shippensburg, PA. I parked beside Duncan Road (at 3.7 miles) and walked north to Oakville Road (at 6.4 miles). I arrived back at my car at 6:06 pm.

6.4 - 3.7 = 2.7 miles one way. 2.7 miles x 2 = 5.4 miles total.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Monday Afternoon, 24 September 2007†.
At 4:18 pm, I parked beside Oakville Road (at 6.4 miles) and headed north to Milepost 9. I turned back south. Two collies at a farm adjacent to the Trail at Bullshead Road barked loudly. They came off their property and onto the Trail after I had passed and was a piece away from them. They did not follow me, but I glanced back from time to time to check.

I got back to my car at 6:03 pm.

9 - 6.4 = 2.6 x 2 = 5.2 miles total, 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes).

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Tuesday Afternoon, 25 September 2007†.
Parking at the Newville, PA terminus parking, I headed south to Milepost 9. Spooky: a man was approaching me in white shirt--when next I looked ahead, he had "disappeared" about 100 yards away. There was no path off the main trail in that area; he did not reverse course on the trail either.

At Milepost 9, I turned around and headed north the end of the Trail at Big Spring Road--I mean that I actually followed the narrow, paved path down from the Cumberland Rail/Trail's cul-de-sac to that road.

Back in the terminus parking lot, I then headed into Newville for my regular circuit, stopping for a Cherry Coke from the machine at Friendship Fire Company, and then detouring slightly on the way back to the town's library's porch to read the postings on their outside bulletin boards.

Subtotal, Trail: about 2.05 miles each way = 4.1 miles completely.
Subtotal, Town walk: about 1.1 miles.
Total: 5.2 miles.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Tuesday, 2 October 2007†.
I parked at Shippensburg Township park and headed north on the Trail at about 5:30 pm. Within a half mile, my left eyeglass lens popped out. It took me a a few minutes to find it on the ground. Luckily I did, and the loose screw that caused it remained with the frames. I got the screw tightened ever-so-slightly with my fingernail. I did not want to risk another pop-out, so I decided to walk on with one good eye and the wayward lens in my left hand. I turned around at Duncan Road (2.7 miles) and headed back south. It was getting dark. I got back to my car in somewhat dusky conditions at 7:07 pm. I then cleaned up the lens and re-inserted it after getting in my car.

2.7 miles x 2 equals 5.4 miles total.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Wednesday, 3 October 2007†.
I parked off of Duncan Road at about 5:25 pm. I headed north to Milepost 5, past the next road north (Ott, at 5.1 miles). There was quite a following of pesky, little gnats for a ways on this above-normal, warm day.

I turned around and headed past my car at Duncan Road and went south to Milepost 3, then turned around and went back north to my car. I wanted to avoid being on the trail at dusk, like yesterday's Township Park to Duncan Road worry.

2.1 x 2 = 4.2 miles total.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Wednesday Afternoon, 12 December 2007†.
After 4 pm, I finally arrived at the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: chores and traffic delayed me longer than I had expected that they would. Although it was earlier in the 50s, the temperature was dropping not only from the waning sunlight, but also from an approaching cold front.

I parked at Duncan Road and walked south, past Milepost 3, and past the paved driveway intersection. As it was already dusky, I headed back about 100 yards south of the driveway, then headed north past where I had parked. Although I did not pass Milepost 4--if there is actually a post at Milepost 4--I think I at least did a mile each way. I was back at my car around 5 pm.

Two miles total.

         Caledonia State Park: Saturday Afternoon, 29 December 2007†. Started out at about 2:20 pm and did all of the Ramble Trail, about 1.1 miles. I then cut over to the Water Authority Access Road and went up to the north campground and came back and cross the bridge to the spillway.

Arrived back at my car at 4:32 pm with pine tar on my pants.

About 3 miles total.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and Shippensburg University: Monday Afternoon, 7 January 2008†.
As it was a nice, sunny day with highs in the 60s, I parked at the Township Park and headed north at 3:20 pm to nearly Milepost 2. A black-and-white stray cat or dog--I think it was a puppy, the way it was moving--was ahead, and I decided to head back.

I went south to Shippensburg University, entering via the Burd Run Road, and then took the loop road to Dauphin Drive and the Huber Arts Center. Ben wasn't in, but his office was open. I turned off his light and closed his office. I then headed back to my car, arriving at 4:36 pm.

About 3 miles total.

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Tuesday Afternoon, 8 January 2008†.
After my interview at 1 pm in Middleburg, Maryland and sending out two résumés at Besore Library in Greencastle, PA, I went north of Shippensburg and almost got rear-ended by a truck at PA 533 and Smithdale Road. Pressing on, I parked at the Cumberland Valley Rail/ Trail crossing at Duncan Road.

Walked south at 4:05 pm. Proceeded to cross Britton Road, where the approaching Culbertson family called out my name. We walked north to Mile Post 2, then they headed back to Township park, where they had parked. I got back to my car at 5:33 pm. It was getting pretty dark.

It was the second record-breaking day in a row--we may have hit 70°F.

It seemed less warm than yesterday though, as the breeze was shifting from the south to the west.

About 2.1 miles each way, which makes 4.2 miles total.
 
         Pine Hill Recreational Area: Monday Afternoon, 3 March 2008†.
As I had time before the weekly Monday afternoon sales meeting, I decided to walk on this rare, warm March day, as temperatures were to reach near 60°F. As I had been doing some research for the company the previous day and had happened on this park's web page, I thought it would be a good place to walk. After all, I could now add it to my knowledge for the community we were doing in the Washington Township.

Although I had passed the entrance a time or two on drives that had me coming down off the mountain, heading east on Mentzer Gap Road, this time I was heading west. I slightly passed it and had to back up.

Seems but one other car was there.

After checking the sheltered trails map "kiosk," I decided to take Outlook Trail first, 0.9 miles

What a lovely place!

This trail was wide and topped with pea gravel. At every trail crossing, there are directional signs. The only directional sign that I could not figure out to what it was pointing was for Red Run Trail, which is a steep trail that connects this park with Red Run Park to the south. I absolutely saw no signs of any path heading down there.

There were educational signs, but unfortunately, rainwater had warped their laminates and many were unreadable.

I finished the Outlook Trail "loop" and went straight on Deer Trail. I tried to check my cell phone for the time, but it was dead! (Instead of the song and dance it puts on to come on and off, howsabout the time and a low battery warning only?)

Parts of the Deer Trail were not ranked "easy" as all of Outlook Trail; there was a part ranked "moderate." This is where the wide, pea-gravel lined trail suddenly became a switchback goat path down the side of the large hill most of the park sests atop. My sneakers have little grip, but I continued, hoping another trail would lead back up in an easier way.

As the "easy" ranking at this park was very easy, I think the park officials should have ranked this section as "difficult." I've had more "difficult" trails, but what I submit is this park is grading on a curve, and I am sure many people have been surprised by this sudden change in trail quality. Perhaps some have fallen.

I continued with Deer Trail to its end (0.7 mile total) and then some, as the one non-marked intersection was where an access trail came in from Old Forge Road very near its intersection with Washington Township Boulevard. (Per the site's map, this was to be a planned new entrance and parking.) I walked down the hill to the gate on this trail, then headed up and took a right onto Fox Crossing Trail.

Fox Crossing took me on the other side of the water tank, and then headed back up the mountain. A wide path with gravel, but not pea gravel. Perhaps that would have been like ball bearings--not good on this straight, steady, steep climb. This gravel oozed with water, making me wonder if a spring was "hit" when this trail was blazed. I stopped a few times for a moment at best. I was quite winded when a couple and their leashless dog were spotted coming my way. The fellow said hello, and I tried to return a greeting and was successful. The dog veered off onto Outlook Trail with them and was not the slightest problem. The entire trail was but ¾ of a mile.

What a nice park—and after 10½ years in the area, what a very nice "surprise" to find "new," local trails! And to discover it on a warm, sunny day without many at all around was a true gift.

My only regret is that the Wal-Mart/ Lowes facility has blighted the viewscape of a second park: first Pen Mar, now Pine Hill.

The Township (and Scouts) have put a lot of work into this park. A skate area was being worked on as I left.

Total miles: 2.35 miles (0.9 + 0.7 + 0.75).

         Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: Thursday Afternoon, 6 March 2008†.
Although I had come to Shippensburg to confer with Ben Culbertson on what to do with my five remaining works thrown at the time I was doing Potters Bowl 2008 work, we missed each other.

As it was warm out, I decided to go take a walk and come back to his office later. I drove up to Township Park and parked, arriving probably before 2 pm. I decided to take the company cell phone with me, as it was fully charged. Got a call from Verizon; I gave them the office's local number.

I walked north on the Trail to Duncan Road, 2.7 miles, and headed back for about ¾ to a mile. Seeing a large black object (and, perhaps, a smaller black object) ahead of me, I stopped. The large object looked like a large black dog, and it kept prancing from one side of the Trail to the other.

I decided to head back north on the Trail for the ¾ to 1 mile and use the roads and highways to get back to my car. It was warm enough in my black flannel shirt (with the sleeves down) as I had a polo shirt underneath with the collar up, and it was nearly 52°F with only a slight westerly breeze.

The whatever(s) weren't following me, though I stopped from time to time to look back. At Duncan Road, I headed southeast to PA 533, about 1¼ miles. No farm dogs came after me, thank goodness--that would have defeated the purpose behind my choice, now wouldn't it have?

I did have to get off the road for a bicycling Mennonite and her daughter, as vehicles were also coming.

At PA 533, I headed west (actually, southwest, then southeast) for 1.6 miles. More traffic. A truck and horse trailer came close to the white line; I flipped them the bird. Most people more than gave me ample space, however: the kind drivers went across the yellow line. Only one horse and buggy coming at me, but the fellow turned off on Smithdale Road before we would have met.

At US 11, I headed southwest towards Queen Street, 1.2 miles. More traffic, but only near the intersection of PA 174 did the shoulder narrow. At last, some sidewalk!

A company's electronic sign stated it was now but 51°F. I did feel chillier.

I made a right on Queen Street and headed northwest for .2 miles, then made a right on Britton Road. This was my worry, as Britton is very narrow.

I was getting blisters, but I was OK. Still had plenty of sun. 0.7 miles later, I was back at Township Park, and walked about .15 miles on paved trail to my car. Only slid where some dirt had washed onto the trail. Only yards away from my car, I now get mud on my shoes....

I arrived back at my car at 4:35 pm. I drove back over to Ben's office, but his reply note stated the obvious: I'd missed him. As I needed a "quick energy snack," I took advantage of his students' "honor system cookie drive" to raise money for next week's NCECA trip, and with the $1 bill I had on me, bought two bags of peanut butter cookie drops. Chocolate frosting drizzled on top—and all pure sugar.

9.3 to 9.8 miles total. (Average walking speed of 3.6 m.p.h. to 3.8 m.p.h. sounds about right, as I walk fast.)

         Greencastle/ Antrim Township: Tuesday Afternoon, 11 March 2008†.
Weaning myself off the pain medication, I decided to walk over to my friend's house to retrieve my car.

South on Ridge Avenue to west on Addison Avenue to south on Washington Street to west on Leitersburg Street to south on Carlisle Street to north on Molly Pitcher Highway/ Antrim Way to south on Williamsport Pike to west on Joy Drive to south on Tranquil Way to west on Shanks Church Road to south on Grant Shook Road.

My car was difficult to start; I almost gave up on it, but I tried one more time. It's been fine since.

Per Google Maps, 3.4 miles. (What would take about 12 minutes by car took a little less than an hour.)

         Pine Hill Recreational Area: Thursday Afternoon, 13 March 2008†.
I arrived at the park not feeling well, but took my brother's advice to walk to alleviate the discomfort.

I first walked the linear Buzz Trail, 1/3 of a mile one way, then backtracked to Fox Crossing Trail and headed up to Outlook Trail, 1/6 of a mile.

Completing the whole Outlook Trail, 0.9 mile, I then backtracked slightly and took Scout Trail to Outlook Trail (west side) to Fox Crossing Trail to the Skate Park to my car, about 0.35 miles.

The walk did relieve the discomfort some. It was a nice day and again I had the trails to myself. I didn't pass anyone today.

Total: about 1¾ miles. (1/3 + 1/6 + 0.9 + 0.35) miles. Arrived about 2:10 pm and returned to the car at 2:55 pm.

         Caledonia State Park: Friday Afternoon, 14 March 2008†.
After attending the Franklin County Homebuilders Show in Chambersburg, the largest gathering of employers who've previously rejected my résumés, I decided to cheer up by blowing off such job pursuits for the afternoon and take advantage of the surprisingly sunny, warm day.

I parked by the new Visitors Center and walked in on the new bridges that are still closed to traffic.

The bridges are not any wider than the old open grid ones that I read built in the 1950s. Quite frankly I saw no need to replace those bridges unless they wanted to widen the access. Instead, these bridges have high concrete walls on the sides. That will be perfect for large RVs. With all of the stone within the Park, the walls are made of concrete molded as stone.

I walked west to the second Ramble Trail entrance and proceeded a good ways until the path had been washed out. I tried making my own detour to the first of the rail-less bridges, which I could see, but could not find a route not crossed by wide rivulets.

So I backtracked on Ramble and then headed west to the gate at the treatment facility. Reversing, I came back to the eastern entrance to the Ramble Trail and took it all the way around to that rail-less bridge. I think it is the same bridge I saw the other way. The bridge's western step now goes off to a rivulet.

Conococheague Creek was up and swift.

A man with a loose poodle had to be told to keep his dog away and get a leash. I would have complained to the Park Office, but they close at 4 pm and were long gone at my return.

I reversed on Ramble and made my way between the pool and the field and out the gravel path that leads to the new Center's parking lot.

I spent about 1½ to 2 hours there, leaving at about 5:30 pm. I practically did the Ramble twice, so 0.9 x 2 = 1.8 miles there—about 2½ to 3 miles total.

         Western Maryland Rail Trail: Tuesday Afternoon, 3 June 2008†.
I parked at the trail terminus at Big Pool Station Trailhead and walked west to Mile Post 3, near Park Head. (I did pass the Park Head level Cemetery, which is east of Park Head.)

The threat of rain was forecast, but I went anyway. A spritz or two heading west; more sprinkles as I returned to my car.

I detoured on the return to the south side part of Milemarker lane: my aim was to see if it connected the Trail to the C&O Canal Tow Path. The lane seemed pretty long—and I was spooking at least two deer—so I continued back on the trail. This adds about 0.1 to 0.2 miles to my walk.

It was warm and humid enough that I welcomed the rain, and it cut down on bugs. I suffered about half the bites as my last walk in those parts on Thursday, 29 May 2008. The bites did itch a lot. My allergy (allergies) are progressing: I sneezed quite a bit. But the walk was enjoyable.

Later, on the drive home, the rain turned to a big downpour and it was difficult to drive. (The rain was cold and plentiful when I briefly stopped at Your Country Store in Cearfoss, MD.)

My car, Ella, turned 36,000 miles on Big Pool Road, just a bit before I turned onto Boyd Road.

Six miles on the Trail plus maybe 0.1 miles on Milemarker Lane: 6.1 miles total.

         Maryland's Appalachian Trail: Thursday Afternoon, 26 February 2009†.
As it was going to be in the 50s, the best weatherwise for the week—and foreseeable future—and I had to come to Hagerstown for a medical test, I decided to take a hike. After the test, I headed up South Mountain at U. S. Route 40, parked, and headed south on the Appalachian Trail at 1:50 pm, passing but two hikers—two ladies together—as I went. I ventured down to Washington Monument State Park and ascended to the observation deck. I had the deck to myself—as well as the Trail on the way. It was more overcast than predicted, but the sun peaked through at times.

I descended into the park's parking lot and headquarters to the drinking fountain. They had not been turned on for the season. The drink machines were empty, but plugged in—a waste of energy and taxpayer money.

The AT was mine on the return walk—almost. Ten deer leapt across the path near the power line crossing farther from the Monument (nearer US Route 40).

I arrived back at my car at 4:33 pm.

I made good time considering the Trail was slick in places—but it was a nice hike, considering I was jacketless: just wearing an undershirt with a thin, long-sleeved shirt. I did have on my hunter's orange stocking cap—a wise move. My left knee felt it later in the day, but I did part of my town constitutional—to the Greencastle Presbyterian Church and back—after arriving home.

7½ miles for the AT walk? 8½ miles total?

         Caledonia State Park: Tuesday, 17 March 2009†.
I stopped over in later afternoon and headed to the Ramble Trail at 4:23 pm. Completing the Ramble, I went up to the Water Authority Trail, crossed the bridge access to the Thaddeus Stevens Trail and used the "Thad" to the Midlands Trail, where I took a right and went south, towards the park maintenance area and then back to my car. I arrived at the car at 5:42 pm.

2½ to 3 miles total.

         2^nd Street Sidewalk, Baker Park, and Carroll Creek Urban Park: Memorial Day, Monday, 25 May 2009†.
In the later afternoon (past 3 pm) I parked on 2^nd near Schifferstadt Architectural Museum and headed along Baker Park towards downtown. At some point, this turns into Carroll Creek Urban (Linear) Park. I crossed Patrick Street a second time (on the east side) and then came back and went up to 2^nd and Rosemont Avenue and then returned to my car.

About 1½ hours—maybe 2.7 miles each way, or 5.4 miles total.

 
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