tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21140882237244801262024-03-13T11:19:55.674-07:00Bikes, Boots, & BoatsTraveling the trails with James and CherylJames Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-25797034428382260402023-06-25T15:42:00.001-07:002023-06-28T04:56:50.890-07:00Biking the GAP Trail Part 4: Meyersdale to Cumberland<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dates Biked: April 6&7, 2023</li><li>Posted Mileage: Milepost 36 in Garrett to Milepost 0 in Cumberland, MD</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 9.57 Thursday, 35.67 Friday</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, crushed surface</li><li>Conveniences: Trailheads with bathrooms along the route, plus restaurants and lodging adjacent to the trail in Meyersdale, Frostburg, and Cumberland</li><li>Best Features: The continental divide, the bike sculptures of Frostburg</li><li>Worst Features: It's quite a trek up to Frostburg! </li><li>Wildlife spotted: None</li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://gaptrail.org/">Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMe5ZfyjQmU9JPHgx7V0aFgTYcJZNFVWZDFX6fk512fFwpL6SpgcyXp2VoUqTBJ2I5jJlxLKMt5LUgApYRAess0cXAEgxS9ZGsYFodz7n9axOJNhC5fK7T-j4W21MPqxqr1uW6hhBmUNXRI1CTnyoNaIEwnPByR2_HZvYzolH6YR-fFIw-fwoE8saD5Q/s3840/PXL_20230407_152000290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMe5ZfyjQmU9JPHgx7V0aFgTYcJZNFVWZDFX6fk512fFwpL6SpgcyXp2VoUqTBJ2I5jJlxLKMt5LUgApYRAess0cXAEgxS9ZGsYFodz7n9axOJNhC5fK7T-j4W21MPqxqr1uW6hhBmUNXRI1CTnyoNaIEwnPByR2_HZvYzolH6YR-fFIw-fwoE8saD5Q/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_152000290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />As mentioned in the previous post, the forecast for Wednesday had been cold, wet, even snowy, only to shift at the last second to a warm and beautiful day. But, the cold and damp had merely been delayed by a day. Thursday the rains came, and temperatures plunged. It didn't reach snow conditions, but it did give us an excuse to take our time leaving the Bright Morning B&B. We stopped at a laundromat in West Newton and took care of three days of sweaty bike clothes, then did a leisurely, foggy drive through Amish farmlands among high hills as we navigated to our next lodging, Yoder's Guest House in Meyersdale. This is the last sizable town on the trail before you reach Maryland, and, like Bright Morning, Yoder's was full of fellow trail riders. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNvd5-Oh3EDd_T9bfkzgUrmZBvNtMKVqBOiYgDry_rGB8bMDHApsPRuMFXCn3RcWtL2Zq05um1eoriBbKmKYVqP6UiG6-EkLcqObmIQp7Dq0WjZHBPFu8gerLwyXBCAyAPJdhToRlTyw_UKvk-1rxaOoOVTm0KFedcluldakEz0UbZEUt8mm66vcLhYA/s4032/PXL_20230408_134135712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNvd5-Oh3EDd_T9bfkzgUrmZBvNtMKVqBOiYgDry_rGB8bMDHApsPRuMFXCn3RcWtL2Zq05um1eoriBbKmKYVqP6UiG6-EkLcqObmIQp7Dq0WjZHBPFu8gerLwyXBCAyAPJdhToRlTyw_UKvk-1rxaOoOVTm0KFedcluldakEz0UbZEUt8mm66vcLhYA/w400-h225/PXL_20230408_134135712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>After we settled in, the rain finally came to a chilly end, so we took the opportunity to ride a few miles west to reach the town of Garrett. This was a nice, easy ride, and if the weather had been five degrees warmer we might have pushed a little further. As it was, we headed back to get a good night sleep and prep for Friday's ride. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQHVZkfapGg-q2sAXNOLnzhtvuzBaV20Xvn8TAN5dAnfAAEebAXkRCeq5i7xXO5lfZSJM-rFkABzaPiqwOmTjjnUEkwU6NQEXoEq_M4FlTDyyJNpQoX_9G7Lh1ssZZOkdX5OcvSSCJ2s_-YQH6xx4ca3HKMjHEdR6xKkbS1skfiwaG-7CbdZgB3NbcuA/s4032/PXL_20230406_213619201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQHVZkfapGg-q2sAXNOLnzhtvuzBaV20Xvn8TAN5dAnfAAEebAXkRCeq5i7xXO5lfZSJM-rFkABzaPiqwOmTjjnUEkwU6NQEXoEq_M4FlTDyyJNpQoX_9G7Lh1ssZZOkdX5OcvSSCJ2s_-YQH6xx4ca3HKMjHEdR6xKkbS1skfiwaG-7CbdZgB3NbcuA/w400-h225/PXL_20230406_213619201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2SgIN6k2zrW7J2tGjA1Vt4h1STTEAxV8sAXH5WssgY2DzATOOKvd9-JCPSdWj9eTwBt-oaON2stGcodze6buPAmcy9d1c7O0zkaV8nEWtG61via59zt00I1wLZtpqPWDm5rsKA9bae5UCL5xYU1t6GcvQfDzPZrhYgAe2FS87jg3xjrxDa-6GGLxCMQ/s4032/PXL_20230406_213715082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2SgIN6k2zrW7J2tGjA1Vt4h1STTEAxV8sAXH5WssgY2DzATOOKvd9-JCPSdWj9eTwBt-oaON2stGcodze6buPAmcy9d1c7O0zkaV8nEWtG61via59zt00I1wLZtpqPWDm5rsKA9bae5UCL5xYU1t6GcvQfDzPZrhYgAe2FS87jg3xjrxDa-6GGLxCMQ/w400-h225/PXL_20230406_213715082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdaGx0rbzI72jH04E2JNfKvuM0YbNuuB6plcH89BaQiHP1vSlQshVuOUs5R4m1sWpVWhLQVnI88dIPJ1fDVUMCD0T4U6NTLZq6j_sfnbfygfk-0WQEHQKkGcVuwXppdrE2x9HBjNMyhcxMElJ1tzgtRYgDzpz6to5Uemu0bfiSIvhdhI-b88qoCkKkTU/s4032/PXL_20230406_214123619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdaGx0rbzI72jH04E2JNfKvuM0YbNuuB6plcH89BaQiHP1vSlQshVuOUs5R4m1sWpVWhLQVnI88dIPJ1fDVUMCD0T4U6NTLZq6j_sfnbfygfk-0WQEHQKkGcVuwXppdrE2x9HBjNMyhcxMElJ1tzgtRYgDzpz6to5Uemu0bfiSIvhdhI-b88qoCkKkTU/w225-h400/PXL_20230406_214123619.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol6nq4wwERkRtAMC7HOqfi3n7Kq2h9XN05Fkq1396qEs7wE0JmIzrcRTp2pVN4IF15hoWrrb73hQlhWmXWV-5KktO_HsHskR-RolXhliPmGgbVhn8mMCZDqM6l78VPV0uNo53R17rVSqyCvbYAeyBZ2gQOGoRlRVpqM2VvZMymYZvfeOOhSUt_a3Gbbw/s4032/PXL_20230406_224156226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol6nq4wwERkRtAMC7HOqfi3n7Kq2h9XN05Fkq1396qEs7wE0JmIzrcRTp2pVN4IF15hoWrrb73hQlhWmXWV-5KktO_HsHskR-RolXhliPmGgbVhn8mMCZDqM6l78VPV0uNo53R17rVSqyCvbYAeyBZ2gQOGoRlRVpqM2VvZMymYZvfeOOhSUt_a3Gbbw/w225-h400/PXL_20230406_224156226.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>Friday, we drove down to Cumberland to Wheelzup at Canal Place, where we'd hired a shuttle to drive us back to Meyersdale. Meyersdale to Cumberland would be an extremely tough ride to do as an out and back, because, once you pass over the continental divide, the trail goes into a very steep downhill, and the thought of riding back up it was intimidating. It apparently intimidates many people. Dozens of bikers were heading down the mountain, but I only remember passing two or three heading uphill. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegRWCLlybcKzrbkcfsB1STSPcbX_OPjqLT3TUpUSDwNyGYxVdQwJCjJIKE473_7dDCaR_Cq5aN01OkmLIyEhoQsTpPcfw_ABc2Xi2OET1lfYvtbtF0fKEe52fMlkD0fsoUSXpjIYb_OHaafuZ47WDAA9BaGcOb_X9qezfzRFVTrvERjv4dvMiJIEezhw/s4032/PXL_20230407_153702954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegRWCLlybcKzrbkcfsB1STSPcbX_OPjqLT3TUpUSDwNyGYxVdQwJCjJIKE473_7dDCaR_Cq5aN01OkmLIyEhoQsTpPcfw_ABc2Xi2OET1lfYvtbtF0fKEe52fMlkD0fsoUSXpjIYb_OHaafuZ47WDAA9BaGcOb_X9qezfzRFVTrvERjv4dvMiJIEezhw/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_153702954.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRg0BKivoXzjUfGfBR5gZ3zJ83ZzunfsrnypBzTaSxG2wnFcX-S1V6RCTkh8EVCBDXC3z6uM_tjpb9AeBUgqnE_cKxhAPA3_12mQavrlgFZJl7lYaYxCzrpfkO5cpYg8YHJH4cY2nKjEd6fayGjkMs310aRTo-WRa8MZLkVg6RZ71v3UBtFTBFSLKkKg/s4032/PXL_20230407_164600151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRg0BKivoXzjUfGfBR5gZ3zJ83ZzunfsrnypBzTaSxG2wnFcX-S1V6RCTkh8EVCBDXC3z6uM_tjpb9AeBUgqnE_cKxhAPA3_12mQavrlgFZJl7lYaYxCzrpfkO5cpYg8YHJH4cY2nKjEd6fayGjkMs310aRTo-WRa8MZLkVg6RZ71v3UBtFTBFSLKkKg/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_164600151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Not that this route avoids uphill! You still need to get to the Continental Divide, and it's a non-stop climb from Meyersdale. It's not that steep or long, but on our fifth day of biking, with temps in the 30s, it was probably the most challenging section of our trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYr_OZuzKFUVfaZIWEhCxoWubQpFtUboSEc4e8zKgGd4oQC5leU1uRj-9lhRgzYcNAxRcsDYia4GnVgVY_3LMt4_KN8No3YpzkhNcIFgFABud-Wy15JP0zRh7SKnL-1exANqGlPx2gofTx573kjyghXugCABK9Ydw-KKOE33LupBA4CfrQX3uQ-FmJnQ/s4032/PXL_20230407_154905358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYr_OZuzKFUVfaZIWEhCxoWubQpFtUboSEc4e8zKgGd4oQC5leU1uRj-9lhRgzYcNAxRcsDYia4GnVgVY_3LMt4_KN8No3YpzkhNcIFgFABud-Wy15JP0zRh7SKnL-1exANqGlPx2gofTx573kjyghXugCABK9Ydw-KKOE33LupBA4CfrQX3uQ-FmJnQ/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_154905358.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndrL8Mzia-B7RZJHymT3GRqDJjN3rLrF2MoCO0teTed4BpwKMOG7AHWUO_mG8WV-rOJ1Mmz7elJ5h1pyX3WDZ6a0XDKHIkfp20a83nk2CtmlQ4kEQWLrVx9L9dspFfbA2cbs3ju2zO8G0Nu5ixegXflb2k1-IaMUcCyyDH7Oj39WsrC6-54DgHkFKKQE/s4032/PXL_20230407_165213084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndrL8Mzia-B7RZJHymT3GRqDJjN3rLrF2MoCO0teTed4BpwKMOG7AHWUO_mG8WV-rOJ1Mmz7elJ5h1pyX3WDZ6a0XDKHIkfp20a83nk2CtmlQ4kEQWLrVx9L9dspFfbA2cbs3ju2zO8G0Nu5ixegXflb2k1-IaMUcCyyDH7Oj39WsrC6-54DgHkFKKQE/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_165213084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then... you reach the top! You're 23 miles from Cumberland, but it's all downhill at a fairly steep grade, and a daredevil could probably cover these miles in an hour, definitely in a hour and a half. But don't race down it! You'll miss some great sights! The Big Savage Tunnel is just a few miles away, the longest railway tunnel on the whole GAP.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wD2-mDStZavPP1pBm5BnBvVccMcjV_eYOFLxbZQO53zEUIXJb0cqVkultZ51YhF6haGr-qDvfrJRaNI86hCMHR2CuFjwTE1i3wbE4XHLLkgQRiAMfWOjyVQb8HXa52Hd9i4a0LQ24m0I5XpHVdMahQMyTHj6qIDUeL21UXif2IDCKg8qakVjZsotEgM/s4032/PXL_20230407_171702911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wD2-mDStZavPP1pBm5BnBvVccMcjV_eYOFLxbZQO53zEUIXJb0cqVkultZ51YhF6haGr-qDvfrJRaNI86hCMHR2CuFjwTE1i3wbE4XHLLkgQRiAMfWOjyVQb8HXa52Hd9i4a0LQ24m0I5XpHVdMahQMyTHj6qIDUeL21UXif2IDCKg8qakVjZsotEgM/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_171702911.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4HjjYqB2rTVf9jl7GXCoNqFvQg7O9bDx9gy1mjhJ4z5P7Nq6LTh1oZG28lfl1vZTZKR6_luY0wn7vKNq97wkOKm3KirujUT_dFhegLYB03T3ADNvEH65qhbQo7XgbOMrEP1MyqJnnSNcwXkvKKXfXMuElAiXSsy8oww58ikmNnvZzz8xduOPh28sJEY/s4032/PXL_20230407_172022805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4HjjYqB2rTVf9jl7GXCoNqFvQg7O9bDx9gy1mjhJ4z5P7Nq6LTh1oZG28lfl1vZTZKR6_luY0wn7vKNq97wkOKm3KirujUT_dFhegLYB03T3ADNvEH65qhbQo7XgbOMrEP1MyqJnnSNcwXkvKKXfXMuElAiXSsy8oww58ikmNnvZzz8xduOPh28sJEY/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_172022805.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>Beyond this, you'll pass over the Mason-Dixon line, and it would be a wasted opportunity not to ride along the pavement marking with your tire straddling Pennsylvania and Maryland. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQvcHDgnFojPttplKA_j2PjpBxCt8wHUGH4efs9cRZsjH4B95crMSHXJwRssdkylpFMNgVwHNzV7uBGBZV_aowPpzCC-VJJReeZeudH61DB-6DDb33Cbvk-IBChEDLvVSm9agqdLBR3kvB0ewLAjMtMBuEZ0IaCRspTSkGT5Ozo_Gz2sPAOUxIi0-Bfk/s3840/PXL_20230407_173650852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQvcHDgnFojPttplKA_j2PjpBxCt8wHUGH4efs9cRZsjH4B95crMSHXJwRssdkylpFMNgVwHNzV7uBGBZV_aowPpzCC-VJJReeZeudH61DB-6DDb33Cbvk-IBChEDLvVSm9agqdLBR3kvB0ewLAjMtMBuEZ0IaCRspTSkGT5Ozo_Gz2sPAOUxIi0-Bfk/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_173650852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispanidp_fa9kPFAIViDIf5uW50-86oslTPtadL8x7ujAb9j3H9Zxh3-FX1kW7DakEbrtQj5WmBxnwVeGO3VuKrmokXTeX0gTkT-VqBx0a18GAaplMX-201ER8vvhhn-q3w6WSQoBetG0AcvYmVyZKfyaw90slXPy2Zjd223uUmvwfrGAPqUgoC74EYa0/s4032/PXL_20230407_173717351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispanidp_fa9kPFAIViDIf5uW50-86oslTPtadL8x7ujAb9j3H9Zxh3-FX1kW7DakEbrtQj5WmBxnwVeGO3VuKrmokXTeX0gTkT-VqBx0a18GAaplMX-201ER8vvhhn-q3w6WSQoBetG0AcvYmVyZKfyaw90slXPy2Zjd223uUmvwfrGAPqUgoC74EYa0/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_173717351.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ikAPnzvLKX0hh2380KYjrRlB06OoPT401o08LeijgFGndo-_TIk8PXERZar_BNU4bE42E9AvzfpBnwrcdzOJ3uFkJqeYrE9MamYu_D5D8f63gBwYh8b3bK5FFLppsV4TXIC7oWdtz--FgekGEC6vgsXra5je8f59njqR-8cppg0zYqjNUUN49R_U7_M/s4032/PXL_20230407_174329706.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ikAPnzvLKX0hh2380KYjrRlB06OoPT401o08LeijgFGndo-_TIk8PXERZar_BNU4bE42E9AvzfpBnwrcdzOJ3uFkJqeYrE9MamYu_D5D8f63gBwYh8b3bK5FFLppsV4TXIC7oWdtz--FgekGEC6vgsXra5je8f59njqR-8cppg0zYqjNUUN49R_U7_M/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_174329706.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, you can pick up some real speed on this section! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After that, you need to stop in Frostburg. Adjacent to the trail is a park full of bike-themed sculptures. Ride to the top and you'll find a staircase leading up into town. We were hoping for a cup of coffee to take the chill off, but, alas, all the coffee shops were closed by the time we got there. Early afternoon is not a happening time of day in Frostburg. It's still a cute town, though. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c41YoegZk4YukW86iWhqXmEkZYtHjJ1P2NrRfhya-wOqCf4eIJ5nc8j6IFnDTxvRXnlNYlvURD39BrtPMLQHR1_ag-UgxMet2XCVkaWyMwVaiIKfumZ-unvB5QDbYzFaPOlxi9Fc2v6locdLX8T4qUaj3iRhiz96p1MZh0eOIOsQkPf8mQean0HidL4/s4032/PXL_20230407_180427032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c41YoegZk4YukW86iWhqXmEkZYtHjJ1P2NrRfhya-wOqCf4eIJ5nc8j6IFnDTxvRXnlNYlvURD39BrtPMLQHR1_ag-UgxMet2XCVkaWyMwVaiIKfumZ-unvB5QDbYzFaPOlxi9Fc2v6locdLX8T4qUaj3iRhiz96p1MZh0eOIOsQkPf8mQean0HidL4/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_180427032.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u6Koz9Xy2UZPpI2Y2CwKvohXrwyzTA4rKifz35PqzWIa-pWf7F3gbaDby_7Pkoh3B_liEW4pP4cFZI1XF9n887_48EmpGjoXqIPOS5oV7dCJw_sta9tpvU92--zBQwiW23vhYvYkNiK8cuwlCOuL-ZApGZz-1f0xDbPfnK7oK4ShzlANOAwICLoM1_g/s4032/PXL_20230407_180712321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u6Koz9Xy2UZPpI2Y2CwKvohXrwyzTA4rKifz35PqzWIa-pWf7F3gbaDby_7Pkoh3B_liEW4pP4cFZI1XF9n887_48EmpGjoXqIPOS5oV7dCJw_sta9tpvU92--zBQwiW23vhYvYkNiK8cuwlCOuL-ZApGZz-1f0xDbPfnK7oK4ShzlANOAwICLoM1_g/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_180712321.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcDOVaXdqA7zZ-yetqGRQyPiLp45VmuS00G53A3sn908ruyCM_wPbNguLAMhwHZlvKMLh2JBzVlI6VhEq5v7hJUALqnx-yWyhFFL770h7FNxJ8uXvOA_UeChfGUAvDMdmbVATjnwYJK4vP3LRCZLIxnQw4yQmfxsPKz9pGUV9wXW9bysq4MfVRDGnY4g/s4032/PXL_20230407_180731568.MOTION-02.ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcDOVaXdqA7zZ-yetqGRQyPiLp45VmuS00G53A3sn908ruyCM_wPbNguLAMhwHZlvKMLh2JBzVlI6VhEq5v7hJUALqnx-yWyhFFL770h7FNxJ8uXvOA_UeChfGUAvDMdmbVATjnwYJK4vP3LRCZLIxnQw4yQmfxsPKz9pGUV9wXW9bysq4MfVRDGnY4g/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_180731568.MOTION-02.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jQn15CkfzawW7-FztJTBOf6BEOBqaIZBSNIza2E0N0OhDhqJbt-xVa3S7FyXx8qsD6tjaq0Yi4k8dsZP0qFQLCO4xFLehnUsdu0JdOlPy39QUvIwGD_9mAF20bvplonJozF6TxT6A8IEMwUFW087pJn9sy4hEPjwAANsvSABKqxcNtsc_Mx0GXvafPY/s4032/PXL_20230407_181112412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jQn15CkfzawW7-FztJTBOf6BEOBqaIZBSNIza2E0N0OhDhqJbt-xVa3S7FyXx8qsD6tjaq0Yi4k8dsZP0qFQLCO4xFLehnUsdu0JdOlPy39QUvIwGD_9mAF20bvplonJozF6TxT6A8IEMwUFW087pJn9sy4hEPjwAANsvSABKqxcNtsc_Mx0GXvafPY/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_181112412.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an omen for those who think they'll be riding their bike all the way into Frostburg.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7dos7IMSfO5HvL6tg5RpQG8xjcV-ZbsP4sdbRRoIVItwsvvdltLIgL7zUteEy0N-caGR7HWKr4gT091fm0cgK6aysSe66bhlIAFJl9FS-sMyjZKrijSGw07gO4MDxhaC5LwYLdWWxVJlbD2nq5GyZo4Hg52c5dn99lKf17ERZEYGhUgW4g10Sgnafvw/s4032/PXL_20230407_181956699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7dos7IMSfO5HvL6tg5RpQG8xjcV-ZbsP4sdbRRoIVItwsvvdltLIgL7zUteEy0N-caGR7HWKr4gT091fm0cgK6aysSe66bhlIAFJl9FS-sMyjZKrijSGw07gO4MDxhaC5LwYLdWWxVJlbD2nq5GyZo4Hg52c5dn99lKf17ERZEYGhUgW4g10Sgnafvw/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_181956699.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4wrXPcmaHpJmiPdtzbMpYH0DBMb-4gDfec9xE6PC-kgpIgeRb8mOPIEKc2p6wa1KmKJKf43FusKyh6ZXBw-Qiw0UxnEcH4I2j3zsrO-1amnU3Q5GMZkGHo1gv6ZCRjTlVFiy_SpxlMsUiMw2-gxOjD3gYXEXLktqW-9OFHS8lGuekgd2uDzq0-d9xqc/s4032/PXL_20230407_182223582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4wrXPcmaHpJmiPdtzbMpYH0DBMb-4gDfec9xE6PC-kgpIgeRb8mOPIEKc2p6wa1KmKJKf43FusKyh6ZXBw-Qiw0UxnEcH4I2j3zsrO-1amnU3Q5GMZkGHo1gv6ZCRjTlVFiy_SpxlMsUiMw2-gxOjD3gYXEXLktqW-9OFHS8lGuekgd2uDzq0-d9xqc/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_182223582.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU8TDFw5wgNvzQmPfJKP9ZAHgIdlWQ1AqJOz3tO7CYI2lnqO0fk240DGVP73Sfzrnej2hMc4J-Aam4vnsslnVgCm_7o0i51KxEhnuxBfg9MQ03iO8sCRn5--3lPZ1EVsF1IF_sjEU-N0fWSQHjz2-EueDizvoazKuSArvGOLEljQntGOlVTN-95yuPM8/s4032/PXL_20230407_182444625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU8TDFw5wgNvzQmPfJKP9ZAHgIdlWQ1AqJOz3tO7CYI2lnqO0fk240DGVP73Sfzrnej2hMc4J-Aam4vnsslnVgCm_7o0i51KxEhnuxBfg9MQ03iO8sCRn5--3lPZ1EVsF1IF_sjEU-N0fWSQHjz2-EueDizvoazKuSArvGOLEljQntGOlVTN-95yuPM8/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_182444625.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4-n6XdmALSAjvE51gC7g8YqPMhPxpMvpHm6kVbU9XHFpN_xHzZdM8F7NLn4DJx_bxQejmLgh8QDIXoDNLJ5aer0quvm4gkJ5eHYupmD6sAna1uFZ_BC4ZdG798jfBlSxzHnfeeYXNPfUrvA75gWdZpgoSUD5IvwxLJGk_P5NDYk7RBZQbF9ytt0jEeg/s4032/PXL_20230407_190846364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4-n6XdmALSAjvE51gC7g8YqPMhPxpMvpHm6kVbU9XHFpN_xHzZdM8F7NLn4DJx_bxQejmLgh8QDIXoDNLJ5aer0quvm4gkJ5eHYupmD6sAna1uFZ_BC4ZdG798jfBlSxzHnfeeYXNPfUrvA75gWdZpgoSUD5IvwxLJGk_P5NDYk7RBZQbF9ytt0jEeg/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_190846364.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the ride is scenic, with most of this rail trail adjacent to actual rails. As you come around the curves you'll be treated to multiple vistas showcasing this beautiful landscape. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCR1VM3pXAEA32iz5IZJnBstdEMZXR_4jgbhTgy1Vscc2upEKS_Gjq8gw58SsrTPIK-L_2JuxRqjtjzqoamKtyYTC0cYx0vL9C-dHbuZMGLbuG_f4QOqXbpUMYNk4Fw7rTdx-oeammytX2Wtrqzr1_NsVpUpd9XRsujLpSc3X1lObuAr_U1kwUW98q_c/s4032/PXL_20230407_192807467.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCR1VM3pXAEA32iz5IZJnBstdEMZXR_4jgbhTgy1Vscc2upEKS_Gjq8gw58SsrTPIK-L_2JuxRqjtjzqoamKtyYTC0cYx0vL9C-dHbuZMGLbuG_f4QOqXbpUMYNk4Fw7rTdx-oeammytX2Wtrqzr1_NsVpUpd9XRsujLpSc3X1lObuAr_U1kwUW98q_c/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_192807467.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHWI3625Fij7BYcwMiReLzVjVmn0V3b9mYJYeZ_TlwJMrmBV90lIW4MpFduPux1ChdTKumtWUn1W0S_lf7fhadmlcc4fvQzpgtAO9neR7y9UU79yFfe1kT_ke4xgTLNNHk52cBevVT16BT4Gj0v6UDq1OCM9PJcYvsNtetWjLgtVmDHWf3D2cXpL4eCE/s4032/PXL_20230407_194206658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHWI3625Fij7BYcwMiReLzVjVmn0V3b9mYJYeZ_TlwJMrmBV90lIW4MpFduPux1ChdTKumtWUn1W0S_lf7fhadmlcc4fvQzpgtAO9neR7y9UU79yFfe1kT_ke4xgTLNNHk52cBevVT16BT4Gj0v6UDq1OCM9PJcYvsNtetWjLgtVmDHWf3D2cXpL4eCE/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_194206658.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hold on, I've accidentally gabbed someone else's bike. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTNWoNHTDp7TBzDco9LOzuuGjWfeiQ7wrwu0Qg9b7FSbqMDE-8UBfKBBPp5LgvVPxyoBpw0lhCe3mL-4Mds8TmMl2zYhSI7RvR4s3S5S_l70MOx6WnTdZbohLipco0-rpmnstqfxwxqi9ZnY914my5HAfo4nzk33PQgww4R1KtmYwK86GWIBmNFAaZus/s4032/PXL_20230407_194528868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTNWoNHTDp7TBzDco9LOzuuGjWfeiQ7wrwu0Qg9b7FSbqMDE-8UBfKBBPp5LgvVPxyoBpw0lhCe3mL-4Mds8TmMl2zYhSI7RvR4s3S5S_l70MOx6WnTdZbohLipco0-rpmnstqfxwxqi9ZnY914my5HAfo4nzk33PQgww4R1KtmYwK86GWIBmNFAaZus/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_194528868.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5nvvB25dt8f3vSFWdeP497Rf_YX-uJIIIavqPeDiPCzCXOuXyYnPjsMfjhWAkIww0rU5lFbClBpMgAVBIHQczzz96ul1fItI8OoBvvyV30LQddmGPvmpuUd5bICw5ciy69T534VrNLvx5nWiC2Zm2UoOzKRWqCUWCgQCU7pEGV5NvyJFc8IySZ43Xqk/s4032/PXL_20230407_195444918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5nvvB25dt8f3vSFWdeP497Rf_YX-uJIIIavqPeDiPCzCXOuXyYnPjsMfjhWAkIww0rU5lFbClBpMgAVBIHQczzz96ul1fItI8OoBvvyV30LQddmGPvmpuUd5bICw5ciy69T534VrNLvx5nWiC2Zm2UoOzKRWqCUWCgQCU7pEGV5NvyJFc8IySZ43Xqk/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_195444918.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On day 5 of riding, being able to coast standing up for several miles is really nice. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwHKBgtRjfywh9kARI1-wNriILE74sgSGAB47qFTBxnXyMjGvviiVLDDQSgMPJZoIXGsGXnrljK3weUy1fWfSOulhdS_9sPY5RYN5ryuf2l3eX0bAMkehwQe272TmW3b8GOZQ6N_rpkm0_qfwIyR10ZgzjZchT-nzwKW2-vQqowTcRAEJUyJQz5rFjHg/s4032/PXL_20230407_200157211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwHKBgtRjfywh9kARI1-wNriILE74sgSGAB47qFTBxnXyMjGvviiVLDDQSgMPJZoIXGsGXnrljK3weUy1fWfSOulhdS_9sPY5RYN5ryuf2l3eX0bAMkehwQe272TmW3b8GOZQ6N_rpkm0_qfwIyR10ZgzjZchT-nzwKW2-vQqowTcRAEJUyJQz5rFjHg/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_200157211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtZ1bOP6IHLBC6HJZjI4Ag6JEEkMyEJnJCPXnM-sKXUZ-aT_EGUMDcaZXQ_S9XGorDXjKSS2TWnZ8m1haOT_0sR8sAggxzCPPzHo09ddOS4ShfRkLLM1bX8geIG7wCf0v4bGh2q1p-zYPU390Fz1-dei5iFK7bfFk-N8Y11_HiWdcGeSL1yZB8282jzQ/s4032/PXL_20230407_200746394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtZ1bOP6IHLBC6HJZjI4Ag6JEEkMyEJnJCPXnM-sKXUZ-aT_EGUMDcaZXQ_S9XGorDXjKSS2TWnZ8m1haOT_0sR8sAggxzCPPzHo09ddOS4ShfRkLLM1bX8geIG7wCf0v4bGh2q1p-zYPU390Fz1-dei5iFK7bfFk-N8Y11_HiWdcGeSL1yZB8282jzQ/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_200746394.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBXbXXX9KLO2O-fzcJQVvp6vFtmlrLsm4LWzmgiCYlnjXBA4IdtzuPahfaGjHf7NYM3oryE9mTzo89RTJXNUp13GnfNKslcnCLWkC0RS-iAVBGqsLp7qc_yA3MOtpjXHAhSjdJ31wjqieEe0DWK5FGQy1OpMuNJk-Vaj--Ky5EGZc45hVrerFI1V0QwI/s4032/PXL_20230407_201720534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBXbXXX9KLO2O-fzcJQVvp6vFtmlrLsm4LWzmgiCYlnjXBA4IdtzuPahfaGjHf7NYM3oryE9mTzo89RTJXNUp13GnfNKslcnCLWkC0RS-iAVBGqsLp7qc_yA3MOtpjXHAhSjdJ31wjqieEe0DWK5FGQy1OpMuNJk-Vaj--Ky5EGZc45hVrerFI1V0QwI/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_201720534.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3mM600dHin02hWFCSpeJxg3Qyn4nc0NB4Z2IPwD18swePpJgAOSyetHbmaWeU0Hb1RNSP5KjcrfG89mH76afWBzdV3Zsx0CKZeKvHLidLd_UFKQ-_mWV9bW2pr49bdb7t4mhDim4E5akpXMG9oz_PapldWB19AQbDHDcW1LDt_Iv4EHY__tOk9uOts4/s4032/PXL_20230407_203830506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3mM600dHin02hWFCSpeJxg3Qyn4nc0NB4Z2IPwD18swePpJgAOSyetHbmaWeU0Hb1RNSP5KjcrfG89mH76afWBzdV3Zsx0CKZeKvHLidLd_UFKQ-_mWV9bW2pr49bdb7t4mhDim4E5akpXMG9oz_PapldWB19AQbDHDcW1LDt_Iv4EHY__tOk9uOts4/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_203830506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Finally, as nice as the ride has been, you can roll into Cumberland where you'll find the official mile 0 gateway, plus numerous restaurants and bars welcoming riders. It's a great way to wrap up a week of biking! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXHX7W4wLwv0Lb-uqTxcIeZd4HqOhoFlDF_OWq6bdvLF6A0ck9IvUYewzo8dCTiPKZ_I3EJlCo44qDLyfrEYLSbM-2BPl8Qpp9D4HZldN9Uo1yyaLwMORhCI5-wjJJgdna4lrasAsbF_Wp2NjH1YB6Zso3NoJikHlK5it5MeiSDr_RpQvaggwdEZ2ygw/s4032/PXL_20230407_204142150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXHX7W4wLwv0Lb-uqTxcIeZd4HqOhoFlDF_OWq6bdvLF6A0ck9IvUYewzo8dCTiPKZ_I3EJlCo44qDLyfrEYLSbM-2BPl8Qpp9D4HZldN9Uo1yyaLwMORhCI5-wjJJgdna4lrasAsbF_Wp2NjH1YB6Zso3NoJikHlK5it5MeiSDr_RpQvaggwdEZ2ygw/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_204142150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouUQJYRLsyIqj-J-QhdPNnMCpI0g6jQQklNlK_jFhBMp0HIeCyNBu2t4XdZf_IPWeZ-gadS_gFPjzv19Cx-EsnER8WEPeF3xq1h7cvRan7HG3V5RYIGHmoDAUQBD4fWy5nN5UDtZ6teTnlaf6XWlR3Puf8k098JLzfA9XRuDwsUa1JpjepmhJoIVNTTI/s3840/PXL_20230407_204208231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouUQJYRLsyIqj-J-QhdPNnMCpI0g6jQQklNlK_jFhBMp0HIeCyNBu2t4XdZf_IPWeZ-gadS_gFPjzv19Cx-EsnER8WEPeF3xq1h7cvRan7HG3V5RYIGHmoDAUQBD4fWy5nN5UDtZ6teTnlaf6XWlR3Puf8k098JLzfA9XRuDwsUa1JpjepmhJoIVNTTI/w225-h400/PXL_20230407_204208231.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhdM8W7N_O05_xtNcpeuHnXBmg0QTCBRCEcLZhuiu9QC3hKrtm6CB9zw98wSImBT2qEnJgCGKNxu0e8sOMVtPGyEaS02qbVs0ccolZe96xp2GDf3NYDGpe-SvujR8UNksHf9dB94rx72_B5uP9LwNo7fJvMO4O_yDpetizZ_T_J5rKyn8eUXLeWVtOtY/s4032/PXL_20230407_221740102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhdM8W7N_O05_xtNcpeuHnXBmg0QTCBRCEcLZhuiu9QC3hKrtm6CB9zw98wSImBT2qEnJgCGKNxu0e8sOMVtPGyEaS02qbVs0ccolZe96xp2GDf3NYDGpe-SvujR8UNksHf9dB94rx72_B5uP9LwNo7fJvMO4O_yDpetizZ_T_J5rKyn8eUXLeWVtOtY/w400-h225/PXL_20230407_221740102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2023/06/riding-gap-trail-part-1-pittsburg.html" target="_blank">For day one on the GAP, click here!</a><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2023/06/biking-gap-trail-part-2-west-newton-to.html" target="_blank">Day 2, here! </a><a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Day 3, here!</a> <br /><div><br /></div><p></p><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-9893583736416362912023-06-21T09:03:00.004-07:002023-06-21T11:44:23.654-07:00Biking the GAP Trail Part 3: Connellsville to Ohiopyle<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Dates Biked: April 5, 2023</li><li>Posted Mileage: Milepost 88 in Connellsville to Milepost 72 in Ohiopyle</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 35.8</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, crushed surface</li><li>Conveniences: Trailheads with bathrooms in Connellsville and Ohiopyle, plus restaurants and lodging adjacent to the trail in these towns</li><li>Best Features: Amazing scenery</li><li>Worst Features: Heading east, it's mostly uphill. </li><li>Wildlife spotted: Snakes, deer, herons, bald eagle</li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://gaptrail.org/">Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3kY2IGjtOTObyoikAwxVkrFEk-gOamGhJr4k4HLdtbVyScprwlnzbiHYLCzUGG3jGbZ6un_AQT_tSDeTN6JwopXh64ApN4iNNV-lVZYlqny181A9HJvdTnYURbxwBQwyu7HG_-DFCA5UTwnRfvpSToczqSx9J3XloelKqw_1tGWG2tMCgqWPGEE8FRw/s3840/PXL_20230405_170639027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3kY2IGjtOTObyoikAwxVkrFEk-gOamGhJr4k4HLdtbVyScprwlnzbiHYLCzUGG3jGbZ6un_AQT_tSDeTN6JwopXh64ApN4iNNV-lVZYlqny181A9HJvdTnYURbxwBQwyu7HG_-DFCA5UTwnRfvpSToczqSx9J3XloelKqw_1tGWG2tMCgqWPGEE8FRw/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_170639027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>When we planned this trip, we didn't really have much flexibility for the dates. We had the Steel City Con over the weekend, so the week that followed would be dedicated to the trail come rain or shine. But, a week out from the event, the long-range forecast showed snow as a possibility on Wednesday and Thursday, which is apparently a real possibility in this mountainous region. As late as Sunday, the forecast for Wednesday was still showing very cold temps plus precipitation. Then... Wednesday turned out to be perfect biking weather. Highs in the low seventies, not a drop of rain. The cold and damp were still on their way, but Wednesday, at least, was pure delight. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB93xV53FIxN5RxLc07Wpv6qaUk7aIfhzixgfUY60urFvogG-ALZ1qIiQIdTdJaoyBoGy-ldEomVfOEAkUm8LU4D5mJz7Qm9ccv_USXZEB9QUIxvNpcGITYwBUPduI0O4J7le2uHMeRwqehPFvHay8iCvk1y3RZZcrgO9eZXoQj_I04qBnAOk5yrbneA/s4032/PXL_20230405_151601986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB93xV53FIxN5RxLc07Wpv6qaUk7aIfhzixgfUY60urFvogG-ALZ1qIiQIdTdJaoyBoGy-ldEomVfOEAkUm8LU4D5mJz7Qm9ccv_USXZEB9QUIxvNpcGITYwBUPduI0O4J7le2uHMeRwqehPFvHay8iCvk1y3RZZcrgO9eZXoQj_I04qBnAOk5yrbneA/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_151601986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghePBL0hMOPluXjOIu3I38SY0jRfGfGO2ed5bnSH-aUG-LkHXPCbmkJczJKDC-JXR6i2svsAMMeNsFJuq1kAPkZRDsdmiUoD2rP1OntFZ2HU4uqGEwP6myHwFL4GVqZteU7tooHI-6fYIiwsX4pgAA4mZz4--njZNUyX4Z6mQE-IlOhClEJd7gSc045UQ/s4032/PXL_20230405_153158231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghePBL0hMOPluXjOIu3I38SY0jRfGfGO2ed5bnSH-aUG-LkHXPCbmkJczJKDC-JXR6i2svsAMMeNsFJuq1kAPkZRDsdmiUoD2rP1OntFZ2HU4uqGEwP6myHwFL4GVqZteU7tooHI-6fYIiwsX4pgAA4mZz4--njZNUyX4Z6mQE-IlOhClEJd7gSc045UQ/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_153158231.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>Of course, it wasn't just the weather. Most of the trail between Connellsville and Ohiopyle is part of the Ohiopyle State Park. The industrial sites and small towns vanish as you ride along steep mountainsides overlooking a rocky river. Numerous small waterfalls are adjacent to the trail. Save for the occasional train passing along tracks on the opposite side of the river, you ride far removed from the noise of traffic. It's a stark change of scenery for a trail we started riding in Pittsburgh adjacent to an interstate.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo9TvD67a9igpyUSe8TJGLtnyhFmfo3I825W9XJUwJHdNFDMIQoP2CrVsbpvbuTbLZZBuixqE1zcVDhQiYTGbJyV4tCHLos6_twTc7qcHE3tlvMW64-G2QWLBAC1WFtM0_eg22N_IoNRCtSQnGmDq1DghP71kbf3lxV7ablt_rjmpHh2BGa1EWIhtTWU/s4032/PXL_20230405_171025003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo9TvD67a9igpyUSe8TJGLtnyhFmfo3I825W9XJUwJHdNFDMIQoP2CrVsbpvbuTbLZZBuixqE1zcVDhQiYTGbJyV4tCHLos6_twTc7qcHE3tlvMW64-G2QWLBAC1WFtM0_eg22N_IoNRCtSQnGmDq1DghP71kbf3lxV7ablt_rjmpHh2BGa1EWIhtTWU/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_171025003.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hvd7hI6rMQ3Vt7o8sb-8QqfsN7etRJwckKsY7a_9VgvPxocrre-qaR59ZPhAGiJL89F-Y6mfWgXrywbf5psJs1mFf4qRzLbANhPwqbaudbljL-IQPagAThxdC_2GPsTS_DnwsB-wt8B1ubNKR5I42TzoP-bLdNKHZT1edUAkcc-1G52cBObdXj8pwrA/s4032/PXL_20230405_174409452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hvd7hI6rMQ3Vt7o8sb-8QqfsN7etRJwckKsY7a_9VgvPxocrre-qaR59ZPhAGiJL89F-Y6mfWgXrywbf5psJs1mFf4qRzLbANhPwqbaudbljL-IQPagAThxdC_2GPsTS_DnwsB-wt8B1ubNKR5I42TzoP-bLdNKHZT1edUAkcc-1G52cBObdXj8pwrA/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_174409452.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtd3NBzfJaOxh0HQowMlvE8lM0aXVPA2rcYnE8JzSqt-dBEKzYFT2zJaSYal6AYa2z-WZi3Z0LObnJzQ2jS1syuAkvjf5_CauJPqcFov4XzcFr621iEb9xa0813YdTIgo4igijT9-xld31oZqyriASp4XTNIrcLvab1DHStNX7SbBXXG3KBYZ7dsVRrM/s4032/PXL_20230405_174700723.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtd3NBzfJaOxh0HQowMlvE8lM0aXVPA2rcYnE8JzSqt-dBEKzYFT2zJaSYal6AYa2z-WZi3Z0LObnJzQ2jS1syuAkvjf5_CauJPqcFov4XzcFr621iEb9xa0813YdTIgo4igijT9-xld31oZqyriASp4XTNIrcLvab1DHStNX7SbBXXG3KBYZ7dsVRrM/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_174700723.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ohiopyle has a few places to eat, and a state park headquarters with a viewing platform for waterfalls. It looks like a place that's probably quite crowded once the weather warms a bit. Given the hiking trails and the whitewater river, it looks like a place you can make use of bikes, boats, and boots for a full week without exhausting all the possibilities. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02rpPprSMQQ3pkdM4CXtB1ntKVhGZfsX_38L6D3oL2qdNTa9j3XJ-52VWtzfLOZMOvtJpziq4ERq-2VoBVRQ3KIJKCKbun5s6h4QyHSegyco2Pl1jb7ACM2uzOT67uBGvjyj7M8DqjsjcdNtqOjCDd9hV6aQJigNPverIo1hfh7uWT6aP7jXcejZbGd8/s4032/PXL_20230405_154447371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02rpPprSMQQ3pkdM4CXtB1ntKVhGZfsX_38L6D3oL2qdNTa9j3XJ-52VWtzfLOZMOvtJpziq4ERq-2VoBVRQ3KIJKCKbun5s6h4QyHSegyco2Pl1jb7ACM2uzOT67uBGvjyj7M8DqjsjcdNtqOjCDd9hV6aQJigNPverIo1hfh7uWT6aP7jXcejZbGd8/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_154447371.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9f5dubqX_7wtX8YfalLlvAbnfft8wEeKIwAFnb-gJiKbsx9Gb1EOx82Oo2ZscPGPQf91qZ4mfCQV_f76pujQEP5x01naaZwLXycHYYwHsFHo3hf9mfujF9tz2QH6d-s3NGoLtqNPNSrJiBmnS4s4Y2Ia8PAxKYDNUFnfMaf0IO47I-qDHIfiDPmt3D4/s4032/PXL_20230405_155551050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9f5dubqX_7wtX8YfalLlvAbnfft8wEeKIwAFnb-gJiKbsx9Gb1EOx82Oo2ZscPGPQf91qZ4mfCQV_f76pujQEP5x01naaZwLXycHYYwHsFHo3hf9mfujF9tz2QH6d-s3NGoLtqNPNSrJiBmnS4s4Y2Ia8PAxKYDNUFnfMaf0IO47I-qDHIfiDPmt3D4/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_155551050.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNXnNHBQS79jGew07EmwuiFUayLI6p15yPh-h-X9BsvE6jEx-J491Aosfp_2McUkinvm_zJGJ1DoQiTN-P2KWEP_8kCFpbQR8bEGo9oC51p7m8WrOkzXQg94l4teE4KBp1uhU68LHKmc9H56Q8N_VFXDkc2IKqqDkePsHzL0kbZ2XeDyCfB6TtxXgCuQ/s4032/PXL_20230405_193341235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNXnNHBQS79jGew07EmwuiFUayLI6p15yPh-h-X9BsvE6jEx-J491Aosfp_2McUkinvm_zJGJ1DoQiTN-P2KWEP_8kCFpbQR8bEGo9oC51p7m8WrOkzXQg94l4teE4KBp1uhU68LHKmc9H56Q8N_VFXDkc2IKqqDkePsHzL0kbZ2XeDyCfB6TtxXgCuQ/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_193341235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42r1Rla5QQK2VgNN2QnW0Dij4CC8KXUoPDYt4ioxZJmqCwHo_KgSfs4BHEr6VROBiqH9q6rWntND0uaC8iDiDL3CaGdgz6WSFYPCEptMnjH8UusIJJS05yNzLoLOept4nQt98wUMzO2suWkBkbnsAmqdiZkqD4PzGe-bSXdsICV8kLyQZ7aqsK7-WPv0/s4032/PXL_20230405_194411157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42r1Rla5QQK2VgNN2QnW0Dij4CC8KXUoPDYt4ioxZJmqCwHo_KgSfs4BHEr6VROBiqH9q6rWntND0uaC8iDiDL3CaGdgz6WSFYPCEptMnjH8UusIJJS05yNzLoLOept4nQt98wUMzO2suWkBkbnsAmqdiZkqD4PzGe-bSXdsICV8kLyQZ7aqsK7-WPv0/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_194411157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Of the segments of the GAP we rode, this is the one that most immersed us in nature. If you only had a single day to ride, this segment would be a terrific pick. Like the previous section, it's a fairly steady grade in one direction, but it didn't feel like as much of a slog. It's shorter and there's so much to see in any given mile that you won't be paying attention to the effort. That said, the ride back did provide several stretches where we could coast along, which was welcome after three consecutive days of riding. Of course, our legs were about to get an even longer rest, as the cold, wet weather forecast for Wednesday arrived on Thursday. More on this in our next post. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBi7bOARfcz2RlT3U2aV_a07rcdPHMF-ihaAyzsQ942kumn1zyTINpG3vPwi-xHVMfls0GksU0cOseaORfAsJI18JCV9VmPKsftayGKA1uuBoTh4RekLEw1Wq_1dxVgWWuD1cYjEfB_7oqS-q85Cf9Y7h-tSReTkYbvIqfXsIuy2sqCJXKF_0xDFm7PY/s4032/PXL_20230405_175520298.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBi7bOARfcz2RlT3U2aV_a07rcdPHMF-ihaAyzsQ942kumn1zyTINpG3vPwi-xHVMfls0GksU0cOseaORfAsJI18JCV9VmPKsftayGKA1uuBoTh4RekLEw1Wq_1dxVgWWuD1cYjEfB_7oqS-q85Cf9Y7h-tSReTkYbvIqfXsIuy2sqCJXKF_0xDFm7PY/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_175520298.MOTION-01.COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>To read about our ride through Pittsburgh, <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2023/06/riding-gap-trail-part-1-pittsburg.html" target="_blank">click here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the segment from West Newton to Connellsville, <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2023/06/biking-gap-trail-part-2-west-newton-to.html" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2zrDGyLRb_SGw3eMCJcdRk4qO5-4nUlZSNQVfo0hJFrdbdOD4ypmz7w0xQHVuTDzPt2EbRdBqwcLcnO53XRYOaHzdiWK_RfxoR5RzeirMEKzYo2FzhNVhi0RWA9Ifk5b9hThnocU_GoN0GQkXQL0L5cJcQEywvTnO79x_d-o_u27v3BTO4Gm7LCqmck/s4032/PXL_20230405_152254058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2zrDGyLRb_SGw3eMCJcdRk4qO5-4nUlZSNQVfo0hJFrdbdOD4ypmz7w0xQHVuTDzPt2EbRdBqwcLcnO53XRYOaHzdiWK_RfxoR5RzeirMEKzYo2FzhNVhi0RWA9Ifk5b9hThnocU_GoN0GQkXQL0L5cJcQEywvTnO79x_d-o_u27v3BTO4Gm7LCqmck/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_152254058.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvQcDMrnpeNjJ9kPKUloEwTcDQ2_GKPhsiPeNF5OSmsBsMBuze-bWIqbFxyeE_z7eu8hgmK_lGSCyyK7cPo0tY74UeQNuZZBAV_LsZ6RU1csw33oHMapJ7u9dL9S8wYkVi7qiPZbR3V52jLASxpEUQkZPlUcrvWjr249BE1ToIWtMaknZsBxX8j31Z8Y/s4032/PXL_20230405_152403227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvQcDMrnpeNjJ9kPKUloEwTcDQ2_GKPhsiPeNF5OSmsBsMBuze-bWIqbFxyeE_z7eu8hgmK_lGSCyyK7cPo0tY74UeQNuZZBAV_LsZ6RU1csw33oHMapJ7u9dL9S8wYkVi7qiPZbR3V52jLASxpEUQkZPlUcrvWjr249BE1ToIWtMaknZsBxX8j31Z8Y/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_152403227.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41ewcVi7ozxZp0CXY1sbNL69ct7wVRUPoX3cGdGHoPjnheLKntfeoX48HJwlKe5M4QeKFGEF5v5a6Y2FDzTCJIr39AdWj_InS2EyBmSzyD--RM586yxnTeFJViadju97rMyONx2WFxLi9Et2-Mo7j6b__91fXiaXkAS-LtECcXvGGFQ32Dct1tCYGvTU/s4032/PXL_20230405_163837301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41ewcVi7ozxZp0CXY1sbNL69ct7wVRUPoX3cGdGHoPjnheLKntfeoX48HJwlKe5M4QeKFGEF5v5a6Y2FDzTCJIr39AdWj_InS2EyBmSzyD--RM586yxnTeFJViadju97rMyONx2WFxLi9Et2-Mo7j6b__91fXiaXkAS-LtECcXvGGFQ32Dct1tCYGvTU/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_163837301.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXyMCW_vdNL3RmVmaVtLjlTt8MjNY1uOUFEid8QK77D6Gw2Z9_6xyGFvWxrRNsIl1cdxT799OT94vrxpnEBrhfgrrBWFhPv_dLw3htb8of_9Y8QnOBn2VsU_HDWPzzEnDIRfK-DZmUAvKIOljlQ3MGBo6bixjERBeBPc8t79YdRucYMZhSJKsco1k6Ok/w400-h225/PXL_20230405_213533424.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTvfGngF0bhNmSUAv3LPIiDsFqNOJchjca20b0nfUOop7G_oox0G7_W2wH9NN_XDDw3GUMN0c4j6FYV_p4TNpbzE4GrIgsAlsq_goMhgvPfGqxtW7aTOtQIyxY4ZbIV7iOCResT5kWBcnKyoc2g1BtjI58kiBEDAFEYRM4wRUN6i5uHNX_rlt2Jbn2g8/s4032/PXL_20230405_220046745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTvfGngF0bhNmSUAv3LPIiDsFqNOJchjca20b0nfUOop7G_oox0G7_W2wH9NN_XDDw3GUMN0c4j6FYV_p4TNpbzE4GrIgsAlsq_goMhgvPfGqxtW7aTOtQIyxY4ZbIV7iOCResT5kWBcnKyoc2g1BtjI58kiBEDAFEYRM4wRUN6i5uHNX_rlt2Jbn2g8/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_220046745.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ6w-PHraqK5gmRxb_uXBo6Re9avR0O_cx7XQ8M2SfLClYJ3I5WD0czDTVRODgTD7Q3z6A0xFMZbi2zjuCLj9JizzrFAM2oWuCWoNFV9DMmMko7d6EX-xkFOk-ql8xc09MAq5zwsOtHXt3vV6k6xrKBCSh5maQ6eQObu6pU23vqqOSGzRG2vkomi6S8s/s4032/PXL_20230405_144717594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ6w-PHraqK5gmRxb_uXBo6Re9avR0O_cx7XQ8M2SfLClYJ3I5WD0czDTVRODgTD7Q3z6A0xFMZbi2zjuCLj9JizzrFAM2oWuCWoNFV9DMmMko7d6EX-xkFOk-ql8xc09MAq5zwsOtHXt3vV6k6xrKBCSh5maQ6eQObu6pU23vqqOSGzRG2vkomi6S8s/w225-h400/PXL_20230405_144717594.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You won't actually pass this on the trail, but somewhere in our drive from West Newton to Connellsville we passed a dinosaur. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-50444027284979571972023-06-20T08:51:00.000-07:002023-06-20T08:51:45.215-07:00Biking the GAP Trail Part 2 - West Newton to Connellsville<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dates Biked: April 3 & 4, 2023</li><li>Posted Mileage: Mile Post 121 in Buena Vista to Milepost 89 in Connellsville</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 12.4 April 3, 51.51 April 4</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, crushed surface</li><li>Conveniences: Trailheads with bathrooms at West Newton and Connellsville, plus restaurants and lodging adjacent to the trail </li><li>Best Features: A nice mix of trail towns, rural areas, and historical sites</li><li>Worst Features: Heading east, it's mostly uphill. </li><li>Wildlife spotted: Numerous deer</li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wild flowers</li><li>Associated Website:<a href="https://gaptrail.org/">Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v0RcNi5OFstCq6OPyt45PyemiZTJgx6Zd7q1NJqxZbTad7HAa84MrJqRXYDx_kH2A5Nf6Q5-FPxTWi1mgVLVwP8nqs0gtAgYogUYDoMYG6BTFXPFWo1ZZNT2wLKpiFTLGWrzID3BQhdHxBOoAShQMUdPI2CsG_woMfgIzhjJfQbfZwwy9xJYH2-7K6Q/s3840/PXL_20230404_134427547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v0RcNi5OFstCq6OPyt45PyemiZTJgx6Zd7q1NJqxZbTad7HAa84MrJqRXYDx_kH2A5Nf6Q5-FPxTWi1mgVLVwP8nqs0gtAgYogUYDoMYG6BTFXPFWo1ZZNT2wLKpiFTLGWrzID3BQhdHxBOoAShQMUdPI2CsG_woMfgIzhjJfQbfZwwy9xJYH2-7K6Q/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_134427547.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2023/06/riding-gap-trail-part-1-pittsburg.html" target="_blank">After leaving Pittsburgh</a>, we drove to West Newton, where we had a room reserved at the Bright Morning Bed and Breakfast. This is a terrific place to stay with the trail running directly in front of the house, and several restaurants in walking distance. One nice feature of the GAP is that is passes through many towns and several of these towns have embraced the trail and its riders. If all segments of the trail had been open, it would be possible to ride 30-40 miles a day and have lodging and restaurants nicely spaces along the route. We met families at Bright Morning doing just that, though they were needing to use a shuttle service to get past the closed section further down the trail. The GAP is probably the most bike-tour friendly long trail we've ever ridden. Good public infrastructure mixed with private businesses catering to riders is a combination that's hard to beat. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4Tqd_zeU6jy9RmCsTK3YP5jWVUxs5zfMu5dl1oCyDTkm3xVFTGFXK0PHx5xLx1tkQggDLmMqwMFaVKQJdqojbCfwI4wD2xK2Tho9zfgYsEZJNEBqvs-CHr7dItomoGYFG7KwchFBtxn-be6eRnDY6upGShrHkrLrz9UoGJtL-UjDsUN4kn4uWdYeGQU/s4032/PXL_20230403_223141431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4Tqd_zeU6jy9RmCsTK3YP5jWVUxs5zfMu5dl1oCyDTkm3xVFTGFXK0PHx5xLx1tkQggDLmMqwMFaVKQJdqojbCfwI4wD2xK2Tho9zfgYsEZJNEBqvs-CHr7dItomoGYFG7KwchFBtxn-be6eRnDY6upGShrHkrLrz9UoGJtL-UjDsUN4kn4uWdYeGQU/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_223141431.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYXvZJcE7LNNOMUd8evrHiy5G3STGm6YovkwDD6rzyJbPJOfAdKBwjghEBtr2XwVE77KZL6C1w3lT8omzA4ET-r6gPR_yHk12N1YEf0rJ-ycyBbz-Kve-S8fVYLmuYLvErsdD8NnW-0uBr8Qk52wgcUCwWkvxhZSX1Hg11vhuaq-GppP9vzED0W0M4lM/s4032/PXL_20230403_234217635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYXvZJcE7LNNOMUd8evrHiy5G3STGm6YovkwDD6rzyJbPJOfAdKBwjghEBtr2XwVE77KZL6C1w3lT8omzA4ET-r6gPR_yHk12N1YEf0rJ-ycyBbz-Kve-S8fVYLmuYLvErsdD8NnW-0uBr8Qk52wgcUCwWkvxhZSX1Hg11vhuaq-GppP9vzED0W0M4lM/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_234217635.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We very nearly made use of these shuttle services to tackle the full trail without backtracking, but the forecast for the week was pretty ominous, with a high possibility of cold rain and even snow on Wednesday and Thursday. We decided to stay flexible and just get in what riding we could. We'll talk about the Wednesday ride in the next post. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoBTTlBgQyiYlDsGrbu0Y2pi8--8Cz4gXmFOXgmBtEXfCDhAnqaat0wj_8-9YTxppydA9Bw48nLT17tkiSvdckL9MXsWXwZvkJrbHb3N40ckwlrTMhCVfhkZII4GAEET8SmNVywKESIu_zZ_xPX63H7ucCG4NZzP5lJ6u0mgC0tS4g0-aB-wdq2_CaJw/s4032/PXL_20230403_223420268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoBTTlBgQyiYlDsGrbu0Y2pi8--8Cz4gXmFOXgmBtEXfCDhAnqaat0wj_8-9YTxppydA9Bw48nLT17tkiSvdckL9MXsWXwZvkJrbHb3N40ckwlrTMhCVfhkZII4GAEET8SmNVywKESIu_zZ_xPX63H7ucCG4NZzP5lJ6u0mgC0tS4g0-aB-wdq2_CaJw/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_223420268.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZP5Ga6GNLi8K8i2SGTxyt5cf4q-xTF52aPjuGItN4O5FAhWmlajuI5iC20-yMHv5HkGk8JqYh9o-LWYK9_hD_Vj3vSacUGytqxUqgj5BCxLgmbZ9Imke8_ESzNiiJRZJ8d2ktb9pL9IeTCVRXZ9UXQoCcQ5LXqrxGbG_ERZXbNpEbS5MtYY1-CLyQjc/s3840/PXL_20230403_224035778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZP5Ga6GNLi8K8i2SGTxyt5cf4q-xTF52aPjuGItN4O5FAhWmlajuI5iC20-yMHv5HkGk8JqYh9o-LWYK9_hD_Vj3vSacUGytqxUqgj5BCxLgmbZ9Imke8_ESzNiiJRZJ8d2ktb9pL9IeTCVRXZ9UXQoCcQ5LXqrxGbG_ERZXbNpEbS5MtYY1-CLyQjc/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_224035778.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxqpi71XO6uedo5a_3JJ-0WygSGRbrV65EGezVUteG7gMA0nocYbD_xNNW75FeVPHKdUWgFhq3TMLcUDFFThbfTCQnhXwPHwXfXi7BpKTel1a0tNsRmyj_yH2QjjcQWy7A51bCEpuu6H5T269ZjbHdPbkHgCvHwP5KpBiGIudywvGEsiKDqNLE_3WT_c/s4032/PXL_20230403_224140926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxqpi71XO6uedo5a_3JJ-0WygSGRbrV65EGezVUteG7gMA0nocYbD_xNNW75FeVPHKdUWgFhq3TMLcUDFFThbfTCQnhXwPHwXfXi7BpKTel1a0tNsRmyj_yH2QjjcQWy7A51bCEpuu6H5T269ZjbHdPbkHgCvHwP5KpBiGIudywvGEsiKDqNLE_3WT_c/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_224140926.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Monday evening, after getting checked in, we hit the trail heading west, toward Pittsburgh. We'd skipped over some large towns just outside of Pittsburg like Homestead and McKeesport, and we knew we wouldn't reach them but we thought we'd see how far we could get in the last hour of daylight. We made it to Buena Vista, about 6 miles away. This was a great ride. The noise and traffic of the big city were forgotten as we biked through small villages built to house miners and millworkers. The towns have seen better days, but we passed ballfields full of kids and an American Legion Hall with a full parking lot. The night was beautiful as the full moon rose to light our last few miles of riding. It's hard to top a ride like this. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZRBSxD8u9j3xwTi8GSlCbXlzhXOOqJrcWMwGiR6mOT87hbeEwN2Vkz7SHNheV02dVGV_nrInOMpvd_1CoxQLmWVhlasozBg4teUXs5FUfBH6fmMJMJL0Ipqaga0dJegf-kquw4ZLn7yFrlCUuiXY2PdVaIoTLCfWJJ8SwYKG03w8bOy1-ofNj4UNGvs/s4032/PXL_20230403_230607483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZRBSxD8u9j3xwTi8GSlCbXlzhXOOqJrcWMwGiR6mOT87hbeEwN2Vkz7SHNheV02dVGV_nrInOMpvd_1CoxQLmWVhlasozBg4teUXs5FUfBH6fmMJMJL0Ipqaga0dJegf-kquw4ZLn7yFrlCUuiXY2PdVaIoTLCfWJJ8SwYKG03w8bOy1-ofNj4UNGvs/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_230607483.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This waterfall is actually contaminated water from a flooded mine. It's easy to feel sentimental when biking a rail trail, but it's good to be reminded that a lot of the industries that drove the creation of these rail lines were poisoning the environment. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglts47Fv9efxybSJvGgu5PuMN0AaAZKipWf8K169KQgh4YnTXs0dhfZoG67ktEE6TBXPloj4KIbDlTZ_dWkkCcHRKhKnKx-sM-f8-vOoXGA2r7ej204oPWN5ZIZNtJ4lSDg5wZ0eTVhcz1XbN2O1m81b2ASYmELLMq_1JPlTk3OZtfr3T2knhnsjah0Xc/s4032/PXL_20230403_232931508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglts47Fv9efxybSJvGgu5PuMN0AaAZKipWf8K169KQgh4YnTXs0dhfZoG67ktEE6TBXPloj4KIbDlTZ_dWkkCcHRKhKnKx-sM-f8-vOoXGA2r7ej204oPWN5ZIZNtJ4lSDg5wZ0eTVhcz1XbN2O1m81b2ASYmELLMq_1JPlTk3OZtfr3T2knhnsjah0Xc/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_232931508.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the other hand, the environment seems to be hanging in there. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaOQtGiNnUHdePcNUQeSKzD0De1Q8xNmnGC4p_qT7j3ARVXTVtt2nGQTD_kQwjU6ceQreUpCVF9N14M_xXKd_fUeUERQov8speRSqB43szbZqT7bb1DSdN0sRZdT-IVrN6AoA_AKWZx49UuCa07a7f2u68oV2XPixR5u7L-xzF_ufdT_oZjDseSFe6Zo/s4032/PXL_20230404_003142124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaOQtGiNnUHdePcNUQeSKzD0De1Q8xNmnGC4p_qT7j3ARVXTVtt2nGQTD_kQwjU6ceQreUpCVF9N14M_xXKd_fUeUERQov8speRSqB43szbZqT7bb1DSdN0sRZdT-IVrN6AoA_AKWZx49UuCa07a7f2u68oV2XPixR5u7L-xzF_ufdT_oZjDseSFe6Zo/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_003142124.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Tuesday, we took advantage of the breakfast at Bright Morning then hit the trail heading toward Connellsville. While there are small towns between West Newton and Connellsville, none of them have trail adjacent shops or facilities, so make sure you have all the water and any snacks you need for the 25 mile ride. For experienced bike riders, 25 miles isn't an intimidating distance, but the ride was a bit tougher than we expected because it's a mild but unbroken uphill grade for nearly the entire distance. It's a grade you would barely notice over two or three miles. Just know that the combination of crushed surface and mild grade means you won't coast at all. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0gtvoSRjAG1420e8XiBg4nVWI4fJFJXBDegTbMfjcDxx87JpRsXoKhgWAyE_KS8jKVkTK3ukKVlN12Onulr8lLURn3PUSwfzjqEN3ch2yKo80geLLyfu4P_iBB6VQWtOkHIevqC_p-lgZYJD-ZJZv0psw6A81QC9X5kK8aVRYsCDlfyrMwo7ssNQyk4/s4032/PXL_20230404_154431225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0gtvoSRjAG1420e8XiBg4nVWI4fJFJXBDegTbMfjcDxx87JpRsXoKhgWAyE_KS8jKVkTK3ukKVlN12Onulr8lLURn3PUSwfzjqEN3ch2yKo80geLLyfu4P_iBB6VQWtOkHIevqC_p-lgZYJD-ZJZv0psw6A81QC9X5kK8aVRYsCDlfyrMwo7ssNQyk4/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_154431225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oDb-3q3j7GH2G6viGuuw0Na_QWQRM59RMsZcboN1VEOeGVr5lGrTavYkLFLkkEbEtIH9EHQXifYeRH47eycw-10twnrC1UVEYUhdbYnDPVwhJCCMtU993eFrcJKn_LOqV_RuQc9oBpBPMZE80i4tKaRQZsyGc9AdXJqGpOgDBiygJ4AKXwBoAQbsVAA/s4032/PXL_20230404_201230628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oDb-3q3j7GH2G6viGuuw0Na_QWQRM59RMsZcboN1VEOeGVr5lGrTavYkLFLkkEbEtIH9EHQXifYeRH47eycw-10twnrC1UVEYUhdbYnDPVwhJCCMtU993eFrcJKn_LOqV_RuQc9oBpBPMZE80i4tKaRQZsyGc9AdXJqGpOgDBiygJ4AKXwBoAQbsVAA/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_201230628.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>Fortunately, you'll have numerous excuses to take breaks. There's plenty of history and art along the way to take in. Especially as you near Connellsville, you'll start noticing strange structures adjacent to the trail. These are the remnants of thousands of ovens, where coal was baked to transform it into coke, a hotter burning fuel used in iron mills. But, if you miss the signs explaining this, the conical coke ovens give the landscape a fantasy feel, like you're riding through the former home of gnomes. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-HxFqMgBkv3ZG1s3K_nkFve0BAUBrkt7cPtZEiZ6dx0PzmtN_gI9Y0qkmGTUPWeICq7LJIAL3BR5_naYxY70dEcPDxpAbhXowxboT8xAFfPBZiZFWD3KGI6hX3I6lYidTUHnkDdLKHcQ0XiwwNiC0rBkq3hisD10qhMZbCN-b3Y6kjcL92TKMLApe4c/s4032/PXL_20230404_140033027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-HxFqMgBkv3ZG1s3K_nkFve0BAUBrkt7cPtZEiZ6dx0PzmtN_gI9Y0qkmGTUPWeICq7LJIAL3BR5_naYxY70dEcPDxpAbhXowxboT8xAFfPBZiZFWD3KGI6hX3I6lYidTUHnkDdLKHcQ0XiwwNiC0rBkq3hisD10qhMZbCN-b3Y6kjcL92TKMLApe4c/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_140033027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEnpZN_zWdHt5VR4p4oHbJujMhmygmf-hS_QDzh4CrgSm6aw8_q5-yVrHMS1kAQAITmB2Wkxn-ULobNTt0c4gpmwFXHRZ9DRJASBeGz15bkMeflKC02-jjK_JGMkzxKSzjiMeNv6Z9J8qoipP14Zq7OLejLIFXZGaSqgzDDa24sSA52w0umUJIJe96M4/s4032/PXL_20230404_145926325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEnpZN_zWdHt5VR4p4oHbJujMhmygmf-hS_QDzh4CrgSm6aw8_q5-yVrHMS1kAQAITmB2Wkxn-ULobNTt0c4gpmwFXHRZ9DRJASBeGz15bkMeflKC02-jjK_JGMkzxKSzjiMeNv6Z9J8qoipP14Zq7OLejLIFXZGaSqgzDDa24sSA52w0umUJIJe96M4/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_145926325.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEj6YSZcXLXtw7ZimAS3bKej-dWUHPe3tNfdf2coLd3qwfEC5peCg98srPIXFLjsXhZnDpHW8krv3jz3iDbPiBkN2qxzyb_qn7PjQHfttRkS465EOGQsZuboMzppOxXpHI7zMP16wtrdw6vxbJUhX7eMwAYelImnvj3sOxUMh9RhCt-RTvK08iLPC6gs/s4032/PXL_20230404_151414681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEj6YSZcXLXtw7ZimAS3bKej-dWUHPe3tNfdf2coLd3qwfEC5peCg98srPIXFLjsXhZnDpHW8krv3jz3iDbPiBkN2qxzyb_qn7PjQHfttRkS465EOGQsZuboMzppOxXpHI7zMP16wtrdw6vxbJUhX7eMwAYelImnvj3sOxUMh9RhCt-RTvK08iLPC6gs/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_151414681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFMZfG4hXHrQSw7iUCRg_rWwogwwhgXVkwIYmQWGL1yGdNJ3erSKDunhsFgzyaKzceEONnJlGJyQWyjjmQAFRNpfDVyHTDBUufd2K6Saai16nuMcMLc0FXnFkQZ5MOhstaahQdkR5rdBvB-3OdzDZg1hbDeu7iqqZFh1mZNHR24upueHazsjbRKD8BAY/s4032/PXL_20230404_153319800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFMZfG4hXHrQSw7iUCRg_rWwogwwhgXVkwIYmQWGL1yGdNJ3erSKDunhsFgzyaKzceEONnJlGJyQWyjjmQAFRNpfDVyHTDBUufd2K6Saai16nuMcMLc0FXnFkQZ5MOhstaahQdkR5rdBvB-3OdzDZg1hbDeu7iqqZFh1mZNHR24upueHazsjbRKD8BAY/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_153319800.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e6BQM2BByjRnVPi8l4KJ1f-l9JYKdBfzsqcytX19fvjvpVP5_w-kV_ptvz43GGuM4AyCTjZcSE7gp5QEFmjUVOmQAl1IdmsNbobT4Z_5SR2X_tyq5YA4Vk2dYKnq3xE7qJOwevJhQLHhCDbhVDWrc121QjB1lEzImMBTiIX6MWZrOhvNeK7r5rWfIb4/s4032/PXL_20230404_170242943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e6BQM2BByjRnVPi8l4KJ1f-l9JYKdBfzsqcytX19fvjvpVP5_w-kV_ptvz43GGuM4AyCTjZcSE7gp5QEFmjUVOmQAl1IdmsNbobT4Z_5SR2X_tyq5YA4Vk2dYKnq3xE7qJOwevJhQLHhCDbhVDWrc121QjB1lEzImMBTiIX6MWZrOhvNeK7r5rWfIb4/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_170242943.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>There are several restaurants you can reach from the trail in Connellsville, but we couldn't resist eating at the Kickstand Kitchen. The food was great, and they obviously enjoy serving the multitudes of riders passing through town. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUewEl_0I2rDNfPQW9yl_21ac4lYiM38SqdHdC7ikWkyhMHY_KI1Rbf3eJpforkis-hS6nBlFhTc7ttYJnCf_MC842Teg4lZYK-cppNkkT5Rg08hvF-I_qbi2lVd-nEkVJbERbKc2WGgahV6OhNCJ9S0wSHcW3-9qmkcgTYA7nl5LPoez09oT9JLMtwJE/s4032/PXL_20230404_185652340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUewEl_0I2rDNfPQW9yl_21ac4lYiM38SqdHdC7ikWkyhMHY_KI1Rbf3eJpforkis-hS6nBlFhTc7ttYJnCf_MC842Teg4lZYK-cppNkkT5Rg08hvF-I_qbi2lVd-nEkVJbERbKc2WGgahV6OhNCJ9S0wSHcW3-9qmkcgTYA7nl5LPoez09oT9JLMtwJE/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_185652340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch, it was time to head back to West Newton. The plot twist you likely saw coming is that, after 25 miles of uphill, the return trip is 25 miles of downhill! It's not enough of a grade that you can just coast all the way, but instead of covering miles in ten minutes we had a lot of six-minute miles. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5csOkPDbmaKOVtAOy-_lAWlRDNSR-P7JYgaQuW8bmY34FMJ00NI6omWj2-VGnZ-HkSDF14WRA0ph8mkKUsHhuPiiMQTbUHA6eO7qa1t1JqJfVb7ryIXHRaWHGbriToQ6K1LManFTIDmTtFaTXUSZaPdnGsN92vKwR599zCfTcciw9q6JBPaHnEyu48Ek/s4032/PXL_20230404_153354436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5csOkPDbmaKOVtAOy-_lAWlRDNSR-P7JYgaQuW8bmY34FMJ00NI6omWj2-VGnZ-HkSDF14WRA0ph8mkKUsHhuPiiMQTbUHA6eO7qa1t1JqJfVb7ryIXHRaWHGbriToQ6K1LManFTIDmTtFaTXUSZaPdnGsN92vKwR599zCfTcciw9q6JBPaHnEyu48Ek/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_153354436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZKObDB0Mnunja0Tae4eNF3mcBWRbLS-0rmsL6vbNYjsktWgAYmE_V6Win8SRoz3Xdi4BFWHuZpgfOoY9DrfwIymXuZEuhRnZPSbFpqz4MmVDOzDu75c5reA84EdgkmPMkK5gn4JDjVmD5wRO-xxjZlkwm3J6dHYHEGTZZlkG8fTpMvhtxAmDDmwBG0s/s4032/PXL_20230404_153728993.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZKObDB0Mnunja0Tae4eNF3mcBWRbLS-0rmsL6vbNYjsktWgAYmE_V6Win8SRoz3Xdi4BFWHuZpgfOoY9DrfwIymXuZEuhRnZPSbFpqz4MmVDOzDu75c5reA84EdgkmPMkK5gn4JDjVmD5wRO-xxjZlkwm3J6dHYHEGTZZlkG8fTpMvhtxAmDDmwBG0s/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_153728993.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3B_-vU8XJscqNpC7H6e-CoIaNLZPi84O8ZWaYtwrqkCbrY__wXsd_xdjyDNU2xm_DajS_U5AELOdd8GENLzTTErENbhlw5W-iaChCTtlI9rBnkXD3naVWY8NEjz6Hgf1Zb1RiUENad0ibA4_WDlxIApxoVyp4_xae5q6RTN3rHAjBg5xNetLI9i1t4Q/s4032/PXL_20230404_173918755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3B_-vU8XJscqNpC7H6e-CoIaNLZPi84O8ZWaYtwrqkCbrY__wXsd_xdjyDNU2xm_DajS_U5AELOdd8GENLzTTErENbhlw5W-iaChCTtlI9rBnkXD3naVWY8NEjz6Hgf1Zb1RiUENad0ibA4_WDlxIApxoVyp4_xae5q6RTN3rHAjBg5xNetLI9i1t4Q/w225-h400/PXL_20230404_173918755.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>If you only had a single day to ride a section of the gap, West Newton to Connellsville would be a good candidate for that ride. But is there a better section to tackle? Coming up: Connellsville to Ohiopyle! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQeu4ErrG0s_hD_aFZLHdtCb86LhfvHoCSH2mgCf8xDavFN2FNnduwFR9-8VQE2thdoDL0YVGRIvgTAVXAN2gJhe46U1iRhTBFmlnak231PTiX2xyWvSd5vcAjBTddE0A790YLVdqVLBCXTOlbGR1Ci03nHjGQPOLq3GPfzUEtWCcnCdL7uRZq47VvnE/s3840/PXL_20230404_145350723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQeu4ErrG0s_hD_aFZLHdtCb86LhfvHoCSH2mgCf8xDavFN2FNnduwFR9-8VQE2thdoDL0YVGRIvgTAVXAN2gJhe46U1iRhTBFmlnak231PTiX2xyWvSd5vcAjBTddE0A790YLVdqVLBCXTOlbGR1Ci03nHjGQPOLq3GPfzUEtWCcnCdL7uRZq47VvnE/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_145350723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ppDL5XQ9KgmmQ49ILCVbR5UlmH5QfRiA1cGZCc5HwvCwMV5Ua-3iUHDAG471c9jd9dA7iPFSsmt4LLW0FYkRJwrSSUQrbB3zJYwn17q559kJATj8HIKFUCLYa0FNnmz9AiFdh9HLemB5wgoCwKGQypd3u9IptPDeR4s2nSu-ojj5sNSlDJvTMHBKERI/s4032/PXL_20230404_170359060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ppDL5XQ9KgmmQ49ILCVbR5UlmH5QfRiA1cGZCc5HwvCwMV5Ua-3iUHDAG471c9jd9dA7iPFSsmt4LLW0FYkRJwrSSUQrbB3zJYwn17q559kJATj8HIKFUCLYa0FNnmz9AiFdh9HLemB5wgoCwKGQypd3u9IptPDeR4s2nSu-ojj5sNSlDJvTMHBKERI/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_170359060.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESBVfKIkSlYevKvYbYf2s9vmJrr4kJtN3qZ18yh408fqn-dt-LPqmctGVJah12e80oOUxPjgvvIIS6WnD8h5kMJA_cBmBSsuMzcA3_1Y8K683NzmGhlMTGFxqpXsDikUPyAH6NziGPW5u2gVJLCdB7CI6FMgf_MbfgBhPVjk001nmAPxkKSUSe1JffRI/s4032/PXL_20230404_191448036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESBVfKIkSlYevKvYbYf2s9vmJrr4kJtN3qZ18yh408fqn-dt-LPqmctGVJah12e80oOUxPjgvvIIS6WnD8h5kMJA_cBmBSsuMzcA3_1Y8K683NzmGhlMTGFxqpXsDikUPyAH6NziGPW5u2gVJLCdB7CI6FMgf_MbfgBhPVjk001nmAPxkKSUSe1JffRI/w400-h225/PXL_20230404_191448036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-39109804351450622982023-06-14T10:39:00.004-07:002023-06-20T08:53:12.570-07:00Biking the GAP Trail Part 1 - Pittsburgh<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Date Biked: April 3, 2023</li><li>Posted Mileage: NA</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 12.67</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, city greenway, streets</li><li>Conveniences: Along the route you'll find public restrooms and water, plus plenty of restaurants</li><li>Best Features: Pittsburgh! This is a great sightseeing ride of the waterfront.</li><li>Worst Features: Chaos! Trail closures, traffic, and crowded paths make this a stressful ride at times.</li><li>Wildlife spotted: None</li><li>Vegetation: Nothing noteworthy</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://gaptrail.org/">Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvbeWitozVt67VIIs0VQxiT62mob_M_QUuxe5--RDX0Lbe6G5UZ2KNOwBJCYxPegMK3xuHzbj0l7mLY4GFa-WuCrGum16ERGluXAL_b5viIWCe3QkWGoM-PGbkRh9OcwamrwvefUa98vWVihPZSQc0_FhW2v7ti0OR5QAFDKjUVz4dCXZVApyTDGH/s4032/PXL_20230403_180300247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvbeWitozVt67VIIs0VQxiT62mob_M_QUuxe5--RDX0Lbe6G5UZ2KNOwBJCYxPegMK3xuHzbj0l7mLY4GFa-WuCrGum16ERGluXAL_b5viIWCe3QkWGoM-PGbkRh9OcwamrwvefUa98vWVihPZSQc0_FhW2v7ti0OR5QAFDKjUVz4dCXZVApyTDGH/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_180300247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>One of the advantages of traveling to promote my books is that our journeys take us near trails far removed from our normal range of exploration. The Steel City Con at the beginning of April gave us the opportunity to ride one of the trails that has been on our list for years, the GAP, aka the Great Allegheny Passage. This is a rail trail stretching from the center of Pittsburgh, covering 150 miles to Cumberland Maryland, where it meets up with the C&O Canal Trail, which covers another 180 miles into Washington DC. In theory, you can ride from Pittsburgh to Washington without ever being on roads with cars.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgirpYaGYp9iyqQAmIsk6noua0b4NCK4eODgGwr5cNYmFfKQsdkGYHJ9dP-_vMz1w5OWifTu-OxUWQx41n2fzE4IHSFFzQ_cm2lJY-29HYz4AoiTLp4NKOBS3WkTqvKA-PKQtlBc7RvuXMrr9HkISXiaAnG-_jbirxf64D11C0sKRB-RoBVxGHII56/s4032/PXL_20230403_181221308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgirpYaGYp9iyqQAmIsk6noua0b4NCK4eODgGwr5cNYmFfKQsdkGYHJ9dP-_vMz1w5OWifTu-OxUWQx41n2fzE4IHSFFzQ_cm2lJY-29HYz4AoiTLp4NKOBS3WkTqvKA-PKQtlBc7RvuXMrr9HkISXiaAnG-_jbirxf64D11C0sKRB-RoBVxGHII56/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_181221308.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In practice, maintenance on 330 miles of continuous trail effectively chops the trail into disconnected segments depending on the time of year you're riding. The website informed us of several miles of closures in early April. Given the remote and rugged nature of much of trail, detours via bike are impractical, and you're unlikely to get cell signal to call for a shuttle service in many areas. You'll either need to make use of a bike outfitter that can meet you a planned times and places to shuttle you between segments, or else you'll need to tackle this trip as a lot of out-and-backs. Cheryl and I chose the second option, riding most of the GAP over four days. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOZR5J4L8VvSuBhlX3JaQy04SBJmRC-LcA3VXol716TcIbIne46RwCqvFKY1ltvZ8Ior_VO7xMHNwNjxu719Qau5bPvWvjUuQI43cpf-EBbG0tkug5tn-DV4gdM8lB0TqxYx4zpcaht-a6yXgTkMz5nApqF0hNDPhjLU6hKwZvzGCpPedP9_Mn_7G/s4032/PXL_20230403_191516651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOZR5J4L8VvSuBhlX3JaQy04SBJmRC-LcA3VXol716TcIbIne46RwCqvFKY1ltvZ8Ior_VO7xMHNwNjxu719Qau5bPvWvjUuQI43cpf-EBbG0tkug5tn-DV4gdM8lB0TqxYx4zpcaht-a6yXgTkMz5nApqF0hNDPhjLU6hKwZvzGCpPedP9_Mn_7G/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_191516651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Day one, we decided to focus on downtown Pittsburgh. The trail is closed right before you reach downtown and requires detouring onto actual roads. We were nervous about this part of the ride, but the town had lanes set aside that only bikes and busses can travel, so we were never in any danger from traffic. On the other hand, downtown Pittsburgh is a mishmash of one-way streets and the detour wasn't marked as clearly as it could have been. We wound up abandoning bike lanes and just walking for a few blocks on sidewalks, since this felt less stressful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6KjTHJ1OqtFeDLlSKh91HnQRLgTHlasrG3IGu7TvFYkn-C-7RnnKTGOUXlKuz_aWkA8pVtktdDYmi9xcrmUV9H78esVcvWSluI1ZYN6W3c0uKxK6Ktdm3ViB47WLJ9JTlvhvgBMTwAogqjdKJAzf3715mft2E2nxuIK-exf0v6cbZRuQ89XJLKls/s3840/PXL_20230403_195736356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6KjTHJ1OqtFeDLlSKh91HnQRLgTHlasrG3IGu7TvFYkn-C-7RnnKTGOUXlKuz_aWkA8pVtktdDYmi9xcrmUV9H78esVcvWSluI1ZYN6W3c0uKxK6Ktdm3ViB47WLJ9JTlvhvgBMTwAogqjdKJAzf3715mft2E2nxuIK-exf0v6cbZRuQ89XJLKls/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_195736356.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>Even with the hassle of detours, riding the waterfront trails in Pittsburgh is a great experience. The GAP overlaps and intersects the Three Rivers Heritage trail, so you can cover quite a bit of distance. We started our day on the south side of the Monongahela River. We began by riding the Duquesne Incline, which will give you a fantastic view overlooking downtown, as well as provide an interesting perspective on the public transportation of the not-so-distant past. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnw83LQdGdZdheBJemVTMPnLjlDJoShANxMkLubNqXLob7ivaFIvjme2OtBr5GWDgIqdeEUBBrdXl035X9nsChnsd1ddzGXVhhRe_QWcjT8XT2F0t9DF0F24K0OEKcvoUmS7e3LYuE4JRDrMj2xugsbBu8KUhlVA4fewAECmN9_S3SP5QnkGleWrb/s4032/PXL_20230403_152551304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnw83LQdGdZdheBJemVTMPnLjlDJoShANxMkLubNqXLob7ivaFIvjme2OtBr5GWDgIqdeEUBBrdXl035X9nsChnsd1ddzGXVhhRe_QWcjT8XT2F0t9DF0F24K0OEKcvoUmS7e3LYuE4JRDrMj2xugsbBu8KUhlVA4fewAECmN9_S3SP5QnkGleWrb/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_152551304.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w619eJ-h76JbvO6IN289SfQjuhNFbuVzSDN7nP8jvqw3uUhobeOWy0tH9tg-gm_SKlcNiPQDg2wcit36tzf3vQVBnk5PNDHjFLm8qnu56cgFEkThcghletUxjV0Dy-C5eUPkZZXqy-8kctP4WRTr_cUqgGgZwV79AFxp86OkMCp0cD_tclMIpNf0/s4032/PXL_20230403_153202488.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w619eJ-h76JbvO6IN289SfQjuhNFbuVzSDN7nP8jvqw3uUhobeOWy0tH9tg-gm_SKlcNiPQDg2wcit36tzf3vQVBnk5PNDHjFLm8qnu56cgFEkThcghletUxjV0Dy-C5eUPkZZXqy-8kctP4WRTr_cUqgGgZwV79AFxp86OkMCp0cD_tclMIpNf0/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_153202488.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They didn't actually build this so that tourist could enjoy a view, but it's nice that they found an excuse to keep it running. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsgJlTRuJEaCyRm1uETOSU5oZjIH-P-nePysGwFA4BVuNIskYyFryf5aPmK-kPYi9X_-TfBTyK-RF8UrKtdmTOMBuCWWyefuLfHOJTPQvdoBOyFJNoCSqYXdbAGjZ3quhKabuUbKSViLE4Y-02JehZXFor0M_44GzJixF2_X4-iGs8EJXEdRQJ9xW/s4032/PXL_20230403_155842365.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsgJlTRuJEaCyRm1uETOSU5oZjIH-P-nePysGwFA4BVuNIskYyFryf5aPmK-kPYi9X_-TfBTyK-RF8UrKtdmTOMBuCWWyefuLfHOJTPQvdoBOyFJNoCSqYXdbAGjZ3quhKabuUbKSViLE4Y-02JehZXFor0M_44GzJixF2_X4-iGs8EJXEdRQJ9xW/s320/PXL_20230403_155842365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>In theory, you could ride from the incline to downtown with only a small section of road travel required, but we chose to drive from the incline to the Three Rivers Trail parking lot beneath the Birmingham Bridge. From there, we rode toward the Hot Metal Bridge, which was once an essential part of the steel industry. Along the path you'll find monuments to the industry, and access points leading to restaurants and shops. The bridge itself is an astonishing structure, a testament to the engineering prowess of previous generations. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-t_p_32usljox0s6-_VY_XDSQZsXg4HiRhOSVqPPO-ZdvE7O-qesyllYIlY86936och4ACjuxA_DQqI_-Qkp3QrbyBfrLfXUC6-hZj7fpLPy7iMb2nYvjk497AVniYSlGrxvOp0g2z721H_XLZveAvvoE4Rz8uiHb4yjiQx0YKHiZ9pZ9keta0k9/s4032/PXL_20230403_195801048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-t_p_32usljox0s6-_VY_XDSQZsXg4HiRhOSVqPPO-ZdvE7O-qesyllYIlY86936och4ACjuxA_DQqI_-Qkp3QrbyBfrLfXUC6-hZj7fpLPy7iMb2nYvjk497AVniYSlGrxvOp0g2z721H_XLZveAvvoE4Rz8uiHb4yjiQx0YKHiZ9pZ9keta0k9/s320/PXL_20230403_195801048.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl_Vitr46gYNCxBLr6uNXQZasRRDE1lbL3Igl6MVTozF7gqLwiLWmQxPxdQy_-RO0QNwtA5MbDZp4VXtvwRTDzWXdXuSWhlpx8OwfZwDvqNnOQHU6ZsteG6hGvVg0nCmxHU4cve5nUzf91GwBjpwsUq93fxyrf9nByzkecvwrJ5rXCqo-vZjNYWNk/s4032/PXL_20230403_164039739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPl_Vitr46gYNCxBLr6uNXQZasRRDE1lbL3Igl6MVTozF7gqLwiLWmQxPxdQy_-RO0QNwtA5MbDZp4VXtvwRTDzWXdXuSWhlpx8OwfZwDvqNnOQHU6ZsteG6hGvVg0nCmxHU4cve5nUzf91GwBjpwsUq93fxyrf9nByzkecvwrJ5rXCqo-vZjNYWNk/s320/PXL_20230403_164039739.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Once you're across the bridge, you'll be riding next to and under a busy interstate. This is a noisy, not terribly enjoyable experience. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes before you're actually downtown. We didn't take many pictures of our effort to navigate the city streets, since we were kind of busy figuring out where, exactly, we were supposed to go. But, there's barely a quarter mile to cover in order to reach Point State Park. The official mile 0 of the GAP is in front of the park's huge fountain. No doubt it would probably have been quite impressive, if it had been running. Fortunately, the truly important waterworks, the public restrooms, were open, operating, and quite clean. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbz4R8llR-O6x_WYf_ABlM31UqzTvJVnn5rr0XHpp0j_vYnmPBreJF9QkRyukU-fu6qxFRlW1qJHtAKN4G-aoqjgJdE9VfqyWrvycqShD75xxLnWqz-cs0voQQ5AEzOf-rTUwJ4Z1RfnI-hMQ0fEV8ptddMc9Mt6h9Q_FN5eaEDPY13tg4SQExWz6/s4032/PXL_20230403_192200529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbz4R8llR-O6x_WYf_ABlM31UqzTvJVnn5rr0XHpp0j_vYnmPBreJF9QkRyukU-fu6qxFRlW1qJHtAKN4G-aoqjgJdE9VfqyWrvycqShD75xxLnWqz-cs0voQQ5AEzOf-rTUwJ4Z1RfnI-hMQ0fEV8ptddMc9Mt6h9Q_FN5eaEDPY13tg4SQExWz6/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_192200529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more impressive with water! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>From your vantage point at the fountain, you'll be able to see across the river to stadiums and museums. You can reach these via the Fort Duquesne Bridge. The bridge takes you to an area full of bars and restaurants, and the trail runs for a few miles on both directions on this side of the river. We rode just far enough to get a picture of the submarine docked outside the science center, then took a few photos of the skyline, before grabbing lunch and heading back to our car. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGf0TC7fmy4WLnSK-1M3-FGjp8v8RKWhQhRzKREJELeMUi-QhyKF1hQf-r06oRDvpCKKW6RKbhldsifq85dGtYZkX1SU8rCunjQ3VjL_IaqftTM9oxdfAgpull4CG96q7O27tGkVpO_uP-yJbF5c54z1odbA9tZAq2nQQvjnl-oxdOqz6ezRV90Li/s4032/PXL_20230403_175843139.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGf0TC7fmy4WLnSK-1M3-FGjp8v8RKWhQhRzKREJELeMUi-QhyKF1hQf-r06oRDvpCKKW6RKbhldsifq85dGtYZkX1SU8rCunjQ3VjL_IaqftTM9oxdfAgpull4CG96q7O27tGkVpO_uP-yJbF5c54z1odbA9tZAq2nQQvjnl-oxdOqz6ezRV90Li/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_175843139.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going to a mountain town to look at a submarine feels counterintuitive. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg415tOauvBMtqww0jaV_WAJg0oTD-YaE4klkuDlTFQRUiTEygpWOl8cXbKZP2_rwgxQp7FaVFGljUQZHiXxYGweuaq41FpgHMfmvr8PfQLWxQyzN3mk1TTZyZ89ldVxNHwFkxo7LLluidfE0mZ86vJabW3qHkpL8Vdh8E5m7wVnR5khwRhqyX7ZV5F/s4032/PXL_20230403_181137935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg415tOauvBMtqww0jaV_WAJg0oTD-YaE4klkuDlTFQRUiTEygpWOl8cXbKZP2_rwgxQp7FaVFGljUQZHiXxYGweuaq41FpgHMfmvr8PfQLWxQyzN3mk1TTZyZ89ldVxNHwFkxo7LLluidfE0mZ86vJabW3qHkpL8Vdh8E5m7wVnR5khwRhqyX7ZV5F/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_181137935.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know anything about sports. I assume this a monument commemorating a guy who threw his hat 406 feet. Impressive! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV9Y1eTJRTQDRX6MBYI9FwG1Jufm4ruf1mECXR1fvB2wr7mUsDCKshsAix0XrOHVfyaxC1zTNZGS5px-yQLcI22KMrjHY3WyHz969WktR7uJ1P_8A3IUtZ3IK8J8sBnsppThNKru_QRBXS_OPmwyNdo08xMvyoPvqlXXW2TtMyYWVSxSacE56SGHf/s4032/PXL_20230403_181153224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV9Y1eTJRTQDRX6MBYI9FwG1Jufm4ruf1mECXR1fvB2wr7mUsDCKshsAix0XrOHVfyaxC1zTNZGS5px-yQLcI22KMrjHY3WyHz969WktR7uJ1P_8A3IUtZ3IK8J8sBnsppThNKru_QRBXS_OPmwyNdo08xMvyoPvqlXXW2TtMyYWVSxSacE56SGHf/w400-h225/PXL_20230403_181153224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnCkG9ds5r41Kw67q_IzBA0Urc6apaHs0Yvv4c_3bNjEJlpNOihgEVRqEhHfVpHt62J8nBW5Gs58HK43UTogxbGy-xmtDsq9k-UD2nvXKDvOxj3fSLQaxJqAMlIGIz-bLLZe9aJOy9MSCBzRp3tiT-xFuzoHyMx7o5TiXbZ_1tB1sWtbJqubdxy9a/s4032/PXL_20230403_181615341.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnCkG9ds5r41Kw67q_IzBA0Urc6apaHs0Yvv4c_3bNjEJlpNOihgEVRqEhHfVpHt62J8nBW5Gs58HK43UTogxbGy-xmtDsq9k-UD2nvXKDvOxj3fSLQaxJqAMlIGIz-bLLZe9aJOy9MSCBzRp3tiT-xFuzoHyMx7o5TiXbZ_1tB1sWtbJqubdxy9a/w225-h400/PXL_20230403_181615341.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign makes the trail look steeper than it really is. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We still had to drive to the bed and breakfast we'd reserved for the next leg of our trip, and we planned to do a sunset ride once we reached that destination, so we didn't have time to linger. If we do this again, I'd definitely be interested in exploring more of the Three Rivers Trail, and would likely follow the GAP further down the south side of the river. That said, Pittsburg is really its own experience. The rest of the GAP has its own personality, which we'll be talking about in upcoming posts! </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2023/06/biking-gap-trail-part-2-west-newton-to.html" target="_blank">For the ride from West Newton to Connellsville, click here. </a></div><p></p>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-16188613906478755572023-06-14T07:32:00.004-07:002023-06-14T09:44:28.461-07:00Biking the Tobacco Heritage Trail, South Boston, Va<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: September 3, 2022</li><li>Posted Mileage: 4 miles</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 9.2</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, crushed gravel</li><li>Conveniences: A few benches and picnic tables along the trail. </li><li>Best Features: Historical sites</li><li>Worst Features: short ride, no trail-town feel</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Rough green snake</li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: https://tobaccoheritagetrail.org/</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaSuuzv2DQnlOeDBApbxlHIZJre7DTRnWIgW4zHSosoLty5DdIB8KlxtQHhMDp4z4DAyJL44E_a1sRO04mCI8ePaP4YROAca8jID2H2ZyVXoiTewkf1WdW2I_Ga4ngTR4da9AEzI7Ayv7AOiyMhs27ju4ILyjl5S4-YQolh5NF8pTjds3WIBkzQ2y/s3840/PXL_20220903_181709676.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaSuuzv2DQnlOeDBApbxlHIZJre7DTRnWIgW4zHSosoLty5DdIB8KlxtQHhMDp4z4DAyJL44E_a1sRO04mCI8ePaP4YROAca8jID2H2ZyVXoiTewkf1WdW2I_Ga4ngTR4da9AEzI7Ayv7AOiyMhs27ju4ILyjl5S4-YQolh5NF8pTjds3WIBkzQ2y/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_181709676.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The largest chunk of the Tobacco Heritage Trail runs between La Crosse and Lawrenceville, Virginia. We've biked it a few times, and wrote about it in <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/04/tobacco-heritage-trail-la-crosse-va.html" target="_blank">this previous post.</a> But, there's another finished segment a few dozen miles away in South Boston. It's a little over 4 miles long, and most of it is a rail trail, flat and straight, making for an easy, if somewhat short, bike ride. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSYsvmlk6qiNs1WdaZb92obxD-N83Z1vz_EZv9kySrjQXEn99zOTL9oCyNmjNQTGv0RC-Hosiom-5_55WdCKXxage41aRBGklEUmUrkkeROb7fSLo2TPAZ6wPpJqh3RvR0tjsXiUPRC25n0o_VhPIGONgdjTb621o03LwGE5PjIJv3U2QwIb3eaDN/s4032/PXL_20220903_173425833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSYsvmlk6qiNs1WdaZb92obxD-N83Z1vz_EZv9kySrjQXEn99zOTL9oCyNmjNQTGv0RC-Hosiom-5_55WdCKXxage41aRBGklEUmUrkkeROb7fSLo2TPAZ6wPpJqh3RvR0tjsXiUPRC25n0o_VhPIGONgdjTb621o03LwGE5PjIJv3U2QwIb3eaDN/s320/PXL_20220903_173425833.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlWwhIcazmODTF1Q75_mD3GtDecqDybZQ6sF4cL5H-gYJ97EFriOqDLkVEbsVDS5Rldj2Y53ru7klDvqnm8WZYC0KzJgoWWInOhOE2hisbOTZzlQu6alhdUQSm1YEPu2jgZNSKztw-pLt4gY_qqARvt_uVdHPI1jWHlnDwZP2wrhHujvQANqhkSf3/s4032/PXL_20220903_181011441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlWwhIcazmODTF1Q75_mD3GtDecqDybZQ6sF4cL5H-gYJ97EFriOqDLkVEbsVDS5Rldj2Y53ru7klDvqnm8WZYC0KzJgoWWInOhOE2hisbOTZzlQu6alhdUQSm1YEPu2jgZNSKztw-pLt4gY_qqARvt_uVdHPI1jWHlnDwZP2wrhHujvQANqhkSf3/s320/PXL_20220903_181011441.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The dedicated trailhead is at Cotton Mill Park, off Railroad Street. There's plenty of parking, but that's about it. A few benches, no water fountains or restrooms. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy2DN8N6Ls5G94ChGMDQCSGL__CphZMWNrR68pfQnNK72-fyEA1KppU1WWrgsQmXalMfRgjgi273lVlhbRbJJz8jIoUzvDrV303rrtj3qd_2oi6eY4tTAqxpoUU0nDLUIP5h_z1L1hO_5qgC8-gFjwgNJrh-VQ5yQ02PJDPcbzi2Aizs_bm0IL1IM/s4032/PXL_20220903_190554966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy2DN8N6Ls5G94ChGMDQCSGL__CphZMWNrR68pfQnNK72-fyEA1KppU1WWrgsQmXalMfRgjgi273lVlhbRbJJz8jIoUzvDrV303rrtj3qd_2oi6eY4tTAqxpoUU0nDLUIP5h_z1L1hO_5qgC8-gFjwgNJrh-VQ5yQ02PJDPcbzi2Aizs_bm0IL1IM/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_190554966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1TVsRAy9ftfXRYlbaUg1mYRZr7gjgbN26Kyx8MFae38_9XCCG2hS49LZByds_dzBMfys33Yjeo7Lue32ciR05y-u27QPeLEWNTGq9QvHgwhtWf_iKJgmivQ8mWOj0rsaNO96iSb-jpvVcvLPCLaip_pl7OQ0tviICRBp1ThJdjAzqgSeCWL2Tgfn/s4032/PXL_20220903_190622571.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1TVsRAy9ftfXRYlbaUg1mYRZr7gjgbN26Kyx8MFae38_9XCCG2hS49LZByds_dzBMfys33Yjeo7Lue32ciR05y-u27QPeLEWNTGq9QvHgwhtWf_iKJgmivQ8mWOj0rsaNO96iSb-jpvVcvLPCLaip_pl7OQ0tviICRBp1ThJdjAzqgSeCWL2Tgfn/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_190622571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You ride from this along a path that takes you to the old rail bed portion of the trail. You'll be turning right once you reach it, but you can also follow the path a little distance if you head left. You'll arrive at a historical site called Boyd's Ferry where there's a good view of a railroad bridge crossing the Dan River, plus a marker commemorating the Revolutionary War. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXcBYrDCw9WrI49A2rpCMHEVBKcHK_ZLYlKaNPtAXTZ1XOZAi9aE1c0ll5Q7DAA2m7Ueg8EnpmG4XR5xIkzv5dsxL692wF4Nrf9pueTjEzAYmpDThwpHPIkbJF242bysvKdIqchiZh1NSh2uhAzRRGbnpx4HZ2O6qZfXTwlaF48I9_iLY_bg2y2Vc/s4032/PXL_20220903_185851449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXcBYrDCw9WrI49A2rpCMHEVBKcHK_ZLYlKaNPtAXTZ1XOZAi9aE1c0ll5Q7DAA2m7Ueg8EnpmG4XR5xIkzv5dsxL692wF4Nrf9pueTjEzAYmpDThwpHPIkbJF242bysvKdIqchiZh1NSh2uhAzRRGbnpx4HZ2O6qZfXTwlaF48I9_iLY_bg2y2Vc/s320/PXL_20220903_185851449.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArwTKx0ZxSEQ2XPz7TO4GU8p-C7v9WuD6nTq8SiFtATvBUQ43mox7iQlVAhT8v1p49y9IySQU_8bta2XcW3zQCol2_W-_AyK2lM-DJLOWqfV98hLRyLUNvfz9Z6zXUKKAl8BnxQgxj0RpA450xNJG14k1FenmSWSyUdTmJ93uST9vac8Q6QMjRYZj/s4032/PXL_20220903_190012690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArwTKx0ZxSEQ2XPz7TO4GU8p-C7v9WuD6nTq8SiFtATvBUQ43mox7iQlVAhT8v1p49y9IySQU_8bta2XcW3zQCol2_W-_AyK2lM-DJLOWqfV98hLRyLUNvfz9Z6zXUKKAl8BnxQgxj0RpA450xNJG14k1FenmSWSyUdTmJ93uST9vac8Q6QMjRYZj/s320/PXL_20220903_190012690.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Heading back onto the rail trail, you'll have roughly 3 miles of easy riding along a crushed surface. It's a nice, easy ride. There's plenty of wildflowers, but the landscape is a bit bland compared to most other Virginia rail trails. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkV7a9T4tZz_1pFpYc8QtJl4_xHvY5UOZPlv5cau7DToe1Rqf7SuO-im0K_CotI0BmSgtDWY1Fpr_3kH5gKS9rbFvqCOp4-SjVITD7KH4yTP64AQTa2AP-RQ0Gb8bBkY_Wwv7MratC4NQ-14DlhHJBB-gGFUSiPYjax9o1nvP3kQxWMv9uYjS6a41/s4032/PXL_20220903_175150571.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkV7a9T4tZz_1pFpYc8QtJl4_xHvY5UOZPlv5cau7DToe1Rqf7SuO-im0K_CotI0BmSgtDWY1Fpr_3kH5gKS9rbFvqCOp4-SjVITD7KH4yTP64AQTa2AP-RQ0Gb8bBkY_Wwv7MratC4NQ-14DlhHJBB-gGFUSiPYjax9o1nvP3kQxWMv9uYjS6a41/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_175150571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz9T3Kb8VmbR-jEu2xZTz_nyHnL3wrHAS-agOcUsPsKP6jjAQ5xFnPHS2_i_RM8G2YMxi94OdkOHPjNWChRY1Rxboll27-fvtrZWTJzclo5WZYDCCFpnhpev0F0sT4o24KqkXN60Z0Q3I5A-h9dn-pFUF7fOgZYYnOrgYTY9mNes49SYAcISw2jJH/s4032/PXL_20220903_175844304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz9T3Kb8VmbR-jEu2xZTz_nyHnL3wrHAS-agOcUsPsKP6jjAQ5xFnPHS2_i_RM8G2YMxi94OdkOHPjNWChRY1Rxboll27-fvtrZWTJzclo5WZYDCCFpnhpev0F0sT4o24KqkXN60Z0Q3I5A-h9dn-pFUF7fOgZYYnOrgYTY9mNes49SYAcISw2jJH/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_175844304.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiclT1yaPuLYLosnPnCVzND1vM8ibQA38QulGYgWgKJ24AeYnSCRtP0q3Vl5o0wVIgq9piCnkxlf4iRHhMA6CNCmrSc-8spQDRXBPGGZNwRdeTG05TT-jFExb6KrRLqdEr2wUno7WVuEnFiRxsiqZnhKyGYOQyiSC-RPgeXoO5mhnvu0uujTr465f/s4032/PXL_20220903_181253162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiclT1yaPuLYLosnPnCVzND1vM8ibQA38QulGYgWgKJ24AeYnSCRtP0q3Vl5o0wVIgq9piCnkxlf4iRHhMA6CNCmrSc-8spQDRXBPGGZNwRdeTG05TT-jFExb6KrRLqdEr2wUno7WVuEnFiRxsiqZnhKyGYOQyiSC-RPgeXoO5mhnvu0uujTr465f/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_181253162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Fortunately, you don't need to stray far from the trail to find points of interest. About a mile from the end there's a turn off that leads to the Diamond Hill Cemetery, the graveyard for the Berry Hill Plantation, where you'll find a memorial to the enslaved people buried there.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9OiJIllxk0Ee_w2hjfrSOVBoMuJnUiIhX8LWdXh8rXqrorC-Qjdjxzai0KnPgglMZY7flrMjPVZFGLf7GIhgPqYokW5VV4o-KFJqhEMSozeLXz2u7Qetoa-UReRx3k7W5IKuA1IiNQUrKHOImUrOnaEpXKRdvJBpuCbvkFActYOzwv9q5lBpTHf8/s4032/PXL_20220903_182721579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9OiJIllxk0Ee_w2hjfrSOVBoMuJnUiIhX8LWdXh8rXqrorC-Qjdjxzai0KnPgglMZY7flrMjPVZFGLf7GIhgPqYokW5VV4o-KFJqhEMSozeLXz2u7Qetoa-UReRx3k7W5IKuA1IiNQUrKHOImUrOnaEpXKRdvJBpuCbvkFActYOzwv9q5lBpTHf8/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_182721579.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JlYsOb9PrySeVceM0WTgGkQDNloP7IJs28FYaXa9zmBjWXH4L08-FHjJ0eAQHl2WDbPqFg6A_A-zzmCwqE57-n63Dra5kIadypaSN1iL7E5B-OtY7ZYPGLMAKsfZwLoIqEIP0JEBUvrS_xqnlnP-4QvXerbtoHAEd6cM2V6bzlawrKgL6fexTwze/s4032/PXL_20220903_183120316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JlYsOb9PrySeVceM0WTgGkQDNloP7IJs28FYaXa9zmBjWXH4L08-FHjJ0eAQHl2WDbPqFg6A_A-zzmCwqE57-n63Dra5kIadypaSN1iL7E5B-OtY7ZYPGLMAKsfZwLoIqEIP0JEBUvrS_xqnlnP-4QvXerbtoHAEd6cM2V6bzlawrKgL6fexTwze/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_183120316.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /> </div><div><br /></div><div>As you head up the hill to the cemetery, you see another road leading further into Berry Hill. Follow this a hundred yards or so and you'll reach the brick ruins of the slave quarters. There are more roads leading further into the plantation but we didn't follow them. The cemetery is plainly open to the public, but we weren't certain if the larger plantation grounds were open. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWRX3PZCd0kUlgyn9aZxxBNYhOnxv0CCtN7r6rj5niv25-wqI9netYpkqWjiNGAzClATJ4xddVqqxngAJ2aNy09AdS60bb4eJkZ0-LWgbhrKrf-b_XVw1Lzly5QBZineqhJw1QRJJZue08vcmZrMcDZWVeqR1-7Cus1BZSERwdDI-z4GqL3IzQTEx/s4032/PXL_20220903_183608232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWRX3PZCd0kUlgyn9aZxxBNYhOnxv0CCtN7r6rj5niv25-wqI9netYpkqWjiNGAzClATJ4xddVqqxngAJ2aNy09AdS60bb4eJkZ0-LWgbhrKrf-b_XVw1Lzly5QBZineqhJw1QRJJZue08vcmZrMcDZWVeqR1-7Cus1BZSERwdDI-z4GqL3IzQTEx/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_183608232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7BtxOMSMCaCRy9g13najEuGwfehcWoOw2FuKRwa5KdLxelDyEc8xEEp1yvDUIvPxG-6NRgPneqNOkn-j0eq5VFNcyUYhYpBf92fac5au_8GNJL6PR2ic8jo4U4hGW8lirW-YGgh1t_nNEDFBM8mJF1fiTrUdVjN4OciI7fuVO3RXXXcBVEWptte1/s4032/PXL_20220903_183852246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7BtxOMSMCaCRy9g13najEuGwfehcWoOw2FuKRwa5KdLxelDyEc8xEEp1yvDUIvPxG-6NRgPneqNOkn-j0eq5VFNcyUYhYpBf92fac5au_8GNJL6PR2ic8jo4U4hGW8lirW-YGgh1t_nNEDFBM8mJF1fiTrUdVjN4OciI7fuVO3RXXXcBVEWptte1/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_183852246.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This portion of the Tobacco Heritage Trail is a good place to try out if you're just hungry for a good place to get in a bike ride, but South Boston doesn't seem to cater to trail riders. The trail is near downtown, but doesn't really pass through it, so it lacks the "trail town" feel of a town like Damascus or Farmville. On the plus side, since these trails aren't catering to tourists, the trails aren't crowded. It's a nice, peaceful getaway. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_ccaN6U4SHYtP7vYWYFywHj-WNVHbZB6-2ZCAm1MgqTWMVgNRi_TL-pnKnII9BEISoot_qAjRQxxnnAW_7WYXjro3GJnsTWbHiSojIwlpNyKe9yHdkwZTcgA2tEz50b0_6HyVXU2ry1jmqNuRgSpqpehNc54OmHPzoxspB_PgI2RshfHytDpyi_u/s4032/PXL_20220903_173746595.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_ccaN6U4SHYtP7vYWYFywHj-WNVHbZB6-2ZCAm1MgqTWMVgNRi_TL-pnKnII9BEISoot_qAjRQxxnnAW_7WYXjro3GJnsTWbHiSojIwlpNyKe9yHdkwZTcgA2tEz50b0_6HyVXU2ry1jmqNuRgSpqpehNc54OmHPzoxspB_PgI2RshfHytDpyi_u/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_173746595.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgveRq9ZMqxt8PzxjW2U6YVe6XICnnn5X8BGRBLOIlz24jDeOf2PRxjw0s1YDrm4JgFwt4TkN805hA5ppPv6V32X8ABOA6TnCDVohfDSA4tzYy_bHY9yzzAUAd8DMcSi1XZY46KlVFbshVxxYTa9g2oJLec3klykIbHzgRo-7dpl58hMIYNmNMYij/s3840/PXL_20220903_174159721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgveRq9ZMqxt8PzxjW2U6YVe6XICnnn5X8BGRBLOIlz24jDeOf2PRxjw0s1YDrm4JgFwt4TkN805hA5ppPv6V32X8ABOA6TnCDVohfDSA4tzYy_bHY9yzzAUAd8DMcSi1XZY46KlVFbshVxxYTa9g2oJLec3klykIbHzgRo-7dpl58hMIYNmNMYij/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_174159721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIQyrtrjMX0ZvNvF0YHTp5lFHaEA0XtqS2u5ALsxCc9YRPZwBm0kEOIjMMTNO2oRjeUalrx5EfuJB5tE0r35qMFanOPTEyn-Z7IXlglDfFPOn__NARXB19uKxNKq4F5yTB9RBiscOjDataAKxsUUB4s-N9V-fDMfpdMhWEw8w3YO7LvZZGDR3SY2N/s4032/PXL_20220903_181539037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIQyrtrjMX0ZvNvF0YHTp5lFHaEA0XtqS2u5ALsxCc9YRPZwBm0kEOIjMMTNO2oRjeUalrx5EfuJB5tE0r35qMFanOPTEyn-Z7IXlglDfFPOn__NARXB19uKxNKq4F5yTB9RBiscOjDataAKxsUUB4s-N9V-fDMfpdMhWEw8w3YO7LvZZGDR3SY2N/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_181539037.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhzg6qG1KSQl-E_dGpUJ5pngnQwiVt-cchPaVqPnka-Sr4kNrxMBKvKa74qYlImnYlvCim7mcpEOnjxQ0EtKGIbrGw2PxiGownNatJNLEwbwFTFRW8iOxK6FurZRFu_L6k8rtTgrCH_uyxLC-dlHiqFHNeT8bHPuDN_0T26iobQGHKFffsDBrB4oD/s4032/PXL_20220903_182046132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhzg6qG1KSQl-E_dGpUJ5pngnQwiVt-cchPaVqPnka-Sr4kNrxMBKvKa74qYlImnYlvCim7mcpEOnjxQ0EtKGIbrGw2PxiGownNatJNLEwbwFTFRW8iOxK6FurZRFu_L6k8rtTgrCH_uyxLC-dlHiqFHNeT8bHPuDN_0T26iobQGHKFffsDBrB4oD/w225-h400/PXL_20220903_182046132.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_Czs23Eihv_Uzs1c_IYWUfBTvU5eQjjw0BdfTKHItm2My9qtjm6WVkuv0kZey02DQwe6RR27pRm8Hv4nINKFWSsTaktUtK8o6PBiiveGtPIE6WNyavkzxL_-PYcxkOm78v4wDTBAlRxzTn2Z18a26XlvjZaPX-R2RyYK5JoMvw6YnTAEQXPBT5ub/s4032/PXL_20220903_190429021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_Czs23Eihv_Uzs1c_IYWUfBTvU5eQjjw0BdfTKHItm2My9qtjm6WVkuv0kZey02DQwe6RR27pRm8Hv4nINKFWSsTaktUtK8o6PBiiveGtPIE6WNyavkzxL_-PYcxkOm78v4wDTBAlRxzTn2Z18a26XlvjZaPX-R2RyYK5JoMvw6YnTAEQXPBT5ub/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_190429021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-42039251501982279162023-05-12T15:15:00.001-07:002023-05-12T15:17:41.019-07:00Hiking the Green Swamp Preserve<p> </p><ul><li>Date Hiked: May 1, 2022</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 2 miles</li><li>Type of Trail: Hiking trail over flat ground</li><li>Conveniences: None</li><li>Best Features: Does rare natural vegetation count as a feature? </li><li>Worst Features: Little worth mentioning. Bring bug spray and sunscreen.</li><li>Wildlife spotted: none</li><li>Vegetation: Venus flytraps, Pitcher plants, pine and shrubs</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/green-swamp-preserve/">Green Swamp Preserve | The Nature Conservancy in NC</a> </li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKOosxHfQkSpuJ3yxEqls3AMyOKjSjr7_yOrl2VIKLFic8U-Pi8590vaq5AxetsMlA-kptlIQV5jbsMF-QxaEYK53sP6Z6y1RfQl2NmPaERTHnPPj6arb_KQfH_-OJWBpesBCXpsEzt0sTISCP4wcwEbIWeUasqt7A9cXR-EuImbuxq_yB-9uM4Zh/s4032/PXL_20220501_173604952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKOosxHfQkSpuJ3yxEqls3AMyOKjSjr7_yOrl2VIKLFic8U-Pi8590vaq5AxetsMlA-kptlIQV5jbsMF-QxaEYK53sP6Z6y1RfQl2NmPaERTHnPPj6arb_KQfH_-OJWBpesBCXpsEzt0sTISCP4wcwEbIWeUasqt7A9cXR-EuImbuxq_yB-9uM4Zh/w400-h225/PXL_20220501_173604952.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Green Swamp Preserve isn't terribly far from Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, but it's not really very close to anything. It's not really a tourist destination, nor is it a place to seek out if you're looking for a challenging hike. From a sandy parking lot, you'll be following a narrow track of bare sand through pine forest and low bushes for roughly a mile out, then a mile back on the same path. To the casual eye, it seems like a fairly boring walk. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8gUSIvX7pZJNqqZX26a0Or2EfWvBZX-y01Q3GXiOMGeiZ_-6n1iJdOSn6hDJopeb9M4tPTWG0QlC5UEPDp_XfLxQT0p9_jVsB3ZxQhszaw6BANDOnrYOuaTiDip4_EhFDvyoF1n93uDiP24rLd_01u7lHtga47K5zEd58D0lziLfN1cpP9FdiT01/s4032/PXL_20220501_182533540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8gUSIvX7pZJNqqZX26a0Or2EfWvBZX-y01Q3GXiOMGeiZ_-6n1iJdOSn6hDJopeb9M4tPTWG0QlC5UEPDp_XfLxQT0p9_jVsB3ZxQhszaw6BANDOnrYOuaTiDip4_EhFDvyoF1n93uDiP24rLd_01u7lHtga47K5zEd58D0lziLfN1cpP9FdiT01/w400-h225/PXL_20220501_182533540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So what's the draw of this destination? </div><div><br /></div><div>Flytraps. Pitcher plants. Sundews. The barren soil creates the perfect climate for carnivorous plants, some of which are found almost nowhere else in the wild. A landscape that looks almost barren is instead a wonderland of rare species. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLKTeY8bZbS_yol2CCTJUny36B9Rgz1FEr-wy0hYJngwO2ogOYmlWdk_Pm2VDk-pk18h5wrCzAFM6pdopi5lbi1wwHp_sIV8KXSbeGe_DwE63QDnHbub0MbqyFYnd7Sc6cZzpxyPxWpeEm1x39s3NbR_8P8gCegsc7mwVsUB6olkH40N3eM9hZO6W/s4032/PXL_20220501_174308655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLKTeY8bZbS_yol2CCTJUny36B9Rgz1FEr-wy0hYJngwO2ogOYmlWdk_Pm2VDk-pk18h5wrCzAFM6pdopi5lbi1wwHp_sIV8KXSbeGe_DwE63QDnHbub0MbqyFYnd7Sc6cZzpxyPxWpeEm1x39s3NbR_8P8gCegsc7mwVsUB6olkH40N3eM9hZO6W/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_174308655.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKqx1ZtOeC5BbCNlFcHV1186MxdNac-sRioxIhUD2yDNUfFP4fN8XLmo97VKkpzITc4YefhmyvIB8dtFwAg2EprDyQoV17zNsbr6Lwt0BkLDr61hOqgCwWOvIqEC9OYfuX8KG68Yoohgc5HJTbHWOiS_nedRxQPy31oJX1qvvOjcd_QyfQLVmwMb2/s4032/PXL_20220501_180609606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKqx1ZtOeC5BbCNlFcHV1186MxdNac-sRioxIhUD2yDNUfFP4fN8XLmo97VKkpzITc4YefhmyvIB8dtFwAg2EprDyQoV17zNsbr6Lwt0BkLDr61hOqgCwWOvIqEC9OYfuX8KG68Yoohgc5HJTbHWOiS_nedRxQPy31oJX1qvvOjcd_QyfQLVmwMb2/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_180609606.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVCupIdZwr1ElYHutRheGgsOE-7BT_kHh_4NIOMl6HnWK0HacPZUMa47AoEqoBGd6Z1b6zvGw9RbK1xAuVieRtezEdOdI0j10OhD98uo_yiGvKXqPjinifvfe1QRWrzhtpdzaA4DSpHo-VQLawH8NJQKGpj58BxBL4YiFNExOrh1jHkXe6tA2qMjP/s3840/PXL_20220501_181614282.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVCupIdZwr1ElYHutRheGgsOE-7BT_kHh_4NIOMl6HnWK0HacPZUMa47AoEqoBGd6Z1b6zvGw9RbK1xAuVieRtezEdOdI0j10OhD98uo_yiGvKXqPjinifvfe1QRWrzhtpdzaA4DSpHo-VQLawH8NJQKGpj58BxBL4YiFNExOrh1jHkXe6tA2qMjP/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_181614282.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEPZ-jonn1bChVzgCHrtGsDHJbW-rxZBzbpCBz7EZoUF5_byq7pxIld_wyb2TRctvxoq6El2d2vKJkyFmlUVtxgnwMOV9o3vRnTWcMMiOBYnC3oAIo0pn7wmHCoTolUQJAFyLlZCKTKdjFN0fH_VkYiPSyh_ygxG8soqZR0FRoVEyjsQMGPSeqJcV/s4032/PXL_20220501_181729993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEPZ-jonn1bChVzgCHrtGsDHJbW-rxZBzbpCBz7EZoUF5_byq7pxIld_wyb2TRctvxoq6El2d2vKJkyFmlUVtxgnwMOV9o3vRnTWcMMiOBYnC3oAIo0pn7wmHCoTolUQJAFyLlZCKTKdjFN0fH_VkYiPSyh_ygxG8soqZR0FRoVEyjsQMGPSeqJcV/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_181729993.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFakmpWYPbl4yiRJ4BDFAEdkUTFnRUZsnYM4MTMfCwS7BoHsBZyMjuZ6vZzK6zRfiIY5v7ap_0CozTTJKhTch8mY3ZduuRiw-62_ZSEPUaMZKlIfS7QtK4a-3Zrq_tv22jsvaDEBlCstpAn0X5GU6NrnGHEdGc6ljakntZNduCbF_S6ZcXkwyAkjf1/s4032/PXL_20220501_181811005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFakmpWYPbl4yiRJ4BDFAEdkUTFnRUZsnYM4MTMfCwS7BoHsBZyMjuZ6vZzK6zRfiIY5v7ap_0CozTTJKhTch8mY3ZduuRiw-62_ZSEPUaMZKlIfS7QtK4a-3Zrq_tv22jsvaDEBlCstpAn0X5GU6NrnGHEdGc6ljakntZNduCbF_S6ZcXkwyAkjf1/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_181811005.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctVV4t95NF7HIcb0ldO9h7nHWCbXNhGb9Vh8iLzCiyTXuHt4_XYSc_wU9pRXe8Nr3NOl0XKAlJP6gqu5K4HcTOkGV9bxqySl26JDq8AJ7MtmOJU-Wv53N7be4lMYdnrOkgeHsypnKNf4_06NZJATgqp8FM-39OeCUc0hjMvmKesBwrha4tiSQ_aob/s4032/PXL_20220501_183118544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctVV4t95NF7HIcb0ldO9h7nHWCbXNhGb9Vh8iLzCiyTXuHt4_XYSc_wU9pRXe8Nr3NOl0XKAlJP6gqu5K4HcTOkGV9bxqySl26JDq8AJ7MtmOJU-Wv53N7be4lMYdnrOkgeHsypnKNf4_06NZJATgqp8FM-39OeCUc0hjMvmKesBwrha4tiSQ_aob/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_183118544.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If you plan to go, late May through early June is the best window for spotting the Venus flytraps since they send up flowers during this time, making them easy to spot. We hiked before they were sending up flowers, so we walked a good distance into the preserve without spotting any. We finally found a guy walking his dog who told us where to look for them. They are very low to the ground and very easy to overlook in the grass, but once you train your eyes to spot them you'll likely find dozens of them clustered together right along the trail. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzbFH00iNKp_eXTXKf2mw2FfJkq0cwKpZ_5KuQMm7kvAwtgiMORa82q-epl5pBlwoHNdxCdE7KmigvSdrcgo5QIOQSZmowYuA8n4uWB02eC9bDhQxtUhVVt75scHUP0OjdJpQjlMSgMD8QI2_B6wUEbDnCyds_nG80f1W5DsOPoxGDIU4qN-5X6qv/s4032/PXL_20220501_174239342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzbFH00iNKp_eXTXKf2mw2FfJkq0cwKpZ_5KuQMm7kvAwtgiMORa82q-epl5pBlwoHNdxCdE7KmigvSdrcgo5QIOQSZmowYuA8n4uWB02eC9bDhQxtUhVVt75scHUP0OjdJpQjlMSgMD8QI2_B6wUEbDnCyds_nG80f1W5DsOPoxGDIU4qN-5X6qv/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_174239342.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The picture above shows the challenge of locating the flytraps. They are tiny, no larger than a fingernail. The interior is pale pink, but the outer green blends easily into the numerous small leaves of the low shrubs covering most of the ground. We found that if we spotted moss beds we'd normally find flytraps mixed in. Once you do find one, you'll probably find others no more than a yard away. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXplngK71_glr1wnz5GrnyPuf1x3ayWUMLZClqXOQxLn_PZ4BvTNlTYUZ2ZStW87z2Ud61B16MmCqVVdPjwnviWqVNjhcfYtohtgxtacscvJM7UEY8gtmwglB3dNGx4Z_7m6s9jGNL_09vZeKDCHTV6v6sz8mOlARP4X5pNKtvmff9fTYHl8X2lZdA/s4032/PXL_20220501_175032196.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXplngK71_glr1wnz5GrnyPuf1x3ayWUMLZClqXOQxLn_PZ4BvTNlTYUZ2ZStW87z2Ud61B16MmCqVVdPjwnviWqVNjhcfYtohtgxtacscvJM7UEY8gtmwglB3dNGx4Z_7m6s9jGNL_09vZeKDCHTV6v6sz8mOlARP4X5pNKtvmff9fTYHl8X2lZdA/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_175032196.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were there a few weeks before the flytraps bloomed, but here's a stalk of one on the verge of blooming. They should be easy to find when they are flowering. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The pitcher plants are hard to miss, since they are a few feet tall and fairly colorful. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTFW-lHUFImuK3ak6IrjaCXonqdoIOf24g6jlk7kcw2i5hCqZMVTPQH3XHcjg84hp4qNWqoLPHkTaol2lJQKZm_oJAWioI0QiW7sQm34xlPn68GxmF85jlelaevZS49KWMwISVPrFAmbxb0IrCUl8AMIdF1QVAvi6x4F6cNI_RUYB2XFCRKSn1pDX/s4032/PXL_20220501_180701661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTFW-lHUFImuK3ak6IrjaCXonqdoIOf24g6jlk7kcw2i5hCqZMVTPQH3XHcjg84hp4qNWqoLPHkTaol2lJQKZm_oJAWioI0QiW7sQm34xlPn68GxmF85jlelaevZS49KWMwISVPrFAmbxb0IrCUl8AMIdF1QVAvi6x4F6cNI_RUYB2XFCRKSn1pDX/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_180701661.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGssLP9M9qLMDsvYrPl1rLZburjyl_GXjdh_ZNoL2NdiVDNE_wA7hCR9MZqBtM_rgIAs3uRSBq9yOvRJNsQyLqHORa9osijteHa7Gw6OnlMqNSswi1lrRsevlXMmVNd_Flob5AFMLMwL82XquwOVtbqJwvuYnlMj9rh7pc7-ndZK58oOt58npCfcR/s4032/PXL_20220501_182843580.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGssLP9M9qLMDsvYrPl1rLZburjyl_GXjdh_ZNoL2NdiVDNE_wA7hCR9MZqBtM_rgIAs3uRSBq9yOvRJNsQyLqHORa9osijteHa7Gw6OnlMqNSswi1lrRsevlXMmVNd_Flob5AFMLMwL82XquwOVtbqJwvuYnlMj9rh7pc7-ndZK58oOt58npCfcR/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_182843580.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The sundews were probably the hardest to find. We only found a few of them at the furthest reaches of the trail where the ground was turning boggy. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUz4olrIeNjT8M_MpBXD9wkp9VuyOBZZwp95B8YMSa6IWwI0L6jxqjhYbQeIdTAztU185AmnyhIghX7CSY5TBbicktzzQXlaEnkGF4sJonGO7R1KPRfHgo9kpQBgh_ni8RIslW4gH8mG4dw5C_LwseP-YMF8CAuoujjhWJa5twqwK2IDef6d7gLvY/s4032/PXL_20220501_181257206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUz4olrIeNjT8M_MpBXD9wkp9VuyOBZZwp95B8YMSa6IWwI0L6jxqjhYbQeIdTAztU185AmnyhIghX7CSY5TBbicktzzQXlaEnkGF4sJonGO7R1KPRfHgo9kpQBgh_ni8RIslW4gH8mG4dw5C_LwseP-YMF8CAuoujjhWJa5twqwK2IDef6d7gLvY/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_181257206.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYARQ39g1SlhhPoJh8NB8DuY2JM0O5v21MRqq7QWESTVVlU8Oragg-9yhlYr_o4ksiLmAyDmnpYuzVjpFHJMJnVzsYvFqDmeBWradF7PGhW7-S5eVZxzo3jRlXbgNywKVV60KIM8eu6-3nxne8jvtIDOJ1q3lNPx17OZhUs31TLTQtATbZk4kLxwU/s4032/PXL_20220501_183235036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYARQ39g1SlhhPoJh8NB8DuY2JM0O5v21MRqq7QWESTVVlU8Oragg-9yhlYr_o4ksiLmAyDmnpYuzVjpFHJMJnVzsYvFqDmeBWradF7PGhW7-S5eVZxzo3jRlXbgNywKVV60KIM8eu6-3nxne8jvtIDOJ1q3lNPx17OZhUs31TLTQtATbZk4kLxwU/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_183235036.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The ecology of this place feels very fragile. It's easy to see how, only a few decades past, development could (and likely did) wipe out whole species on land that the average person might have thought of as a boring patch of earth unworthy of protection. Walking through this landscape, stopping to take in all the rare plants, reminds you that even the most unlikely places can be full of beauty and wonder. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQSybP89XT_5EOywiUJA5iQ0sdIBEgmWH4eRiSr6gQuGRnMj8YVHp8SzJIeC0xZW9mf-O95HuNeEHtEfa5AiopzwaFfiy5aLZN8Wh9pknhX98gV7ji_MW3JyPiFpwvF82LyEtJkAZFG4BaNucPm-DEQTQmGSMp_JdUhz-mkNq4ZdYBEEUkOfBp5f6/s3840/PXL_20220501_173638086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQSybP89XT_5EOywiUJA5iQ0sdIBEgmWH4eRiSr6gQuGRnMj8YVHp8SzJIeC0xZW9mf-O95HuNeEHtEfa5AiopzwaFfiy5aLZN8Wh9pknhX98gV7ji_MW3JyPiFpwvF82LyEtJkAZFG4BaNucPm-DEQTQmGSMp_JdUhz-mkNq4ZdYBEEUkOfBp5f6/w400-h225/PXL_20220501_173638086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiEbmA0kl8LiMS_pnVnqb4Kt3yKOl1TvnycrJggRzX6z3QQpTH4uavruZ4ICObc5v-aH_8gwQzsBHXa9INmWgS4zKqLIRpFy-F6R_butOGryQPoTFQEBKIyDhACfUFCDQd9X6YfGCoHyPj1J2fsJr26gEROwTyC16yGAjzlfm166aJ1OgsxDy2iow/s4032/PXL_20220501_174259141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiEbmA0kl8LiMS_pnVnqb4Kt3yKOl1TvnycrJggRzX6z3QQpTH4uavruZ4ICObc5v-aH_8gwQzsBHXa9INmWgS4zKqLIRpFy-F6R_butOGryQPoTFQEBKIyDhACfUFCDQd9X6YfGCoHyPj1J2fsJr26gEROwTyC16yGAjzlfm166aJ1OgsxDy2iow/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_174259141.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlVYyWRgbtCrBSkPz6koFT1zFtdKsWY7c2sAegIJQh4NeiVAZTfPzTY0blTsXaPyD7bH8bCBtM8oBnlWLZOj-j95Ew2y9m9n4eMfBeUpxjlh0k1hCN__UF-uKNnqfswztq4FtVwn1VGleGLZ_pyBzd4HfdGSnNdp6d1sJQsdKbJMiln_4hrqnh75w/s4032/PXL_20220501_174825649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7m9s6VwB0wbgNJhoRxbZsVrKTLy9Xw_bWzN1g8a2DzsFdHzA15Q--72Sc4c6m6QSIxP0V0BPNsXL9Ebqanf2S7EsdRhRPT1_q6I1lJBMUjYWAdb5DzVZ1N4UM-cIEBVAnnXTzwuNmFKbIBSWAvCw3i0ynAi9xW0tg3dXxLd37mD2i7QvGHzhdFXuq/s4032/PXL_20220501_185503550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7m9s6VwB0wbgNJhoRxbZsVrKTLy9Xw_bWzN1g8a2DzsFdHzA15Q--72Sc4c6m6QSIxP0V0BPNsXL9Ebqanf2S7EsdRhRPT1_q6I1lJBMUjYWAdb5DzVZ1N4UM-cIEBVAnnXTzwuNmFKbIBSWAvCw3i0ynAi9xW0tg3dXxLd37mD2i7QvGHzhdFXuq/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_185503550.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxHudICyckfZYlhP_QyZRKhSJZxscZpRi_8Vy0zGBcEROLRhWxw4MnEWKwQVbHnwfvf3CtadW6D2LreNzqWuCbA_6-j6Z26bzwDvGBpu1B2fmZhWqpT8aEJ_1LdtLHdGm8FgN_-8bOIkS-1l8TWsw86ojKdlcEq9ITklHHXm_e0PIF8M-vE5BGMab/s4032/PXL_20220501_190457746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxHudICyckfZYlhP_QyZRKhSJZxscZpRi_8Vy0zGBcEROLRhWxw4MnEWKwQVbHnwfvf3CtadW6D2LreNzqWuCbA_6-j6Z26bzwDvGBpu1B2fmZhWqpT8aEJ_1LdtLHdGm8FgN_-8bOIkS-1l8TWsw86ojKdlcEq9ITklHHXm_e0PIF8M-vE5BGMab/w225-h400/PXL_20220501_190457746.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-72804263701006272882023-02-17T09:56:00.004-08:002023-06-25T15:48:16.902-07:00Kayaking the Black River, NC<p> </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Date Kayaked: July 16, 2022</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 7.4 miles</li><li>Type of paddle: flat river</li><li>Conveniences: None</li><li>Best Features: Three Sisters Swamp</li><li>Worst Features: Public landings are few and far apart. </li><li>Wildlife spotted: S-s-snakes! (Only a couple, actually)</li><li>Vegetation: Cypress </li><li>Associated Website: None</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_6Wi-bHxNPRJOFJII87kDLLtQbqL8_NQRNbgjw9QWsMExb5-llVL33RDugRL_uiem8govZW_B_PUfOt55Q1OuUlSv5l8Itjh2D-R5ftF3Ym70y8B_3PNQk_jnihFsB0cv8Zdj9HBDGjT8m5F0ORcuCBSQRQGixURjWtxbUGGS9GABHd_0n6xAOaR/s4032/PXL_20220716_153056418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_6Wi-bHxNPRJOFJII87kDLLtQbqL8_NQRNbgjw9QWsMExb5-llVL33RDugRL_uiem8govZW_B_PUfOt55Q1OuUlSv5l8Itjh2D-R5ftF3Ym70y8B_3PNQk_jnihFsB0cv8Zdj9HBDGjT8m5F0ORcuCBSQRQGixURjWtxbUGGS9GABHd_0n6xAOaR/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_153056418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Black River and the Three Sisters Swamp has been something Cheryl and I have wanted to paddle for a few years now. The Three Sisters Swamp is one of the ecological wonders of North Carolina, a pristine wilderness of ancient bald cypress trees that have never been logged. Many trees are more than 1000 years old, some have been verified to be over 2000 years old, and it's likely that older trees exist. Old cypress trees often have hollow cores, making it difficult to pin down their true age. Since motorboats can't navigate through the shallow waters of the swamp, the only way to see this unspoiled landscape is via canoe or kayak. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH2Nc0SV96f9TftgWcIXprjvz59xDl7zL8YQRqH6NGz3qCE2YYgn_dvTHJwdcoRbz5Dwkc7hfXnf3t5oisCZh3g3D2pKNncWzL47IYJeb3izrgIaiM74xwRnWW1TFZxs26Bg1zGLneNfOygDsDT5k2mN90nqkTH6UGcuCx0vHS_aC5NXdlRgqqdHP/s4032/PXL_20220716_164205709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH2Nc0SV96f9TftgWcIXprjvz59xDl7zL8YQRqH6NGz3qCE2YYgn_dvTHJwdcoRbz5Dwkc7hfXnf3t5oisCZh3g3D2pKNncWzL47IYJeb3izrgIaiM74xwRnWW1TFZxs26Bg1zGLneNfOygDsDT5k2mN90nqkTH6UGcuCx0vHS_aC5NXdlRgqqdHP/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_164205709.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The remote nature of the swamp that protects it is also the biggest challenge to paddling it. We've launched a few times from Hunt's Bluff Wildlife Boat Ramp, roughly 3 miles downstream from the swamp. If you're willing to paddle against the current, you can reach the edge of the Three Sister's swamp in a few hours and at least explore the lower portion. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAWBxUPSduz-C4ePI2BvOvzewSY2UYXvK625z1UhfGPhEbJvrKpW0aPD6tDurTdChIEQ7LZR-AYLgswgrUr7sGCqVSV91afJRkVrnqL1eHj2QCsO4Vm6bkW1dWQpThIo_3wC8xwciIPyNvKnqaFzFxFaWdqYNJ1adDqM0MiFmqkwhBM9VyJEuBJ6B/s4032/PXL_20220716_182848075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAWBxUPSduz-C4ePI2BvOvzewSY2UYXvK625z1UhfGPhEbJvrKpW0aPD6tDurTdChIEQ7LZR-AYLgswgrUr7sGCqVSV91afJRkVrnqL1eHj2QCsO4Vm6bkW1dWQpThIo_3wC8xwciIPyNvKnqaFzFxFaWdqYNJ1adDqM0MiFmqkwhBM9VyJEuBJ6B/w225-h400/PXL_20220716_182848075.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you don't mind paddling upstream several miles, you can reach this tree!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>But, if you want to experience the full swamp, you'll need to launch from upstream and follow the current. On Google Maps, this looked like a daunting challenge to do without a guide. While much of the Black River can be kayaked year-round, low water might make portions of the swamp impassible. The swamp is also dense with cypress, and, while you could possibly stick to the main channel and make your way through without getting lost, exploring the thickest, most interesting parts of the swamp would be like exploring a labyrinth. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB7-KE5AyOW6nCiGg96pDFXp-PqTlezfg6JicmTamFbcXDvJx-gvXzmHvtzGmrxyZ0gvE7Juxxx9vGBGJBQD4Vj0T7lXVTdj3N1dLX4nCJGy1OZHooUggTwt2xGyLen4_wG6zrEsc4NaJ8opthqVbkvPaCQJ9JU-jsguo2Y29_j09TgbtzOiZdW7U/s4032/PXL_20220716_165854151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIB7-KE5AyOW6nCiGg96pDFXp-PqTlezfg6JicmTamFbcXDvJx-gvXzmHvtzGmrxyZ0gvE7Juxxx9vGBGJBQD4Vj0T7lXVTdj3N1dLX4nCJGy1OZHooUggTwt2xGyLen4_wG6zrEsc4NaJ8opthqVbkvPaCQJ9JU-jsguo2Y29_j09TgbtzOiZdW7U/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_165854151.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out for aquatic minotaurs. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Fortunately, Cheryl is part of a paddling group on Facebook and a local named Mitch volunteered to lead a group of paddlers through the swamp. We gladly joined this expedition. We launched from Henry's landing, a private kayak ramp that charges a small fee to park and launch. We left cars downriver at another private ramp, Newby's landing. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoePPTFjk1JqoDzgxbty97lBG7QrE_FMSNENvD4B3BGLjc-chG5ulKk1y7R1UPJkFSA_Kt_PrrMD4CVqlZgIJPQi0tzst0X8q0kZ77ibpP6WV_awnAkmD9XkhT9y140oZ8XbQ5R3z7nXDtkVU7r1P1JVJwy38eYYetubYR8iz3IiCYU0BEozQ5dAW/s4032/PXL_20220716_144051541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoePPTFjk1JqoDzgxbty97lBG7QrE_FMSNENvD4B3BGLjc-chG5ulKk1y7R1UPJkFSA_Kt_PrrMD4CVqlZgIJPQi0tzst0X8q0kZ77ibpP6WV_awnAkmD9XkhT9y140oZ8XbQ5R3z7nXDtkVU7r1P1JVJwy38eYYetubYR8iz3IiCYU0BEozQ5dAW/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_144051541.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the landing the river is broad and open. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The paddle itself was very easy. You're moving with the current, and except for navigating a few tight spots through the trees, the route Mitch led us through was free of snags or debris that might have blocked our path if we'd tried to find our way through on our own. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFILJ3Adq0lVw4d1MU7MzfgKyBPLE3W3cYdwfD0ppG-DsMUMK-WJHueC3YRnImyjgopHHHayOmvhJPFSBvJB-XTqv1St0ifNifdDTqjZrqjuqYnwT4l6VwkVxWn0GJz5OpXJxXpRZEizQ9d5jQDx4B8_nmw0xGO8tqLMxlMfBRdRm0c5T0nMPqVfYi/s4032/PXL_20220716_174825278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFILJ3Adq0lVw4d1MU7MzfgKyBPLE3W3cYdwfD0ppG-DsMUMK-WJHueC3YRnImyjgopHHHayOmvhJPFSBvJB-XTqv1St0ifNifdDTqjZrqjuqYnwT4l6VwkVxWn0GJz5OpXJxXpRZEizQ9d5jQDx4B8_nmw0xGO8tqLMxlMfBRdRm0c5T0nMPqVfYi/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_174825278.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps because we were part of a large group, we didn't see much wildlife other than a few snakes. We also took surprisingly few photographs considering how beautiful the terrain was. If there's a downside to paddling with a group, it's that you can't wedge your kayak into a tree to stop for a few minutes to take photos without blocking the paddlers behind you or losing sight of the paddlers in front of you. The advantage of a large group on a paddle like this is that you can be a little less paranoid. If you were paddling this on your own and something went wrong, it's not a situation where a park ranger can come to your rescue. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3wOapu0I4tH5c24Tl-1zuMe4eOO1Nf3v039EtF9T3mgDPQkzUSyUgmP6YHRLbiixmNldSHZWZJ_wPk77lb-cSC-aqpBePDaOWv8kc_gspFsc_LG4GBnzymcaIMvA0KyjWYSyD2q-L6jFsn9Y8yTXs5wtoXoEMsauR3IEEyy5SNT3m_3utUW_EQuZ/s4032/PXL_20220716_175112294.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3wOapu0I4tH5c24Tl-1zuMe4eOO1Nf3v039EtF9T3mgDPQkzUSyUgmP6YHRLbiixmNldSHZWZJ_wPk77lb-cSC-aqpBePDaOWv8kc_gspFsc_LG4GBnzymcaIMvA0KyjWYSyD2q-L6jFsn9Y8yTXs5wtoXoEMsauR3IEEyy5SNT3m_3utUW_EQuZ/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_175112294.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even a harmless water snake might give you a heart attack if it drops into your boat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In all, we were on the water a little over four hours, covering just over seven miles. Our photos don't do it justice, but this is easily one of the best paddle trips we've ever tackled. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLqgvz39amWSMl-WTv3faPSE7_OjUmk-5C2g8_sawYp55huVuHYxUqPAyz2GK1Ai1xPxCjS4I-Lwapfb4rWXBoHitGA1e7zpGgHguXFpLNtYCpvPvRVkikfRcDH7nT0_abn1Xt-ov2MVop1RZl_79ppgKbQWnTlqP3tXaLZeSznGA0OgNwgwWmWYW/s4032/PXL_20220716_154009684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLqgvz39amWSMl-WTv3faPSE7_OjUmk-5C2g8_sawYp55huVuHYxUqPAyz2GK1Ai1xPxCjS4I-Lwapfb4rWXBoHitGA1e7zpGgHguXFpLNtYCpvPvRVkikfRcDH7nT0_abn1Xt-ov2MVop1RZl_79ppgKbQWnTlqP3tXaLZeSznGA0OgNwgwWmWYW/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_154009684.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch break. Watch out for ticks! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DIFDzLtRfpAAN9IgC1kWNZUgjnwsElRlllXTwbSRdW7jb5T_rEq4nHRDVxCuYieJZMXlTv4DlHIN2Hbaccyx4S17L2ZL6BynP7g5-q6MtCiid4onMrdQ9u1jD3j66exoY3vuDFtn2ZCY6tV4DkkrzRDp-yKIcBZCOlKyegnfxb2TO_L69rAA-ry9/s4032/PXL_20220716_154802526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DIFDzLtRfpAAN9IgC1kWNZUgjnwsElRlllXTwbSRdW7jb5T_rEq4nHRDVxCuYieJZMXlTv4DlHIN2Hbaccyx4S17L2ZL6BynP7g5-q6MtCiid4onMrdQ9u1jD3j66exoY3vuDFtn2ZCY6tV4DkkrzRDp-yKIcBZCOlKyegnfxb2TO_L69rAA-ry9/w225-h400/PXL_20220716_154802526.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj342SMKytbxf8ttUlrApFqgDLmr9mg90WhE5pC-tNr6soHqKi-enI9a-XojdWD8hBd4YUEQtybe5gzuBLqcmNaTSNdhNwye-2JpcMqiDnXBuIDYaVCSR7gEDRE5mugYnamv31_EpOJumtwqxhqBEktXt2ijo_84Tlsr7Pj35PDs9O2aANs46QYw37Y/s3840/PXL_20220716_174621776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj342SMKytbxf8ttUlrApFqgDLmr9mg90WhE5pC-tNr6soHqKi-enI9a-XojdWD8hBd4YUEQtybe5gzuBLqcmNaTSNdhNwye-2JpcMqiDnXBuIDYaVCSR7gEDRE5mugYnamv31_EpOJumtwqxhqBEktXt2ijo_84Tlsr7Pj35PDs9O2aANs46QYw37Y/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_174621776.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQlTQB6BvMesu_Ego45lsd5dzzI1T0r73jXRlf4tEswEsUcDKtqRVggeRzDG_lFckmsqPhN8-y1Y1uox06Q0uNizNOyfmbh9OReshhEFqPqr5i_MCxMfWXbH3_69CajW9E5mt-Ir2_I1h0nk2W4PX0T-zyBPtLxy57Y9eV6-8DfAl6q9ZgK6si2gK/s4032/PXL_20220716_183057099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQlTQB6BvMesu_Ego45lsd5dzzI1T0r73jXRlf4tEswEsUcDKtqRVggeRzDG_lFckmsqPhN8-y1Y1uox06Q0uNizNOyfmbh9OReshhEFqPqr5i_MCxMfWXbH3_69CajW9E5mt-Ir2_I1h0nk2W4PX0T-zyBPtLxy57Y9eV6-8DfAl6q9ZgK6si2gK/w400-h225/PXL_20220716_183057099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br />James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-28926913604166555362023-02-05T15:39:00.000-08:002023-02-05T15:39:07.102-08:00What we did in 2022 - A Look Back<p> James and I have realized that we did not publish that many posts this past year. We've been planning some new adventures for 2023 and we have a few posts from 2022 to catch up on, but that doesn't mean we haven't been out exploring! We had numerous opportunities to bike, hike and kayak this past year - many of our miles were on some of our close to home trails, and some others we traveled we've already reviewed on Bikes, Boots and Boats. We also have explored some shorter trails that aren't enough to warrant a whole post. So I thought I'd share some photos of where we did trek this past year. </p><p>In January we started the year off doing some biking and some hiking along some game lands trails around Jordan Lake. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuInvKTMwxnSqDBXwCs8QJc5NFpYX9Zxku35NzBdGVWDn3CrI_BiwKenA_l8yfL7DAq7b-D3Znwo-cydjWjR1b3Vlk--EZoDfqKSJkWup0N00r8rwW9IVvIXEqQ4Tck38_uMilM5pNJ1Gxgaw2kXAfVirXca1x4_v3XB-V0xemPcvZBWyUdNGIL-h/s4032/PXL_20220303_224440309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuInvKTMwxnSqDBXwCs8QJc5NFpYX9Zxku35NzBdGVWDn3CrI_BiwKenA_l8yfL7DAq7b-D3Znwo-cydjWjR1b3Vlk--EZoDfqKSJkWup0N00r8rwW9IVvIXEqQ4Tck38_uMilM5pNJ1Gxgaw2kXAfVirXca1x4_v3XB-V0xemPcvZBWyUdNGIL-h/w400-h225/PXL_20220303_224440309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_ESA1m2muJ9JWeVGlruLnxwMcPVXV9nGcyjAchbEmQwnrbhKMIzZLleYqDB_hUQzgi2OncdnHguL2plGmBF3fWoLZDSyi1bu02DcXffPs7V8RApMv5PPDhE1vOhkHCoB8F0uGVQSp_BhCtxTjJzEfAbFszBsCMDVqKZvry5IBiLa20-WzHxK4kfR/s3840/PXL_20220206_193324367.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_ESA1m2muJ9JWeVGlruLnxwMcPVXV9nGcyjAchbEmQwnrbhKMIzZLleYqDB_hUQzgi2OncdnHguL2plGmBF3fWoLZDSyi1bu02DcXffPs7V8RApMv5PPDhE1vOhkHCoB8F0uGVQSp_BhCtxTjJzEfAbFszBsCMDVqKZvry5IBiLa20-WzHxK4kfR/w225-h400/PXL_20220206_193324367.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This area should be full of herons when we return in the spring! (it was not)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AKvX-WCnxNG6yAbdLmbXMtkHExIAWm6mp0KqLOFSYozwlP_omXlKSS8-LtXphfoT9NeILXJc0TDEdka1bZbmNUGQMR2RPtas_Tj-mB-ccRElI37kTkp_Q6wJRp2lPCGYNIcr1-PyAmznAbcdkUr7qduPh8pvk89Eg3fRkMZvYNy1li9TzgrkZpyv/s4032/PXL_20220305_190136931.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AKvX-WCnxNG6yAbdLmbXMtkHExIAWm6mp0KqLOFSYozwlP_omXlKSS8-LtXphfoT9NeILXJc0TDEdka1bZbmNUGQMR2RPtas_Tj-mB-ccRElI37kTkp_Q6wJRp2lPCGYNIcr1-PyAmznAbcdkUr7qduPh8pvk89Eg3fRkMZvYNy1li9TzgrkZpyv/w225-h400/PXL_20220305_190136931.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following an old railroad bed. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We returned to the game lands in the spring and were wowed by the lushness of green and the wildflowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WX4Lm9skw5TAqlHyczuErEMKk55iEH4OO_Has2SiOC-iKXRWioYvIF80Up3o0-wdqgndWePdtdX9ssAZV3ogI8hvXXt8wD18412WLR95AE4jpf6sRW69nPJPyWMJibCzIFefTuIgh-LVKO3n7OrNmCFzkrz3LnXxESWgQuFrQMujfC7bzHZlbbkM/s4032/PXL_20220417_215013633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WX4Lm9skw5TAqlHyczuErEMKk55iEH4OO_Has2SiOC-iKXRWioYvIF80Up3o0-wdqgndWePdtdX9ssAZV3ogI8hvXXt8wD18412WLR95AE4jpf6sRW69nPJPyWMJibCzIFefTuIgh-LVKO3n7OrNmCFzkrz3LnXxESWgQuFrQMujfC7bzHZlbbkM/w400-h225/PXL_20220417_215013633.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzGQMiKzVzLEu-yYkAOvYDaYbtn9a5Me5sNWTsQ4AuJFrG45TtXmFGip1__YsSVuhesnaZgLc7pFo3rMM2wA7e6i5m62qd094Wtm3ts48mOyMdEzBIXk7KXnG1BNzVDE7TddOSlqJ8qZ4aG1jX5v5Y90qTww7Je3IMbRUP6vOQLDqEkiQoh1bP0p3/s4032/PXL_20220417_215536937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzGQMiKzVzLEu-yYkAOvYDaYbtn9a5Me5sNWTsQ4AuJFrG45TtXmFGip1__YsSVuhesnaZgLc7pFo3rMM2wA7e6i5m62qd094Wtm3ts48mOyMdEzBIXk7KXnG1BNzVDE7TddOSlqJ8qZ4aG1jX5v5Y90qTww7Je3IMbRUP6vOQLDqEkiQoh1bP0p3/w400-h225/PXL_20220417_215536937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KsiioDeiqLBnOmLbewRqgf8fcfsTTEqM94NB-hVzUAl6MHAH2cHrECkRr1eQFy9lQUvSsVx3V-fUKsQVzX81IkBHJEt0Lld20Z9Lba0djDI2XkFbPRw44eDZIFQr39B6XLlI_2Kpb-Af8dTEmE2bp9to_Iod1MEWH4taaaqWqJXqRhifeXxcPl32/s4032/PXL_20220417_221638577.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KsiioDeiqLBnOmLbewRqgf8fcfsTTEqM94NB-hVzUAl6MHAH2cHrECkRr1eQFy9lQUvSsVx3V-fUKsQVzX81IkBHJEt0Lld20Z9Lba0djDI2XkFbPRw44eDZIFQr39B6XLlI_2Kpb-Af8dTEmE2bp9to_Iod1MEWH4taaaqWqJXqRhifeXxcPl32/w400-h225/PXL_20220417_221638577.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the Yellow Wildflower Road!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We did a lot of walking on the Riverwalk here in town. Some evenings we are surrounded by a herd of deer. We get excited when the train rolls through during our walks too.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-rB7bs64ZAC2xaQjPgiZZ_eQJKsrUDWh_UA4rYiOPM-UozR4cq2w56TAnZZaIo69TJzpLe1c8vqyBzIRZxksBk_a3eQ9MAaLadbhmvpoTEDjWWUwFtvZILvi9a9vI6MKt9GtYAi990fhEirMEnQEii0JPGNlz8DinOy07Ze_TklJbGsQdG25TY5J/s4032/PXL_20220331_232305616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-rB7bs64ZAC2xaQjPgiZZ_eQJKsrUDWh_UA4rYiOPM-UozR4cq2w56TAnZZaIo69TJzpLe1c8vqyBzIRZxksBk_a3eQ9MAaLadbhmvpoTEDjWWUwFtvZILvi9a9vI6MKt9GtYAi990fhEirMEnQEii0JPGNlz8DinOy07Ze_TklJbGsQdG25TY5J/w225-h400/PXL_20220331_232305616.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Riverwalk reflections<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the spring we met up with our friends Hope and Danny in Greenville, SC and rode the Swamp Rabbit trail on Saturday and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Spindale, NC on Sunday. We always enjoy sharing the trails with them!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zHF3_gWDCRP6SlXo0Az7GuVFemKK6djeSsIhjuTXz5o1M9te_PoSkYpXB7GtjOsVEfA-kFyBc8QTgZ1LhiAgGaNVh0J7uoynONaLVYusataU1AQrXTRATinm5wGh37psLtjxKfS9IOGJYQa8IDoXudNATYqXAQvklZIRcNDsBpBtjRQUVE6CiN0W/s3840/PXL_20220326_155157872.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zHF3_gWDCRP6SlXo0Az7GuVFemKK6djeSsIhjuTXz5o1M9te_PoSkYpXB7GtjOsVEfA-kFyBc8QTgZ1LhiAgGaNVh0J7uoynONaLVYusataU1AQrXTRATinm5wGh37psLtjxKfS9IOGJYQa8IDoXudNATYqXAQvklZIRcNDsBpBtjRQUVE6CiN0W/w225-h400/PXL_20220326_155157872.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp Rabbit Trail: Heading towards Traveler's Rest<span> <br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GKEpiCnu_8q_knCaMyNyiuWlx1ZBPfIUGcUNMwrR8iEwuT8LG9nZ9PU677Snn7eD45NpKDAmyX_v-TPxi2tAUGPtsgbeAgba8u3pD-ZIfa-RgtyJEUdrpFK-JxpsAExPsXWj_y8fcvCVWBTqd-5JaIg44tq40ixvvLCn3uwQJ10MuxUYKv5aEWi9/s4032/PXL_20220327_162656217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GKEpiCnu_8q_knCaMyNyiuWlx1ZBPfIUGcUNMwrR8iEwuT8LG9nZ9PU677Snn7eD45NpKDAmyX_v-TPxi2tAUGPtsgbeAgba8u3pD-ZIfa-RgtyJEUdrpFK-JxpsAExPsXWj_y8fcvCVWBTqd-5JaIg44tq40ixvvLCn3uwQJ10MuxUYKv5aEWi9/w225-h400/PXL_20220327_162656217.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing at the Gold Mine on the Thermal Belt<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">For contrast in weather, Hope and Danny came to town in July and we showed off our "home trail" of the American Tobacco Trail. It was so hot that day! But we had a great time riding together.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucAv12F7tLADdU-oqyAFGqbcReYHEgrEJVOlKtYXCGVur3kmlvLlBEr45b84YnlYfrz-JLgpcpsmNdEAtnaUnna5MD7inR4uLB2743osuEDJtp16y0iQkGOR0wAcoB9vuXn7ARCfifu4Ficmmp3X_qBCI5LodcwiDb7-zS_lDRWuHi4xyWGsyMQRv/s3840/PXL_20220702_171345172.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucAv12F7tLADdU-oqyAFGqbcReYHEgrEJVOlKtYXCGVur3kmlvLlBEr45b84YnlYfrz-JLgpcpsmNdEAtnaUnna5MD7inR4uLB2743osuEDJtp16y0iQkGOR0wAcoB9vuXn7ARCfifu4Ficmmp3X_qBCI5LodcwiDb7-zS_lDRWuHi4xyWGsyMQRv/w400-h225/PXL_20220702_171345172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzOXX3YOBQRNQiqGtOucYhaGQCNC0mJsJYv0RH6jPgApv73A4fxJ5G_6Iynb_0RLlKlUTjs-xfUWn9VkNQxY1x2K2JDHkYiKasfGzhDeIa7m3Ju7jGZ7QfWbzz0x-mIr4Oy1Ipj3ErOTf0ddNK2W8bH8V4P7dQadAo49f0k6Q8Tvo0VB3U9jW7mNW/s3840/PXL_20220702_174657241.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzOXX3YOBQRNQiqGtOucYhaGQCNC0mJsJYv0RH6jPgApv73A4fxJ5G_6Iynb_0RLlKlUTjs-xfUWn9VkNQxY1x2K2JDHkYiKasfGzhDeIa7m3Ju7jGZ7QfWbzz0x-mIr4Oy1Ipj3ErOTf0ddNK2W8bH8V4P7dQadAo49f0k6Q8Tvo0VB3U9jW7mNW/w400-h225/PXL_20220702_174657241.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really think we are about to melt in this picture!<br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of the American Tobacco Trail. We ride there a lot! Here are some random shots from the year: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz-soFPH1qUzQe3h-AdsKpKEtnNCYsb5zUhe4Z2m9eJx9MAAG8-tXq56Xt8fJxzjojokv5SLKe_g8bEWQPqddYQH_DemkzqqbDh0Ln90Jh5j1aO9Yw3p9RW0DFMiXTS-glPAoTIJg1aMLL9DbsX0jYMJYSs1UC3ldIyO7FQig2TqyGQT85A1mkMDu/s4032/PXL_20220416_233528147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz-soFPH1qUzQe3h-AdsKpKEtnNCYsb5zUhe4Z2m9eJx9MAAG8-tXq56Xt8fJxzjojokv5SLKe_g8bEWQPqddYQH_DemkzqqbDh0Ln90Jh5j1aO9Yw3p9RW0DFMiXTS-glPAoTIJg1aMLL9DbsX0jYMJYSs1UC3ldIyO7FQig2TqyGQT85A1mkMDu/w400-h225/PXL_20220416_233528147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You know we weren't going to make a post without a snake! Juvenile rat snake chilling on the trail</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOF7ID4pD80eF1qXvRg1TySgHWU3hrliBcxwF8DcLntH11F5lSBqvKt3ulAa_U_MlLZos5BPEGDVNMI4PUiEZ88RoKdhNjSNUbaBmQw_3XeOVMG45ilTYBEdWrvjk8JiFa-MyV4wKRAs9I0fwd0rJJe2cswxAiQ_8E9NRdbbdFRpl0SknJrnN3RYa/s4032/PXL_20220416_234429843.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOF7ID4pD80eF1qXvRg1TySgHWU3hrliBcxwF8DcLntH11F5lSBqvKt3ulAa_U_MlLZos5BPEGDVNMI4PUiEZ88RoKdhNjSNUbaBmQw_3XeOVMG45ilTYBEdWrvjk8JiFa-MyV4wKRAs9I0fwd0rJJe2cswxAiQ_8E9NRdbbdFRpl0SknJrnN3RYa/w225-h400/PXL_20220416_234429843.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'd been watching the construction of the beaver dam for a while. We were so excited to see them! Of course, we didn't have the camera with the zoom on it, so the phone camera did what it could.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4ekCNPNJEnCUv6DBhmj0gZyIFq5Y5PnQmPRQ6b5LJu_2HT6BPjJf2L73TqbmwtlxezYmOO9WafnfoexlThb0NX9Q2YSQ22doUHwYWU-ibyNxU-PLeIgcI7rmiY_R2LkB1AE15RFgBkaAsHq-odtoTeZk33pOvUem11TBuzIiyyBLNiEHcyxjxHm-/s4032/PXL_20220416_234556308.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4ekCNPNJEnCUv6DBhmj0gZyIFq5Y5PnQmPRQ6b5LJu_2HT6BPjJf2L73TqbmwtlxezYmOO9WafnfoexlThb0NX9Q2YSQ22doUHwYWU-ibyNxU-PLeIgcI7rmiY_R2LkB1AE15RFgBkaAsHq-odtoTeZk33pOvUem11TBuzIiyyBLNiEHcyxjxHm-/w400-h225/PXL_20220416_234556308.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two beavers on the log! Sadly, a couple of months later the Army Corps of Engineers destroyed the dam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDi-7RfaHruVMjAJzxXfgVfLjEKqGd8F--Ou5b6ayJVFLVjfdSXdgQ7PqAoPVdXxCqsvrKkanbveu8Y8jnm2fbjc7ZpFrTydBfQOIyaamzbIliS1BQD6Un_E9BmHzCfg7b4UcHQaaMUUCu6ApwCaxUcb9QcR8ZXa28V1ocM8RBPIjkdh_m3nDpolz/s4032/PXL_20220626_002853891.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDi-7RfaHruVMjAJzxXfgVfLjEKqGd8F--Ou5b6ayJVFLVjfdSXdgQ7PqAoPVdXxCqsvrKkanbveu8Y8jnm2fbjc7ZpFrTydBfQOIyaamzbIliS1BQD6Un_E9BmHzCfg7b4UcHQaaMUUCu6ApwCaxUcb9QcR8ZXa28V1ocM8RBPIjkdh_m3nDpolz/w400-h225/PXL_20220626_002853891.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many sunset (and some sunrise) rides to this part of the trail. We've seen beavers and muskrats here too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q6IjXZ_XRVhj-EmgcV2_BJ_W0KosydfX9PGc7ND7eNGaLmu3pFEfBIPleUX14R2_I3u3O8tOfV2MOM6mFJWPG4YcBQqEVXPs1vmlEqQtZ6cRVvexHq0lmk0lszQzrPx36QoZdbUrMjRtLUGE9J8EBODUBlXQIF3Kz3c1jlV49sHdR3kDKLgfh8Yl/s4032/PXL_20220630_224328302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q6IjXZ_XRVhj-EmgcV2_BJ_W0KosydfX9PGc7ND7eNGaLmu3pFEfBIPleUX14R2_I3u3O8tOfV2MOM6mFJWPG4YcBQqEVXPs1vmlEqQtZ6cRVvexHq0lmk0lszQzrPx36QoZdbUrMjRtLUGE9J8EBODUBlXQIF3Kz3c1jlV49sHdR3kDKLgfh8Yl/w225-h400/PXL_20220630_224328302.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgAmQBNleAElAhQ-nQyUoFw9NbPtQaTmXjsDh_iP-HFfHEBS7RBsQ3FQz8GFQpX5A4bEhezqmbQ-Nsle9NaG2fkqLNuTdN8pcJ1NVVtVSC0ZpvlbXEU7-iHhis2bvbVReinch0z4p6Y4Vk-yHgMGXybv99lqnvwysb0qfs8SpmkazUJ6Jc1TXZoAr/s4032/PXL_20230102_193751473.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgAmQBNleAElAhQ-nQyUoFw9NbPtQaTmXjsDh_iP-HFfHEBS7RBsQ3FQz8GFQpX5A4bEhezqmbQ-Nsle9NaG2fkqLNuTdN8pcJ1NVVtVSC0ZpvlbXEU7-iHhis2bvbVReinch0z4p6Y4Vk-yHgMGXybv99lqnvwysb0qfs8SpmkazUJ6Jc1TXZoAr/w225-h400/PXL_20230102_193751473.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our yearly photo of our reflection in an ornament from one of the festively decorated trees</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also spend a many a weekend riding on the Neuse River Greenway in Raleigh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMUp9O0u-ro_G-coGdjYeb3eTqIXynmvc2cIM_sxhZnQeH6ot0ce9DPiui6OOU8Dmvp49RGFXq_B0jxZzDvV7OLGQdBmGHWO3hRkmsfLOHUW9I3pyDwI7lM04yuHPgqm7m5lKFJdHMsm1FsxYyFQ17gKmABgPLRTrhEfz6N5cRIg4fvGzHFuPBvlh/s4032/PXL_20220827_163838296.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMUp9O0u-ro_G-coGdjYeb3eTqIXynmvc2cIM_sxhZnQeH6ot0ce9DPiui6OOU8Dmvp49RGFXq_B0jxZzDvV7OLGQdBmGHWO3hRkmsfLOHUW9I3pyDwI7lM04yuHPgqm7m5lKFJdHMsm1FsxYyFQ17gKmABgPLRTrhEfz6N5cRIg4fvGzHFuPBvlh/w400-h225/PXL_20220827_163838296.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer flowers at Anderson Point Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhChTXr6_hEr0Vv7_lrEaY4-j477V793mw5S6pyUbmV5_a1itkEFqsLV85WxD9-0lslS__wCO78QZx8KVqMIw7QqnJDCCWc219eRHpYGL0Cf8xr0zMJQHhBQ2Vu-OJzple6H-TIABHNcdoPimas-ijdRvdbbd1Foe9k9C4YI0RwRG7AG66GCJ4ouTU/s4032/PXL_20221029_144456476.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhChTXr6_hEr0Vv7_lrEaY4-j477V793mw5S6pyUbmV5_a1itkEFqsLV85WxD9-0lslS__wCO78QZx8KVqMIw7QqnJDCCWc219eRHpYGL0Cf8xr0zMJQHhBQ2Vu-OJzple6H-TIABHNcdoPimas-ijdRvdbbd1Foe9k9C4YI0RwRG7AG66GCJ4ouTU/w400-h225/PXL_20221029_144456476.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning fall color on this damp ride</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPNYYt4p_G4ozsYpLQBCkxczlZPieRstw9oT14pSzdzVwtv32v43u3Si2va0t2i08rBjyjsLVULMP4la-Rj_VFpyTCuSZw-zKXvlOrdgFw53mbjAqoyDlvgauelM-ghYKETi7FMm4a0yeoPElK-XKXGFykRp1BjypJNn9kV4IR4Cwky1g_H7VlHSD/s3840/PXL_20221029_151054373.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPNYYt4p_G4ozsYpLQBCkxczlZPieRstw9oT14pSzdzVwtv32v43u3Si2va0t2i08rBjyjsLVULMP4la-Rj_VFpyTCuSZw-zKXvlOrdgFw53mbjAqoyDlvgauelM-ghYKETi7FMm4a0yeoPElK-XKXGFykRp1BjypJNn9kV4IR4Cwky1g_H7VlHSD/w400-h225/PXL_20221029_151054373.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And beautiful cosmos planted along the trail. Taken the same damp fall ride too...such a contrast in color.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH08X9EAOoCs5Zuun3G6RQ8amStsM4Zu8jnaxaeNmF3pJTUxbYPUEHHgEOtCJkWXJ-txujWkHx75lH2CoAXPEnnKXz2yzyHmTFs4xaCK3inkt5QtycwH-SqgncwStYKcibwlwsvHLgJV2SczD0cVHJIS8DmJT9Y57H92kK-ReVnPQ0tSH2j_vJNJxC/s4032/PXL_20221029_151229675.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH08X9EAOoCs5Zuun3G6RQ8amStsM4Zu8jnaxaeNmF3pJTUxbYPUEHHgEOtCJkWXJ-txujWkHx75lH2CoAXPEnnKXz2yzyHmTFs4xaCK3inkt5QtycwH-SqgncwStYKcibwlwsvHLgJV2SczD0cVHJIS8DmJT9Y57H92kK-ReVnPQ0tSH2j_vJNJxC/w225-h400/PXL_20221029_151229675.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to get that perfect selfie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More biking with Hope and Danny! We re-cycled the Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort, SC when we were in the area for our yearly Pledge the Pink Breast Cancer walk.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2McZ22Uo2ZxYNfzoW1LrutyjR0VHrIil_y5OAX_pHiNUPxlnSFuArxYhAo_m2wM4shM_V92IicjQHafCGmhjengHRApYoAtsWzTfhc2hERhTI5UM_j5yIsyrYjKKQmsNYqDFv9jlIMKRLJEhH0SNh4JcSzAxY7Pu0xXof_DpcnyMXiSoPKlwlwoq/s3840/PXL_20221019_205356194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2McZ22Uo2ZxYNfzoW1LrutyjR0VHrIil_y5OAX_pHiNUPxlnSFuArxYhAo_m2wM4shM_V92IicjQHafCGmhjengHRApYoAtsWzTfhc2hERhTI5UM_j5yIsyrYjKKQmsNYqDFv9jlIMKRLJEhH0SNh4JcSzAxY7Pu0xXof_DpcnyMXiSoPKlwlwoq/w400-h225/PXL_20221019_205356194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQdIsrStOnVBt7LYcXN5kY4ohNt_N6Y-JrULD6PuVeU1djXtr2wJ8gf0tIQ9PPFBcE_Y0zkWmoOtPZTSwE_TH0EMqllyyg9BZJhLjspTzh2x2Zj5DZkTUI-PuSMBqvdUBz3zc8SA_irfeLqeRThX9a7dcSTovTfzCjNp5U_rYsmUG6GlcJvs8wDee/s4032/PXL_20221019_211136419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQdIsrStOnVBt7LYcXN5kY4ohNt_N6Y-JrULD6PuVeU1djXtr2wJ8gf0tIQ9PPFBcE_Y0zkWmoOtPZTSwE_TH0EMqllyyg9BZJhLjspTzh2x2Zj5DZkTUI-PuSMBqvdUBz3zc8SA_irfeLqeRThX9a7dcSTovTfzCjNp5U_rYsmUG6GlcJvs8wDee/w400-h225/PXL_20221019_211136419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQmWokj3NIwlXT7mSWLxk6qi1AoENBkRELZtmlzNFxdaQ0GfLDqkwNPor1IeGr9O1NGMiKIS5bDiBmpncwOl5m6dXYeoroym6-ryaLho9l63tas-jnTTKMd8pqTzmdIAYCftnIPj85HTuxvviOsZ0SYgYsglwHeakGGcIvb9ZDtWQNsuP7d0v5utO/s4032/PXL_20221019_211325579.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQmWokj3NIwlXT7mSWLxk6qi1AoENBkRELZtmlzNFxdaQ0GfLDqkwNPor1IeGr9O1NGMiKIS5bDiBmpncwOl5m6dXYeoroym6-ryaLho9l63tas-jnTTKMd8pqTzmdIAYCftnIPj85HTuxvviOsZ0SYgYsglwHeakGGcIvb9ZDtWQNsuP7d0v5utO/w400-h225/PXL_20221019_211325579.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evening sun was shining perfectly through the windows of this abandoned cannery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our way back from Nashville, we spent a whole day driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think we stopped at every single overlook. We also spent time hiking too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCz_y0W-xvroDAC0A-J8nt5tGFlVINOOvmZxv5HS4mK7aaA_LKrZSF3ccYz48c_j4klPbdQ2Zx_cOHvP9SZ0J-MNv1oePuF8m93K-1e16S_mD3M8EztcTz3G-nPF1xvXVkyEW_eoTIlq6jxEyCkpyKB5GhoAD9M8BqSHEKV5HomqZNsxOGls2TaFx/s3840/PXL_20220606_185708440.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCz_y0W-xvroDAC0A-J8nt5tGFlVINOOvmZxv5HS4mK7aaA_LKrZSF3ccYz48c_j4klPbdQ2Zx_cOHvP9SZ0J-MNv1oePuF8m93K-1e16S_mD3M8EztcTz3G-nPF1xvXVkyEW_eoTIlq6jxEyCkpyKB5GhoAD9M8BqSHEKV5HomqZNsxOGls2TaFx/w400-h225/PXL_20220606_185708440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLzGLQvOCj817S3JMDF7bzVOKFEGLGB1hZ2SaMJGmWmpSB4DiN-sVn9VKwC8KNwgn0YDkbrPPJCy2gfYslWFGcBX6ygfTBF_Z5bsjYngUPYQxu0Z1xojswkMB7Esf2f0L-_7ahzFj4NcsZGryJoU2hhVsBYtbRjkBwtE7owaVZbywA7_aGsB9osW6/s4032/PXL_20220606_194406407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLzGLQvOCj817S3JMDF7bzVOKFEGLGB1hZ2SaMJGmWmpSB4DiN-sVn9VKwC8KNwgn0YDkbrPPJCy2gfYslWFGcBX6ygfTBF_Z5bsjYngUPYQxu0Z1xojswkMB7Esf2f0L-_7ahzFj4NcsZGryJoU2hhVsBYtbRjkBwtE7owaVZbywA7_aGsB9osW6/w225-h400/PXL_20220606_194406407.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6TXwdD6BtxOzViygt7rYIPyD8qcYN7RkmYBBDGr8QN10XuN6nvsSiO8Xem6MMo7kWeyQ-w7ikH438D9BRMU9_FMeICJ1BFxX8uc1Cb0OnRSBw3JN3AZGru_ROFq0J344_Vbd6GBRKre91P46L62xNdEZs9eJye7JFMRMVRXAZcAxFtmr-f-8LnPm/s4032/PXL_20220606_200421973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6TXwdD6BtxOzViygt7rYIPyD8qcYN7RkmYBBDGr8QN10XuN6nvsSiO8Xem6MMo7kWeyQ-w7ikH438D9BRMU9_FMeICJ1BFxX8uc1Cb0OnRSBw3JN3AZGru_ROFq0J344_Vbd6GBRKre91P46L62xNdEZs9eJye7JFMRMVRXAZcAxFtmr-f-8LnPm/w225-h400/PXL_20220606_200421973.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7TmArvhk2rG0pwK2g6wp4GzDH4gD-Er6Gjz8Oh-rQnaEvFyNkKWMaRgiv73kmihvb6W-cnIREAA1cXtgeb3fHbuLtd5AseZEgCGpCm6qEs-UMx3MloKKUbPiSZXiidmRIvBJkSQ0ZAX5h-OAhxTa9Hb2CrJUpeCUXoKixWN6ZtH3ubfkzAbctCsQ/s4032/PXL_20220606_201920790.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7TmArvhk2rG0pwK2g6wp4GzDH4gD-Er6Gjz8Oh-rQnaEvFyNkKWMaRgiv73kmihvb6W-cnIREAA1cXtgeb3fHbuLtd5AseZEgCGpCm6qEs-UMx3MloKKUbPiSZXiidmRIvBJkSQ0ZAX5h-OAhxTa9Hb2CrJUpeCUXoKixWN6ZtH3ubfkzAbctCsQ/w225-h400/PXL_20220606_201920790.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN_BZ-AXeZOUQKhy4Zv2I2xL8uoX9NXeDepPPugHddlfS6wtIAW2HbW0O018HPlwPjWDsvkFNgfbH11Uuou_BSVvonZm_TK7i1xyGGp0xM5zNg0u9kCuCeD2a3jy_UT65YZOhjXHoIVqnoa3D1VMKg4igOBsSaemJuegn4jTyB-dsJaEkOTN9_7rC/s4032/PXL_20220606_165837656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN_BZ-AXeZOUQKhy4Zv2I2xL8uoX9NXeDepPPugHddlfS6wtIAW2HbW0O018HPlwPjWDsvkFNgfbH11Uuou_BSVvonZm_TK7i1xyGGp0xM5zNg0u9kCuCeD2a3jy_UT65YZOhjXHoIVqnoa3D1VMKg4igOBsSaemJuegn4jTyB-dsJaEkOTN9_7rC/w225-h400/PXL_20220606_165837656.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More biking! We returned to High Bridge State Park in Farmville, VA for another ranger led sunset ride. We rolled into 2022 with the same ride on New Year's Eve and had a lot of fun. On this later summer trip, we stopped and rode a small section of the Tobacco Heritage Trail in South Boston, VA. Watch for a post about that ride soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyCwGRSpSSTzLU433ry4911T_qiwHQclagxGYZUxdO6X6UQKmRV9XVLxpaqrykieNBYmevXOsJ7z3gaJOluidyrqB_XDMR5TNbbDAiqYU9nA7TFs0mz6GkImWOyt-IFqwEmH7HudH830YpI2arKTq27tXf9GPKk28Hab4KsmhL3lWiUWr3Kub0mfj/s3840/PXL_20220903_223110781.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyCwGRSpSSTzLU433ry4911T_qiwHQclagxGYZUxdO6X6UQKmRV9XVLxpaqrykieNBYmevXOsJ7z3gaJOluidyrqB_XDMR5TNbbDAiqYU9nA7TFs0mz6GkImWOyt-IFqwEmH7HudH830YpI2arKTq27tXf9GPKk28Hab4KsmhL3lWiUWr3Kub0mfj/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_223110781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRORbJ7GctKdehqfnP3tDVV0KTY2OS4dHukVFPTgxlBtsL5zWcKW9fBeYj8iXIiVo5H07rcTazzDNM7kRgPGTPjXMrHFzXlCbN24LKibn41OaP80nJg6XhWB8VHWmhYCGOdRPnfttWG2A9qKX6QOd0FGelDrV3Xh4M_5jcPA4oowLmh4ME1Ybp7ZzV/s4032/PXL_20220903_233358635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRORbJ7GctKdehqfnP3tDVV0KTY2OS4dHukVFPTgxlBtsL5zWcKW9fBeYj8iXIiVo5H07rcTazzDNM7kRgPGTPjXMrHFzXlCbN24LKibn41OaP80nJg6XhWB8VHWmhYCGOdRPnfttWG2A9qKX6QOd0FGelDrV3Xh4M_5jcPA4oowLmh4ME1Ybp7ZzV/w400-h225/PXL_20220903_233358635.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took the ferry to Shackleford Banks off of Beaufort, NC and saw some wild horses. There will be an upcoming post about kayaking with the horses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKxDsh8tcV2-BFgBizHa_24ESTesyRyfZ0aOX6E8Z-qAY0wAq5ZY6sRczycnoAn8p5lbwc1CAs2KmZRlQMOWlNMtbGuQg1aqRUWmH0O6zyIR97JcFppYlesuSDGzDioaCgRMc4DPevsGVAddpdFRoLk8bmMkWrR5hYQPP0A8hQZ17m2cf68dMghxh/s4032/PXL_20220924_141148428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKxDsh8tcV2-BFgBizHa_24ESTesyRyfZ0aOX6E8Z-qAY0wAq5ZY6sRczycnoAn8p5lbwc1CAs2KmZRlQMOWlNMtbGuQg1aqRUWmH0O6zyIR97JcFppYlesuSDGzDioaCgRMc4DPevsGVAddpdFRoLk8bmMkWrR5hYQPP0A8hQZ17m2cf68dMghxh/w400-h225/PXL_20220924_141148428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It wasn't all wheels and feet! We had some wonderful kayak outings. Some paddles were just me and James, and for some other paddles we were joined by his sisters, brother-in-law and niece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03mpfxqlfJb43Sq0xOY_HRurmui_P6W3ARvKsNXcQhT_7799oQHxCbsRJF68ClRpIHASdn3vh3XIvgP7ky2Mm4baNAZ_q-VuwoI3W5BAodZvBbJrx-fGjc8-Ndej2XM-MeNLbovhwxkQ70C83JER8yqiGZ6jrXrdBiC3yRUp36S3NSBshyoFXTEhs/s3840/PXL_20220529_203652291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03mpfxqlfJb43Sq0xOY_HRurmui_P6W3ARvKsNXcQhT_7799oQHxCbsRJF68ClRpIHASdn3vh3XIvgP7ky2Mm4baNAZ_q-VuwoI3W5BAodZvBbJrx-fGjc8-Ndej2XM-MeNLbovhwxkQ70C83JER8yqiGZ6jrXrdBiC3yRUp36S3NSBshyoFXTEhs/w400-h225/PXL_20220529_203652291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7t5_wSbrASieZXLu8qIyE24M9pbcO5Q5ixlxN24mIho2ylrexqIhupCBDrlM6zM9lXUT1pKyE5wJrq5lG5UVXfw1HFLpB3-gNLp_AknOhJeF1wMk0rg_nwCc1PLGjwmqz3SmzGLp00D6A17izEP3goTiYZ9OyjikRMQLb1prLmAW_qG2CQXyhppw/s3840/PXL_20220704_170550968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7t5_wSbrASieZXLu8qIyE24M9pbcO5Q5ixlxN24mIho2ylrexqIhupCBDrlM6zM9lXUT1pKyE5wJrq5lG5UVXfw1HFLpB3-gNLp_AknOhJeF1wMk0rg_nwCc1PLGjwmqz3SmzGLp00D6A17izEP3goTiYZ9OyjikRMQLb1prLmAW_qG2CQXyhppw/w400-h225/PXL_20220704_170550968.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f14q-3nIbHkPQYF_0eumVzt5HXdcTUJ9dwRlO3hhQmKSKxPcXkQmeG78-7soNIRYopiLXZoRiu2pYcWf68Pdm0MKMTLQN9rjGlNs9y-kuLIp-sN0uzvxRCHRlz6CU5kLZ9-gDaY9NveF2s7NT3HgTqFwPplNrU2vhGkRL1mrKEfQqezs-jbC84VV/s4032/PXL_20220704_185119895.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f14q-3nIbHkPQYF_0eumVzt5HXdcTUJ9dwRlO3hhQmKSKxPcXkQmeG78-7soNIRYopiLXZoRiu2pYcWf68Pdm0MKMTLQN9rjGlNs9y-kuLIp-sN0uzvxRCHRlz6CU5kLZ9-gDaY9NveF2s7NT3HgTqFwPplNrU2vhGkRL1mrKEfQqezs-jbC84VV/w225-h400/PXL_20220704_185119895.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was a bit shallow this summer at Falls Lake</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>And another chance to paddle on Lake Moultrie in South Carolina. Such a beautiful spot! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheox9REnCVSHB72ZFPwSTFxp3xAPpI4hlBm9_W4E4vNBKD0RXH-aGi4OjUPSi9ngzXtlTz5XiRr1m-WIJzT4Nf7HFS-Ef7JvSG3UOLpDJ0eZd_KctfI7SiznLBvGEyDXM1Qbagi1Gzu4w3JZ0YHdqn5RijZmrA5j-0Qr2Ys7WkhEhC_xNXc5ANC6XW/s5184/20220518030524_IMG_4589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheox9REnCVSHB72ZFPwSTFxp3xAPpI4hlBm9_W4E4vNBKD0RXH-aGi4OjUPSi9ngzXtlTz5XiRr1m-WIJzT4Nf7HFS-Ef7JvSG3UOLpDJ0eZd_KctfI7SiznLBvGEyDXM1Qbagi1Gzu4w3JZ0YHdqn5RijZmrA5j-0Qr2Ys7WkhEhC_xNXc5ANC6XW/w400-h300/20220518030524_IMG_4589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqLl3ptoR3f-lCxGkZolapfccKuAf4tCcQ7Oe5oT6ocsqsVNQHsE7QtWHQy1cKTuRgAjCjsnDSi4-XwoRAaAuTq1-Bpcgh55BIcXGAQFBkXvhnrwUrIUQiazGSYNhXD1c-tDDv4_Wx6sb0uW-M5jBA3-mdrMvfv8ggvp3xE81FcSvam_9M2xEOxKt/s5184/20220518034629_IMG_4622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqLl3ptoR3f-lCxGkZolapfccKuAf4tCcQ7Oe5oT6ocsqsVNQHsE7QtWHQy1cKTuRgAjCjsnDSi4-XwoRAaAuTq1-Bpcgh55BIcXGAQFBkXvhnrwUrIUQiazGSYNhXD1c-tDDv4_Wx6sb0uW-M5jBA3-mdrMvfv8ggvp3xE81FcSvam_9M2xEOxKt/w400-h300/20220518034629_IMG_4622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIbijb-yzngUq1NdRfLWDjLwop49ovVHzvgmX3v3TZPlc9caxa2BWizSArCMC2lPfdnvC5MiF6Cj35dDm4O7MjN8Qaf5Va74Z6VAOHFV8y-8yhSw9A3ZkMOI9T0OqL1ozaANMMAb-8AuubCchtP77p4TR98oN0zKveP7QEE2kw-Q4pZMLfVJTtLcp/s5184/20220518041553_IMG_4655.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIbijb-yzngUq1NdRfLWDjLwop49ovVHzvgmX3v3TZPlc9caxa2BWizSArCMC2lPfdnvC5MiF6Cj35dDm4O7MjN8Qaf5Va74Z6VAOHFV8y-8yhSw9A3ZkMOI9T0OqL1ozaANMMAb-8AuubCchtP77p4TR98oN0zKveP7QEE2kw-Q4pZMLfVJTtLcp/w400-h300/20220518041553_IMG_4655.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrrXwQ4G3goAfxvp91pXz1EtLCI8eYNnQU_wOdIs_-4QbpgxSL5hMc5F_lwPq5yFN1wJHR5WwWJS4SxOwJyhQ_borW_wKY78s9ugRo_Jt9V_MYgDIj0IL6_-TWMm3LTY0hFBn5Vda3RXW7ogpbNTB-VoWr_1oylcpWPQKkgVd-vEfSt1XkhMDUky9/s4032/PXL_20220528_170307101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrrXwQ4G3goAfxvp91pXz1EtLCI8eYNnQU_wOdIs_-4QbpgxSL5hMc5F_lwPq5yFN1wJHR5WwWJS4SxOwJyhQ_borW_wKY78s9ugRo_Jt9V_MYgDIj0IL6_-TWMm3LTY0hFBn5Vda3RXW7ogpbNTB-VoWr_1oylcpWPQKkgVd-vEfSt1XkhMDUky9/w400-h225/PXL_20220528_170307101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v7xyWlqS8DRg3fZ6UJKzRnIhLwNoDyJVgxLO0xYN-XZzs4iApLRwf7gf1TApbs3PSryj8gvbX-EPBoZvfc_E6GPsh1Z0VPrBRU-hV7GLjhIrYtLwFiHX5Ury8lhj8dr0iFA-fgWni0DEK_Kh9_s9mmSvBfxASGvbtEwrYdgSgP2juSL1QQ4VeGSe/s4032/PXL_20220528_171941123.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v7xyWlqS8DRg3fZ6UJKzRnIhLwNoDyJVgxLO0xYN-XZzs4iApLRwf7gf1TApbs3PSryj8gvbX-EPBoZvfc_E6GPsh1Z0VPrBRU-hV7GLjhIrYtLwFiHX5Ury8lhj8dr0iFA-fgWni0DEK_Kh9_s9mmSvBfxASGvbtEwrYdgSgP2juSL1QQ4VeGSe/w400-h225/PXL_20220528_171941123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack Break</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGO1ZTUjMoaEzrTuD4HoYAZ9DGYx0tAAzuYCDfjssGwikS9ZXGPUESuDa2QmXw-vYhyITX5U7DwaEV61zSuP03fVNTzzvn822gwU8PwclAXybU6hCxevpfuytAYJFr5k3bVBx_fNTnHvk0mBUWw3jHgmoDotZKsgfFGxq4pus8ZYu1TKmQ7CkCVNv/s4032/PXL_20220529_001038986.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGO1ZTUjMoaEzrTuD4HoYAZ9DGYx0tAAzuYCDfjssGwikS9ZXGPUESuDa2QmXw-vYhyITX5U7DwaEV61zSuP03fVNTzzvn822gwU8PwclAXybU6hCxevpfuytAYJFr5k3bVBx_fNTnHvk0mBUWw3jHgmoDotZKsgfFGxq4pus8ZYu1TKmQ7CkCVNv/w400-h225/PXL_20220529_001038986.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We returned to the lake after dinner for a sunset paddle. Such beauty.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Whew! That doesn't include the places we went that we'll tell you about in some future posts. So stay tuned for that post about the Tobacco Heritage Trail and the kayak with horses. Oh, and there's a hike to the Green Swamp where we finally found some Venus fly traps, a non-flooded ride on the Danville, VA greenway, and a spectacular group paddle on the Black River in eastern NC to look forward to. Until then, we'll leave you here with this heron contemplating lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJCpOc9RlxFli7n7I2eD46OBH4op0-KGnjl8xu2vrcii1IhnmKh9Oxs0mtSvchIaJ94MTeLig9ru8BB-2NPdQ0sRAh9evI8wtHkAN7loQapOYdBJzAy0G5N4sGWmKSTB_DkhwzO2qFbTof_3aoMLKFQiYeNx8yOUQ_Ijsw3d2QdOAz3yzlpApe_aY/s5184/20220610022840_IMG_4863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJCpOc9RlxFli7n7I2eD46OBH4op0-KGnjl8xu2vrcii1IhnmKh9Oxs0mtSvchIaJ94MTeLig9ru8BB-2NPdQ0sRAh9evI8wtHkAN7loQapOYdBJzAy0G5N4sGWmKSTB_DkhwzO2qFbTof_3aoMLKFQiYeNx8yOUQ_Ijsw3d2QdOAz3yzlpApe_aY/w400-h300/20220610022840_IMG_4863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-699759759842245922022-09-06T14:36:00.002-07:002022-09-06T14:36:42.833-07:00Biking the Tunnel Hill State Trail in Illinois <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Date Biked: May 16 & 17, 2022</li><li>Posted Mileage: 45</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 51, over three sessions</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, crushed gravel</li><li>Conveniences: Picnic tables, restrooms</li><li>Best Features: A nice mix of scenic terrain</li><li>Worst Features: Watch out for the mosquitos on the southern end!</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Various snakes </li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/TunnelHill.aspx">Tunnel Hill State Trail - Parks (illinois.gov)</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W-0TpKkp504US8dlP8yowpX2UPZ83HgwF9OFlECstKD56uE0F7HRMP28vJoyFqXoHlx-WCC-mBVVXt-a6cBkgwAMHReVOk0apH2JbsHf7_xYeWIcpzDRCtFcwOuCuQeoC6lS50uIWDyyulKDUA2341ojjz2y7iy1XYIpGGRJkdgWNWu4h3UD9Ci5/s4032/PXL_20220516_204147824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W-0TpKkp504US8dlP8yowpX2UPZ83HgwF9OFlECstKD56uE0F7HRMP28vJoyFqXoHlx-WCC-mBVVXt-a6cBkgwAMHReVOk0apH2JbsHf7_xYeWIcpzDRCtFcwOuCuQeoC6lS50uIWDyyulKDUA2341ojjz2y7iy1XYIpGGRJkdgWNWu4h3UD9Ci5/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_204147824.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back in May, Cheryl and I drove to St. Louis for Fan Expo. On the way home, we stopped in Vienna, Illinois to check off one of the long rail trails we've had on our list for a while, the Tunnel Hill State Trail. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrz-fpcCWvuGhKx_nT18fKr_qEBkD_3H32oTEOHL41fwT4BVHMkRVqCWvP2p7kFwx8Lxbb5sFVF4L37skZNJVmxqk5K2pO0guSOB6B78296_BVKKSYKvOjJcftzqHNejyvh2UG2MbQuri1x60d47OR6T2XnQr5zrB_uVJNeHGbDNio43mebWBIocp/s4032/PXL_20220516_180113236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrz-fpcCWvuGhKx_nT18fKr_qEBkD_3H32oTEOHL41fwT4BVHMkRVqCWvP2p7kFwx8Lxbb5sFVF4L37skZNJVmxqk5K2pO0guSOB6B78296_BVKKSYKvOjJcftzqHNejyvh2UG2MbQuri1x60d47OR6T2XnQr5zrB_uVJNeHGbDNio43mebWBIocp/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_180113236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a 45-mile trail from Harrisburg to Karnak, with a spur north to El Dorado. Despite the trail passing through two decent sized towns, Harrisburg and Vienna, we were unable to find a shuttle service. Cheryl asked on the Rails to Trail site on Facebook for help locating a shuttle, and a local bike rider named Jeanne volunteered to drive us to Harrisburg so we could bike back to Vienna, where we were staying at the Perkins House Inn, a bed and breakfast not too far off the trail. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHLBEOdmnRzr4kBkd7vBSOkqrR0nzs9yPP-XyfoRfTEprmuRNpqfUyMOIMC2YfzI1pD8dq_wxOcs6GEA4-xRY82jhH7awAEk36XfMknRvlZ70EmlPlNmH1SmhIsABnHIbMbG7-m8vQuePKmp7A9KQg2nV0uf-9pR-s3SONRgfWmnm7tFE4UFORXDy/s4032/PXL_20220516_151024273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHLBEOdmnRzr4kBkd7vBSOkqrR0nzs9yPP-XyfoRfTEprmuRNpqfUyMOIMC2YfzI1pD8dq_wxOcs6GEA4-xRY82jhH7awAEk36XfMknRvlZ70EmlPlNmH1SmhIsABnHIbMbG7-m8vQuePKmp7A9KQg2nV0uf-9pR-s3SONRgfWmnm7tFE4UFORXDy/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_151024273.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stayed in the Bicycle themed room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithCr8KjjyWyYIaWyeHGnchaEUZmJ63WQTPOiv2-IZxcRzG9vKrtgCLXB1OjMOIOJi9N-5dUq0BrQAcaXcZNECgv6hdmUX-YASHGM_FPNCH4XJWGkjDeKO4EEhOlxHnGR1BkfMYnLvZ0nGO76J3bINKUqau1ySJlKk3gmybqT-z6QEK47E0gATVH0T/s4032/PXL_20220516_152107800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithCr8KjjyWyYIaWyeHGnchaEUZmJ63WQTPOiv2-IZxcRzG9vKrtgCLXB1OjMOIOJi9N-5dUq0BrQAcaXcZNECgv6hdmUX-YASHGM_FPNCH4XJWGkjDeKO4EEhOlxHnGR1BkfMYnLvZ0nGO76J3bINKUqau1ySJlKk3gmybqT-z6QEK47E0gATVH0T/w225-h400/PXL_20220516_152107800.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLd-qRk-ViGYBuYzsjMpqPeM3xYXji7WpCkZiz9INTP14em8EKTqlfdGTGaHZMe9ZexB-JSQQBqvIAlNONGwsCfhUwmhI9-Y8EM_OYVnxmkjTigGqd0SNyGM6l2JvWgX9HCiudRMIc0vxyuHrlDhAzGjeDFholG5viXT7ZKJruqP0oMhpIdYqD4k1/s4032/PXL_20220517_014217455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLd-qRk-ViGYBuYzsjMpqPeM3xYXji7WpCkZiz9INTP14em8EKTqlfdGTGaHZMe9ZexB-JSQQBqvIAlNONGwsCfhUwmhI9-Y8EM_OYVnxmkjTigGqd0SNyGM6l2JvWgX9HCiudRMIc0vxyuHrlDhAzGjeDFholG5viXT7ZKJruqP0oMhpIdYqD4k1/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_014217455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAY9YEo3PuLC_HSelP_utWsD21ZTEk_z9kFkYXki3-vzfBJPvjSr_tJ17bCbrjyOFiRHtS5dsQtJ7xgm90fo2ug6boKPyuf-qWMZwlhEEtH0sESTk2Oe_ZQSSYCx74BvLPeGutDpEHiFdHUtDaKVXoon1-kCD0VifTGV1EcGAo1oJfLM3YfNQwT9t/s4032/PXL_20220517_014626285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAY9YEo3PuLC_HSelP_utWsD21ZTEk_z9kFkYXki3-vzfBJPvjSr_tJ17bCbrjyOFiRHtS5dsQtJ7xgm90fo2ug6boKPyuf-qWMZwlhEEtH0sESTk2Oe_ZQSSYCx74BvLPeGutDpEHiFdHUtDaKVXoon1-kCD0VifTGV1EcGAo1oJfLM3YfNQwT9t/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_014626285.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade coffee cake at the Perkins House Inn</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Driving up, we discussed all the wildlife we might encounter, bears, bobcats, eagles, deer, and various snakes. Alas, all the mammals decided to hang out elsewhere while we biked, leaving us primarily to spot snakes (a rat snake, a rough green snake, and a scarlet milk snake). We skipped the El Dorado segment, which looked on Google maps to run primarily along a highway rather than through the more scenic territory to the south. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90PYVtQ0-b3yJ4TuHc3qTKJGaIGbgKUzTYQ6xwv0mFXGupuKEFMHKbmK4j9XT6ENuvwTDYk1GRxDZedshHWJGbxHq50BGnnjo_Iz8cDC5mooZp4nqcwEY5c2nr8QQABJ0zdOLsURZ7SUSp7cq3TWJpkM6VBZrLXtFMYw2yeXF_n68KDBzS44ypNNy/s4032/PXL_20220516_195816288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90PYVtQ0-b3yJ4TuHc3qTKJGaIGbgKUzTYQ6xwv0mFXGupuKEFMHKbmK4j9XT6ENuvwTDYk1GRxDZedshHWJGbxHq50BGnnjo_Iz8cDC5mooZp4nqcwEY5c2nr8QQABJ0zdOLsURZ7SUSp7cq3TWJpkM6VBZrLXtFMYw2yeXF_n68KDBzS44ypNNy/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_195816288.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5qF407S_1DwY_d3PKnhniC2I2jbQSXtIDbwsU0Q6oVuOxadkJKOO24LVvmaWq3g-5E6zMrGFsjm5oGjx-u73Cm9YTVh7Jc6TCZ0QRuZ1cqBBDcfTkHD5iw30alS0-NvpczGMp6HwnmJIc3vzfcxVejm0vlqPF1Ws4xebMhHp0bgUOpnb03hxyT_e/s4032/PXL_20220516_200247276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5qF407S_1DwY_d3PKnhniC2I2jbQSXtIDbwsU0Q6oVuOxadkJKOO24LVvmaWq3g-5E6zMrGFsjm5oGjx-u73Cm9YTVh7Jc6TCZ0QRuZ1cqBBDcfTkHD5iw30alS0-NvpczGMp6HwnmJIc3vzfcxVejm0vlqPF1Ws4xebMhHp0bgUOpnb03hxyT_e/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_200247276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSnrkO68aJs2Cf93OR6dpeFdfhT2CiU-bTQfkbeT-HHAjHolqQEFEwAfx0p9dII0BkQ-dH6e0VQTKioccwLw8i9LlrVyGFl8OrUH-74MA1PUZtJTkS5cfdXJ8N0JABTrjKZndCH5ONoYMwU5UTvaYmZGhZlq78LX9ewIApaGYP8Mmti4KXbw_8Ql8/s4032/PXL_20220516_201658656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSnrkO68aJs2Cf93OR6dpeFdfhT2CiU-bTQfkbeT-HHAjHolqQEFEwAfx0p9dII0BkQ-dH6e0VQTKioccwLw8i9LlrVyGFl8OrUH-74MA1PUZtJTkS5cfdXJ8N0JABTrjKZndCH5ONoYMwU5UTvaYmZGhZlq78LX9ewIApaGYP8Mmti4KXbw_8Ql8/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_201658656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The Harrisburg segment is also right next to a highway. You're riding along the back side of fast-food restaurants and gas stations. It's not scenic, but it is convenient to hop off the trail for a bit to eat before buckling in for the 35 miles of rural country between Harrisburg and Vienna. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmCGsBYya4J0Am5HeyxBWYgelPsvvz6YO6t6rWibUsV8hgxeec92rk27btYutav97dtXgBZ6Tg1lXU5JLCwwlDtUZyQO7IBoyYNStXwaXEDfh8DOCzb-r9eIG3Tw0hUR-mhk3WGZ02aXkcO8Nwp_0J-D42MuoW2Uf3efOLEWT88kOdeYBM5CKRPA1/s4032/PXL_20220516_171622461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmCGsBYya4J0Am5HeyxBWYgelPsvvz6YO6t6rWibUsV8hgxeec92rk27btYutav97dtXgBZ6Tg1lXU5JLCwwlDtUZyQO7IBoyYNStXwaXEDfh8DOCzb-r9eIG3Tw0hUR-mhk3WGZ02aXkcO8Nwp_0J-D42MuoW2Uf3efOLEWT88kOdeYBM5CKRPA1/w225-h400/PXL_20220516_171622461.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy1oyiZ_UIOd7rAPqzKSQEHpyepmtI3Lz6sAZqJlNkQZOwCE8wcUfoPjRRv0VD1mDxLGYrW_phomhiML6F6dupUAWMpPM9yjT4HdQcRxoQjYfct-la8YeIp9YPvd46THf2CRfTiYFC2IiVH10EHaJp_julUCb57JcfcDqvyOR1vidwb8IGC0U7Xpa/s4032/PXL_20220516_185149464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy1oyiZ_UIOd7rAPqzKSQEHpyepmtI3Lz6sAZqJlNkQZOwCE8wcUfoPjRRv0VD1mDxLGYrW_phomhiML6F6dupUAWMpPM9yjT4HdQcRxoQjYfct-la8YeIp9YPvd46THf2CRfTiYFC2IiVH10EHaJp_julUCb57JcfcDqvyOR1vidwb8IGC0U7Xpa/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_185149464.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once you leave Harrisburg, you swifty enter forests and farmland, and for the most part you're riding up a gentle grade. There are some road crossings, but we didn't encounter any traffic. The trail is mostly shady. The crushed surface is fine for most bikes. Wide tires would be best, but I've ridden a bike with skinny tires on worse surfaces. Over time, the fact that you're going uphill with no meaningful downhill portions starts to become evident in your legs. Fortunately, this uphill does eventually pay off when you reach the eponymous tunnel that the trail is named for. This is the highest part of the ride, so you can now look forward to many miles of downhill as you head on to Vienna. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzj4Ql14nSbWg1XfM9Dl92E6oLuT5_wV6JO1LI63LTVCp79qUCyiioT4kTLP-3723VTigYfPiB42goBJdPHj1J40trNkKzNgzwPvqJpCDhtuh-l91gB4NvKV--AFeZ8XvHIID1LVIS-pmgMFJ3plWHqqp_-0UNBKPbHvOhPI5WLM_4qaTXUS36A1J/s4032/PXL_20220516_195420650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzj4Ql14nSbWg1XfM9Dl92E6oLuT5_wV6JO1LI63LTVCp79qUCyiioT4kTLP-3723VTigYfPiB42goBJdPHj1J40trNkKzNgzwPvqJpCDhtuh-l91gB4NvKV--AFeZ8XvHIID1LVIS-pmgMFJ3plWHqqp_-0UNBKPbHvOhPI5WLM_4qaTXUS36A1J/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_195420650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj_WDsUsVxwZvLDN8Wd6H_RyfELFc9oQuOTiJoqCORROkfe0VB8ydv_ZxE8s2wITP2QdjwasxQoUTft0yHQGrgv2rMEH0i-ahocIaPlkws89T3tfwuhq2oFZ0ByEZCQbJUKSHkKBUpMoFUxYoEFKaIRZdKYUvaywV1hVy4oSTbQEvU0RTxNiwNv6T/s4032/PXL_20220516_233510832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj_WDsUsVxwZvLDN8Wd6H_RyfELFc9oQuOTiJoqCORROkfe0VB8ydv_ZxE8s2wITP2QdjwasxQoUTft0yHQGrgv2rMEH0i-ahocIaPlkws89T3tfwuhq2oFZ0ByEZCQbJUKSHkKBUpMoFUxYoEFKaIRZdKYUvaywV1hVy4oSTbQEvU0RTxNiwNv6T/w225-h400/PXL_20220516_233510832.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The tunnel itself is just long enough that you probably will want to bring a bike light, but not so long you can't grit your teeth and plunge forward chasing the circle of light at the end of the tunnel. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTnigKFXv0rYHcgKF1WWxx5zPAHJ5NlfcoXna9Wg-QKz01OfuWTew-nzoTxSODM1V8gUrd_OF_t1SBg2yme1l6Z-rmtNr42TCP-YtpSYTvzgCOT0zO7rDSn-u0uk6LNbx2hzxXZTxynoDT1QHx5D7ir5NeQSnXrl7vt6bIBSYWEAxlHvY2xxYWPfv/s4032/PXL_20220516_204752469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTnigKFXv0rYHcgKF1WWxx5zPAHJ5NlfcoXna9Wg-QKz01OfuWTew-nzoTxSODM1V8gUrd_OF_t1SBg2yme1l6Z-rmtNr42TCP-YtpSYTvzgCOT0zO7rDSn-u0uk6LNbx2hzxXZTxynoDT1QHx5D7ir5NeQSnXrl7vt6bIBSYWEAxlHvY2xxYWPfv/w225-h400/PXL_20220516_204752469.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbwIBftlwMk79eKR1ys8BY0haE2hIdh_zSoa2lLyxybU4wMtVhBKTYJNi39yRyv1Wc6Vu352I9QZNXNFetvWS29abWpQyUWmkcIJHffFKqwDFrjyOf4d39_4AE3DH2wVLc-Qzva8o318e-HaM3EiiZ9JM-Q5wcTBmRKfklFu9Wqb86LQNYWz6ypo1/s4032/PXL_20220516_204911538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbwIBftlwMk79eKR1ys8BY0haE2hIdh_zSoa2lLyxybU4wMtVhBKTYJNi39yRyv1Wc6Vu352I9QZNXNFetvWS29abWpQyUWmkcIJHffFKqwDFrjyOf4d39_4AE3DH2wVLc-Qzva8o318e-HaM3EiiZ9JM-Q5wcTBmRKfklFu9Wqb86LQNYWz6ypo1/w400-h225/PXL_20220516_204911538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Heading south from the tunnel, you quickly arrive at Sandburg Junction, where ice cream and bottled water is for sale on an honor system. Chow down on an ice cream sandwich, then hop back on the trail for several of the most scenic miles of trail as you descend into Vienna. Vienna has a nice trailhead and park.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3a0NFuFT8jde7DiLqWCHksInCDCB0ejueZLZZ3B_32PxGgK9kbQDsda07-Vuaf7-O1amaz_SAPBogEIIgnDRjpMw3hT2rPG6rGjca3-hlYYdcfiZuHb50txHLFFrTbfBZ7zrxKXF_7cCrNsQ6xWdZC2FWI5c5xqc1AVTUQCSI6d-m-gagbCx0HsH/s4032/PXL_20220516_205453669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3a0NFuFT8jde7DiLqWCHksInCDCB0ejueZLZZ3B_32PxGgK9kbQDsda07-Vuaf7-O1amaz_SAPBogEIIgnDRjpMw3hT2rPG6rGjca3-hlYYdcfiZuHb50txHLFFrTbfBZ7zrxKXF_7cCrNsQ6xWdZC2FWI5c5xqc1AVTUQCSI6d-m-gagbCx0HsH/w225-h400/PXL_20220516_205453669.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you still have it in you to keep riding, the trail continues on from Viena to the small town of Karnak, then onto a connection trail that ends at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center. The terrain of this section is completely different from the gentle mountains of the tunnel. Now, you're in perfectly flat fields and wetlands, an easy ride. But bring bug spray! We actually tackled part of this section after we ate dinner on the first day of our ride, and as the sun was going down the mosquitoes were waking up and we cut our ride short while we still had a few pints of blood. We returned the following morning, doused in Deep Woods Off, only to find the trail bugless and extremely pleasant in the cool morning air. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2UjDLdVdksRpDz_p6LF9kJvGwjvoUK8Gf_shbJ_0GrD58qiDGEu7fwL4CVwN0U8_QZ8Cn-mvl1QUhM5aY_RUmmnE4ehmS2wKUwdSs0jSMHh6WHiOAhBUIzM7JpInzsD0tk00m3QQlOXSJ-irolQ7IR-Kea6at3G_y0tePZXJXc97YmbyyR32Q4p_/s4032/PXL_20220517_013420486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2UjDLdVdksRpDz_p6LF9kJvGwjvoUK8Gf_shbJ_0GrD58qiDGEu7fwL4CVwN0U8_QZ8Cn-mvl1QUhM5aY_RUmmnE4ehmS2wKUwdSs0jSMHh6WHiOAhBUIzM7JpInzsD0tk00m3QQlOXSJ-irolQ7IR-Kea6at3G_y0tePZXJXc97YmbyyR32Q4p_/w225-h400/PXL_20220517_013420486.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAEvQol7ghB26X5XHfXWjF3JX0HnDP0QJtAREi-W32URIxUHOCTxv2H7-qK9U1J9bQ8bBhvNXif1bgLdRBqfQSkfizXs-4m_zWpxFAOiBMNEurQtXrg5gxtWAveeG7T_UdtTeC2ws8Qyt-ENZuh6G3QG_k-XPx2RNMU9z-JKWwSzZ5wTJnMLy2LlX/s4032/PXL_20220517_122313095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAEvQol7ghB26X5XHfXWjF3JX0HnDP0QJtAREi-W32URIxUHOCTxv2H7-qK9U1J9bQ8bBhvNXif1bgLdRBqfQSkfizXs-4m_zWpxFAOiBMNEurQtXrg5gxtWAveeG7T_UdtTeC2ws8Qyt-ENZuh6G3QG_k-XPx2RNMU9z-JKWwSzZ5wTJnMLy2LlX/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_122313095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX3_5nVTAT4HUcLT1mmfjrUO_CFqpO-_NM8Vdtc_jzpRgtLVNnD9usPeMVPi-rYOrVVBWrin_7N4YpgF3CEzJJU_DMQKU3jKcBsFOjzCctpaEJ6IfqDun-0ynHQ6ytDp0IaSxuphnhcsXFFNfNCv5bqdCl9xhYRo08wUFYIdqDnw_afH8CAcRWaS5/s4032/PXL_20220517_122632337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX3_5nVTAT4HUcLT1mmfjrUO_CFqpO-_NM8Vdtc_jzpRgtLVNnD9usPeMVPi-rYOrVVBWrin_7N4YpgF3CEzJJU_DMQKU3jKcBsFOjzCctpaEJ6IfqDun-0ynHQ6ytDp0IaSxuphnhcsXFFNfNCv5bqdCl9xhYRo08wUFYIdqDnw_afH8CAcRWaS5/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_122632337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxoQAbZXvZMTlXTutqP57cVboohv2etNkgiYtFxk6rPaCnbd66ZprIBzCD02L52byjEtQb04E-AMGRQAslasrGdXc98y-Vi8rjdjdlLb4K7jpfaAqpPcmP6ER-2Sr7vdeEJd3moZK6BYcuOOrZye0Iwexlgh_T9jMwp3eSwu4dvTam9DXwTl0BXbV/s4032/PXL_20220517_122821141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxoQAbZXvZMTlXTutqP57cVboohv2etNkgiYtFxk6rPaCnbd66ZprIBzCD02L52byjEtQb04E-AMGRQAslasrGdXc98y-Vi8rjdjdlLb4K7jpfaAqpPcmP6ER-2Sr7vdeEJd3moZK6BYcuOOrZye0Iwexlgh_T9jMwp3eSwu4dvTam9DXwTl0BXbV/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_122821141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If there was an official shuttle service, this would be an excellent one-day ride from end to end. If you have strong legs and lungs, I imagine there are some people who could tackle this as a single day, out and back ride. But, taking two days to tackle the full trail gives you more time to see everything and enjoy the scenery. It's well worth the journey! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxVuzuMrwQCDIONJlKn0pXqHm6YcasJRlTdkOfUbERfVqurwgSyzifpYhStMwh787iLNIPyKKTZcPFhDtxnmKNOPrUEiB0NaGIArrPNUzSmjMR_eGpfmA23mszBBImMSZQzsWeKUBcM4z22nrVzJfgGuhgXh-xfIIaeT2qaf3KhFdXqy2bjyA2Rye/s4032/PXL_20220517_123512085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxVuzuMrwQCDIONJlKn0pXqHm6YcasJRlTdkOfUbERfVqurwgSyzifpYhStMwh787iLNIPyKKTZcPFhDtxnmKNOPrUEiB0NaGIArrPNUzSmjMR_eGpfmA23mszBBImMSZQzsWeKUBcM4z22nrVzJfgGuhgXh-xfIIaeT2qaf3KhFdXqy2bjyA2Rye/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_123512085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qjeSgwYvWo4b_-a58vMf_46ucd1bvShKl3ObILoJADE8pDhDfbMHyQ_TjhTQrJ_LQTX0ee7CjSkKarTPGFOp6oHY9gOYEg6M-0-6kPMvRst9JEuFd2mr-OLVmWOJMDDAfvrBGXycRiOnLV0be2A3uYtEKHCl4jedqPPBqRbMG-btj6KYPcfbmTLT/s4032/PXL_20220517_124433524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qjeSgwYvWo4b_-a58vMf_46ucd1bvShKl3ObILoJADE8pDhDfbMHyQ_TjhTQrJ_LQTX0ee7CjSkKarTPGFOp6oHY9gOYEg6M-0-6kPMvRst9JEuFd2mr-OLVmWOJMDDAfvrBGXycRiOnLV0be2A3uYtEKHCl4jedqPPBqRbMG-btj6KYPcfbmTLT/w225-h400/PXL_20220517_124433524.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsDto8A_XR3aTJ_cgXZD6o0dAnLjy6XeTP-M8b0Sgstbie4gmKpHCOFe4GdHW7RbazW1ySC_OX_-7zpHw4spFdf3oxw4uUBGJCChgB7r9KRf0yBhR-pqJOn7z-3ifbhefcdCd580NwH2RrxqkFMIUgrZVgTp3qCEfnOcdCqSUF1EdLzr-S7FfHpSz/s4032/PXL_20220517_125228030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsDto8A_XR3aTJ_cgXZD6o0dAnLjy6XeTP-M8b0Sgstbie4gmKpHCOFe4GdHW7RbazW1ySC_OX_-7zpHw4spFdf3oxw4uUBGJCChgB7r9KRf0yBhR-pqJOn7z-3ifbhefcdCd580NwH2RrxqkFMIUgrZVgTp3qCEfnOcdCqSUF1EdLzr-S7FfHpSz/w400-h225/PXL_20220517_125228030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAu-0eU-S1URDMJ1UYU4ADWWkeSteNtvtHua3w-9TlzZqSkWr8DxhDYAiRGD7J4yJM0lKjcmKjRV726ezeO7fkCaNmITMvgJnlVHveqe-r_rnUbmRIakt4BxMqnlRW4CX-SodkJeHuV4LoHuI0LXTqaU3Gyk6DYo1cWVESvHtXl5gHn2WAoAPU1_G/s4032/PXL_20220517_130340891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAu-0eU-S1URDMJ1UYU4ADWWkeSteNtvtHua3w-9TlzZqSkWr8DxhDYAiRGD7J4yJM0lKjcmKjRV726ezeO7fkCaNmITMvgJnlVHveqe-r_rnUbmRIakt4BxMqnlRW4CX-SodkJeHuV4LoHuI0LXTqaU3Gyk6DYo1cWVESvHtXl5gHn2WAoAPU1_G/w225-h400/PXL_20220517_130340891.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br />James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-78629706198706478782022-05-10T08:31:00.006-07:002022-05-10T14:54:58.533-07:00Biking the Tanglefoot Trail in Mississippi<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: January 11, 2022</li><li>Posted Mileage: 43.6</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 44.61</li><li>Type of Trail: Paved Rail Trail</li><li>Conveniences: Storm shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains</li><li>Best Features: A flat, straight trail with 44 miles of easy biking</li><li>Worst Features: It's a flat, straight trail for 44 miles...</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Maybe one deer? It was very cold. I imagine there's more to see in warmer weather. </li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="http://tanglefoottrail.com/trail-towns-info/maps-mileage-chart/#.Ynm6uYzMKUk">Maps & Mileage Chart | Tanglefoot Trail</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3yZo93GlHADFIu1m2WyrfqhR5C0b1UQunXDPQt6HGSz2iATmGasQh-VaLscZWQt94NUiuzUKbheipOk5pc-MMIThgPBLOUn7NYdPd-57oTjSBpSwVmtOvsCdg7RLpEN5wce8z6B7PkYcnJxWTa0GbWMUkZKH8a7r4eo8zKkmhgTBmnLIhFIuwEOf/s4032/PXL_20220111_185716260.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3yZo93GlHADFIu1m2WyrfqhR5C0b1UQunXDPQt6HGSz2iATmGasQh-VaLscZWQt94NUiuzUKbheipOk5pc-MMIThgPBLOUn7NYdPd-57oTjSBpSwVmtOvsCdg7RLpEN5wce8z6B7PkYcnJxWTa0GbWMUkZKH8a7r4eo8zKkmhgTBmnLIhFIuwEOf/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_185716260.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of this, for a very long way!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>January can be a rough month for biking in North Carolina. So, when we had an event in New Orleans the first weekend of the New Year, we were excited to build in two extra days for riding trails in Mississippi. We knew things might get a little chilly, but it had to be warmer than North Carolina, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hah hah, no. January 10 and 11 brought some sort of polar vortex deep south that brought daytime temps in the 30s plus a savage wind chill. We got out of the car to get gas on January 10 and when I got back into the car we decided to skip riding that day and save our stamina for the following day when the high might creep over 40 and the wind gusts would die down to only 20 miles an hour. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8cTv5z3zea8ZvJbaZp7eDKh_MBTDI6FCaNMmimJ1OL9QEVUs6bEBjJEMYtE2VNIxPZ5xzieZkOQx4y9cFQL9klJ9zIEVp1hmxaups3dhOU12bQIjq5QL_ZGjITTcHtLJbuuT3QARQsqC1jq7BC5zg8E2vEvebyL2DlR6MziE7OhYvbOsSaIp3d2Q/s3840/PXL_20220111_175237810.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8cTv5z3zea8ZvJbaZp7eDKh_MBTDI6FCaNMmimJ1OL9QEVUs6bEBjJEMYtE2VNIxPZ5xzieZkOQx4y9cFQL9klJ9zIEVp1hmxaups3dhOU12bQIjq5QL_ZGjITTcHtLJbuuT3QARQsqC1jq7BC5zg8E2vEvebyL2DlR6MziE7OhYvbOsSaIp3d2Q/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_175237810.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are wearing pretty much every item of clothing we packed for this trip.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Despite the cold, the Tanglefoot Trail turned out to be a top-notch ride. Running from New Albany to Houston, this is an excellent overall riding experience. You are in farmland or woods for most of the trip with very infrequent road crossings. But, every ten miles or so you roll through a small town with a few businesses adjacent to the trail. You can pack light on this ride, since there's numerous places to hop of the trail to grab a bite.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trail has several shelters along the route. Some have bathrooms and water, but most don't. The shelter in Pontotoc not only has bathrooms and water fountains, it has USB charging ports above the fountains! This was plainly designed by someone who has actually thought about the needs of people who are tackling a full day of riding. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWndDsdDehgeK5Xh9A9DGkokyzeh3buMdSLFM18FgvWeGYSYMvQDiA9plve_RwadSNm2UVsk-tQ9F-aXQGtvkR-6AhJ-rzrnwyi_Aq_DD8IrJCTR5Gc4Vy5vuONVHTrJds2dxhlj799o-sQntWgid0NGAH3Co3swDZiYxqkWaUA3vnFY8opSElu4kT/s4032/PXL_20220111_195451713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWndDsdDehgeK5Xh9A9DGkokyzeh3buMdSLFM18FgvWeGYSYMvQDiA9plve_RwadSNm2UVsk-tQ9F-aXQGtvkR-6AhJ-rzrnwyi_Aq_DD8IrJCTR5Gc4Vy5vuONVHTrJds2dxhlj799o-sQntWgid0NGAH3Co3swDZiYxqkWaUA3vnFY8opSElu4kT/w225-h400/PXL_20220111_195451713.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water and electricity in the same tight space. What could go wrong! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We stayed at the Trailhead Bike and Bed in Houston, which is directly adjacent to the southernmost trail head. We had breakfast at Gather, a charming coffee shop a few blocks away, then the Bike and Bed shuttled us to the far end of the trail in New Albany. New Albany is definitely the larger of the two towns, but there doesn't seem to be a lot going on at 9am on a Tuesday when the windchill is in the 20s. We snapped our mandatory photo of the trailhead arch and rolled on. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSom-Z8QKey7pnQLw62AgW4GYcojWGBVv5rRUDvAIjV8Rzl2-MHqVyPJa0YuCLv7dB7ZMFkyxzD55Um-nD65c5MrukG804zkfAd4JWnFJd1IvSfRCxLXZyaE2_PW5FMCrurEEMo3iYxOgKMwig02Mo8KFVuDleUMlO2iVKnVIo0sA8xXo_O3z4OB9O/s4032/PXL_20220111_135710387.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSom-Z8QKey7pnQLw62AgW4GYcojWGBVv5rRUDvAIjV8Rzl2-MHqVyPJa0YuCLv7dB7ZMFkyxzD55Um-nD65c5MrukG804zkfAd4JWnFJd1IvSfRCxLXZyaE2_PW5FMCrurEEMo3iYxOgKMwig02Mo8KFVuDleUMlO2iVKnVIo0sA8xXo_O3z4OB9O/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_135710387.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosLrPjEYmNWBzhF2AhBUHbqT8GoLYPD1gBhddofw2OMkyN4qBJdp9BbnzpSmtT3LaapBMdmhceFxsOtMFg4zbkduxHjicnM62BRLPoPpSfDSj5KgXf8SecjYgHF1d56BucuTuXlFuU2pKwRmDrM3ZjTTMVWyz9cwUh4pWhyGsF6xjSo40GBy6JxT0/s4032/PXL_20220111_141622548.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosLrPjEYmNWBzhF2AhBUHbqT8GoLYPD1gBhddofw2OMkyN4qBJdp9BbnzpSmtT3LaapBMdmhceFxsOtMFg4zbkduxHjicnM62BRLPoPpSfDSj5KgXf8SecjYgHF1d56BucuTuXlFuU2pKwRmDrM3ZjTTMVWyz9cwUh4pWhyGsF6xjSo40GBy6JxT0/w225-h400/PXL_20220111_141622548.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On days you're going to ride 40+ miles, it's fine to eat cinnamon buns heavier than your coffee cup.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V3DIb9eRhrxpS1HnILYNuG3mPvm0AX5xjnF2lpwDqDZpwFFuZDDDbwjX55GY1X_y39dheNyYd1pC7-PDXG8jQnT67gB-psxPnt2MzlOlndRdyfOg1WEEOnLsgwN_37Qo9SgnSI-ER5q7Z3TyucoyowzuinIzX11ndiU0g3aAeb2WPlmYC3IRlJNh/s4032/PXL_20220111_171444302.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V3DIb9eRhrxpS1HnILYNuG3mPvm0AX5xjnF2lpwDqDZpwFFuZDDDbwjX55GY1X_y39dheNyYd1pC7-PDXG8jQnT67gB-psxPnt2MzlOlndRdyfOg1WEEOnLsgwN_37Qo9SgnSI-ER5q7Z3TyucoyowzuinIzX11ndiU0g3aAeb2WPlmYC3IRlJNh/w225-h400/PXL_20220111_171444302.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Albany is proud of their trailhead! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Looking through our photos, we have a lot of pictures of vanishing points. Except for the occasional squiggle, the trail is pretty much a straight line. In warmer weather, when we might have been more motivated to draw out the ride, it might have been fun to explore the towns of Ecru or Pontotoc. We did stop at the Algoma Country Store, which was wonderful, and highly recommended. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0AQLBctpTKZnckvAcU1NbKoqgEgH2HTM-88EETu3bNopyqIjpa34phgQgJsF4Ah_NIsqNGiXzg4JwX9K3oS5EHT2tYT59rNhrAuZpC2_BcdgvfA9YyBkinzlfWJSpFlNjP-gBl2SLA2gum-GtnQ6dv431GvVGMNcxX4JubDD3aYM7FZ_tnujmv31/s4032/PXL_20220111_175203983.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0AQLBctpTKZnckvAcU1NbKoqgEgH2HTM-88EETu3bNopyqIjpa34phgQgJsF4Ah_NIsqNGiXzg4JwX9K3oS5EHT2tYT59rNhrAuZpC2_BcdgvfA9YyBkinzlfWJSpFlNjP-gBl2SLA2gum-GtnQ6dv431GvVGMNcxX4JubDD3aYM7FZ_tnujmv31/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_175203983.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, like, 50 photos identical to this. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7aL1-HTzMWRtYa_JWZjMVuve92c_TrxCAVp08Kxo_kABLfmOZMSL2wmwjGo8T5eTjgkYV6xDlOBi2llsCscmjIrsvwN7B05NXAzoe7N-pYH6MHnpWOOd1JK3Mz64GrID_i52bUew_Y1-VRjBOP0lbiZyHoDTPEXd0z2VFNvpMiMN960jXvjxANw1/s4032/PXL_20220111_184934097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7aL1-HTzMWRtYa_JWZjMVuve92c_TrxCAVp08Kxo_kABLfmOZMSL2wmwjGo8T5eTjgkYV6xDlOBi2llsCscmjIrsvwN7B05NXAzoe7N-pYH6MHnpWOOd1JK3Mz64GrID_i52bUew_Y1-VRjBOP0lbiZyHoDTPEXd0z2VFNvpMiMN960jXvjxANw1/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_184934097.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecru, MS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjDKQa_suzxkxcA3GYgiWtSC5CKUm3S3ltc97piuAv153w1K5fhI1j0AZbW9tL0K9S0bZRfthd3nk6F427WQtiRSLecaa6lTMXlRWDG5xXFKI9wPWHfTFSACnUdZfRyA8kt60ZUUOExGd3YoBAdVPKcZ7jSLQrveqpgLvvKtnxrqkV7shg_4oS56z/s4032/PXL_20220111_205319432.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjDKQa_suzxkxcA3GYgiWtSC5CKUm3S3ltc97piuAv153w1K5fhI1j0AZbW9tL0K9S0bZRfthd3nk6F427WQtiRSLecaa6lTMXlRWDG5xXFKI9wPWHfTFSACnUdZfRyA8kt60ZUUOExGd3YoBAdVPKcZ7jSLQrveqpgLvvKtnxrqkV7shg_4oS56z/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_205319432.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algoma Country Store</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwf-Aj86ZwFdglcBWU2LDPh61C0eQ2gKEH2VaQfdjhRZXic6lZqonTXY5_qqOoNu4tVPmYPFxoKcckyC4jaOz3zG_qLoyf1pgXGXq1IvyCSvRQQjCSrUDAlFW6a-VH4kQzdg-AKvwVSGeZJlIpnzKxGuUh3qOoeH-N_GuW_Cr0OPHb7wzMMTsQ43d/s4032/PXL_20220111_205446125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwf-Aj86ZwFdglcBWU2LDPh61C0eQ2gKEH2VaQfdjhRZXic6lZqonTXY5_qqOoNu4tVPmYPFxoKcckyC4jaOz3zG_qLoyf1pgXGXq1IvyCSvRQQjCSrUDAlFW6a-VH4kQzdg-AKvwVSGeZJlIpnzKxGuUh3qOoeH-N_GuW_Cr0OPHb7wzMMTsQ43d/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_205446125.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good place to eat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguej2iFYAfE15Ni0jRZjsCSOsJScDRL7kGY8j8P4t_Su90oO2G7ZCohKzELAgU3VGdtt6pOQ0N7wbdeze3qW5F5mPadrXhuFxoZkDXw5S8YYZX0-9pTf2-lBeZXrRFoE-xUsRodPGGcgeVrHPvBxZUHU_Z1dllK2qNXnywWSy2mH9_JX8zKrAGtAL0/s4032/PXL_20220111_205940894.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguej2iFYAfE15Ni0jRZjsCSOsJScDRL7kGY8j8P4t_Su90oO2G7ZCohKzELAgU3VGdtt6pOQ0N7wbdeze3qW5F5mPadrXhuFxoZkDXw5S8YYZX0-9pTf2-lBeZXrRFoE-xUsRodPGGcgeVrHPvBxZUHU_Z1dllK2qNXnywWSy2mH9_JX8zKrAGtAL0/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_205940894.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the highlights of our ride was watching sheepdogs tending sheep!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1spc7QKHgME1k9GbdsDHPEQS7nyFdYQzSMv7ZpjIem9gBxx6ucu7r3FoizVVBRhXv7h2lCo0baz-mRRJYhPfzWRnzzS3CrJAsgdqPWMJ5SwphZcWKW18eYvAJO1C14l2tpgx6ZGSWJeYw0rXELrf8HEZ0ciA60MZawgYbz1yxDXqcR7rbLP_NxdPa/s4032/PXL_20220111_221722197.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1spc7QKHgME1k9GbdsDHPEQS7nyFdYQzSMv7ZpjIem9gBxx6ucu7r3FoizVVBRhXv7h2lCo0baz-mRRJYhPfzWRnzzS3CrJAsgdqPWMJ5SwphZcWKW18eYvAJO1C14l2tpgx6ZGSWJeYw0rXELrf8HEZ0ciA60MZawgYbz1yxDXqcR7rbLP_NxdPa/w225-h400/PXL_20220111_221722197.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From time to time, there are trees!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Rolling back into Houston, having our lodging directly next to the trailhead was wonderful given how cold we were by that point. Being able to transition from riding to a hot showing in under 10 minutes is a great way to wrap up a ride! We really can't think of another rail trail we've visited with such great accommodations directly adjacent to the end of the trail. This really boosts the Tanglefoot Trail up the list of the best trails we've ridden.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQD547fRB_mwWkeSogg9CUEzMOB4j03eKgrinmcaidMadBp29mvtLrw6zLexUGCQNXN5LpgL1c1qZJZBIboyWapNFjhZnep-nQ8v3WBSH8Aatxb08PD1Qq9mZYs7_3ZfNisvxz2Bf2ZhKoKOm_iEP9lhqQSymzFduSt_kxdUAs34CBdSimdHIrei3/s4032/PXL_20220110_230336324.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQD547fRB_mwWkeSogg9CUEzMOB4j03eKgrinmcaidMadBp29mvtLrw6zLexUGCQNXN5LpgL1c1qZJZBIboyWapNFjhZnep-nQ8v3WBSH8Aatxb08PD1Qq9mZYs7_3ZfNisvxz2Bf2ZhKoKOm_iEP9lhqQSymzFduSt_kxdUAs34CBdSimdHIrei3/w225-h400/PXL_20220110_230336324.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead Bike and Bed. Come for the biking, stay for the bed! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj2fsW-Tezxk-ucgITby6hFoDZrijIzdvHtOQI5-8sPUZPXhYf2ZU8dfRHzst3nYcoUtDwAmWXKp-0ReyXQF_sXZOVLiYOZqftS8yaVYA-8XLwISc0TbgtTHu-gEl58GZvOXOLGqGN6fx7IamuqDItqzZV6HVX7nEglKQ4XQtafFiOpkd-lLtKVfa/s4032/PXL_20220111_230611460.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj2fsW-Tezxk-ucgITby6hFoDZrijIzdvHtOQI5-8sPUZPXhYf2ZU8dfRHzst3nYcoUtDwAmWXKp-0ReyXQF_sXZOVLiYOZqftS8yaVYA-8XLwISc0TbgtTHu-gEl58GZvOXOLGqGN6fx7IamuqDItqzZV6HVX7nEglKQ4XQtafFiOpkd-lLtKVfa/w400-h225/PXL_20220111_230611460.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Houston trailhead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>If you like rail trails, this one is a worthy destination. Just, you know, try to time it on a day without a polar vortex. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jG1PJkmUOYwxM4fHvmHXPKlFdMqVGdtbChUu1mEt3PkkTzljDbkj4OrQe9xBXSL8SMeDgXE5CkMdDHVA8jQDO-014MuIPQR6TB2ZN85h6xlq24lUD0kGREpnkf6JjP_-zZYBjmzF1SGbmzvSw9Ja8EWbt6zeNKmtF2NJwV2nnvPNO5YRhXMnjKqA/s4032/PXL_20220112_132327868.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jG1PJkmUOYwxM4fHvmHXPKlFdMqVGdtbChUu1mEt3PkkTzljDbkj4OrQe9xBXSL8SMeDgXE5CkMdDHVA8jQDO-014MuIPQR6TB2ZN85h6xlq24lUD0kGREpnkf6JjP_-zZYBjmzF1SGbmzvSw9Ja8EWbt6zeNKmtF2NJwV2nnvPNO5YRhXMnjKqA/w400-h225/PXL_20220112_132327868.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Houston</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-33479126690979376932022-01-30T16:53:00.006-08:002022-01-30T16:53:49.658-08:00Biking on Bulls Island, Awendaw, SC <p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: November 16, 2021 </li><li>Posted Mileage: lots of 1-3 mile roads and trails</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 15 miles</li><li>Type of Trail: sandy trails</li><li>Conveniences: Storm shelter, picnic tables</li><li>Best Features: Gators! Shells! Boneyard! Birds!</li><li>Worst Features: Only accessed by ferry. No water fountain on island. </li><li>Wildlife spotted: Gators. Dolphins. Too many birds to list. </li><li>Vegetation: maritime forest</li><li>Associated Website: https://www.coastalexpeditions.com/bulls-island/</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEithSHeKxOk8QjgAhuo20Z022LqDvxACvE3oEbT5ZlreQDz0TmJtzZaOeQOHLJWDEhvQ2VEv2Qgr9I6ZcVj8vqDcpY2I_cuO0DOE0U0dlQSlQPU23zL7CIEuj01LYHYTfsDgv6vw2_zEYT5TdPhxd1jyYhEe4SqYfdcmzzjFDbThyxaV8etJC_Kpaqf=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEithSHeKxOk8QjgAhuo20Z022LqDvxACvE3oEbT5ZlreQDz0TmJtzZaOeQOHLJWDEhvQ2VEv2Qgr9I6ZcVj8vqDcpY2I_cuO0DOE0U0dlQSlQPU23zL7CIEuj01LYHYTfsDgv6vw2_zEYT5TdPhxd1jyYhEe4SqYfdcmzzjFDbThyxaV8etJC_Kpaqf=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Bulls Island is a wildlife preserve less than an hour's drive north of Charleston or roughly two hours from Myrtle Beach. It can only be reached by ferry on a morning or afternoon slot. No one lives on the island, making it a haven for abundant wildlife. The beaches are covered in shells, and the remnants of an eroded maritime forest leave gnarled, sun-bleached trees rising from the waves at high tide. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOu_ygNgp5Cp4EoVBFpzAMDVpHkInV0qcChf8EOH8-PnmvU7GyblSNCw369rijpCzYg8eXG2D-JjskYqyiX1J-urxUkGRhLM6N6wAeKXRL3-X5RITP9AKqWtsGaenrPSXB9SF8wfdOVTRBNYx6wcwY5eyV_w--xycTlokdLRUDuWgC8wrJesB8V8Pl=s3840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOu_ygNgp5Cp4EoVBFpzAMDVpHkInV0qcChf8EOH8-PnmvU7GyblSNCw369rijpCzYg8eXG2D-JjskYqyiX1J-urxUkGRhLM6N6wAeKXRL3-X5RITP9AKqWtsGaenrPSXB9SF8wfdOVTRBNYx6wcwY5eyV_w--xycTlokdLRUDuWgC8wrJesB8V8Pl=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>It is possible to kayak over. We've done this before, but it's 5 miles in each direction, and changing tides leave you with a limited window of time to explore the island. If you take the ferry over in the morning and return in the afternoon, you'll have about six hours to wander around. If you just want to walk the beach and maybe look at a few interior ponds, hiking the island will let you see a fair amount. But, if you really want to maximize the distance you can cover, you should bring a sturdy mountain or hybrid bike. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx1cerENduYBwo3tHy22JDywBF2FrlijmrzGBixgKvGFJo1u-SEuD-cI0MMF7MNP-Z4LkuQbMEHZSxrb9m4YryBbyuD_8AgUesdYMBmB4Ggn3SU_2-urUmy6f9ZnE8ZzsFag8JUJE8BfdlCN6JcxKtmVZtWezvMFqqCA_ertmTbKMik1ODt6VLXbR4=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhx1cerENduYBwo3tHy22JDywBF2FrlijmrzGBixgKvGFJo1u-SEuD-cI0MMF7MNP-Z4LkuQbMEHZSxrb9m4YryBbyuD_8AgUesdYMBmB4Ggn3SU_2-urUmy6f9ZnE8ZzsFag8JUJE8BfdlCN6JcxKtmVZtWezvMFqqCA_ertmTbKMik1ODt6VLXbR4=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is how close to an alligator you are!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-pkBKVxfxABLgWPIDlIhIfoBLQs51LJKpJ9UwH7oQ05a0uQgtDIWyuZKlLW_DixzNnvUCVokqv5itCqRcMdDmXcr8X77LkBftQ6hgIXxE0lC6x50gRvqxTSEPOJpA8ntQGr-UHz6I1NLEAbZb9jyZFZrMf9d9N5Jj07hAYLHKyZk5vzcHR4-O2okN=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-pkBKVxfxABLgWPIDlIhIfoBLQs51LJKpJ9UwH7oQ05a0uQgtDIWyuZKlLW_DixzNnvUCVokqv5itCqRcMdDmXcr8X77LkBftQ6hgIXxE0lC6x50gRvqxTSEPOJpA8ntQGr-UHz6I1NLEAbZb9jyZFZrMf9d9N5Jj07hAYLHKyZk5vzcHR4-O2okN=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The roads are mostly flat but still challenging due to loose sand. Your hard work will be rewarded, however, as you can see every major habitat on the island in a single day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSz8gbgrfz2LRQWTiuR5po5fXWnWs9LJ2MKwI6btPU5fJ1bsJ8qVWiWhPYXsZYVmFXLhoboea4sbnXwEQVHL-3YDiaWN9eAZHWOZmQq0CeBTst02Gk2XFkb9o6iKIo13_W8RvPhPHwrLUJvkRehBlm0G1n30jRIwzgnQetzjf2HzLq0QojTsawPrEs=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSz8gbgrfz2LRQWTiuR5po5fXWnWs9LJ2MKwI6btPU5fJ1bsJ8qVWiWhPYXsZYVmFXLhoboea4sbnXwEQVHL-3YDiaWN9eAZHWOZmQq0CeBTst02Gk2XFkb9o6iKIo13_W8RvPhPHwrLUJvkRehBlm0G1n30jRIwzgnQetzjf2HzLq0QojTsawPrEs=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our chosen route took us up the first road to the northern dikes. At the remains of an old fort, you can turn off onto a dike and ride that over to an observation tower, then press on to the boneyard beach. Expect to see alligators, from baby's floating in ditches to giants basking in the middle of the roads. Most of the gators are pretty skittish. Fortunately, if even one in ten sticks around to eye you warily, you'll have plenty of chances for some good photos.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrHlEnbWnxyYmxrHx22yEvszjXfrU8mS4IliUun4fiSCW65GEc9Po1fF-ZAOBY_zXeheOsXMXMrVyBfs8oxgOuRLVHxrR8hYsA9CfVhU84gnikdL9_l_Q1nYsy-51BkaZ2zFdP_9D_neGUXEzSr5DPX5uPf-cphr4QWFFzNPqmHqfK9VCiODzRY-Oj=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrHlEnbWnxyYmxrHx22yEvszjXfrU8mS4IliUun4fiSCW65GEc9Po1fF-ZAOBY_zXeheOsXMXMrVyBfs8oxgOuRLVHxrR8hYsA9CfVhU84gnikdL9_l_Q1nYsy-51BkaZ2zFdP_9D_neGUXEzSr5DPX5uPf-cphr4QWFFzNPqmHqfK9VCiODzRY-Oj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizbBoiojjAuyz2kIJRRSVW__W0iTwSjEYijLCGRMam8L4N3iL-nYWk6DawTT8UhRG7F5vkdKdN6MtQoJr3yS9pJm-hgzFEk1UWT2S0nIbolDzQXeEM5VX3qmHc6mamqnURJ9k_H2A6eaPfcqKpqC0DdOzT6Z_xY6HQrpHm0wIkLD1kolLJUintczS3=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizbBoiojjAuyz2kIJRRSVW__W0iTwSjEYijLCGRMam8L4N3iL-nYWk6DawTT8UhRG7F5vkdKdN6MtQoJr3yS9pJm-hgzFEk1UWT2S0nIbolDzQXeEM5VX3qmHc6mamqnURJ9k_H2A6eaPfcqKpqC0DdOzT6Z_xY6HQrpHm0wIkLD1kolLJUintczS3=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbk8Ml6k0g3SsoBP1F9PvheVPFq4PpRG0u5DmBib-YX39iUe2etrBKhbo3ZbS_DnbS6pPgIb_bCzpqDmi3gdFFQ3Pphk7UDC9GC3Xd1nv9z-w5_5wzea6P6rkgAIeEdbO0_4m4p9DODcbkt-36Xwl0MJxDzBlDZTD2FhKwR773NESaZHRg6Zw9s9ja=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbk8Ml6k0g3SsoBP1F9PvheVPFq4PpRG0u5DmBib-YX39iUe2etrBKhbo3ZbS_DnbS6pPgIb_bCzpqDmi3gdFFQ3Pphk7UDC9GC3Xd1nv9z-w5_5wzea6P6rkgAIeEdbO0_4m4p9DODcbkt-36Xwl0MJxDzBlDZTD2FhKwR773NESaZHRg6Zw9s9ja=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And don't forget the birds! Spoonbills, wood storks, and multiple species of herons and egrets. Make sure you bring a camera with a zoom lens! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbG8h8L93Q-esfmQYaIoMfX8kwViMCbOQrurLxfCMO6hGtXHPdxKlvC6CEty5RZiDn8HsLgCn8If_fD8z_a7Vc1goGjQZ4qRF2X7b45Cs0Hej96k9f5fAq00Y5aeS3wGINPAJcd6OH5qcyjzj_B99FZPjT4R1gAZfEgZZq_fyNxl1sb_oDXkXY8vD6=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbG8h8L93Q-esfmQYaIoMfX8kwViMCbOQrurLxfCMO6hGtXHPdxKlvC6CEty5RZiDn8HsLgCn8If_fD8z_a7Vc1goGjQZ4qRF2X7b45Cs0Hej96k9f5fAq00Y5aeS3wGINPAJcd6OH5qcyjzj_B99FZPjT4R1gAZfEgZZq_fyNxl1sb_oDXkXY8vD6=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Y7mGU3DQKpr2wRlYZOvVv8XwNld2a-HpK7R0p2UqoczY5f6aTocnS6sLWD8qlJqmv8O9b4MHSq5ifobnTuZfK7lqXQUvR2GwO7Ou97epf20LduMNXxDajh8FN7nMDSJ9BCTHcLdIQ62gpyioxm0y_wMsDj1HuWow9c3p1GHfkPFS6NJOFoyZ3lTL=s4400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="4400" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Y7mGU3DQKpr2wRlYZOvVv8XwNld2a-HpK7R0p2UqoczY5f6aTocnS6sLWD8qlJqmv8O9b4MHSq5ifobnTuZfK7lqXQUvR2GwO7Ou97epf20LduMNXxDajh8FN7nMDSJ9BCTHcLdIQ62gpyioxm0y_wMsDj1HuWow9c3p1GHfkPFS6NJOFoyZ3lTL=w400-h144" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Some of the most haunting photos you'll take will be when you reach the boneyard. Bikes aren't allowed on the beach, alas, but even a short walk up and down the beach is going to bring you to the skeletal trees, and, probably, to an abundance of shells. Cheryl has been there before when the beaches were practically empty of shells. It's a wild habitat. It's never the same beach twice. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEuLDYn4v0WEycyP6Lr0RDrM2V9FFZ5rBQZoSy0Ebn_RhtwAp8-qhQGoerL66jkorI2E3FYq7PloeLKdoUpzHcISxgzvwE6yBVBISICfAD9Mf-xjLRVvKZmjKVWUqV_i3l5CWOmA3OT0Ad9_POaNFFYxEHrY0rByV5GfOaDqov77YGP1dGETYndvup=s3840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEuLDYn4v0WEycyP6Lr0RDrM2V9FFZ5rBQZoSy0Ebn_RhtwAp8-qhQGoerL66jkorI2E3FYq7PloeLKdoUpzHcISxgzvwE6yBVBISICfAD9Mf-xjLRVvKZmjKVWUqV_i3l5CWOmA3OT0Ad9_POaNFFYxEHrY0rByV5GfOaDqov77YGP1dGETYndvup=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrFYEGhPpGmmAH9p_8ZVBOeeGccIlMdQe9FGwlr0rJPPVEZMeND1cTrPHQrEpFRvfrVhLtkhjjfK-aecDWXgVRvMIaKwiHx6IdH1yg-Ht4YcXye4J86S2ZEtPeNQmsJHRgow78dsLVMdd-x36wWDlXg5CqMstMSn_eRG2ngn2AqCIJ-nmuAcDgLkNz=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrFYEGhPpGmmAH9p_8ZVBOeeGccIlMdQe9FGwlr0rJPPVEZMeND1cTrPHQrEpFRvfrVhLtkhjjfK-aecDWXgVRvMIaKwiHx6IdH1yg-Ht4YcXye4J86S2ZEtPeNQmsJHRgow78dsLVMdd-x36wWDlXg5CqMstMSn_eRG2ngn2AqCIJ-nmuAcDgLkNz=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic-FoRqierXaAulFQ-6oUAyfWB-zqLyEIRlNkSwOCuo_8Lwg1Tv3eJX47bgE8QOvbd_HKqpAs3gIS6lHlHYE762zf3j3OwEqsCk2sxCF7yqkXMJNhhkIqVFQb6RgkSILZhw5R1p_HL6zDgn8dAZ7irYcX-FYGeaQVu0O1zBV3sPIr1eqyZJbu5v7Xg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic-FoRqierXaAulFQ-6oUAyfWB-zqLyEIRlNkSwOCuo_8Lwg1Tv3eJX47bgE8QOvbd_HKqpAs3gIS6lHlHYE762zf3j3OwEqsCk2sxCF7yqkXMJNhhkIqVFQb6RgkSILZhw5R1p_HL6zDgn8dAZ7irYcX-FYGeaQVu0O1zBV3sPIr1eqyZJbu5v7Xg=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>When we came off the beach, we rode the Lighthouse Road that runs the full length of the island. Most of the road is bikeable, and a dense canopy will provide plenty of shade. This road doesn't give you many glimpses of the biggest ponds, but we did find young gators hanging out in a ditch. On the way back, you can take the side road around Summerhouse Pond. This was the densest gathering of birds we spotted on the trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB5BbDCSolnfrb14zecfdLj9S3OPxQwnaRgSrtSMmD_LZeG6RcI1SOlLLmn332aw0ufDMtQfyNa5h8BIehnI5Ymbkz3huiO4C1b04alcDEAR4EfLYOMktGNu8FpQG7s8oId4lybsg6UonO5WGAbixlEMWWQ1fnnK30HGyDVl-C_XutrSZH_jyjvUUg=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB5BbDCSolnfrb14zecfdLj9S3OPxQwnaRgSrtSMmD_LZeG6RcI1SOlLLmn332aw0ufDMtQfyNa5h8BIehnI5Ymbkz3huiO4C1b04alcDEAR4EfLYOMktGNu8FpQG7s8oId4lybsg6UonO5WGAbixlEMWWQ1fnnK30HGyDVl-C_XutrSZH_jyjvUUg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwdpxinbSif-uv8Pash1yMiG0Na3FuTqTxEF1G2jja25kUtcP1wg8h0dlLSBMfJwwOVxjDOyTq7L-RB16-hCe1xF_u_cHYCIRiVuJtjzORvV_e4FYDS_fFEQr88qFLbB1oJ3O2dxFpMrd7XK7jFfz-noQrg0aPtZxbLtXzcvp8uCz3diHpO1Wy9e5W=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwdpxinbSif-uv8Pash1yMiG0Na3FuTqTxEF1G2jja25kUtcP1wg8h0dlLSBMfJwwOVxjDOyTq7L-RB16-hCe1xF_u_cHYCIRiVuJtjzORvV_e4FYDS_fFEQr88qFLbB1oJ3O2dxFpMrd7XK7jFfz-noQrg0aPtZxbLtXzcvp8uCz3diHpO1Wy9e5W=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjma-J2l6oyB6cSYPJKct5nDVtIL1ToRxkkBqFL9vwgKTYdx9RGH4LmZRbBt0-hjBo3djnlwip1vHXzIGV8Xa9mFj6pXqLiLjmecjD4xIOb3J6YKZfIPOFQAEQ_OSZpDdfaVU26xC1YIbjRm1vsdKHc9fvtkvoaAulAEceO5VBUOLJyTC99tcekjdkz=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjma-J2l6oyB6cSYPJKct5nDVtIL1ToRxkkBqFL9vwgKTYdx9RGH4LmZRbBt0-hjBo3djnlwip1vHXzIGV8Xa9mFj6pXqLiLjmecjD4xIOb3J6YKZfIPOFQAEQ_OSZpDdfaVU26xC1YIbjRm1vsdKHc9fvtkvoaAulAEceO5VBUOLJyTC99tcekjdkz=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVoGkgBbbDv_bUFc8-ULjxAnhm4uWSBirQpWStIFwjRH5-ZPmyiClzGr0taK46Do0d8RyJ-FU3ORVcKqimZbvdmYMLHPO3Ir0IpBywTGb-89mtlCmmpZ-Tv8CwToIE-TbbA5OXghoLDRlRBSekofd6niWBP3fvVM38WN2x1pB5OzDXXqsoexI_sQ_4=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVoGkgBbbDv_bUFc8-ULjxAnhm4uWSBirQpWStIFwjRH5-ZPmyiClzGr0taK46Do0d8RyJ-FU3ORVcKqimZbvdmYMLHPO3Ir0IpBywTGb-89mtlCmmpZ-Tv8CwToIE-TbbA5OXghoLDRlRBSekofd6niWBP3fvVM38WN2x1pB5OzDXXqsoexI_sQ_4=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ferry doesn't charge extra to take your bikes over, but you must request it when you make your reservation. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>November is an excellent month to visit. You won't get baked by heat or sucked dry by mosquitos, and many of the birds only visit during cooler months. Go during a weekday, and once you leave the dock you'll feel like you're all alone on the island. Bring more water than you think you'll need and you'll have a great experience, as long as you don't accidently ride over a gator. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLdtSFb1LBTqhVZEsSoa67cljePPXjlqzy_kadVtxd5zvWI-p0qvBeNmyvvWsIXIk5QpWyE-epkZ6zc0aAT8t7ETHg0qKCsvGwE_ZZeLUtL4tvAfuBxNQfmjndilxLkeu7GH2AxZGv1U0NLENS8Qy3ULmU631wlfhFSQVFq-HXOpTdtHpmdBraYVl6=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLdtSFb1LBTqhVZEsSoa67cljePPXjlqzy_kadVtxd5zvWI-p0qvBeNmyvvWsIXIk5QpWyE-epkZ6zc0aAT8t7ETHg0qKCsvGwE_ZZeLUtL4tvAfuBxNQfmjndilxLkeu7GH2AxZGv1U0NLENS8Qy3ULmU631wlfhFSQVFq-HXOpTdtHpmdBraYVl6=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEingWenFrmblhAjD7xc53VrLqZyk9rXuvdPGsAoc4GbxXyxxgd-soqBIcrnlWpESd66zJq1_ADPraap47iKi-rmQJVa90mjnCb7d3GLrY542th-1ZCW_hhiy8ukkfMIJJJ04CRbmbc0BU9KBc7oiQJwAzrj8Yxk6OdYnxdpPoVNBJfZZHGXH_KEPVt-=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEingWenFrmblhAjD7xc53VrLqZyk9rXuvdPGsAoc4GbxXyxxgd-soqBIcrnlWpESd66zJq1_ADPraap47iKi-rmQJVa90mjnCb7d3GLrY542th-1ZCW_hhiy8ukkfMIJJJ04CRbmbc0BU9KBc7oiQJwAzrj8Yxk6OdYnxdpPoVNBJfZZHGXH_KEPVt-=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA7gwKIBJbPQp-whsuGSRW_nIIg9oAr75L4WFk9VwfCCpvkxSsUj6C4DD67WCBmvVGTWKdFue5BSxLLCX-4hGr6qyVpE8P_OjUyXeeOQ4wVtCZFYTUZfcZ5cuwFCG1ZSdwSRNsps7Q7ti8MKmGhmrX79IMr1aJq9NcECBN3laKdL0lu9hkIxkmMM35=s3840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA7gwKIBJbPQp-whsuGSRW_nIIg9oAr75L4WFk9VwfCCpvkxSsUj6C4DD67WCBmvVGTWKdFue5BSxLLCX-4hGr6qyVpE8P_OjUyXeeOQ4wVtCZFYTUZfcZ5cuwFCG1ZSdwSRNsps7Q7ti8MKmGhmrX79IMr1aJq9NcECBN3laKdL0lu9hkIxkmMM35=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-91625903749043975122022-01-04T05:10:00.001-08:002023-02-03T06:09:28.887-08:00Best of Bikes 2021<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDxSREWQA7I21lHAsJ6bo0K6tN65F-C_S-BHQaEZKircIKMbTV1M3SB7Fcc2Ur3T0chQMvifjG5s2W1EbhDqKDV0A8BEIJUcvUnKa3Hd5P4GaaGGYdSg3zZhW4klDwwxLqI854hETV2ba6UAUGNXFsCAalbRcMlN1GDKnia8R6cIGmjgL0izkruIap=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDxSREWQA7I21lHAsJ6bo0K6tN65F-C_S-BHQaEZKircIKMbTV1M3SB7Fcc2Ur3T0chQMvifjG5s2W1EbhDqKDV0A8BEIJUcvUnKa3Hd5P4GaaGGYdSg3zZhW4klDwwxLqI854hETV2ba6UAUGNXFsCAalbRcMlN1GDKnia8R6cIGmjgL0izkruIap=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancer Survivor Park, Greenville, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5AggYQdvuCtqdCjASu_zlUQVDmQ2A9l2BH7D8OjjMRmpn3q7y7hIPz475hkoPYF0_XgrI5LsWK-ZkF4XZImwMHSsSaoi0-bcgMbLApT9JSenIY4wjZlHMwV7XLAnJq3OV_OaAOBxBVDOC6nVzE6s5nnoRyX2v9Pe2DTTkvb6wTTNi3aTyglHdwXZw=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5AggYQdvuCtqdCjASu_zlUQVDmQ2A9l2BH7D8OjjMRmpn3q7y7hIPz475hkoPYF0_XgrI5LsWK-ZkF4XZImwMHSsSaoi0-bcgMbLApT9JSenIY4wjZlHMwV7XLAnJq3OV_OaAOBxBVDOC6nVzE6s5nnoRyX2v9Pe2DTTkvb6wTTNi3aTyglHdwXZw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson River Scenic Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWjl17fhSo2k62P-0J1ah3shm9t_gpFHUw6c5RVXlgwkbExPu7j8fHT9R6nlowovidGWrYipUPOii7UbUQ25HwgvEV-hNT8q7oRTtLy_qXkH3H12GTXe5Qxlmko0Yu-T7b3S2gikFzBVr1OB7sRtfow1vsimH_dn65NMgY5clQoR5eFaRu_zUNHbcB=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWjl17fhSo2k62P-0J1ah3shm9t_gpFHUw6c5RVXlgwkbExPu7j8fHT9R6nlowovidGWrYipUPOii7UbUQ25HwgvEV-hNT8q7oRTtLy_qXkH3H12GTXe5Qxlmko0Yu-T7b3S2gikFzBVr1OB7sRtfow1vsimH_dn65NMgY5clQoR5eFaRu_zUNHbcB=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson River Scenic Turtle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijuwK4VOVtO2nwn25uRc9j34j1CWainGtCSrhYwQv80YwR3w9ZCeFovmEaZN6R_2O8JFPpHA5TYKrjIsvUbTGkUX1Dn6kMwariKndRY4tRAWdGbJZwg33jpW-JNkSy82VYs3J-Cr3m2GIBBl-I9WxAadnB_nlqDiMiyg7NTSLSrLuVMocgM6MgY4No=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijuwK4VOVtO2nwn25uRc9j34j1CWainGtCSrhYwQv80YwR3w9ZCeFovmEaZN6R_2O8JFPpHA5TYKrjIsvUbTGkUX1Dn6kMwariKndRY4tRAWdGbJZwg33jpW-JNkSy82VYs3J-Cr3m2GIBBl-I9WxAadnB_nlqDiMiyg7NTSLSrLuVMocgM6MgY4No=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island Baby Gator</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhfL_Zd-IynBzL3lvqx7jpSukCdYwHLAjYCa6jvcwWrm3hDUgKSlbdUI2e1niUkigm64P1t8Hc6aB00Xrial6mqbTN6UpOvSM1g_XoT6nKfivuu7DTpEFaI0KQJKExktZrCq1GJBnJV2I13i04XY6476vrb3D7XJ2FEJ7Cph9GfF-b5lPE2BkNbIvT=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhfL_Zd-IynBzL3lvqx7jpSukCdYwHLAjYCa6jvcwWrm3hDUgKSlbdUI2e1niUkigm64P1t8Hc6aB00Xrial6mqbTN6UpOvSM1g_XoT6nKfivuu7DTpEFaI0KQJKExktZrCq1GJBnJV2I13i04XY6476vrb3D7XJ2FEJ7Cph9GfF-b5lPE2BkNbIvT=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island bird party</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLxJYChgfSPxiZDbmH0uhipPKU6DqCJqMEe_bxBBGvLckLKfHHJv5b9Sw4uAtAQMq7xZZz9tdrij9eLwPMGyqJAXy9yA4YekBET8WWVCZVb4hd0DcMAkL8gKV6IKHdGzLTzFWC7Use-OfcsJtEoz8KJjnEBbls6uCTG-kGv5k2cnGpX7RI-9iFGXYS=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLxJYChgfSPxiZDbmH0uhipPKU6DqCJqMEe_bxBBGvLckLKfHHJv5b9Sw4uAtAQMq7xZZz9tdrij9eLwPMGyqJAXy9yA4YekBET8WWVCZVb4hd0DcMAkL8gKV6IKHdGzLTzFWC7Use-OfcsJtEoz8KJjnEBbls6uCTG-kGv5k2cnGpX7RI-9iFGXYS=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancer Survivors Garden, Greenville, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNA1rWQ-3mps49_FJO4Qlm2sWpFQYtr_f7VZ1WL5MXzsRjtfhrowP_CHzOicK17l4qx1ZDSA2Euw4Bk6hpth0G7G4mySNH6ndYeZX-yax_K_wdgaH6Rwyey1zJF58Mts1Qx1wbqYxEUhFTRoR7XTyTisQrNkqdvvbskFnKnUWhG1V4_1pJxFWlYuuP=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNA1rWQ-3mps49_FJO4Qlm2sWpFQYtr_f7VZ1WL5MXzsRjtfhrowP_CHzOicK17l4qx1ZDSA2Euw4Bk6hpth0G7G4mySNH6ndYeZX-yax_K_wdgaH6Rwyey1zJF58Mts1Qx1wbqYxEUhFTRoR7XTyTisQrNkqdvvbskFnKnUWhG1V4_1pJxFWlYuuP=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp Rabbit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_eqp4LyUdophsunYiHsY1wBcoiLMDPT8Ns00n7ueewKWYaqprdjp5019eB71OE0mu1jRDvlnjbm_uipizhJVR8yKsRGRGsHnh9j2mOCgPp8_KymFar7ktqsq51qupavo2DABdqdWISfTVM3_OAxjJzDzDu9NCIxdpXgPGrU4lvMGicct5rlioX_O-=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_eqp4LyUdophsunYiHsY1wBcoiLMDPT8Ns00n7ueewKWYaqprdjp5019eB71OE0mu1jRDvlnjbm_uipizhJVR8yKsRGRGsHnh9j2mOCgPp8_KymFar7ktqsq51qupavo2DABdqdWISfTVM3_OAxjJzDzDu9NCIxdpXgPGrU4lvMGicct5rlioX_O-=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp racoon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiq4SkT9vFgJWqyQunr2Gl0KxF5R_G99uIBAvo6U0REQzFvzgqhXB2YtvY8XcWdcZu5S1BRPl85qtrT1s-LxuAJDvUho54MoGRJMidh_1AxKIMNcn_EL4uMoWfRXhuUgxmGcs8doSwidv5MaPLcMfdqGgsL5I3nU1l_cSQODxAurfYaxDj51hfIoAc=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiq4SkT9vFgJWqyQunr2Gl0KxF5R_G99uIBAvo6U0REQzFvzgqhXB2YtvY8XcWdcZu5S1BRPl85qtrT1s-LxuAJDvUho54MoGRJMidh_1AxKIMNcn_EL4uMoWfRXhuUgxmGcs8doSwidv5MaPLcMfdqGgsL5I3nU1l_cSQODxAurfYaxDj51hfIoAc=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly, not Lake Moultrie. Some drainage pond near the American Tobacco Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCW8NS2Ny-k9nOVUYsDX8lC3MInxN7-UjDtzsgVTpGktWfPzaTi4daJbORQkePn0C2zXhxRez_Jt8n285stRqTKUWI3jFZTdIun60mEiJciD8DGwXehdwAlLoqVuvCkNdZzQ5P1liYaNl2K1gnKGMPjUrD-7X0CmvvAWC1rf2_uzW5m4bhDXrMZKZ5=s3180" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3180" data-original-width="3180" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCW8NS2Ny-k9nOVUYsDX8lC3MInxN7-UjDtzsgVTpGktWfPzaTi4daJbORQkePn0C2zXhxRez_Jt8n285stRqTKUWI3jFZTdIun60mEiJciD8DGwXehdwAlLoqVuvCkNdZzQ5P1liYaNl2K1gnKGMPjUrD-7X0CmvvAWC1rf2_uzW5m4bhDXrMZKZ5=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some small town off the Silver Comet Trail. I can't figure out which one, alas. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjhZ_5YNCiVQcyQEPVRlmSpNeQt1cdMjqYfJE9-Rfj4Ha_6QTBmeeChDUaHlMVcg7SpV8OJP1UFyTKXbBRRuxdHjOxSjDD-BskRD90hxXR6OCXP9JyYKQFOH6bFvQ7PjJ9UHV6jDLN59HAfAV4Il6uJx2NDDQZL7OhZSBt6vIYzHEBbeVBAeh8tSLk=s3888" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjhZ_5YNCiVQcyQEPVRlmSpNeQt1cdMjqYfJE9-Rfj4Ha_6QTBmeeChDUaHlMVcg7SpV8OJP1UFyTKXbBRRuxdHjOxSjDD-BskRD90hxXR6OCXP9JyYKQFOH6bFvQ7PjJ9UHV6jDLN59HAfAV4Il6uJx2NDDQZL7OhZSBt6vIYzHEBbeVBAeh8tSLk=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Comet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD7ZQRzvJ-YMffPmq9PFe9vWtPe5og0M6DbFiqcrBMcLFtqq667wqX0imrJiaF8YZ-IdD2XQDbFoXY_sR6eTwrk9m1O-SN1u0xsaC90kYgdDEa0R6Lee50E2Ks7SRk0hkua35kUWsBgG2NcoyLfDo0VpBLHr-Nv_-aV19E9E_zx4X_uLFTmT-S2ycR=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD7ZQRzvJ-YMffPmq9PFe9vWtPe5og0M6DbFiqcrBMcLFtqq667wqX0imrJiaF8YZ-IdD2XQDbFoXY_sR6eTwrk9m1O-SN1u0xsaC90kYgdDEa0R6Lee50E2Ks7SRk0hkua35kUWsBgG2NcoyLfDo0VpBLHr-Nv_-aV19E9E_zx4X_uLFTmT-S2ycR=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenville, SC. Alas, this sculpture was only temporary and is gone now. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbFjlAvuLuBf7B4F0bQMZ6eCKhPgwZnOFw3z6aVkKVd731mXFBU44Yd0Q69J_P8gP9Kx4Ddc_l2JKBVa_Sc49QixF2udMIgBnhsyYfZPtTFNkSMmpbmaoCVGw8dSmEWjyFsh-A1rpMA_BcplhAXQcKHEsd74mwx9oKd1hyDQQLdmUuJkKKEkXVcj3e=s3888" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbFjlAvuLuBf7B4F0bQMZ6eCKhPgwZnOFw3z6aVkKVd731mXFBU44Yd0Q69J_P8gP9Kx4Ddc_l2JKBVa_Sc49QixF2udMIgBnhsyYfZPtTFNkSMmpbmaoCVGw8dSmEWjyFsh-A1rpMA_BcplhAXQcKHEsd74mwx9oKd1hyDQQLdmUuJkKKEkXVcj3e=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuse River Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy8Xn9zMUyR7mTRz3ZAv0sQdc0oW7J15XGWlKUN-TvSvuzo-OvxluNGbrKhHfUeUcGvOvjedPhmZ7Z01n2uEEfnDOaxsaOQHd3Eh9semGB5PhPiypCZMqD9N8s5rGd_QqTCxJBXvdxiJzlCbk0uPS0Cwdb8gRJKQsyNgcOeYHQaTiqIHcXLGkb2Iae=s3206" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="3205" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy8Xn9zMUyR7mTRz3ZAv0sQdc0oW7J15XGWlKUN-TvSvuzo-OvxluNGbrKhHfUeUcGvOvjedPhmZ7Z01n2uEEfnDOaxsaOQHd3Eh9semGB5PhPiypCZMqD9N8s5rGd_QqTCxJBXvdxiJzlCbk0uPS0Cwdb8gRJKQsyNgcOeYHQaTiqIHcXLGkb2Iae=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe the Virginia Blue Ridge Rail Trail?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixbdZIBLsLICQ7sJmM3CT41ijJ2gE6tgqiCvdOq_NTcLSnctQICF2T_bDmH_wYbB1kw98CgPqVU9PmzoS0ZL9FMMswhwhBIQH_KZ25GNhbQae0J7EkpB9lY9OofuWvVGgvpQxwisv6FffbsGln7GERSQ10k0x7HOm-uUcA2V-q3wurjy9GYhwsMJ-C=s3888" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixbdZIBLsLICQ7sJmM3CT41ijJ2gE6tgqiCvdOq_NTcLSnctQICF2T_bDmH_wYbB1kw98CgPqVU9PmzoS0ZL9FMMswhwhBIQH_KZ25GNhbQae0J7EkpB9lY9OofuWvVGgvpQxwisv6FffbsGln7GERSQ10k0x7HOm-uUcA2V-q3wurjy9GYhwsMJ-C=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson River Scenic Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTt-QpnNNsdNqHXo5nqeMahHPSAwBYm1xeRvBW5jI565VmSxEcCwazrIbSrTkCELE3V1yH-SqtIJENBNdFHXAM9V-FqTzc5U9RcmPLWy0ZLQIYPo6bqOqUbmSmpuqqU6VVHQI3_Ib3i13A8gJlakC_8a-3iYwqVZ383IT7tzgCId3yzAuzA1vsEAYz=s2562" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2562" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTt-QpnNNsdNqHXo5nqeMahHPSAwBYm1xeRvBW5jI565VmSxEcCwazrIbSrTkCELE3V1yH-SqtIJENBNdFHXAM9V-FqTzc5U9RcmPLWy0ZLQIYPo6bqOqUbmSmpuqqU6VVHQI3_Ib3i13A8gJlakC_8a-3iYwqVZ383IT7tzgCId3yzAuzA1vsEAYz=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynchburg, VA</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9pZQYnJo1U6H7tSh5CZh55bcZBOovlZYPldB1IpaOMJ-YuahjCeJj_53Lb7TV2ksce5Z9L5JKT4OoNFwU1Z6On_Sg0lQan8r6l1rJgk1xYnnHT-TocJYw_HNQi5IXpaoYkuGcbtpTwEugGsSbmr5NdQdh9I5ZV9z5Tsd6RarCuxYHNwFzFTtGcnm_=s1775" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="1775" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9pZQYnJo1U6H7tSh5CZh55bcZBOovlZYPldB1IpaOMJ-YuahjCeJj_53Lb7TV2ksce5Z9L5JKT4OoNFwU1Z6On_Sg0lQan8r6l1rJgk1xYnnHT-TocJYw_HNQi5IXpaoYkuGcbtpTwEugGsSbmr5NdQdh9I5ZV9z5Tsd6RarCuxYHNwFzFTtGcnm_=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Tobacco Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbotKDo5z7cHohbV1kxZGN2pna9LmSwhsjABzqw40Cn9OHzWCfH3VQT0-xUsbMknFX89zzr6r8hWL888NNxDWXti1l7UgASxt2S5QH1Iepov_NBXT1yzus72HJtdVEZF6etBSEbZi54t61A_dbRE8tgeSeNWBBr_GT_H4PiU2TKgbrnXl_5KoRtaCa=s1440" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbotKDo5z7cHohbV1kxZGN2pna9LmSwhsjABzqw40Cn9OHzWCfH3VQT0-xUsbMknFX89zzr6r8hWL888NNxDWXti1l7UgASxt2S5QH1Iepov_NBXT1yzus72HJtdVEZF6etBSEbZi54t61A_dbRE8tgeSeNWBBr_GT_H4PiU2TKgbrnXl_5KoRtaCa=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Litchfield Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCj3hd2PmwMx7J6pfopE0eRctPhCXxDqoJ5zL5iLdmdK1qL-9SW6xY89eLjelW3xW5PWlr4GPjMY7EgJiQdfg3aYlhbOyvGvJ_dCxDubTkqVUuIUbvipmlAJ4OZG88VDy2UJFcPypEd9Th3J1WSemi7DKXp45iM_B7HJWzYEhoMb8_vmGNmmM7f2PU=s1885" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1885" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCj3hd2PmwMx7J6pfopE0eRctPhCXxDqoJ5zL5iLdmdK1qL-9SW6xY89eLjelW3xW5PWlr4GPjMY7EgJiQdfg3aYlhbOyvGvJ_dCxDubTkqVUuIUbvipmlAJ4OZG88VDy2UJFcPypEd9Th3J1WSemi7DKXp45iM_B7HJWzYEhoMb8_vmGNmmM7f2PU=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Either the Silver Comet or Chief Ladiga Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRINcKrh0dpBe10VQV7vFUqIq0CESEifXLl4wRd5zOH-9Oz3kllshHuUPGivRcQ2stlSAcGuacg6mEFJKmS1fRNpeU4_kVCy5655HDvnm4gQYxqlIom9L2PxbkatzFN19jWsKhenn0NYjmMXeEM7jzjqlPFl1GbmEpW3c1k6pOfGAf5RJ_FpYMETtt=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRINcKrh0dpBe10VQV7vFUqIq0CESEifXLl4wRd5zOH-9Oz3kllshHuUPGivRcQ2stlSAcGuacg6mEFJKmS1fRNpeU4_kVCy5655HDvnm4gQYxqlIom9L2PxbkatzFN19jWsKhenn0NYjmMXeEM7jzjqlPFl1GbmEpW3c1k6pOfGAf5RJ_FpYMETtt=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaks to Prosperity.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXluj403DiGRa53sB7Pq3fKc1TQiJIyxwcYlBjUGvOYgB6Kkv7Vdd53i6bkf3MJOeETnDxJQP7DXz8lPrwO_lML0ktQvw6m0U3tK4FZ7MmwpbMg8Kamf2T2xXnBhHiyyGuXSM0wQ4FCCKH2-1LfrvRXa0ukhY8nFUrRBdnscV5ZbwDJpwwrumEQWq=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXluj403DiGRa53sB7Pq3fKc1TQiJIyxwcYlBjUGvOYgB6Kkv7Vdd53i6bkf3MJOeETnDxJQP7DXz8lPrwO_lML0ktQvw6m0U3tK4FZ7MmwpbMg8Kamf2T2xXnBhHiyyGuXSM0wQ4FCCKH2-1LfrvRXa0ukhY8nFUrRBdnscV5ZbwDJpwwrumEQWq=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Comet Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-TebE0CvfvpJIkiosijyug_lp8-Z4s7CwCIsBioY1DP779eFoAXfe2sNsAVpAEmSIHPF4puXWcL5OEidi4VQ7cAy_CWo9CCs0sbf_bmrIsl15tEJC-VqXEvAdftX1NmCOmQ5AH1kdGxVBET58ohUrJ79psXC8I0pCvSR_G-EXlZzhaXP4ywdeFOFL=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-TebE0CvfvpJIkiosijyug_lp8-Z4s7CwCIsBioY1DP779eFoAXfe2sNsAVpAEmSIHPF4puXWcL5OEidi4VQ7cAy_CWo9CCs0sbf_bmrIsl15tEJC-VqXEvAdftX1NmCOmQ5AH1kdGxVBET58ohUrJ79psXC8I0pCvSR_G-EXlZzhaXP4ywdeFOFL=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockmart, GA</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR1RFugNXMPTGF8FGerehyINdx7j1OWYlgTXNiYshl8BnLHznkqE3G2DpYFjLpZsPQEDmvYnMXSxUVdb3gNBi4rSpcRf4AJlJ3u9f982lOH3vNbBTn2Uf15DS-MX__U7Ki6NP4HY6GRcFLJhVOHoz3120T3TBVA4DQmNd15opJJp2fuqKXj2Bwihr6=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR1RFugNXMPTGF8FGerehyINdx7j1OWYlgTXNiYshl8BnLHznkqE3G2DpYFjLpZsPQEDmvYnMXSxUVdb3gNBi4rSpcRf4AJlJ3u9f982lOH3vNbBTn2Uf15DS-MX__U7Ki6NP4HY6GRcFLJhVOHoz3120T3TBVA4DQmNd15opJJp2fuqKXj2Bwihr6=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Comet Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAP2E5RXcuk0nDPQ9r4Zsy9dujcW3TQTRgXC6TDFgxaLHQ5mZykHjedZjhZavEB18iwnPaNV8xJ3EJT1uPREJT4IrDi3ElfCaGxzD6BddSI9XD6WRu9JZ4LoTM2nQE_Ohg9rT0D0om04Sx5T268DjFdrP1Vsp9gZquS6j9P9wDNxSe1OsLWGDKs04-=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAP2E5RXcuk0nDPQ9r4Zsy9dujcW3TQTRgXC6TDFgxaLHQ5mZykHjedZjhZavEB18iwnPaNV8xJ3EJT1uPREJT4IrDi3ElfCaGxzD6BddSI9XD6WRu9JZ4LoTM2nQE_Ohg9rT0D0om04Sx5T268DjFdrP1Vsp9gZquS6j9P9wDNxSe1OsLWGDKs04-=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Tennessee River Greenway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSw0N46xDiXMNjLW9L8DkyGKOf_eT6G4m96sUVWiO6p0TGx94levCLkuzfLtdG6T7YFKGWNYdwshFogXeaLbbZCqypfbkcRrp5Wy6-7QMh6W410VSg4GtqwKFi72Llf6LHdHvSCpnE-N3MCXgbGMBwlKbC1DoM5ZFnn2OEQIXaKijEGyLSucgBCZDB=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSw0N46xDiXMNjLW9L8DkyGKOf_eT6G4m96sUVWiO6p0TGx94levCLkuzfLtdG6T7YFKGWNYdwshFogXeaLbbZCqypfbkcRrp5Wy6-7QMh6W410VSg4GtqwKFi72Llf6LHdHvSCpnE-N3MCXgbGMBwlKbC1DoM5ZFnn2OEQIXaKijEGyLSucgBCZDB=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No clue where this was taken!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifStOClYMuZhjhzmb3QgD6WPYLs9kdQdWkEQb3Hm96nRa2H-iPAiwNjXhLnhTYgjv9e4sCbfLdbJaUnu2sFrt_ez17REwbePL6lq31121XsXDrFRJRg0qliPG9PAvsP9UejmUGpEbmWkCLHRsWebzT1_YB2w24W-4T61VTj4auZOFqS6HDaoGkBVVI=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifStOClYMuZhjhzmb3QgD6WPYLs9kdQdWkEQb3Hm96nRa2H-iPAiwNjXhLnhTYgjv9e4sCbfLdbJaUnu2sFrt_ez17REwbePL6lq31121XsXDrFRJRg0qliPG9PAvsP9UejmUGpEbmWkCLHRsWebzT1_YB2w24W-4T61VTj4auZOFqS6HDaoGkBVVI=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medusa Tree, Greenville, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-ckbSB2026ftQvTfm1yVRF--aobeuYYWS5DaqF9B7_cDrJ6EqLNPmah_qO6L5QxEBhjvo1YSVtoNLaKMJJuITd5c1fS_r0Udm8_JQK1a6A3ktcxVZXTMmDALsAk-G2_eq7igv8UDHCbGjycDXSHaPDnSuCqAlfY5KHB9KMQ7A2I1C55md34oqq9Qi=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-ckbSB2026ftQvTfm1yVRF--aobeuYYWS5DaqF9B7_cDrJ6EqLNPmah_qO6L5QxEBhjvo1YSVtoNLaKMJJuITd5c1fS_r0Udm8_JQK1a6A3ktcxVZXTMmDALsAk-G2_eq7igv8UDHCbGjycDXSHaPDnSuCqAlfY5KHB9KMQ7A2I1C55md34oqq9Qi=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cowcatcher is actually a brick oven extending from the wall. Whistlestop Cafe, Traveller's Rest, SC.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF1_ibXT0Nf8DHyYkppJ6kQszjJ4qRgcEdyCgLhevxuCKLo_R1gxjrJsQp4b4CPcTYeXbS8KyJGvivzJbPSUwicwsz3p3M7pHNyaYzks1FQ7arqDKOc19I_eK_w48omkTm9M0LJbL064kYRnWMhTbqinucNLAE80OdR3J3UMKXle0H5hN8CPTd4gEA=s2688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF1_ibXT0Nf8DHyYkppJ6kQszjJ4qRgcEdyCgLhevxuCKLo_R1gxjrJsQp4b4CPcTYeXbS8KyJGvivzJbPSUwicwsz3p3M7pHNyaYzks1FQ7arqDKOc19I_eK_w48omkTm9M0LJbL064kYRnWMhTbqinucNLAE80OdR3J3UMKXle0H5hN8CPTd4gEA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravenel Bridge, Mt. Pleasant, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH7_nl2yc8E0HuM0Bw02k6-hvembakDYGZDrAX9Vfc4QczskpXhBSq4lpAjHWsQQQXWpGPNZr11j0PEXpuXQYEHG6A1oe0LYHWyKxumPxqJbz1-7dbrfkXy0rgP-imjanQMQQ2J7u7DJ9BvwvJfCVVslaAIwi0J2Au1JU19kz6S0wuheQc_TkUHDG3=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH7_nl2yc8E0HuM0Bw02k6-hvembakDYGZDrAX9Vfc4QczskpXhBSq4lpAjHWsQQQXWpGPNZr11j0PEXpuXQYEHG6A1oe0LYHWyKxumPxqJbz1-7dbrfkXy0rgP-imjanQMQQ2J7u7DJ9BvwvJfCVVslaAIwi0J2Au1JU19kz6S0wuheQc_TkUHDG3=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravenel Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijxTDYk4XFumpWhuDMwxuHO2zBDu_sgCr5VMOz-4nST3KhWhSOqE7bwzyH7swRbV-ZvfSIUn3CmTtSpB33aJJrwHs_BtZ9Zf8xRpBdWO0oPEeZfzE3dukccFGS0tB0nEuZBYBasE-3XC5QRNIi9xTkH9FCyeeLB_BX_g-MHwg2NJMXORbMNmIbZs61=s3840" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEijxTDYk4XFumpWhuDMwxuHO2zBDu_sgCr5VMOz-4nST3KhWhSOqE7bwzyH7swRbV-ZvfSIUn3CmTtSpB33aJJrwHs_BtZ9Zf8xRpBdWO0oPEeZfzE3dukccFGS0tB0nEuZBYBasE-3XC5QRNIi9xTkH9FCyeeLB_BX_g-MHwg2NJMXORbMNmIbZs61=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOWzpo5PR7g6rjG8lqvjuC6lQ0CU9IJPsy4NY28EGJQAThVf6OLwIFEpyd1vb7W2LOCudMT-UNpsS0ERvqX8tWhkrp9KVkxEK4aGjvmHLxCxYgPgm8aTEuU1SyzyLoU9f9UmvwC1RRwxQbWV99Fp8GkatjprnMEHHf1H0yEQy-vPpVI8WO5jHoiiL6=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOWzpo5PR7g6rjG8lqvjuC6lQ0CU9IJPsy4NY28EGJQAThVf6OLwIFEpyd1vb7W2LOCudMT-UNpsS0ERvqX8tWhkrp9KVkxEK4aGjvmHLxCxYgPgm8aTEuU1SyzyLoU9f9UmvwC1RRwxQbWV99Fp8GkatjprnMEHHf1H0yEQy-vPpVI8WO5jHoiiL6=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuse River Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqPjfw0aaiJA_eeSQhRWNjfr544o36g4wS-soCUGqcfPNPhUjyU4zBR_7jrsyt6UDJs3WCJsux6Mt7d5yVJj1iAnx_UiO1begj3_LdM2PHt89MsFmSDytxmg_dGrtlM3r1FDMlSOQUZZuqGwICbaEVnOcWp1hK4zZLcu7CkxtISArHrGMuyFVqDoM8=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqPjfw0aaiJA_eeSQhRWNjfr544o36g4wS-soCUGqcfPNPhUjyU4zBR_7jrsyt6UDJs3WCJsux6Mt7d5yVJj1iAnx_UiO1begj3_LdM2PHt89MsFmSDytxmg_dGrtlM3r1FDMlSOQUZZuqGwICbaEVnOcWp1hK4zZLcu7CkxtISArHrGMuyFVqDoM8=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL1oWNOWG3iwvzuHY5Lf92gszRzZdLW_chJg4ooOZ7sm2jdc9IsIGKIz1lJMpvEJ4tlRbJThgEmwL47u52LUbz_1GUqifEPl0NtjKwCwD-aDGUFmayjFXXPT_0mqktFK2Y2KgQ5GUqaFQVAso9DESB4HR8B2xm4vTHgPKsYMxm2rZ9ZxqqFpTzDzXi=s2688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL1oWNOWG3iwvzuHY5Lf92gszRzZdLW_chJg4ooOZ7sm2jdc9IsIGKIz1lJMpvEJ4tlRbJThgEmwL47u52LUbz_1GUqifEPl0NtjKwCwD-aDGUFmayjFXXPT_0mqktFK2Y2KgQ5GUqaFQVAso9DESB4HR8B2xm4vTHgPKsYMxm2rZ9ZxqqFpTzDzXi=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family bike day in Murrel's Inlet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-KTTBlEn9hzhxTPt1VIsN5FnObtfEChL36lWgZR0lTacXP5ctFo94GJtdcrUonr6k7Mz56wws1sAainiUPi6AtgZmRGh2OYhoMGqLVWmQ-5-ah0emwz_0DG3tp-EdlFUk5f-SVPToz1kA9wPp8Jx5VV_z65MxkEQ0wlL9GrHs8aXMxeHvYd1ff0u0=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-KTTBlEn9hzhxTPt1VIsN5FnObtfEChL36lWgZR0lTacXP5ctFo94GJtdcrUonr6k7Mz56wws1sAainiUPi6AtgZmRGh2OYhoMGqLVWmQ-5-ah0emwz_0DG3tp-EdlFUk5f-SVPToz1kA9wPp8Jx5VV_z65MxkEQ0wlL9GrHs8aXMxeHvYd1ff0u0=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie Passage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_ux2XE-2Jh8aCknC1KJIqqs2cHDaT8p7E7TS-2E7AnGBhG0uM_9QUDUYO4lof_QgqHSK0oOLVc9XcjzKskRHooRNJZqtmkc3p9RWtH9gHUbeeEAGMH64o8wEqLAHHYwag36xCnAxW71_yzqjmKRWGe1WbjDvTeJN-O_Qlex6OreBE99JyFddbtPux=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_ux2XE-2Jh8aCknC1KJIqqs2cHDaT8p7E7TS-2E7AnGBhG0uM_9QUDUYO4lof_QgqHSK0oOLVc9XcjzKskRHooRNJZqtmkc3p9RWtH9gHUbeeEAGMH64o8wEqLAHHYwag36xCnAxW71_yzqjmKRWGe1WbjDvTeJN-O_Qlex6OreBE99JyFddbtPux=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie Passage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRQ3U3pJI-4K4x_nxVDgar9c5Iesvwwsho6xzS-dSjevImq4rhQsC5c5k5GUjwFNAGD_YOmAnioMt1IjsP0GUi2eT4uAw4QvyYCehhn3z4NMV3v0Yw8iYtkIQsdcbs0R7QDSwsa18Ik-80aOzxcrD5mDL_vWdLabppt6DZbsvrkXfBtHsmrVxK2lT5=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRQ3U3pJI-4K4x_nxVDgar9c5Iesvwwsho6xzS-dSjevImq4rhQsC5c5k5GUjwFNAGD_YOmAnioMt1IjsP0GUi2eT4uAw4QvyYCehhn3z4NMV3v0Yw8iYtkIQsdcbs0R7QDSwsa18Ik-80aOzxcrD5mDL_vWdLabppt6DZbsvrkXfBtHsmrVxK2lT5=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie Passage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqWWU1z3U3aFUO98JNLw01QKiCWBezboVO21yxmRMFO1D5hnO3DT_6_wQflv65wQzi5QZX4WRY2VdSdtHsZ9bV6-XiqhkdjfFnzwqWpPjmgeEdrO6dIs-PsMVX_V6LdUaweeV7qYFT8ZA3imQXJYQlRd-ah248Af6QCbKb5717e6sZKkP4qFZDbOlZ=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqWWU1z3U3aFUO98JNLw01QKiCWBezboVO21yxmRMFO1D5hnO3DT_6_wQflv65wQzi5QZX4WRY2VdSdtHsZ9bV6-XiqhkdjfFnzwqWpPjmgeEdrO6dIs-PsMVX_V6LdUaweeV7qYFT8ZA3imQXJYQlRd-ah248Af6QCbKb5717e6sZKkP4qFZDbOlZ=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie Passage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw_D4OgCGnqnicgsY0ML7RQaw0c60_z96pt-wsAaDYE2GJNyroJn5pTJJJ7a7K0En1M_wn3jrDJfe-26r4aFd7w5cgaAAumfcrB57at_j5v4rWGGhnYtvRQ5fqjLnijOgX6AOHWcz7lXhOfWsIIB1HIG5Zvld9nP7IcGvv60mBfiNoaJgFvu2Qx8St=s2688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw_D4OgCGnqnicgsY0ML7RQaw0c60_z96pt-wsAaDYE2GJNyroJn5pTJJJ7a7K0En1M_wn3jrDJfe-26r4aFd7w5cgaAAumfcrB57at_j5v4rWGGhnYtvRQ5fqjLnijOgX6AOHWcz7lXhOfWsIIB1HIG5Zvld9nP7IcGvv60mBfiNoaJgFvu2Qx8St=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson River Scenic Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOHA2QUGTRpxd7S_uir_oeJt4NvicGbOOXgDx2lW9HNyfl4bArAGwUfP0hD2DO4F37Ln2_yCH7xSgY7ZpwD0aqBwzScN9iag-sMzT04wEp2dB07BXAznItVYUlZtQ33QGHiI0HzXFOzkAkhlQ-DSVgijEOkilaGFI0tvyGFP3-0XSdIn0IQSENvpUS=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOHA2QUGTRpxd7S_uir_oeJt4NvicGbOOXgDx2lW9HNyfl4bArAGwUfP0hD2DO4F37Ln2_yCH7xSgY7ZpwD0aqBwzScN9iag-sMzT04wEp2dB07BXAznItVYUlZtQ33QGHiI0HzXFOzkAkhlQ-DSVgijEOkilaGFI0tvyGFP3-0XSdIn0IQSENvpUS=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Oak Greenway</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicht-IFlHDHNpP5aX1k4Wd76xSxt3M-4UYTnMl_CgY-BVVhQxTmg9pEiZMLCun9Q7W7HyRlxlD9Aaeq7bHrI0bd91Q-81T_IPGPxI0u_0-RUMd_4j8B4fdIUJqzoKZrItlXPv_a8FxjQWkpF-Ucf_ggxDTTHf6RxCPh2gwzUe5DPdxnIq0YbI0Fr4P=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicht-IFlHDHNpP5aX1k4Wd76xSxt3M-4UYTnMl_CgY-BVVhQxTmg9pEiZMLCun9Q7W7HyRlxlD9Aaeq7bHrI0bd91Q-81T_IPGPxI0u_0-RUMd_4j8B4fdIUJqzoKZrItlXPv_a8FxjQWkpF-Ucf_ggxDTTHf6RxCPh2gwzUe5DPdxnIq0YbI0Fr4P=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Tobacco Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZva7ifrg4mBX2rV64OM0UvXsLLhbxlGUV3ZheQhgOnJ7bv1IkJ61kqWn6ik-Nz6LxRyL1XBTTZbEBVaMmxujgM_h5MdIsO8Q1liLWI3fsvYqz9zKnBeEPvBHKAMr0Nf5MTOfwOHTFBXywMVhVQZs-7cxWu3YhgmJ6qqwUT4NGrh-H_D-pN0o7wMtB=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZva7ifrg4mBX2rV64OM0UvXsLLhbxlGUV3ZheQhgOnJ7bv1IkJ61kqWn6ik-Nz6LxRyL1XBTTZbEBVaMmxujgM_h5MdIsO8Q1liLWI3fsvYqz9zKnBeEPvBHKAMr0Nf5MTOfwOHTFBXywMVhVQZs-7cxWu3YhgmJ6qqwUT4NGrh-H_D-pN0o7wMtB=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolin Creek Trail, Chapel Hill, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYu7F1OFqkwDSTzGXC22xTaGK8lydU7WSOmTJ2uCNawIsH1wXMFXR04cQl-6Vj8zuKfrgV_dEe0w8u4CbmfAN3VdPrsZx54FlOe074Mw59wNvaJNdMddhiS7LgTRTg2ee6X5_HkUBCFFOyB0TVP183FbMWjOSu5Dsp1AkXB_9iaA6KyrpUwvhnznsy=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYu7F1OFqkwDSTzGXC22xTaGK8lydU7WSOmTJ2uCNawIsH1wXMFXR04cQl-6Vj8zuKfrgV_dEe0w8u4CbmfAN3VdPrsZx54FlOe074Mw59wNvaJNdMddhiS7LgTRTg2ee6X5_HkUBCFFOyB0TVP183FbMWjOSu5Dsp1AkXB_9iaA6KyrpUwvhnznsy=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolin Creek Trail, Chapel Hill, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAnB5Kt-lcSF2UsX4WGqQYDx3I0_9qwz2zOaANILB10BEf8o8piO9SDinD5WcRGONhyKXINS8VIFYMt_vMU4YChElmSxjNRGFhAEOhhpuuchWwKygXUeoxjoDx_ubLBFF9TlByE_PRRPlZOBd9if9girwr1GlgM9fkvKgCamuhVweyDwZc6X0mRpwv=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAnB5Kt-lcSF2UsX4WGqQYDx3I0_9qwz2zOaANILB10BEf8o8piO9SDinD5WcRGONhyKXINS8VIFYMt_vMU4YChElmSxjNRGFhAEOhhpuuchWwKygXUeoxjoDx_ubLBFF9TlByE_PRRPlZOBd9if9girwr1GlgM9fkvKgCamuhVweyDwZc6X0mRpwv=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuse River Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdbZv2xH5I-WCgOul2OOfa8IjdzT6KM2vh_qjEzKNZp3_VA2dckW0B8Rhv2YoTM50pxeWX78Tlzsac_nKfrYCTN7VbV1D_-Mq7D7-fOT64n8aux3LrBpUVHjnSXnVN7xYIgtqdHP4H5VJkz0lZ5QtyA2PSI9SlYPc6lMIstfvyqXoiGuLnbuyzdWCi=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdbZv2xH5I-WCgOul2OOfa8IjdzT6KM2vh_qjEzKNZp3_VA2dckW0B8Rhv2YoTM50pxeWX78Tlzsac_nKfrYCTN7VbV1D_-Mq7D7-fOT64n8aux3LrBpUVHjnSXnVN7xYIgtqdHP4H5VJkz0lZ5QtyA2PSI9SlYPc6lMIstfvyqXoiGuLnbuyzdWCi=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia Capital Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_SPJOQAANMQzQVJP_VJIqOfAXcGhCp4CJ3PcO7XLnEwRBzYh94Ury3GQHWgzZvC1lo3-s5DobgdmZMF1NmpeKOHrohtRlpbRMyP3KE81893U51B-4CeIN9eSE4N8h1IsIWx7EBtj1o-dIjSpFt4d2o6hQ32tWT87GvbKeEeqqG_aRibk2izkgZkir=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_SPJOQAANMQzQVJP_VJIqOfAXcGhCp4CJ3PcO7XLnEwRBzYh94Ury3GQHWgzZvC1lo3-s5DobgdmZMF1NmpeKOHrohtRlpbRMyP3KE81893U51B-4CeIN9eSE4N8h1IsIWx7EBtj1o-dIjSpFt4d2o6hQ32tWT87GvbKeEeqqG_aRibk2izkgZkir=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia Capital Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXWiyZHjlpQfOcy0D8-ZKJRQ2SaNcvehp1IWERjPcwFOlz6Q9wdDmsULiBgYzVESpr_O5-TctfqL3LX0hEW0YkTnfKp5UXNYy8eu4F-7oQWoNlc-M_AARFjnhGrIrRUib_a7Xc5FnngcQjRLAx6lE8lj9TaGkEVz6lyYCYsCVDYPLwPUzAnLZ2usiM=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXWiyZHjlpQfOcy0D8-ZKJRQ2SaNcvehp1IWERjPcwFOlz6Q9wdDmsULiBgYzVESpr_O5-TctfqL3LX0hEW0YkTnfKp5UXNYy8eu4F-7oQWoNlc-M_AARFjnhGrIrRUib_a7Xc5FnngcQjRLAx6lE8lj9TaGkEVz6lyYCYsCVDYPLwPUzAnLZ2usiM=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie Passage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDrH4kIZY_JqyDhLuUpXXec0O6hYrf1WVunsvWfRQlLYVZAmG2CXO2tOKtCXOhKqs6cV5d-JFB7dJv2X6F9XoqKDDKVO-rwokKfFdrr2bO2aRdToSuHZV8l6fY2c5o81L-Qm099CI4xT0dypY1dCjtRxgdcw1ypJLt5T7WdIhS9ah6Xn6stV1Vdsi8=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDrH4kIZY_JqyDhLuUpXXec0O6hYrf1WVunsvWfRQlLYVZAmG2CXO2tOKtCXOhKqs6cV5d-JFB7dJv2X6F9XoqKDDKVO-rwokKfFdrr2bO2aRdToSuHZV8l6fY2c5o81L-Qm099CI4xT0dypY1dCjtRxgdcw1ypJLt5T7WdIhS9ah6Xn6stV1Vdsi8=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie Passage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgZUIFzC_FGpUxu3tkfI932Xj5tCHEKIh21Rcbod4OI6eBPHdnJpknZLldfSWHJ996Ne8zLw5x78fysK3cXjnlHgldm96R-xwq85pl0hzJNgagZ8YPs6ASMWjpE97JtpYbGZ8CuQG-QWMCXT8cLJ2GBo9qbRRLeGC6v4kiN_qkpzJCsF_sSlFsD35j=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgZUIFzC_FGpUxu3tkfI932Xj5tCHEKIh21Rcbod4OI6eBPHdnJpknZLldfSWHJ996Ne8zLw5x78fysK3cXjnlHgldm96R-xwq85pl0hzJNgagZ8YPs6ASMWjpE97JtpYbGZ8CuQG-QWMCXT8cLJ2GBo9qbRRLeGC6v4kiN_qkpzJCsF_sSlFsD35j=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEior6-nrYo8Dfw7eaPC_oQF8_ZTKwfEuREMrTuxiKD70MtGArqqqTA4sU-9J4ZRO0-wXHxUpGFRYiCYUm74fLA1Pus_hnsNTwIWQsCQ-L0z1LuDcB6x7PiGNQ8swFoIBhDRmLO_CMIlXpoB3nPEGXTagLmMS5cRiLL-0QFQOLkE3acPVtVuYu5t5ZSW=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEior6-nrYo8Dfw7eaPC_oQF8_ZTKwfEuREMrTuxiKD70MtGArqqqTA4sU-9J4ZRO0-wXHxUpGFRYiCYUm74fLA1Pus_hnsNTwIWQsCQ-L0z1LuDcB6x7PiGNQ8swFoIBhDRmLO_CMIlXpoB3nPEGXTagLmMS5cRiLL-0QFQOLkE3acPVtVuYu5t5ZSW=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVbLpFZy9LKLRGFzg-rgjEW-Fw-C7mEcz3UoCL2UHceBqf1RhujiIwYBPG8Jo3vZrD1ol_JyzXRepJRvJDppv4-Sg04-w7mzbzLU7Ji0VMYpW716dqVqpVRb6zqN7Rjrlq39_lfJ1XIlDaQkn1GGX4ZROny5HY9uXHh67H8cRvrki5_9AniRmI63MJ=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVbLpFZy9LKLRGFzg-rgjEW-Fw-C7mEcz3UoCL2UHceBqf1RhujiIwYBPG8Jo3vZrD1ol_JyzXRepJRvJDppv4-Sg04-w7mzbzLU7Ji0VMYpW716dqVqpVRb6zqN7Rjrlq39_lfJ1XIlDaQkn1GGX4ZROny5HY9uXHh67H8cRvrki5_9AniRmI63MJ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuzrqE47xQMgjWyb8bSprDI5dfYJBb5KhUJS90R-zi9_KtiCaJpniYRNClU8XTxlngF3iwtZTj0Hus26FMSa2FoCjgK_RuAGgC2zTLWc4p-JgR1bB7a7lZQQb-KCzo6_cVhkf62MbZR396gsDAVmxtti4g8byYLDOZ4WCLtvJ0jjU4J8oefdg2iCeM=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuzrqE47xQMgjWyb8bSprDI5dfYJBb5KhUJS90R-zi9_KtiCaJpniYRNClU8XTxlngF3iwtZTj0Hus26FMSa2FoCjgK_RuAGgC2zTLWc4p-JgR1bB7a7lZQQb-KCzo6_cVhkf62MbZR396gsDAVmxtti4g8byYLDOZ4WCLtvJ0jjU4J8oefdg2iCeM=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxGZGRi9NDLZjhBSXe3wjIAsP7vSIw-0Q40TqNhIIzq8XP0E4Mk6P2hCUm4VttWZ3sKjkYjjNSt0hxIWCCd_sYwbpwdnF2JfbjkdZsn6ZVkSb3zTwyaFKm4M-uNW1xvFFtvFp-TiahdxIUxA9Q05VF1_YEOHUj7IoHfHHNgTjfzKEU_f506bzyuGF6=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxGZGRi9NDLZjhBSXe3wjIAsP7vSIw-0Q40TqNhIIzq8XP0E4Mk6P2hCUm4VttWZ3sKjkYjjNSt0hxIWCCd_sYwbpwdnF2JfbjkdZsn6ZVkSb3zTwyaFKm4M-uNW1xvFFtvFp-TiahdxIUxA9Q05VF1_YEOHUj7IoHfHHNgTjfzKEU_f506bzyuGF6=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichfield Beach, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGVaXZ8q-q_cJqTE87rzNmvxjfUh-VdHxhnzw9ItzZmmFKFY-0MCfg3HeLYBav1mzB8-xm0GtujNhhFGkK2MIH0reL8xIvLjsT8ti9RFuB7XJrDcItoPQmmHbZS-08JU54b5M6d_B5Vrlcg1c323mbiW81ogGeb82O5YHxe5trzFNk9H2RxLdlKHPU=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGVaXZ8q-q_cJqTE87rzNmvxjfUh-VdHxhnzw9ItzZmmFKFY-0MCfg3HeLYBav1mzB8-xm0GtujNhhFGkK2MIH0reL8xIvLjsT8ti9RFuB7XJrDcItoPQmmHbZS-08JU54b5M6d_B5Vrlcg1c323mbiW81ogGeb82O5YHxe5trzFNk9H2RxLdlKHPU=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lichfield Beach, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMdaz6G7ELDPSVMfju5ex1LyMfeK5abUQLlb_RxZxio0_oMMnross6faR6ZlH9IxT3nK0GoXkdiI1LlKToMqmRCe_XENexbwhsp3KfxqymN5PY_utQprvGMmVp8AI6ol72-ajGyQn1sFf4-qgrXB5LORL6w89-88zePQlvSa3U8Tl6DxsfKCzlYA0v=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMdaz6G7ELDPSVMfju5ex1LyMfeK5abUQLlb_RxZxio0_oMMnross6faR6ZlH9IxT3nK0GoXkdiI1LlKToMqmRCe_XENexbwhsp3KfxqymN5PY_utQprvGMmVp8AI6ol72-ajGyQn1sFf4-qgrXB5LORL6w89-88zePQlvSa3U8Tl6DxsfKCzlYA0v=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewis Ocean Bay, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieW51hwQ212Z2yHwlnTK6bxcZvJs4mI_HS-Y7dF5Yn5q4ifUH9L6KmbDJ4FTAEJ0MPuWYX3u7LfqJeNluGW_k353sVuQnE62EIB6hIWjNhTIcCX-s9j5KEgmkb8gEcAKNvFlsx7QXULci_TyDJoilxtY1OClWCbL7PaWVjzGQk9ZwX4Yimk288Ghvo=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieW51hwQ212Z2yHwlnTK6bxcZvJs4mI_HS-Y7dF5Yn5q4ifUH9L6KmbDJ4FTAEJ0MPuWYX3u7LfqJeNluGW_k353sVuQnE62EIB6hIWjNhTIcCX-s9j5KEgmkb8gEcAKNvFlsx7QXULci_TyDJoilxtY1OClWCbL7PaWVjzGQk9ZwX4Yimk288Ghvo=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not an actual bike trail no matter what Google Maps says, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir4-7OZ6OK6t0veFlZWHXh15Uf2JJAUWBFTQSsKl2ph2MWoytySKg2HuzXspmSLtw0LHZQ_quNqcAMM-J9sIyL0LlaqXtHN94gn8b8hVYvuhofaqKkhgcA-DlumIzGop_DIwf3iC5InducZLibU2kL3nMF7_hNmLKeUkIqnji4Pkev0maXSc1aD2__=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir4-7OZ6OK6t0veFlZWHXh15Uf2JJAUWBFTQSsKl2ph2MWoytySKg2HuzXspmSLtw0LHZQ_quNqcAMM-J9sIyL0LlaqXtHN94gn8b8hVYvuhofaqKkhgcA-DlumIzGop_DIwf3iC5InducZLibU2kL3nMF7_hNmLKeUkIqnji4Pkev0maXSc1aD2__=s320" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Tobacco Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwa2Eoel2GOZRmr6IuPB4mrN5pWMi4rYP_3kTr73mFYillitVd12O5rUlsiAqRZLeXKBrdev8aTi2YZRiLzeLUBCEpTBCSR43pfbKimIe39DlqCojw1jTmbmtTFSJ4blxz-OyAn4VTEtOmZ9cYphdkMZnfkuV5ayDaSkgeCIXCEvSrx2HWoBrAuOZ0=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwa2Eoel2GOZRmr6IuPB4mrN5pWMi4rYP_3kTr73mFYillitVd12O5rUlsiAqRZLeXKBrdev8aTi2YZRiLzeLUBCEpTBCSR43pfbKimIe39DlqCojw1jTmbmtTFSJ4blxz-OyAn4VTEtOmZ9cYphdkMZnfkuV5ayDaSkgeCIXCEvSrx2HWoBrAuOZ0=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neuse River Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-68348033732738833562022-01-02T13:02:00.000-08:002022-01-02T13:02:52.025-08:00Best of Boats 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDmOpwNsuZCGVr13UM91d7UOjwbr2vGNdNDhvP3Wq1P61_OTc_tHu-AIjEboXF1MGhU-9DqE1ts57jLpZlZnCoT4gONBL79P8122wIfYTXsGufztar0h43nr2uzNSv7ZNv1MxfX2cRmPiwLbNIdsDpKY5vqbG-g6Br911EFgec00AFQoGlzcGXFiLZ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjRgjGxho4hqIKmFX_S_72U9fyjekMY4Zj4xhMRpqogrbtiVOk4TTdRMt7UgCnutA2N_8khfaSP4gHp1ykuMTfVwXSsQGjElXftByARVJY4ewKUUlOZmD7KXHEMaAPh-xWblRx153YDn07lrifUeL_7vA9_GXzud3oFjRWG6OmZjADHiRW4pIxTIZ4=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjRgjGxho4hqIKmFX_S_72U9fyjekMY4Zj4xhMRpqogrbtiVOk4TTdRMt7UgCnutA2N_8khfaSP4gHp1ykuMTfVwXSsQGjElXftByARVJY4ewKUUlOZmD7KXHEMaAPh-xWblRx153YDn07lrifUeL_7vA9_GXzud3oFjRWG6OmZjADHiRW4pIxTIZ4=w382-h300" width="382" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water lilies were in bloom all in Lake Moultrie, SC<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDmOpwNsuZCGVr13UM91d7UOjwbr2vGNdNDhvP3Wq1P61_OTc_tHu-AIjEboXF1MGhU-9DqE1ts57jLpZlZnCoT4gONBL79P8122wIfYTXsGufztar0h43nr2uzNSv7ZNv1MxfX2cRmPiwLbNIdsDpKY5vqbG-g6Br911EFgec00AFQoGlzcGXFiLZ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDmOpwNsuZCGVr13UM91d7UOjwbr2vGNdNDhvP3Wq1P61_OTc_tHu-AIjEboXF1MGhU-9DqE1ts57jLpZlZnCoT4gONBL79P8122wIfYTXsGufztar0h43nr2uzNSv7ZNv1MxfX2cRmPiwLbNIdsDpKY5vqbG-g6Br911EFgec00AFQoGlzcGXFiLZ=w400-h300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly on the Wambaw River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhOCvwOYPGG42VKJQmNQYpSfA13uJjhZnSG9jsbJcqMkU2TQm6sDWz_93BqYxpt1KBXMq3MqdGTMyzpY7F52uMHgo6D0u__kslrZjmaEwh8oT_J0T92XCkdZqtFxol3PVCadw7-WnnyfKtYvCtfW9dAxCc7BlkTgHKeXmz9hVf8JpRfoYJC3sk8ff=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnhOCvwOYPGG42VKJQmNQYpSfA13uJjhZnSG9jsbJcqMkU2TQm6sDWz_93BqYxpt1KBXMq3MqdGTMyzpY7F52uMHgo6D0u__kslrZjmaEwh8oT_J0T92XCkdZqtFxol3PVCadw7-WnnyfKtYvCtfW9dAxCc7BlkTgHKeXmz9hVf8JpRfoYJC3sk8ff=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating along the Waccamaw in SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_s9Nw3eh9WzxGf8ADk-xnvWc3-sjT0nTY6QxdruPmz_0WUxPriY7G-L_aJ_ZXO2haupQIfEYAQQy3aMMO3FnAWHAdnIpVwakXcYhGBy71zN4eDV3QHYe71ADxJM3UlioNohdOl3ytqyB-z-ZwLR11ttizDOKplUy-_ZvTbAh7B00m5wISk-MB0PNN=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_s9Nw3eh9WzxGf8ADk-xnvWc3-sjT0nTY6QxdruPmz_0WUxPriY7G-L_aJ_ZXO2haupQIfEYAQQy3aMMO3FnAWHAdnIpVwakXcYhGBy71zN4eDV3QHYe71ADxJM3UlioNohdOl3ytqyB-z-ZwLR11ttizDOKplUy-_ZvTbAh7B00m5wISk-MB0PNN=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Moultrie, SC in the Jungle Passage. Labeled as best kayak trip ever!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEYmXk6QQGpo34aEJiyo8lp8AhzeiD16GorGcsHQgDLzy-Ryrn6-ypooORNTpFjn2Kn4BrvMAIXkKkZnctVWgfkWCIX4mR-y4gwDcACvZKWsTikIZpNvEIJhlxIjxCw0gPazuhliS88alZe-Jf5YacaEoNTExjDpSE24DuFjNrw2WAI_1MCjX41eK=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwEYmXk6QQGpo34aEJiyo8lp8AhzeiD16GorGcsHQgDLzy-Ryrn6-ypooORNTpFjn2Kn4BrvMAIXkKkZnctVWgfkWCIX4mR-y4gwDcACvZKWsTikIZpNvEIJhlxIjxCw0gPazuhliS88alZe-Jf5YacaEoNTExjDpSE24DuFjNrw2WAI_1MCjX41eK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break on the shore of Lake Moultrie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj31kmjg8RIcvwjrEnHsr1hpOcUJxvDH1DLfTOS24Ivtzwk8ES0NlUMRnmxObdTzt4u6dwXZnPBovy_myN6jxeTMcu2rOxeqG53a80AE_lCOa3HZnG3rGS-q-hcjGgrqYfWzBHnJqcfpcRZ_Ns_vpEpWhu640iyckwD2wpPyQD90XJhHlTlO8CBnUBT=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj31kmjg8RIcvwjrEnHsr1hpOcUJxvDH1DLfTOS24Ivtzwk8ES0NlUMRnmxObdTzt4u6dwXZnPBovy_myN6jxeTMcu2rOxeqG53a80AE_lCOa3HZnG3rGS-q-hcjGgrqYfWzBHnJqcfpcRZ_Ns_vpEpWhu640iyckwD2wpPyQD90XJhHlTlO8CBnUBT=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did look for alligators before we got out to stretch our legs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnmVLUCcdlK4K2REJNhSAMF6lRwp41Xbh5IWRqHT5WnUVl4b0wgfOKmbdFib4301T17zVZ4faZfhiHK1xtLbvRT7KvjcTM2AK8rXJA2P8SWOvmV3fSl0ArV5qSMO14JoEtz7SLSqLbSAisndfAGg8Xyhbvylq9sdpr712KTaMTdqq1YxdR7lwYD2an=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnmVLUCcdlK4K2REJNhSAMF6lRwp41Xbh5IWRqHT5WnUVl4b0wgfOKmbdFib4301T17zVZ4faZfhiHK1xtLbvRT7KvjcTM2AK8rXJA2P8SWOvmV3fSl0ArV5qSMO14JoEtz7SLSqLbSAisndfAGg8Xyhbvylq9sdpr712KTaMTdqq1YxdR7lwYD2an=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey watching us</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlpyh-dVrourujQ-5tMpuyo9tm2wV-rCFCKKoSjLoxIpet5RgTv3eeyqT8Ica8mpQbqJ97Hob260UVyn1S_LUP9aQ9ohCP-yfhq4fbpmuIs4T8AGChYSXDovqYzOIj4_o57n5snKnuWu7ZCqgtw7RCxQ4jlhyETNyjzrP1ehZnD8LEHoBv4059OeYQ=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlpyh-dVrourujQ-5tMpuyo9tm2wV-rCFCKKoSjLoxIpet5RgTv3eeyqT8Ica8mpQbqJ97Hob260UVyn1S_LUP9aQ9ohCP-yfhq4fbpmuIs4T8AGChYSXDovqYzOIj4_o57n5snKnuWu7ZCqgtw7RCxQ4jlhyETNyjzrP1ehZnD8LEHoBv4059OeYQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Osprey. We have a bunch of Osprey photos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdzGldSVBA9smLvk_qbK01aKYNIJnjTDifVzUiSpX3oElO-JUyEWECuYL57zVozME5mkIgnCktNE0afMPXFpc8yGY12Cr5pQoWut7MaxHtyYPcm7Rt5HnF6tVPkUztD_en4Tboc0nWwsCXJwl_srUwEnC2gIcSNa9DTjvLXwCdgrC_BOBlAOtNtIVM=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdzGldSVBA9smLvk_qbK01aKYNIJnjTDifVzUiSpX3oElO-JUyEWECuYL57zVozME5mkIgnCktNE0afMPXFpc8yGY12Cr5pQoWut7MaxHtyYPcm7Rt5HnF6tVPkUztD_en4Tboc0nWwsCXJwl_srUwEnC2gIcSNa9DTjvLXwCdgrC_BOBlAOtNtIVM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those talons!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiu-OSD0juGLgjikLovbDmMm4WtpM2jKp1DHZ-_iQnQbdwlSaeFrkq6iNHJr0nJJ6m8U9v4Khp0qgwJDpqe_8WwQMkNVrx7sdzGI8VWquN3Fop-ZL9cOjh_QRl-fJlqvFOxqzNj2cxOKSY9J-EShDLgnGcWytf8CkE8aLi_Xm1yLXKEj7vr3kbkPqms=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiu-OSD0juGLgjikLovbDmMm4WtpM2jKp1DHZ-_iQnQbdwlSaeFrkq6iNHJr0nJJ6m8U9v4Khp0qgwJDpqe_8WwQMkNVrx7sdzGI8VWquN3Fop-ZL9cOjh_QRl-fJlqvFOxqzNj2cxOKSY9J-EShDLgnGcWytf8CkE8aLi_Xm1yLXKEj7vr3kbkPqms=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset paddle on Jordan Lake in NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh67ip2U5Wy3xerPhTwZHG7ZwxxQgLD0afC5kPMeGxlgh-bC_5zZAOcB9RQQg8U8NI-vuRfeO6-DKjAMz1FLPAXFZ_P5V_b_j6MkJ7e32NcbUQ5MD8WBC5E94QtmB2oSmMSjoaKngw_OAhHvK6FsSOmkJZTDE6kQFrds75pnZsVBmXP8bEvv9Ug2HCd=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh67ip2U5Wy3xerPhTwZHG7ZwxxQgLD0afC5kPMeGxlgh-bC_5zZAOcB9RQQg8U8NI-vuRfeO6-DKjAMz1FLPAXFZ_P5V_b_j6MkJ7e32NcbUQ5MD8WBC5E94QtmB2oSmMSjoaKngw_OAhHvK6FsSOmkJZTDE6kQFrds75pnZsVBmXP8bEvv9Ug2HCd=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for birds on Falls Lake, NC. I think we spotted our first eagle here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifKelX2B8YOSAvyQCdRLEZ7OYCl-wzi0Ot8fy_gQx0D-hYEcwXFhoDGQZQp6QIV9JLGZHOQbHfG0P-zqlihS_yf_hqQoYqqMbC4x5TUneZgqJq-PlNJzA_DlyI-oKvShc-_cMZRbE6Cx_VJp6Jo0t7Yf8jAfpeVtPGHPrt9lAVQPeAlAjVcqx5Bl3g=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifKelX2B8YOSAvyQCdRLEZ7OYCl-wzi0Ot8fy_gQx0D-hYEcwXFhoDGQZQp6QIV9JLGZHOQbHfG0P-zqlihS_yf_hqQoYqqMbC4x5TUneZgqJq-PlNJzA_DlyI-oKvShc-_cMZRbE6Cx_VJp6Jo0t7Yf8jAfpeVtPGHPrt9lAVQPeAlAjVcqx5Bl3g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterflies on the shore</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQxzgG63DYnrgbQcxdy9HMoM7phWbOr1vjIbpyg3YsDKNc-J_pKmlI7FaXrXFWdskdDaCYJnaBVApCzlwwRY8KdFTUk1xMX3wR3x4YXjwFBghtXE4HQnuKfcYRToT8N8AnCt20Zoe5uDIHvKCB3k16ujahpmuxdSkxkdO3BlbqkQfi6HC51D8A_hvM=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQxzgG63DYnrgbQcxdy9HMoM7phWbOr1vjIbpyg3YsDKNc-J_pKmlI7FaXrXFWdskdDaCYJnaBVApCzlwwRY8KdFTUk1xMX3wR3x4YXjwFBghtXE4HQnuKfcYRToT8N8AnCt20Zoe5uDIHvKCB3k16ujahpmuxdSkxkdO3BlbqkQfi6HC51D8A_hvM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful clouds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7hzZKbQ_fnH58XGN2gOMnPqFuOkfSYDki6LISBZbzhv_s7Qse0XhvPDbSpGEVOJG18WJhzlOOu_8-zJSpvRDoK1G36cTaVhwKx3bB-hgk8bM1DdLxdiPEzAxtCZVjZUqaJFf-Yb-taT1ITK6rav3Av1U77oVYOClgL8be_Tp1wPKoa_bE2s8B9ibL=s3888" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7hzZKbQ_fnH58XGN2gOMnPqFuOkfSYDki6LISBZbzhv_s7Qse0XhvPDbSpGEVOJG18WJhzlOOu_8-zJSpvRDoK1G36cTaVhwKx3bB-hgk8bM1DdLxdiPEzAxtCZVjZUqaJFf-Yb-taT1ITK6rav3Av1U77oVYOClgL8be_Tp1wPKoa_bE2s8B9ibL=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey on the Waccamaw River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3xlDCqOMbBTEGVPlNMGkhhl4yD0yqZHPlkkgrqLywruUFZEskZILj82xqLdxpjd23bo1OwjguNYY-_EfbdEzzza1BxbDSzOFcLRiV0w-meer0e0RqpZjudhbF4XdxA2uvt80cObJaJ611aWOpfsdrIqY-LtaWPiIAGiMx9vtA5FpM4jrZ_VbR30BT=s1903" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1903" data-original-width="1903" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3xlDCqOMbBTEGVPlNMGkhhl4yD0yqZHPlkkgrqLywruUFZEskZILj82xqLdxpjd23bo1OwjguNYY-_EfbdEzzza1BxbDSzOFcLRiV0w-meer0e0RqpZjudhbF4XdxA2uvt80cObJaJ611aWOpfsdrIqY-LtaWPiIAGiMx9vtA5FpM4jrZ_VbR30BT=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LUNCH! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNHF5MWglS2dszCFs7h_TcYFQ0gmNcwnoV-KStyUOveZiRbqVdgDHkJCVk5sxHJgaKpdAKrIB27ZD8fyaYQKAR8J2Pf3cDbHJiEXcXKdw5ZxkTVQD0ewpp1k3i7GMoBZLR5o4OfMd-kxMqIqk68wSXf1wzxkrYy5qg1N8TEyIlDVywIe4Vx4pdBDqy=s2155" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2155" data-original-width="2155" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNHF5MWglS2dszCFs7h_TcYFQ0gmNcwnoV-KStyUOveZiRbqVdgDHkJCVk5sxHJgaKpdAKrIB27ZD8fyaYQKAR8J2Pf3cDbHJiEXcXKdw5ZxkTVQD0ewpp1k3i7GMoBZLR5o4OfMd-kxMqIqk68wSXf1wzxkrYy5qg1N8TEyIlDVywIe4Vx4pdBDqy=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to go fishing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQojp0TarfBVf-w10SY_xM2DpkJY-gK1Zs-ycyc8k4rjPn94E3sFvcUyLkSr4-wnqGbcA9pYAHbZ-H5SM6UCKpics6BwjuEi8dAy7XZC0cHoGDvm9qZS_94dmtHd2ByrJkuKcys6QuhmD9ni5u5psXAeHvRIqIr_Hu4xa-sF-Y0WFtf5KtOf8SgBEt=s1209" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1208" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQojp0TarfBVf-w10SY_xM2DpkJY-gK1Zs-ycyc8k4rjPn94E3sFvcUyLkSr4-wnqGbcA9pYAHbZ-H5SM6UCKpics6BwjuEi8dAy7XZC0cHoGDvm9qZS_94dmtHd2ByrJkuKcys6QuhmD9ni5u5psXAeHvRIqIr_Hu4xa-sF-Y0WFtf5KtOf8SgBEt=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red wing black bird on Lake Moultrie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7zmUlRyG9U6EOvAO3wvH6Vbx_pQhsffxXnJMnAKYDHPZ_njbC41aNYUVUu8tDuxe_spb5LzOW0e5pAax1Og7MZlzdp74mWnf4a6avqFbw0QL2IoQwbvjOdTDmwkLbpV26KYBk03bgQcqKFMTQOEowMb9h-ymviEJfz3LMW9TrqYp2FDBHz3C50VaH=s2160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7zmUlRyG9U6EOvAO3wvH6Vbx_pQhsffxXnJMnAKYDHPZ_njbC41aNYUVUu8tDuxe_spb5LzOW0e5pAax1Og7MZlzdp74mWnf4a6avqFbw0QL2IoQwbvjOdTDmwkLbpV26KYBk03bgQcqKFMTQOEowMb9h-ymviEJfz3LMW9TrqYp2FDBHz3C50VaH=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus on Harris Lake, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmmcbzYd2fadPafqe0IwvMkYzI8hGJNvi2sHpWl6YNoUOilnivIptW9hMFAu_UTQFqBrDWVRNkssPfCBuBR8t84OxufNdhMFwuLUrsvA6gxST5vsthpyrU_vVNnK6mJ0uvOSb2DsqRDwWEY2DWWy7WlzAEHoVWuYAcBmBvGCENGYZHuscV7W9_dPtZ=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmmcbzYd2fadPafqe0IwvMkYzI8hGJNvi2sHpWl6YNoUOilnivIptW9hMFAu_UTQFqBrDWVRNkssPfCBuBR8t84OxufNdhMFwuLUrsvA6gxST5vsthpyrU_vVNnK6mJ0uvOSb2DsqRDwWEY2DWWy7WlzAEHoVWuYAcBmBvGCENGYZHuscV7W9_dPtZ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Heron in flight. I'm sure it's honking at us</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG7-1Rsh_6xviHozh_oZyK_RHF_CndO05JIg7OjSTf0qM6aa1BnD2T4i1LPGxGlPahhBzz7C4yPgDu5smyM8sAJL8yYAKUQ2iGznHDn26TgwbKsdC347tUsWMf-0gikowHEwVUnE1n31qKmVJU-6o2_EkaWSgTIWB5q1Fixw7T9Xm03ujLTRZcz_iQ=s2598" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="2598" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG7-1Rsh_6xviHozh_oZyK_RHF_CndO05JIg7OjSTf0qM6aa1BnD2T4i1LPGxGlPahhBzz7C4yPgDu5smyM8sAJL8yYAKUQ2iGznHDn26TgwbKsdC347tUsWMf-0gikowHEwVUnE1n31qKmVJU-6o2_EkaWSgTIWB5q1Fixw7T9Xm03ujLTRZcz_iQ=w400-h195" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted this non-venomous king snake swimming in the middle of Falls Lake, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVEJpstqjH6l32oDe8MADJ7WE5wrnCL5vdxJPK1MncHzH3zncdZJtPuaiE0KI67cYo3cD5F9FOQaAKym1b1XQD_v9QWFqfLcNkTRo0DRPXzA-lQVPuFIQg8QbXHGT7fLQJSRdYEUzAzn8ZNlgf0WKUG2PUuz8BVWDrrPq5CWqS0djlevIu_OWJY8SU=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVEJpstqjH6l32oDe8MADJ7WE5wrnCL5vdxJPK1MncHzH3zncdZJtPuaiE0KI67cYo3cD5F9FOQaAKym1b1XQD_v9QWFqfLcNkTRo0DRPXzA-lQVPuFIQg8QbXHGT7fLQJSRdYEUzAzn8ZNlgf0WKUG2PUuz8BVWDrrPq5CWqS0djlevIu_OWJY8SU=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouds and trees reflecting on the water</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcEfFeTnXZ8LzCoAVpnF4w9e0Kj9gYVZhF_w-kApcATnPTLTOzcT99jGhjKIVcubl3LKMngYiAdw9NT5IJEKZ3NxE3VJI1v_c00tjbknGNtfswZ3uY704LwI1iHpo-CpkEc6CbMKCYqq5jUcx0d_p9LCSRGF-z1L7ZwK45NsHbFrBJb3GMjPHzKed4=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcEfFeTnXZ8LzCoAVpnF4w9e0Kj9gYVZhF_w-kApcATnPTLTOzcT99jGhjKIVcubl3LKMngYiAdw9NT5IJEKZ3NxE3VJI1v_c00tjbknGNtfswZ3uY704LwI1iHpo-CpkEc6CbMKCYqq5jUcx0d_p9LCSRGF-z1L7ZwK45NsHbFrBJb3GMjPHzKed4=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for shark's teeth on the Wando River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheVpofK7legKqTan5imbbZzctSELaxYOPp-swRb9gs6Vb03FOq6VyYg1RuVuMaap_0lYJA0tLEQwOx-E6ZEiKEdQrzKB2SiEOC3ESPW495Rzm5-5VmTfZslaYrdS4ndwzXKzqSJpA46DnFJYp9VoXILcENEvAY3ibtpOf04VQrx0AHsQvIkWjmofbT=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheVpofK7legKqTan5imbbZzctSELaxYOPp-swRb9gs6Vb03FOq6VyYg1RuVuMaap_0lYJA0tLEQwOx-E6ZEiKEdQrzKB2SiEOC3ESPW495Rzm5-5VmTfZslaYrdS4ndwzXKzqSJpA46DnFJYp9VoXILcENEvAY3ibtpOf04VQrx0AHsQvIkWjmofbT=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously! Such a beautiful paddle on Lake Moultrie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmQP7T_OTKzEIHo5LFnd3h8nkPZYhZfyfmQTpDB7RsSmNFpHLysvU8UK5DLvrH9l-WSmSqT1QrcBXvNZZjV3IciHuah3HScBoLSFaM6b28gfzes_BMjkP_OppVbmUXOHDIanr3HSRKC1NI08aO_Ifllt43t_HS-WgRVZycv0lSnKR09bttCV-hXtXG=s2688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmQP7T_OTKzEIHo5LFnd3h8nkPZYhZfyfmQTpDB7RsSmNFpHLysvU8UK5DLvrH9l-WSmSqT1QrcBXvNZZjV3IciHuah3HScBoLSFaM6b28gfzes_BMjkP_OppVbmUXOHDIanr3HSRKC1NI08aO_Ifllt43t_HS-WgRVZycv0lSnKR09bttCV-hXtXG=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch Break on Lake Moultrie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiBdm9Aw7-Gcsyp0b_JJrmpE1HARA19644yY4sZC8-i2_Z0N3PTelnzHiN3TPQj42A2BkOHGyHRKhFvO7byrrq7a4-G9T1QC1Z4yhFIdu6K5h6hxEjTx8lpOoztDuxd3iU6EUmKPrmCR1PHeaqqEAdbiB6LVUYmDSvcMo1a29EuAIFfVRd4TS3RB5x=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiBdm9Aw7-Gcsyp0b_JJrmpE1HARA19644yY4sZC8-i2_Z0N3PTelnzHiN3TPQj42A2BkOHGyHRKhFvO7byrrq7a4-G9T1QC1Z4yhFIdu6K5h6hxEjTx8lpOoztDuxd3iU6EUmKPrmCR1PHeaqqEAdbiB6LVUYmDSvcMo1a29EuAIFfVRd4TS3RB5x=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water like liquid mercury on Lake Moultrie at sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1R7rxEoHPA4wbtoO8VqIe0rXhTNeZuGLSQt_1WPah1mt_A5YQg5WI2Pmy6zGrLAa4Ttt4Se_shzJzXB852RBjYzjjZnjNv0flj5Bz8vGgeTCyT-T6R17Kfreo-afQOgYNsmD-Q45Tk_sU5G0KLsTfrl0BiAwp-28dSXWRnUNlAbGT9HYNFPN8hpIf=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1R7rxEoHPA4wbtoO8VqIe0rXhTNeZuGLSQt_1WPah1mt_A5YQg5WI2Pmy6zGrLAa4Ttt4Se_shzJzXB852RBjYzjjZnjNv0flj5Bz8vGgeTCyT-T6R17Kfreo-afQOgYNsmD-Q45Tk_sU5G0KLsTfrl0BiAwp-28dSXWRnUNlAbGT9HYNFPN8hpIf=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaceful sunset paddle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-63197451903536419962021-12-31T07:42:00.003-08:002021-12-31T07:42:47.385-08:00Best of Boots 2021<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUmBTMUo3yRCCyhcTRAUL6TuDlKQ-7TkLqZNb68BNW_vvQueoI5WNqYTj7c88G_5FW5IYzCtqj4ucZQlE5AQ3MACZ6amzTiFQclVNE8TSzyVAg8Y4eJ8AXzxAQ5lz77aK8njxRl7hM5zTDQln0Xbk6OyO5R9MgH0rhu9bV8Gpth9JRZd9F61nQgkpp=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUmBTMUo3yRCCyhcTRAUL6TuDlKQ-7TkLqZNb68BNW_vvQueoI5WNqYTj7c88G_5FW5IYzCtqj4ucZQlE5AQ3MACZ6amzTiFQclVNE8TSzyVAg8Y4eJ8AXzxAQ5lz77aK8njxRl7hM5zTDQln0Xbk6OyO5R9MgH0rhu9bV8Gpth9JRZd9F61nQgkpp=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-Year Cancer Victory Hike, Pilot Mountain</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinVu5ixf-G6WXiYCS67Jg8iyltjwzEIgC672LEr-YlaDgbAzbY--zTx6eyXv1pQaVyAUp6vPIPpmtENZJE_knNgoqbwqmbvE5ME9ZmiWp3C2FqaIpWV51T8VP18224SYQScRpuFQIbPOgRcyZ5MHn5tiIW3AqRLszjNcBzd4Q_QKeOwRyXt0sLXeGb=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinVu5ixf-G6WXiYCS67Jg8iyltjwzEIgC672LEr-YlaDgbAzbY--zTx6eyXv1pQaVyAUp6vPIPpmtENZJE_knNgoqbwqmbvE5ME9ZmiWp3C2FqaIpWV51T8VP18224SYQScRpuFQIbPOgRcyZ5MHn5tiIW3AqRLszjNcBzd4Q_QKeOwRyXt0sLXeGb=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-Year Cancer Victory Hike, Pilot Mountain<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNtsvSg9ptQQk56byoDp-tPAYL6z9jQyaBtUVTl3TEGbQ4qa78oS625dCAbOaU5NgIrFFxudyIvpRQtjbq6efaq3l2h0vDrcQOXs7OStUp52xFVFlauK-9IXK3DQ4GznyAUoGsM84lAQuYuMMQo0zDQPI-D387LkOupMzzTsm90gMqoe7i-0vZBFsf=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNtsvSg9ptQQk56byoDp-tPAYL6z9jQyaBtUVTl3TEGbQ4qa78oS625dCAbOaU5NgIrFFxudyIvpRQtjbq6efaq3l2h0vDrcQOXs7OStUp52xFVFlauK-9IXK3DQ4GznyAUoGsM84lAQuYuMMQo0zDQPI-D387LkOupMzzTsm90gMqoe7i-0vZBFsf=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Lake, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_XE85H97LOCZ8trbeK-6uKlJ9ZClu9wgSw2HwpWDYOlheWigO4gXAtYjThOSoqs5-GZOEac4G0Wrx3sCR8X3U8E9eE6e9W5q80vd_8fK1lRHlmuSGiY2AT5iSCD2YVukzkpX_pVBXWYYWDNxDXHQNFtGoeH7Z9XJG1SZ3ArrtErL4FfuD6yeS08EY=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_XE85H97LOCZ8trbeK-6uKlJ9ZClu9wgSw2HwpWDYOlheWigO4gXAtYjThOSoqs5-GZOEac4G0Wrx3sCR8X3U8E9eE6e9W5q80vd_8fK1lRHlmuSGiY2AT5iSCD2YVukzkpX_pVBXWYYWDNxDXHQNFtGoeH7Z9XJG1SZ3ArrtErL4FfuD6yeS08EY=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke Gardens<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgLoUtAjIakF95ibY8f8K87p0twLJagEi0holOFYccUTAepPdgXD6JSZryktcVC5iGGZ3INFFY_OWL88TkW_-Jl4iuaQzZygFl4VDAsuscbPScILUuqkRfOCnLoVcVVnOgps6i_83Bhh0OgqeUb-js77v5Xi2HmrlTC2EL2RfRMpH1b2pVXp6E071O=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgLoUtAjIakF95ibY8f8K87p0twLJagEi0holOFYccUTAepPdgXD6JSZryktcVC5iGGZ3INFFY_OWL88TkW_-Jl4iuaQzZygFl4VDAsuscbPScILUuqkRfOCnLoVcVVnOgps6i_83Bhh0OgqeUb-js77v5Xi2HmrlTC2EL2RfRMpH1b2pVXp6E071O=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton Head</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLiI97fudFXBsOts0gspghlMm8RiqFGrMuMnLnxK2tua1sg5KYJsitwBc7NFz1Do2ACTZaMz0DDFLR240H3vkhv3hoav7D09Dj9U8_6peLEwlgf6Q6U2_aN7WQIex7DDDA7awkbqZp9E-XNcO5D8wOQzjz1vLIyvmxhd-ULcHitBm492E56j625PGM=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLiI97fudFXBsOts0gspghlMm8RiqFGrMuMnLnxK2tua1sg5KYJsitwBc7NFz1Do2ACTZaMz0DDFLR240H3vkhv3hoav7D09Dj9U8_6peLEwlgf6Q6U2_aN7WQIex7DDDA7awkbqZp9E-XNcO5D8wOQzjz1vLIyvmxhd-ULcHitBm492E56j625PGM=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilton Head</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisSABvsnTm6Q9PGOlCM5gLaweydQ6CLE_HijKBqR-gVy9e3yX6w_w19pWaCqQp_aTJQSwIMp65kLYL9YUi3w_emWsz16zpmPiRBg4TXdN2fBsK5Y0blD4H19Tt9rhWU4LR6pmqVKGT43Jake2w8jCIX7gVZj-ANKU9VBCco_RmKljk-DEZ6VxbIwSU=s2688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisSABvsnTm6Q9PGOlCM5gLaweydQ6CLE_HijKBqR-gVy9e3yX6w_w19pWaCqQp_aTJQSwIMp65kLYL9YUi3w_emWsz16zpmPiRBg4TXdN2fBsK5Y0blD4H19Tt9rhWU4LR6pmqVKGT43Jake2w8jCIX7gVZj-ANKU9VBCco_RmKljk-DEZ6VxbIwSU=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palmetto Passage near Sparkleberry Landing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA_MytL8z_F2ttb7DFcs6Wqybei74HDtW2WPsRXuX0ksu8870m55Z1RSwylH6l9KZZQDf3pW4z0X2F1GLdq6evpiZzr0L7xHY2T9AHmmOrmxZJ_Cudd04lPxLZ_uyHaAzu5qZ_zxmWmTFfvTLeTzV5blWMY9VaPXF5QHqGoz_Yn_uMG3ViFQi_Fzlq=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA_MytL8z_F2ttb7DFcs6Wqybei74HDtW2WPsRXuX0ksu8870m55Z1RSwylH6l9KZZQDf3pW4z0X2F1GLdq6evpiZzr0L7xHY2T9AHmmOrmxZJ_Cudd04lPxLZ_uyHaAzu5qZ_zxmWmTFfvTLeTzV5blWMY9VaPXF5QHqGoz_Yn_uMG3ViFQi_Fzlq=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenville, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6PbNyy_LNbdlA12c4uXF4ouVtmM_EoXhqlKVaWGBWTcxk2KSOiU8iuK-6O7ogrQdjvxm0uG6YG1YxCuRC4STogs2cDsz4Ha1oNPl1SYhf_7DFDoFTq5PKEDeUCKXkRXt-eOjtQ4D4gcI_qSnx6-lQORqZAbE9ou0VpuZhDA29XX0uIk7SsQuqDmKQ=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6PbNyy_LNbdlA12c4uXF4ouVtmM_EoXhqlKVaWGBWTcxk2KSOiU8iuK-6O7ogrQdjvxm0uG6YG1YxCuRC4STogs2cDsz4Ha1oNPl1SYhf_7DFDoFTq5PKEDeUCKXkRXt-eOjtQ4D4gcI_qSnx6-lQORqZAbE9ou0VpuZhDA29XX0uIk7SsQuqDmKQ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brumley Nature Preserve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ_xEKS8Zo3tREruH8dU0zmRi5mcWgW9pzwSEHKh7Xzm1GS-_KGPFj8mvAFn6ExtpnV_JqPZrUFRdzla0tPl9LJRMR6DHW0Rs7KWOPhrOCA1Lmjt6GM-NtRfcz1IKS4b1ZJgmwEYJ22leVd9wEsbl-r16TvgwAm13TI5hIjj7TowLtjvThVnGs0L8Q=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ_xEKS8Zo3tREruH8dU0zmRi5mcWgW9pzwSEHKh7Xzm1GS-_KGPFj8mvAFn6ExtpnV_JqPZrUFRdzla0tPl9LJRMR6DHW0Rs7KWOPhrOCA1Lmjt6GM-NtRfcz1IKS4b1ZJgmwEYJ22leVd9wEsbl-r16TvgwAm13TI5hIjj7TowLtjvThVnGs0L8Q=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain to Sea Trail, Falls Lake, dry lakebed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLEhpIyinxwWktOIdusHTYuidfuVfKx-8KjN-75EcEVkKg6sbFWlq-zxy7it76vWOjChbMITzEdkySezrQ_WsLUvN4DmD7RG59SZY4Kg7n2ZTZu1r_QIRCyWve61x4Ei_hKREP5lWbpu9d2WkNZl1jWjeuKchs3H_FenAME41kogvSezg2i9fNQq2n=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLEhpIyinxwWktOIdusHTYuidfuVfKx-8KjN-75EcEVkKg6sbFWlq-zxy7it76vWOjChbMITzEdkySezrQ_WsLUvN4DmD7RG59SZY4Kg7n2ZTZu1r_QIRCyWve61x4Ei_hKREP5lWbpu9d2WkNZl1jWjeuKchs3H_FenAME41kogvSezg2i9fNQq2n=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJMJ7pDwK0VGbxQXXeb5_SMtPcahdZmUMpfZeZbtkR2AAcB5PwJtkY14ja-1ZqO5scHjuabdt7ECHYRj76i6blnqziQYvPj8570Ln9iHt7bpgebpZF_rKGHDC5eYP4GQL5y5dmPhoCkc4L8VRSA_SRJtDVR06762UOlJH0xZDjD1p0wcM_ljsaHH1x=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJMJ7pDwK0VGbxQXXeb5_SMtPcahdZmUMpfZeZbtkR2AAcB5PwJtkY14ja-1ZqO5scHjuabdt7ECHYRj76i6blnqziQYvPj8570Ln9iHt7bpgebpZF_rKGHDC5eYP4GQL5y5dmPhoCkc4L8VRSA_SRJtDVR06762UOlJH0xZDjD1p0wcM_ljsaHH1x=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulls Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBKV_it7uT1mLFOd2hF8j9qdRZY7m_ZTH51d6E3HU93vywrlReY1t_Cnt8Amy-Y_vadigUB1HP37uG6RYlGmtY2bP_C5A8dkpCQdULAdoXXfKFUQSfdv97w8TwDyzgZ-7AgS3X9sMXxAINyvPNi4CMxQMqht0kWP-qzh-eSZ5_OrzOYvcT69jafxUe=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBKV_it7uT1mLFOd2hF8j9qdRZY7m_ZTH51d6E3HU93vywrlReY1t_Cnt8Amy-Y_vadigUB1HP37uG6RYlGmtY2bP_C5A8dkpCQdULAdoXXfKFUQSfdv97w8TwDyzgZ-7AgS3X9sMXxAINyvPNi4CMxQMqht0kWP-qzh-eSZ5_OrzOYvcT69jafxUe=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pawleys Island, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1qtT-mQdLqlQegFlV3I1YjuYgR-oyYC0bTgN_faO_v-Eh7fQDN84B8l3UjECrP7WYJ3Z4Y7EL6t9djUxsOgKDOmLsVReqbBXqPmQLJwIw7tjQJfM4-xV_LEPHvd1jsal3WB5jcPGyu9uUCiW8QqUVZghbJnnNxMWdJQcgZbeHK6NSKJeF04eXJKAN=s2688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1qtT-mQdLqlQegFlV3I1YjuYgR-oyYC0bTgN_faO_v-Eh7fQDN84B8l3UjECrP7WYJ3Z4Y7EL6t9djUxsOgKDOmLsVReqbBXqPmQLJwIw7tjQJfM4-xV_LEPHvd1jsal3WB5jcPGyu9uUCiW8QqUVZghbJnnNxMWdJQcgZbeHK6NSKJeF04eXJKAN=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenville, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf_LkgFcT1ljNSaNyJbF6m-NlLymZ7-KypJRKOjeZWvI7CM3kErKylne9uaU5Fl2Qxsi_DM_VfL2WhweHW7c21YV2o97cyNwwIy0c5ANBFYyw0kb7PfjsSI6zjxPIKDQjCMKWrNp2-kccXcHoKrYbAMBCDBhqFAPO3yIE1gQ920DG2lgtXTlDpjqbA=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf_LkgFcT1ljNSaNyJbF6m-NlLymZ7-KypJRKOjeZWvI7CM3kErKylne9uaU5Fl2Qxsi_DM_VfL2WhweHW7c21YV2o97cyNwwIy0c5ANBFYyw0kb7PfjsSI6zjxPIKDQjCMKWrNp2-kccXcHoKrYbAMBCDBhqFAPO3yIE1gQ920DG2lgtXTlDpjqbA=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenville, SC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwslKVrV4Qg9mVy4MjBwLxC5m9d69M99D1UAhc3blol1nUJFHYE0ruTSEg28k8sjYEOhMKk8jiKqsNkAUbU4EgALvvmH93VAD27DA7NBD2hrVBpGLGFXSPlJDw40TWDwh9_oBo7rUjBmOBzt1YM9UNZM9c3cGRIm0eSSd_ELHK2929YLl8o_JLgPTj=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwslKVrV4Qg9mVy4MjBwLxC5m9d69M99D1UAhc3blol1nUJFHYE0ruTSEg28k8sjYEOhMKk8jiKqsNkAUbU4EgALvvmH93VAD27DA7NBD2hrVBpGLGFXSPlJDw40TWDwh9_oBo7rUjBmOBzt1YM9UNZM9c3cGRIm0eSSd_ELHK2929YLl8o_JLgPTj=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane Creek Mountain, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTbqx3PJjqP2Clfl6ZBybAhdygoBAvErK4wYq4CupkGFok5jWEkNKoJG5gjO9UHA8iM48REiURsMteES2x2pOU8DMLD-KES2Rn4jQKNhPu9c4ZkPYLpNKGliZK_lkNU1vIkLqdP5184HhrAiM7CVEGRW8GK65RBP4MCzJNSBYosRAg8-WHY9dFitTd=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTbqx3PJjqP2Clfl6ZBybAhdygoBAvErK4wYq4CupkGFok5jWEkNKoJG5gjO9UHA8iM48REiURsMteES2x2pOU8DMLD-KES2Rn4jQKNhPu9c4ZkPYLpNKGliZK_lkNU1vIkLqdP5184HhrAiM7CVEGRW8GK65RBP4MCzJNSBYosRAg8-WHY9dFitTd=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane Creek Mountain, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgETWM3KheHiMS25yyRVwi-dHjoz5X49qWp2m2FbLoN7KyRdQ2_YcIiscJc7qUXYteHABqdkHfrzhGEblL9yqIeNlYkYpmvtnimGzcrHmx1lRUFpJAjPCy3g1ORjb33HOPEcvx8z6fPqoOJ8-C11ZcvXRGiRYuUB-wGeXZRipkn4NxaGvLee65Rea3M=s1017" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1017" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgETWM3KheHiMS25yyRVwi-dHjoz5X49qWp2m2FbLoN7KyRdQ2_YcIiscJc7qUXYteHABqdkHfrzhGEblL9yqIeNlYkYpmvtnimGzcrHmx1lRUFpJAjPCy3g1ORjb33HOPEcvx8z6fPqoOJ8-C11ZcvXRGiRYuUB-wGeXZRipkn4NxaGvLee65Rea3M=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxpwOp_OfOxj_4ug7Jkxg_a7Q42NVLV9y4-bAnVooXSYbh61eHiOcAZUK6q6wLejWC3luRjW3kUPHMo4xwZE02UZM793V4w_o39_58cPsNI-smG0bdUanyEgzdzh8MerABeJhAPsSvE3KQ7xL8Gkeu_ir3ZVZ_IVsnxaFbAAD7VKXfNIDTJ3G16GWv=s2925" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2925" data-original-width="2925" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxpwOp_OfOxj_4ug7Jkxg_a7Q42NVLV9y4-bAnVooXSYbh61eHiOcAZUK6q6wLejWC3luRjW3kUPHMo4xwZE02UZM793V4w_o39_58cPsNI-smG0bdUanyEgzdzh8MerABeJhAPsSvE3KQ7xL8Gkeu_ir3ZVZ_IVsnxaFbAAD7VKXfNIDTJ3G16GWv=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain to Sea Trail. In North Carolina, even birds know how to square dance. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhva7hgIyU-bNBjn9eCBdbNYQIXh0DdPv06te_LZmeeIGCyG6eAS3dx-bvv4_gMF0cx9ivMJbi68-EY4Nx0R0g-tjkYFdc6SbJQfNXK0plh2tvdSLa7oAPGimTafb0Xa39XjxthVm6rIs1yAu6sUV4F3csb_GiNq3gg5qPO_C1iPB05iP4c1FpR9t_j=s898" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="898" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhva7hgIyU-bNBjn9eCBdbNYQIXh0DdPv06te_LZmeeIGCyG6eAS3dx-bvv4_gMF0cx9ivMJbi68-EY4Nx0R0g-tjkYFdc6SbJQfNXK0plh2tvdSLa7oAPGimTafb0Xa39XjxthVm6rIs1yAu6sUV4F3csb_GiNq3gg5qPO_C1iPB05iP4c1FpR9t_j=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is from my front yard. Maybe. We take a lot of flower photos. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqiHEERFvIoUIRo7XkhY5Po-B84k72gKSgbq_urBdeozC3dhiRG1l_MsplpMhQPeNhDyC9V6m2h_3H9ky9Cl7kPHoCNbDTmhGQXK4zK2tu3sJpaD24233SYvjq7YreZwvFJE9CNvj80sUK3UMbVOpc09RWDCizlqC40Bb2ZPeLwLJTZUgz2tyGsMLi=s3840" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqiHEERFvIoUIRo7XkhY5Po-B84k72gKSgbq_urBdeozC3dhiRG1l_MsplpMhQPeNhDyC9V6m2h_3H9ky9Cl7kPHoCNbDTmhGQXK4zK2tu3sJpaD24233SYvjq7YreZwvFJE9CNvj80sUK3UMbVOpc09RWDCizlqC40Bb2ZPeLwLJTZUgz2tyGsMLi=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned bridge over the Eno River. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8H69QCk9RZj_lkmGb3h5_Z-ebLVyW-nyGpZoNVtOWXzmNryGjMVvUSyWSXDD2pHRPi79H1TG-zAsIkD8qw4B7O5MA69al0Zi3UA683Lb27zu-bx68Iz3pDNxYfAiKUdf9aibeSjGbFAqBJWcUPvnRTV3yoTnwPUxBPhKggJDRzC7szT0wpyKkKncH=s1642" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="1642" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8H69QCk9RZj_lkmGb3h5_Z-ebLVyW-nyGpZoNVtOWXzmNryGjMVvUSyWSXDD2pHRPi79H1TG-zAsIkD8qw4B7O5MA69al0Zi3UA683Lb27zu-bx68Iz3pDNxYfAiKUdf9aibeSjGbFAqBJWcUPvnRTV3yoTnwPUxBPhKggJDRzC7szT0wpyKkKncH=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke Forest, I think.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG9AegG3O6oI6mm7thjBNlmXYSEaG4rs0_Qjg_eK9vRPEqTW-VMVvWT0N7WQrtT8A9qZjLxuj1O_BG1utIYzUy-c2RTutKVRoZPGmVV6oJROdxFT1qf6CSLkwG48QRDjAembXe8oUX0Zyu0fHhTlTK4z79ALP6whLpC1PtiTQ3-HHPqQwPPAXQvNHo=s2156" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="2156" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG9AegG3O6oI6mm7thjBNlmXYSEaG4rs0_Qjg_eK9vRPEqTW-VMVvWT0N7WQrtT8A9qZjLxuj1O_BG1utIYzUy-c2RTutKVRoZPGmVV6oJROdxFT1qf6CSLkwG48QRDjAembXe8oUX0Zyu0fHhTlTK4z79ALP6whLpC1PtiTQ3-HHPqQwPPAXQvNHo=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this just as Cheryl tripped on a root. Even stumbling through nature is more joyous than walking steadily through a parking lot. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC75h9x5tOaetq7IoK52KxpTmbqOgze2s2Pt3d1uapomtpcA4Ejv9Qaa3M8hBEeEmbL2jo92hWRG1-Ps0Mg2RkoL2lmyDbHj4sjZmU-lvpokXZLDPcMDyjtHjfFjHN65MPNIaUo3WiMeG9uSMWiTr6vIThFaagvRZ0qCVwPreRBtvlRdXg7GIF8FXI=s2559" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2559" data-original-width="2559" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC75h9x5tOaetq7IoK52KxpTmbqOgze2s2Pt3d1uapomtpcA4Ejv9Qaa3M8hBEeEmbL2jo92hWRG1-Ps0Mg2RkoL2lmyDbHj4sjZmU-lvpokXZLDPcMDyjtHjfFjHN65MPNIaUo3WiMeG9uSMWiTr6vIThFaagvRZ0qCVwPreRBtvlRdXg7GIF8FXI=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverwalk, Hillsborough, NC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVOLPOItGY2air_AYqLBiS7Z3BndP8umixRTmzhgdGUJKwTZnoLT8ZPwxTaqCj9lIMYkh5C7ASMGut0owNlDljqZe-79pEgl5Icic6eZW_IbEKlNv5gNoCHWWbaPPRT2Yv82_Ng26uKlDb6Z-RRZQouXJjd043AHGd4fTLQqfxq_MKfFRoKoevQCMv=s3176" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3176" data-original-width="3176" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVOLPOItGY2air_AYqLBiS7Z3BndP8umixRTmzhgdGUJKwTZnoLT8ZPwxTaqCj9lIMYkh5C7ASMGut0owNlDljqZe-79pEgl5Icic6eZW_IbEKlNv5gNoCHWWbaPPRT2Yv82_Ng26uKlDb6Z-RRZQouXJjd043AHGd4fTLQqfxq_MKfFRoKoevQCMv=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speedway, Hillsborough, NC, on the same hike where we got the picture of the hawk. Interesting that both owl and hawk have evolved essentially the same breast markings.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFSiHVfBzzvkyZ3GPjn02N_Wp2geawK-UU7np82V_69lSP4s7wgi1uFUWN9Cs4XwBsHhlSJo91Hw6JnMdZNL9HDIDrzA6wTnC05TAHDanUnRw9XWskQbuSdMghaScTXhhDjGJyzbtbwagRaS8QIiLg-WzUTC-92v6ynuChkr-uDxWbpTg8NnB-Lb0g=s1648" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1648" data-original-width="1648" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFSiHVfBzzvkyZ3GPjn02N_Wp2geawK-UU7np82V_69lSP4s7wgi1uFUWN9Cs4XwBsHhlSJo91Hw6JnMdZNL9HDIDrzA6wTnC05TAHDanUnRw9XWskQbuSdMghaScTXhhDjGJyzbtbwagRaS8QIiLg-WzUTC-92v6ynuChkr-uDxWbpTg8NnB-Lb0g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't take a long hike for this one. This is our back yard!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhASyV-sYo616l3_3gGztwTTHXmB6mOEhcul6yqUquHNx2nlFNaQBcg5nWazf0tI98S2BPMYgqjw9J50GsE7SH60T60WhHSirL3Tw3SuJSWlzbiBMrETftl9K5ycI6G6F_11JdfEgrzVNtZZQUfPY-GU5ID5RLHmNdjwi8gS8Yctox35dfEU-xAnTc5=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhASyV-sYo616l3_3gGztwTTHXmB6mOEhcul6yqUquHNx2nlFNaQBcg5nWazf0tI98S2BPMYgqjw9J50GsE7SH60T60WhHSirL3Tw3SuJSWlzbiBMrETftl9K5ycI6G6F_11JdfEgrzVNtZZQUfPY-GU5ID5RLHmNdjwi8gS8Yctox35dfEU-xAnTc5=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemetery in Rome, GA.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-1792162925220320522021-12-15T11:23:00.002-08:002021-12-15T11:23:47.424-08:00Biking the Virginia Capital Trail from Williamsburg to Richmond<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Date Biked: September 20 , 2021 (with some photos from a ride in 2019)</li><li>Posted Mileage : 51.7 miles</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 53.19 miles</li><li>Type of Trail: Greenway, paved</li><li>Conveniences: Picnic tables, plenty of parking at some trailheads</li><li>Best Features: A high quality trail with a great length through multiple historic settings</li><li>Worst Features: Seldom far from traffic, very few public restrooms or water fountains</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Deer</li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, pine, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: https://www.virginiacapitaltrail.org/</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuRr8GEVojW73I2J9CsZYFLlh_lccvwlQ-TzoRF8l_Vq-S1z5hz3DDncYHKpRLRP92cper28o0bAj67tWoB4_a54tkRFfD7pf43FYk9JnGE0qO50LeAlY5ULPjpotKxMxbrE180FxlKCkrB5CdPLRaGPT6vwc4-q49813WGUnuOf9XxLM7UdgbsF41=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuRr8GEVojW73I2J9CsZYFLlh_lccvwlQ-TzoRF8l_Vq-S1z5hz3DDncYHKpRLRP92cper28o0bAj67tWoB4_a54tkRFfD7pf43FYk9JnGE0qO50LeAlY5ULPjpotKxMxbrE180FxlKCkrB5CdPLRaGPT6vwc4-q49813WGUnuOf9XxLM7UdgbsF41=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you enjoy reading plaques, have we got a trail for you!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Winding over 50 miles from Williamsburg to Richmond, the Virginia Capital Trail is a great destination trip for any biker. For experienced bikers, it's long enough to really test your endurance without dealing with too much traffic. The list of paved trails where you can do a century ride as an out and back and still have some miles to spare is a pretty short list! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6ON_bst9m_jbHE8R6ggHKMtHci9hPSfuTVyRun3OWgoNcFn8TbESDQwZqREKYPiErqpQyHg303tVsyvOrzn13eT-QMaOins30attSMkcXDPOFZqNBN2g-B-yzQAfpllW6dEIN4w6b6VYTOMTcYHmTQ6XOnsBtFW4tqGtBsT2siWN1kpIxwKT9CZ-z=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6ON_bst9m_jbHE8R6ggHKMtHci9hPSfuTVyRun3OWgoNcFn8TbESDQwZqREKYPiErqpQyHg303tVsyvOrzn13eT-QMaOins30attSMkcXDPOFZqNBN2g-B-yzQAfpllW6dEIN4w6b6VYTOMTcYHmTQ6XOnsBtFW4tqGtBsT2siWN1kpIxwKT9CZ-z=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 0.0</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Not that we've tackled this as a century ride! There's no shuttle, but we had a friend of a friend ferry us down to Williamsburg after we left our vehicle at Shiplock Park in Richmond. We were dropped off in the parking lot of the Jamestown settlement. We were there before the visitor center opened, but have popped in before and it's a nice place to take a break, especially on a hot summer day. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Zhc7UJFhEkc_H5fck5WQzwu_SKeiTJEPnLY9G8qKVlio6np94GhMhBKTnXjaQHNQwCCmKZg5aCIdcZwEhuxrGMkmrdsj9s6DkORXOEmRXwL22qN0V-cufG-nuG-0ADTNsQPMa6SK_KugvRkPeHxCEiPH-Ww8UZGU3-l84n3OghYkDonl8iPsfqsD=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Zhc7UJFhEkc_H5fck5WQzwu_SKeiTJEPnLY9G8qKVlio6np94GhMhBKTnXjaQHNQwCCmKZg5aCIdcZwEhuxrGMkmrdsj9s6DkORXOEmRXwL22qN0V-cufG-nuG-0ADTNsQPMa6SK_KugvRkPeHxCEiPH-Ww8UZGU3-l84n3OghYkDonl8iPsfqsD=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since jets of water are shooting up among the sails, I assume this is some sort of monument to sinking ships. I probably should have read the plaque.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The ride out of Jamestown is very flat. There are a lot of historical markers, and the scenery is a mix of agricultural fields, wetlands, and residential areas. The first few miles have quite a few road crossings. Of note in this segment is Spoke & Art, a bike friendly coffee and treats place with exterior restrooms that are open even when the business is closed. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiClfpwq8Oenx3g1okZu7WoJhb68WM0B5ChZ8yZ90inD91Eb6Ra3hZ1YUic4ZcJk89f_qHKmXmLimcG8_JMWwL2tGOzW9eT4U2tezisEJ2H25eIQthQzfaHibYsrYq8oKoBG40BVgxKm20J8eUgSCc23on0TMfLzInAIuXjx-mNa4VWfxy3pk1evqTy=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiClfpwq8Oenx3g1okZu7WoJhb68WM0B5ChZ8yZ90inD91Eb6Ra3hZ1YUic4ZcJk89f_qHKmXmLimcG8_JMWwL2tGOzW9eT4U2tezisEJ2H25eIQthQzfaHibYsrYq8oKoBG40BVgxKm20J8eUgSCc23on0TMfLzInAIuXjx-mNa4VWfxy3pk1evqTy=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamps are best viewed in the morning, before the mosquitos have their coffee. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjLVAzEanBQw23uZCgCQwDu-zNiHvcJ2gVzJooAnZkGaLqBzreoiTRTm4JvN_ACuCjMzbUOHWZyfkcas6KKYXgW6AkdKa8IO1jXAVrA3udXeXB_7VKj4SUPtTsAP1i95vuUOlclLqbsPSFJj270YFOJj7-RwPfAJI-_x5eepfSCS8kwfeGX5JB7Hyx=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjLVAzEanBQw23uZCgCQwDu-zNiHvcJ2gVzJooAnZkGaLqBzreoiTRTm4JvN_ACuCjMzbUOHWZyfkcas6KKYXgW6AkdKa8IO1jXAVrA3udXeXB_7VKj4SUPtTsAP1i95vuUOlclLqbsPSFJj270YFOJj7-RwPfAJI-_x5eepfSCS8kwfeGX5JB7Hyx=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZxptGIDRzpO1CqPmnTpxzN8reDCa6ATtqVE7L8P2HATRVqfeoXWNCUiS9gJZ_BW5f4rSfjuqXGBs3pPtthmf-7ZvsFxowGy2YsoM_zfL5CCTeeEImlbNKQ7E2uFG_j7FFLlCTK4wN_mWrR86SjgcvA_sKc1jgMHtcnvW3Iclf0L54TfsffWHPphql=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZxptGIDRzpO1CqPmnTpxzN8reDCa6ATtqVE7L8P2HATRVqfeoXWNCUiS9gJZ_BW5f4rSfjuqXGBs3pPtthmf-7ZvsFxowGy2YsoM_zfL5CCTeeEImlbNKQ7E2uFG_j7FFLlCTK4wN_mWrR86SjgcvA_sKc1jgMHtcnvW3Iclf0L54TfsffWHPphql=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ3mZPSvaP9KkqBnCHspmv-LerXuriaDdtsIi3ofpwOo5BKVeuzjeEOnfK5zOg6SKEjX1I153Q3_mQ-wJcDNdO5PRXtFifTFmxftF1g66G97rxFx6XLhm4MkG41wBosCAb7OyFek2M2zVWmbUHkBLRD0VLkosmSajAm4QaEZXPfw4s5ceHTnk1mT2d=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ3mZPSvaP9KkqBnCHspmv-LerXuriaDdtsIi3ofpwOo5BKVeuzjeEOnfK5zOg6SKEjX1I153Q3_mQ-wJcDNdO5PRXtFifTFmxftF1g66G97rxFx6XLhm4MkG41wBosCAb7OyFek2M2zVWmbUHkBLRD0VLkosmSajAm4QaEZXPfw4s5ceHTnk1mT2d=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCCUN2KXutzSm_7Z1z1_n_y8lIvH-V4E6o9wrAtQHiZsg7fujeyplhOAMCayoE_nFY9mpBQaX1IHnYQ_KK7ons75-gEdRGILMdSxFdSEprxq-I3-uBrgkXsAWoEmwn6UOoc_wCGgnGXVWqu15f-CudXKjEmqobkY0t04jJJGH3bWkZIAqCXDh26DpD=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCCUN2KXutzSm_7Z1z1_n_y8lIvH-V4E6o9wrAtQHiZsg7fujeyplhOAMCayoE_nFY9mpBQaX1IHnYQ_KK7ons75-gEdRGILMdSxFdSEprxq-I3-uBrgkXsAWoEmwn6UOoc_wCGgnGXVWqu15f-CudXKjEmqobkY0t04jJJGH3bWkZIAqCXDh26DpD=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>A few miles beyond this is the Chickahominy Riverfront Park and a semi-steep hill to climb on the arched bridge over the river, but the view at the top is worth the extra sweat. Once you're over the bridge, you pass through a lot of pine forest until you reach Charles City, which is around the 20 mile mark. Here you find another bike friendly restaurant, Cul's Courthouse Grill. They keep a thermos on the front porch for refilling water bottles, and after twenty miles of biking, you can eat a plate of fries mostly guilt free. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF07xdhmp-_TFn0NDGUMgLou-XYvXP4_mHpxKERgAiGovscfgrS452LYksBSANDoe4OCf1vARUtsyl4o8vmKTZwT4szaK9BlO4yA-X2BXN4Q725bnobtCYNv43sw_PqUtefCy98bAqSw5XSHQr4Qj2DSS1QT-sfnTREk2b-WtROSh4v4unBvjsZ9JK=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF07xdhmp-_TFn0NDGUMgLou-XYvXP4_mHpxKERgAiGovscfgrS452LYksBSANDoe4OCf1vARUtsyl4o8vmKTZwT4szaK9BlO4yA-X2BXN4Q725bnobtCYNv43sw_PqUtefCy98bAqSw5XSHQr4Qj2DSS1QT-sfnTREk2b-WtROSh4v4unBvjsZ9JK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's an East Coast Greenway sign in the window, so you're technically haven't left the trail if you go inside Cul's for a beer. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi54c2Jjqo9A3c1rZe86b_3-HDQetQR0odii0MPvly0s3rjaeaxtBtJtRaAqjEcab4MsbD-Zq4qK1HnoglL-LdSq3JUeRRcFqB3L-7Ch9sr9wDy8kqDSwsLdlOlWp1Dev76bai0eaGUk3NBdXpABW4i6ZBSvGteZa5RIxdipoG9toJS8sUy3WFFiN7f=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi54c2Jjqo9A3c1rZe86b_3-HDQetQR0odii0MPvly0s3rjaeaxtBtJtRaAqjEcab4MsbD-Zq4qK1HnoglL-LdSq3JUeRRcFqB3L-7Ch9sr9wDy8kqDSwsLdlOlWp1Dev76bai0eaGUk3NBdXpABW4i6ZBSvGteZa5RIxdipoG9toJS8sUy3WFFiN7f=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>An important note: The trail kind of disappears in Charles City. It's not a huge problem if you are looking at the trail map on your phone, but could benefit from an extra sign or two to let you know you're on the right path while you're following the road through town. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLBaQdVH9F9wTboDRRloogbbBFHMjZ_2D_Jq0a0bk-5Xf5bOOzBZtIJMeJ1s0Ryx5XtQAHqonXRbvGvWjxkbE44YL2-NgTXSzjchwfiRMycASmXnohy4puiyr0Zjr8cEVcotf7bShZVQnsKU5gTZISWurBhqCWvQfgK9MDiS4FAyf-or-ovXOc5Opf=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLBaQdVH9F9wTboDRRloogbbBFHMjZ_2D_Jq0a0bk-5Xf5bOOzBZtIJMeJ1s0Ryx5XtQAHqonXRbvGvWjxkbE44YL2-NgTXSzjchwfiRMycASmXnohy4puiyr0Zjr8cEVcotf7bShZVQnsKU5gTZISWurBhqCWvQfgK9MDiS4FAyf-or-ovXOc5Opf=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right about here, they need a sign saying, "Keep going! You aren't lost!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGhZ1CfK2-ipw1GJ5hEue2Blv5vekU82RL1BVyDUJ_VW17LzFLtHbN-CsN27YjbcjZ5jeOQ3bmlJ1mZPeQJR9jxc8TMI1O44Hn-ymdugOIJ3u2BBqu1h_6ig06ghM0q-sszvXbWawWQ8x2-nqbB7zf83nLOU7Wvs-_DyOiRKxoMnkgPfjMItrUcoXs=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGhZ1CfK2-ipw1GJ5hEue2Blv5vekU82RL1BVyDUJ_VW17LzFLtHbN-CsN27YjbcjZ5jeOQ3bmlJ1mZPeQJR9jxc8TMI1O44Hn-ymdugOIJ3u2BBqu1h_6ig06ghM0q-sszvXbWawWQ8x2-nqbB7zf83nLOU7Wvs-_DyOiRKxoMnkgPfjMItrUcoXs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though, seriously, they have great signs all along the trail with distances to upcoming destinations. More trails should make use of these!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Past Charles City is a lot of open farmlands. It's nice scenery, but during hot days there are stretches of several miles without even a hint of shade. Our ride in September was comfortable, but we rode this during July in 2019 and riding these shadeless miles was brutal. There's also pretty much nothing in the way of a water fountain or bathroom for twenty miles once you leave Charles City until you reach the outer edges of Richmond. Finally, after the flat, flat, flat of the Jamestown to Charles City segment, the rest of the trail is kind of hilly. Not mountainous by any means, but more of a workout. The trade-off is that the hilliest sections are also the shadiest sections, </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia7-g4eGiYk8CTpLr3PwNMFfGuJ6uSeg5U18ucCSZZ7ztRqwwkCYRHRpdPZz_gQ8BPiPwvFTGqETcxP-uz-RkHG4y8TGH8dOzQ5WufQ9BASZHVSFqi8jk5W2v8NmINiEwGzKSgWPh5uDxIQiW6i5fwzJ32rVEKk4NASlvVI2nYF-4_QxF_eqoHH-AE=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia7-g4eGiYk8CTpLr3PwNMFfGuJ6uSeg5U18ucCSZZ7ztRqwwkCYRHRpdPZz_gQ8BPiPwvFTGqETcxP-uz-RkHG4y8TGH8dOzQ5WufQ9BASZHVSFqi8jk5W2v8NmINiEwGzKSgWPh5uDxIQiW6i5fwzJ32rVEKk4NASlvVI2nYF-4_QxF_eqoHH-AE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The VCT imitating Kansas.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You know Richmond is near when you reach the Four Mile Creek trailhead. Tons of parking, but no bathrooms or water. There's a convenience store across the highway, but if you press further along the trail toward Richmond you'll find stores on the trail side of the road. There's also signs pointing to a park with restrooms and water, but we've never detoured to check it out. After veering to avoid an interstate loop, the trail comes back to Hwy 5. Traffic is heavy here, so watch for cars as you come to intersections and parking lots. Eventually, the trail crosses the road. Once you make the crossing, the rest of the ride goes by quickly. The Richmond skyline appears on the horizon and keeps growing. Before you know it, you're riding next to the James River past condos and bars. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTE2xny8o7JGsHiMZSbfGXFolwiC9jec30Ff0HeES453O1ShbZLDpuvkMn6FYEDmo2tPqH5ubtRIySkzrCdKGt94ZsokbkTJA1DL88YhFbT2TImHaUAVEi0r4FCu4AYwRvjyeQmlT_FJWmvSXUVwjwyfeOw-DoMQf0PP_AACCjMUARyzu75Gjfm2AF=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTE2xny8o7JGsHiMZSbfGXFolwiC9jec30Ff0HeES453O1ShbZLDpuvkMn6FYEDmo2tPqH5ubtRIySkzrCdKGt94ZsokbkTJA1DL88YhFbT2TImHaUAVEi0r4FCu4AYwRvjyeQmlT_FJWmvSXUVwjwyfeOw-DoMQf0PP_AACCjMUARyzu75Gjfm2AF=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell it's a safe trail since this bike doesn't have a lock and no one has stolen it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrl8xF1yCkW1i9CqSotfUVOnV0CM1-WDH0FhMsj64JlkBSLxR-Aez0jRPUnfqWXnMre96HCJhuoqkOYEZ1xdzCqZdpK_Ej9191oKx9pFDRV5Xst1thgd0glFvnORgR4_yQJjLokdd0sY6QPLH4Ckkkyx4LoZIU8JSkoxnrBWG219KQNbSy3OfpGrx0=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrl8xF1yCkW1i9CqSotfUVOnV0CM1-WDH0FhMsj64JlkBSLxR-Aez0jRPUnfqWXnMre96HCJhuoqkOYEZ1xdzCqZdpK_Ej9191oKx9pFDRV5Xst1thgd0glFvnORgR4_yQJjLokdd0sY6QPLH4Ckkkyx4LoZIU8JSkoxnrBWG219KQNbSy3OfpGrx0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, boom, suddenly there's a city.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Shiplock Park is the site of an old canal lock, and the whole area feels steeped in Richmond's industrial past. Railroads pass overhead, there's enormous brick smokestacks, and if you press on to the end of the trail the confluence of interstate, elevated railroad, and massive floodwalls surrounding you feels like an enormous sculpture. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-n-zmvy4jBQ1ya8z-5FItiN2gr0QBK9vBr4KdGbE8GMDXBfPvxk8XnXvElZgjM2MvNFQ7lTVqGH6dqi8U9DA-XjEqOZnbyZztU7VjOasH8Z-EwYm-l3lhrEWrke2-ZDpbaoksMW9BgDr7E0DZCyf1q2Wcn9oojN7aYC-oxs1frgxi9H7gmQgjEBje=s5184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-n-zmvy4jBQ1ya8z-5FItiN2gr0QBK9vBr4KdGbE8GMDXBfPvxk8XnXvElZgjM2MvNFQ7lTVqGH6dqi8U9DA-XjEqOZnbyZztU7VjOasH8Z-EwYm-l3lhrEWrke2-ZDpbaoksMW9BgDr7E0DZCyf1q2Wcn9oojN7aYC-oxs1frgxi9H7gmQgjEBje=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railroad, interstate, canal, bike trail. If an airplane is flying over, you've got yourself a transportation museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCK3u4B0ccJ2_D0ENvpEsnhvZQFsLXwDprLQFM9dwUDebZ5JwKqTj-BdvdGafTWMyoqb6a6DZsciU3FOmio2k9iwkqk6O4ybQvPJC6bQ_pfWbXsJlnbYi7MjlytgcaJphC7ZKnfdGvut-xHUWAUZbSCPUskl3kvNXYNKT6kmCDVMfTR0XoQlQ6klWz=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCK3u4B0ccJ2_D0ENvpEsnhvZQFsLXwDprLQFM9dwUDebZ5JwKqTj-BdvdGafTWMyoqb6a6DZsciU3FOmio2k9iwkqk6O4ybQvPJC6bQ_pfWbXsJlnbYi7MjlytgcaJphC7ZKnfdGvut-xHUWAUZbSCPUskl3kvNXYNKT6kmCDVMfTR0XoQlQ6klWz=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once you're downtown Richmond, your options for dining or grabbing a drink are too numerous to list. We wound up in a bar in an old fire station that served fried moon pies, to be sure we negated any health benefits we might have gained by biking 50+ miles. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd_CJaq7dbAlXBiSx3G9jR8VxvbIdBjHobUzCfi_uWDR8hQYKiEBA-R4DxQhiAvAQJYEEqo8oaOADYglyJBpUaRbHgPPabG6QA83IWJj_p51Ueg8SN3Xz8MIPh50ZUtLxv_7jw8PVnuKKgv59LTH4WBprjlpH8nB7l88Nq_tHqhJwjAilOZpFgTzXp=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd_CJaq7dbAlXBiSx3G9jR8VxvbIdBjHobUzCfi_uWDR8hQYKiEBA-R4DxQhiAvAQJYEEqo8oaOADYglyJBpUaRbHgPPabG6QA83IWJj_p51Ueg8SN3Xz8MIPh50ZUtLxv_7jw8PVnuKKgv59LTH4WBprjlpH8nB7l88Nq_tHqhJwjAilOZpFgTzXp=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Jamestown, Charles City, and Richmond combine to make this a very user-friendly trail. Whichever end you bike toward, there's a place to grab a bite to eat and a frosty beverage within walking distance of the final milepost. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2Uf8Yl0WjgMDVOO7yqUuv4h90_7JGIXoyjXuGXAmC5lhmkaEwWJvRXhlUXXkHxzZiB7-XpPysitzfEv47M8rNF5h6av-YkhLOJDo7e0aSJWcm66R8VLlV7KtTl1httiepcGZS-mFMw4TG1sqvd3Ujxg31NuCbZCeES31v3CdLz2aux2JQoFmJ4Ggo=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2Uf8Yl0WjgMDVOO7yqUuv4h90_7JGIXoyjXuGXAmC5lhmkaEwWJvRXhlUXXkHxzZiB7-XpPysitzfEv47M8rNF5h6av-YkhLOJDo7e0aSJWcm66R8VLlV7KtTl1httiepcGZS-mFMw4TG1sqvd3Ujxg31NuCbZCeES31v3CdLz2aux2JQoFmJ4Ggo=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are more trails beyond this sign as you enter the canal walkways, but that may be a future post. </div><div><br /></div><div>The few downsides to the trail would be that it's seldom far from Hwy 5, so expect some road noise and the occasional truck exhaust. While careful planning is important no matter where or when you ride, the exposed nature of sections of this trail means you shouldn't skimp on bringing water. Finally, unlike a lot of long trails, this isn't a rail trail. While much of the terrain is flat, the trail follows the natural contours of the land, so you do hit a few relatively steep hills. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8uaYBBtDWMKrYs4vGLxXelSbD9_67Zx2xqfyOAsDuiSY89mgHKFh_xECO6tvZxFru4CKc7ycBjR2m8buDqNWaHj4PsVkMDfhAlf5n3GQjcX7w-iLGGC0oxxwntaO-yD_g0s6Y2Gqf7i-0bPS23JzHsOzeKX5cYmL7H7xrXmsegveSoL-jJTATRKb3=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8uaYBBtDWMKrYs4vGLxXelSbD9_67Zx2xqfyOAsDuiSY89mgHKFh_xECO6tvZxFru4CKc7ycBjR2m8buDqNWaHj4PsVkMDfhAlf5n3GQjcX7w-iLGGC0oxxwntaO-yD_g0s6Y2Gqf7i-0bPS23JzHsOzeKX5cYmL7H7xrXmsegveSoL-jJTATRKb3=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguQyJsKyidLSzbqpED65rvxrFNQm_GI6oaRjyIx0ZK5H0CPUO4of525OK1gICYXHoBtkntaP1Ebw68xJUrkhTOaHeuQt_fohPSicbyouqkTgGQomJlPpbH6Wv6ixHh5tQkYmvn5WWf3KzJGqXngbLg-yVF5T0y5D3tJCCBYyw1ctNzLoBcbwj4akq5=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguQyJsKyidLSzbqpED65rvxrFNQm_GI6oaRjyIx0ZK5H0CPUO4of525OK1gICYXHoBtkntaP1Ebw68xJUrkhTOaHeuQt_fohPSicbyouqkTgGQomJlPpbH6Wv6ixHh5tQkYmvn5WWf3KzJGqXngbLg-yVF5T0y5D3tJCCBYyw1ctNzLoBcbwj4akq5=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>All in all, this is a great destination, either to tackle all in one hard push, or to explore in multiple segments, or add in as an activity while vacationing in the area. Get it on your travel schedule! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSqkJlp7-ratF7cQQgcMd7-7sdXHABChpZwZJJlWuZdBnrkTmDKzxF1Elk9v1u-5pja4oFYW1BSR92X89M838tjtb0xJDjWdrgcB1B-Eas5FwGUvnPNZOcsLopAh_inacaoqlQ7heHOIgWVItUob2jtIuN1SDgGFguuqF9t89xM61JymIzEhUW2aV-=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSqkJlp7-ratF7cQQgcMd7-7sdXHABChpZwZJJlWuZdBnrkTmDKzxF1Elk9v1u-5pja4oFYW1BSR92X89M838tjtb0xJDjWdrgcB1B-Eas5FwGUvnPNZOcsLopAh_inacaoqlQ7heHOIgWVItUob2jtIuN1SDgGFguuqF9t89xM61JymIzEhUW2aV-=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwNycC-vt16SIdpUMC0OHCGmzGFG9xq0hGoHPz0dQPPraxouZJwNp17wPqkwEPU65R9C6ic86eM_Vm0JbpvrE9eZhrEImDliyTsWnRSuvoyDnMhxqDu1O7iWjfiJFyc4O17CZec-rGYTdmE2yeLV8kQQ4aBZTUJH8LTdB-_tDPUSp3TupuN5nwdUp6=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwNycC-vt16SIdpUMC0OHCGmzGFG9xq0hGoHPz0dQPPraxouZJwNp17wPqkwEPU65R9C6ic86eM_Vm0JbpvrE9eZhrEImDliyTsWnRSuvoyDnMhxqDu1O7iWjfiJFyc4O17CZec-rGYTdmE2yeLV8kQQ4aBZTUJH8LTdB-_tDPUSp3TupuN5nwdUp6=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-23281730042475263492021-12-09T13:13:00.003-08:002021-12-12T14:43:26.411-08:00Biking the Jackson River Scenic Trail, Covington, VA<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: June 13, 2021 </li><li>Posted Mileage 14.3</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 29 miles</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail trail, gravel</li><li>Conveniences: Excellent trailhead just outside Covington with plenty of parking, bathrooms, and water. No water fountains on the rest of the trail, alas. </li><li>Best Features: Amazing scenery, excellent trail grade, innovative mile markers.</li><li>Worst Features: None, really.</li><li>Wildlife spotted: I think a turtle was pretty much it. Several bikers reported seeing a bear that day!</li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://jacksonrivertrail.com/">Home - Jackson River Scenic Trail (jacksonrivertrail.com)</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjaFi2ipb5XRxsO4Sye-tcx3_D_3Ts3nN3YBflwwaEmDNnICGFGIU6snu51c62ZwVqpuU6cMm8OcEZcBzav5HPTSgDrxKOt2hqzn7PXvCUuETqVa9aZYL29kr-3eZ9Y747hl6SK4eQl9GhkRBOwVbQJd4Fl-6I3OkGmT3GkdaTFil1vdF8H0rLPPI_=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjaFi2ipb5XRxsO4Sye-tcx3_D_3Ts3nN3YBflwwaEmDNnICGFGIU6snu51c62ZwVqpuU6cMm8OcEZcBzav5HPTSgDrxKOt2hqzn7PXvCUuETqVa9aZYL29kr-3eZ9Y747hl6SK4eQl9GhkRBOwVbQJd4Fl-6I3OkGmT3GkdaTFil1vdF8H0rLPPI_=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On this adventure, we were joined by our friends Danny and Hope Lineberry!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We're getting more and more of a lag between our travels and our writing about them. It's not because we stopped going places to bike, but because I kind of went a little crazy and biked over 800 miles in August! September and October had great weather, so I kept pushing myself to get out a little more before the weather finally turned cold. Now, at last, December is giving me a little bit of a break! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH-DVlPnMNgwrJQ2G9__bwemzjeQUL03YKPIS2wHST7OTlxFzlGyUm2LShvuu_tYCr_YGXWUsyIzyAzQn7HVQXmd2G2SkNE1AOVtuafCm05fD-gWnXz1VAl7e9wV4UWJJizVrGYGOuy9fCqg950S8tFa62Dw7Qe421E0RYScftLq1wy3FMEKymZOty=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH-DVlPnMNgwrJQ2G9__bwemzjeQUL03YKPIS2wHST7OTlxFzlGyUm2LShvuu_tYCr_YGXWUsyIzyAzQn7HVQXmd2G2SkNE1AOVtuafCm05fD-gWnXz1VAl7e9wV4UWJJizVrGYGOuy9fCqg950S8tFa62Dw7Qe421E0RYScftLq1wy3FMEKymZOty=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, I can blog, or I can be out riding past waterfalls. Which would you choose?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Okay, enough excuses. Today's trail is one we've been telling people about every chance we get. It's the Jackson River Scenic Trail just north of Covington, Virginia. This is a 14.3 mile rail trail on crushed gravel that winds through the Blue Ridge mountains next to the eponymous river. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRGrjfuVMsCBOsJauBZq3JkLUnHpgoTfzwfHk11Q0_pMDvOz_gFhVhnkQCD5ZpfQT9EvBs9_3WADAipKIMW2IZsj-rwYx4SjFdyJ-CHCAML69HnuyjHhEV54T4xuMpHJCA92FqUDFG_3teU6owgIbvWwpyYdWDyDJelMtQzcMBbJ4uqRai_MeuIHY=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRGrjfuVMsCBOsJauBZq3JkLUnHpgoTfzwfHk11Q0_pMDvOz_gFhVhnkQCD5ZpfQT9EvBs9_3WADAipKIMW2IZsj-rwYx4SjFdyJ-CHCAML69HnuyjHhEV54T4xuMpHJCA92FqUDFG_3teU6owgIbvWwpyYdWDyDJelMtQzcMBbJ4uqRai_MeuIHY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretching station at Covington Trailhead</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4wdmcDbH83XhXlEOysbJnuphUA9cp5Apba7iyGI377DFFKLKvbkggQjmwijKXQLotbfGCUbRGBucC3F5462giDFhmnycTFUOvl-wCBxcKW8z3UiUzJ8X7CywRsQ_DszVHGJ2fwruyVyaVVpKINSYl3keGzrrkAlaIWN7bNrHKaI7jPzzjkGObGJHp=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4wdmcDbH83XhXlEOysbJnuphUA9cp5Apba7iyGI377DFFKLKvbkggQjmwijKXQLotbfGCUbRGBucC3F5462giDFhmnycTFUOvl-wCBxcKW8z3UiUzJ8X7CywRsQ_DszVHGJ2fwruyVyaVVpKINSYl3keGzrrkAlaIWN7bNrHKaI7jPzzjkGObGJHp=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 0.0. I'm going to be writing a lot about mile markers in a few paragraphs!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This is a beautiful trail through really interesting terrain. The rocks here are like a geology text book, full of folded layers exposed in towering cliffs where they cut the railway through. Despite the mountainous terrain, this trail is really flat. There's a slight uphill grade all the way out of Covington, but nothing that's going to require any real effort. Alas, this means it's not steep enough to coast all the way back once you hit the end, but it's enough of a downhill you'll be getting some fast miles in. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyIDIKiCNTnGyJkPD-JwfpuLk-LBxEXcgx76o5IJgp9t2P3MoR-aXVqwh_o3Nma2OBEiXLci6ARWRB3tOq9Dc38BZU2SkrAn2ZRQEU_0Tgk-NOBsqHJWjCe5PIJ5vx3qLuRpR5-B4C9eOHjI2q2IhpQUq16zq5_Lia3jc0OGkgY2d9mbNIGu5Oji25=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyIDIKiCNTnGyJkPD-JwfpuLk-LBxEXcgx76o5IJgp9t2P3MoR-aXVqwh_o3Nma2OBEiXLci6ARWRB3tOq9Dc38BZU2SkrAn2ZRQEU_0Tgk-NOBsqHJWjCe5PIJ5vx3qLuRpR5-B4C9eOHjI2q2IhpQUq16zq5_Lia3jc0OGkgY2d9mbNIGu5Oji25=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs are kind of weirdly hard to photograph when you're right next to them!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwUk6ZVyd5ifTDusosDklqCYd95aXYuuvjXPHdFhIoAbEOANnhw2TZnGn1ObNlb6ovD5sm3bxCBsnpmdO2QFVIPNArCK8hB5rHuNDhZrpzQIgK0zrt4eXnFRZXh2lfWtna2CsB9bhg42DQrUuf1hJEPU29tQJMsz9coM2wKVqHZ8pTuQO13mf4wTTT=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwUk6ZVyd5ifTDusosDklqCYd95aXYuuvjXPHdFhIoAbEOANnhw2TZnGn1ObNlb6ovD5sm3bxCBsnpmdO2QFVIPNArCK8hB5rHuNDhZrpzQIgK0zrt4eXnFRZXh2lfWtna2CsB9bhg42DQrUuf1hJEPU29tQJMsz9coM2wKVqHZ8pTuQO13mf4wTTT=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angle makes this look uphill, but judging from the speed blur I'd say we're heading downhill here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9M2ELRpd1xX3ioMEHZYr_50IDoOj_Dfpis4eUeQdSURFH6pp2-xz6JrrhUpR7loaRf28sundBXmBoGeGCKBpsI1hWWy6HGyTTk8gGmyTn22RoMvMPVspQFIMHMKDgSxct9SbcVWmO52IuMRmQFrH-Nh1wcMeYe_c_twNwTs20SgkqilZNr86ucDZz=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9M2ELRpd1xX3ioMEHZYr_50IDoOj_Dfpis4eUeQdSURFH6pp2-xz6JrrhUpR7loaRf28sundBXmBoGeGCKBpsI1hWWy6HGyTTk8gGmyTn22RoMvMPVspQFIMHMKDgSxct9SbcVWmO52IuMRmQFrH-Nh1wcMeYe_c_twNwTs20SgkqilZNr86ucDZz=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't miss the posing rock!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>One innovative feature of this trail is that there are markers starting from the Covington trailhead that mark both miles and standard run distances, with turnaround marks. So, if you want to run 5k, there's a sign for the turnaround at the 2.5k mark. 10k is also marked, as well as half marathon and marathon. There may be other runs/rides marked, but these are what I remember. We often encounter trails with hard to spot markers or markers that feel randomly placed, so seeing a trail were someone had put some real thought into the mile marker design was a pleasant surprise. It was also smart design to have the markers be metal cut outs. Fading paint or rotting wood won't be an issue. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNfrTxzh6MbSY6VBGhcdXCyObtiS5eHBiyaPEbfkkOM_VVHBjHc8-KB7_rp92Ftf_GtAVebegD7TCtScEAzUTuRm7vcmF_iCmxb_p2PZkcEQwDPJ2e5Op7oGIi3rNvAE4n2vDxFu23LP78YW2edQA_AmFn6oS9Ku_53oTsV0NEnmJU1HxnQUWfKObh=s1454" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1454" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNfrTxzh6MbSY6VBGhcdXCyObtiS5eHBiyaPEbfkkOM_VVHBjHc8-KB7_rp92Ftf_GtAVebegD7TCtScEAzUTuRm7vcmF_iCmxb_p2PZkcEQwDPJ2e5Op7oGIi3rNvAE4n2vDxFu23LP78YW2edQA_AmFn6oS9Ku_53oTsV0NEnmJU1HxnQUWfKObh=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marker with turnaround for a full marathon. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The most photogenic spot on the trail isn't exactly on the trail. The Smith Bridge Trail Head is more or less near the middle of the trail. If you head down a gravel road to the river, you'll find an old bridge, plus a kayak launch. The river here is gorgeous and crystal clear. We waded around in the river a bit. If we return to this trail next year, you might see us with pool noodles strapped to our bikes. This would be an excellent place to splash around on a hot summer day. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYVrF2OmN7MOBCGj5TEsq8kDAxQNnHm1fS7SR9Nj1dpvGOizSiqvh_E9RTBJKvh3L7waFNzAvjAFYJiJSPEnLJJXmp5FoGh0xZhs1yXv7mvlmupsJFAecsviepCmMOj-Dq8N0HVnPBEtXG7t68IDUkLMDEuS3VGjUTGTzkWZSfUcHbphitIvBmFvr4=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYVrF2OmN7MOBCGj5TEsq8kDAxQNnHm1fS7SR9Nj1dpvGOizSiqvh_E9RTBJKvh3L7waFNzAvjAFYJiJSPEnLJJXmp5FoGh0xZhs1yXv7mvlmupsJFAecsviepCmMOj-Dq8N0HVnPBEtXG7t68IDUkLMDEuS3VGjUTGTzkWZSfUcHbphitIvBmFvr4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic. Didn't see any signs saying you couldn't bike across it. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXsYl8RR_A3riUHv2vpYe0aDmuEyCUeRlYaGFRg5xV8ZiUF-hPsMXKDHAPZvF74QzGwycadQrmUI8zzn4Tz0-dDu8u2P9ehmp33CLEsduOPPa0edGDT-Kc02cNpIwfQPMAO28_ct39nq9bNpYJ5jk80XDYGvf6K6FRGoq6IQu3QZDhqRI2ppMx57Xg=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXsYl8RR_A3riUHv2vpYe0aDmuEyCUeRlYaGFRg5xV8ZiUF-hPsMXKDHAPZvF74QzGwycadQrmUI8zzn4Tz0-dDu8u2P9ehmp33CLEsduOPPa0edGDT-Kc02cNpIwfQPMAO28_ct39nq9bNpYJ5jk80XDYGvf6K6FRGoq6IQu3QZDhqRI2ppMx57Xg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76s851_hSgP5zJEBAfyxg0BX2FGwKJM8VViai7FyCYytV200u0XFvR2KTvjirwQYY3kW7MQGSR3CfuTRT_RRNBdln_RlDXsNefyw24hnGqmG3en9Bo-o4N6l2OtPshqiwo1O24507nfeXTdL5V_U87J5NR_N6JCVRqGt1-wxYOtz0CqHRGWnbh-UV=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76s851_hSgP5zJEBAfyxg0BX2FGwKJM8VViai7FyCYytV200u0XFvR2KTvjirwQYY3kW7MQGSR3CfuTRT_RRNBdln_RlDXsNefyw24hnGqmG3en9Bo-o4N6l2OtPshqiwo1O24507nfeXTdL5V_U87J5NR_N6JCVRqGt1-wxYOtz0CqHRGWnbh-UV=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could bring an extra inner tube, lash our bikes to it, and float back to Covington. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnwSikolPYpJAnJWcjsmm1y3MIIuvZi-e137EfXIQ87LXftY7GFUMcBKLTP-xhURcjs8RnoT6VGbrQYalwYGhpK724ySbKxzv8zmwWpSIY6usopgD9g06mFy5Cg1KOgbl8gXqxglyowpXQjSUzTJUhOSswI5NpRTIWCUkeJLFpTstFraG7nT3BhZHW=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnwSikolPYpJAnJWcjsmm1y3MIIuvZi-e137EfXIQ87LXftY7GFUMcBKLTP-xhURcjs8RnoT6VGbrQYalwYGhpK724ySbKxzv8zmwWpSIY6usopgD9g06mFy5Cg1KOgbl8gXqxglyowpXQjSUzTJUhOSswI5NpRTIWCUkeJLFpTstFraG7nT3BhZHW=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive in! Actually, don't dive. The water is, like, a foot deep. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>This trail is pretty much the perfect length for a day trip. It's just long enough that it feels like you've accomplished something by biking it, but not so long you can't tackle it all in a single day. There's also a brewery in Covington, though I don't think it was open when we were there. It's a bonus reason to return when the weather warms back up! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEc32Pbvx_jANmafKtkaV_gUC89sK6MFN_qkTmojL-XqrdhBnCAr_hLLmHz644cBHF6sjZh5Pgzt01etqpFtaaqyxUuElgpMQCV09wij4H98yLbMlzKBt1MBz8Sl5o26jXACkuZ3IlH61_SCmKc3Cc41vLCBGSiGT8jkAieNLuQ51QB2SL2dACmHPb=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEc32Pbvx_jANmafKtkaV_gUC89sK6MFN_qkTmojL-XqrdhBnCAr_hLLmHz644cBHF6sjZh5Pgzt01etqpFtaaqyxUuElgpMQCV09wij4H98yLbMlzKBt1MBz8Sl5o26jXACkuZ3IlH61_SCmKc3Cc41vLCBGSiGT8jkAieNLuQ51QB2SL2dACmHPb=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiExAF9FzUy6rRVNkm50jpHYMVJEECbFiduyPLTS40w6-SUV8j4ER_xH_f0lj_XBy7YDYJtEn-ULCS7K_0oFPZ3mOXZxnEY6Eq_-Us0fpXuy2wdElGaXWO3TNUSIhNloT-WoKmOBUtL9bG3ghft1LV27_m7ewKXAKHCwd6RMQCvhXxoUEXMahX6s4Lw=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiExAF9FzUy6rRVNkm50jpHYMVJEECbFiduyPLTS40w6-SUV8j4ER_xH_f0lj_XBy7YDYJtEn-ULCS7K_0oFPZ3mOXZxnEY6Eq_-Us0fpXuy2wdElGaXWO3TNUSIhNloT-WoKmOBUtL9bG3ghft1LV27_m7ewKXAKHCwd6RMQCvhXxoUEXMahX6s4Lw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-XASiSyk9w8HiCXkP38e0xjZkC5HnXKaf6fjmMZfE0SrRHN7FQ-NSSL3VgKtLBxqoaPYYq3MEWH4UMzXrYL_ue8T0CO69pBfpW1Uc1fKAIlQt_xhHSL6dm755qcsp957wK1CCUhLEDlYIDPH57TOwIFzk7zV_HZSuS55CUVaclnrjZk7KdoGMspB9=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-XASiSyk9w8HiCXkP38e0xjZkC5HnXKaf6fjmMZfE0SrRHN7FQ-NSSL3VgKtLBxqoaPYYq3MEWH4UMzXrYL_ue8T0CO69pBfpW1Uc1fKAIlQt_xhHSL6dm755qcsp957wK1CCUhLEDlYIDPH57TOwIFzk7zV_HZSuS55CUVaclnrjZk7KdoGMspB9=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn7oQAYLkOY__bxlR9_VSe0IaV7orpWMKGq9lUBmFEdU3JgkjwJvpjsIDkdYp6mh_0iRbHF06lm8_-tabq0fatEzenoG0xlEbozt1BMK6Zj687C3Av8UnnenIwGxHAP-QKcGmZxg6MHa_hu7VP7T64wxy0ZV4iZnY8BSYor12VWhqO7yachrSw7zwV=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn7oQAYLkOY__bxlR9_VSe0IaV7orpWMKGq9lUBmFEdU3JgkjwJvpjsIDkdYp6mh_0iRbHF06lm8_-tabq0fatEzenoG0xlEbozt1BMK6Zj687C3Av8UnnenIwGxHAP-QKcGmZxg6MHa_hu7VP7T64wxy0ZV4iZnY8BSYor12VWhqO7yachrSw7zwV=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg29YU28uauHZype08cTfQnvQjV_KmH4A1Xnc-CPmGti_3XhNJBUxO5JumL86O0LGo1WHNY_zYFV-de5W-P5ixgwJ3ev6afZ4M4qtZDEbZnKJWr_wMbv-b1KezZmAsP4ZnMy52OpzRrkspx7GkxyaNqAC1-FDCDKlNd7vxJd8vq1TQ5JaG6EJ67iRlZ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg29YU28uauHZype08cTfQnvQjV_KmH4A1Xnc-CPmGti_3XhNJBUxO5JumL86O0LGo1WHNY_zYFV-de5W-P5ixgwJ3ev6afZ4M4qtZDEbZnKJWr_wMbv-b1KezZmAsP4ZnMy52OpzRrkspx7GkxyaNqAC1-FDCDKlNd7vxJd8vq1TQ5JaG6EJ67iRlZ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibdUTDyd3RMnXerpmELqdEmuS1r9vwijCJe5P-Wjn9NAXGUEAg6wlQwDGm13LFwuR0dDlfuFeXoDmYZv75nzaHC1WhC8q1bByPAFC3VI1YoCRM9ph2GxGjbgROSbPW8A4INVGNkbCwx0isWC3e1iP20bHlm-wDsfF6E_Qu67Mah6EP0QJJrNgJSxxS=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibdUTDyd3RMnXerpmELqdEmuS1r9vwijCJe5P-Wjn9NAXGUEAg6wlQwDGm13LFwuR0dDlfuFeXoDmYZv75nzaHC1WhC8q1bByPAFC3VI1YoCRM9ph2GxGjbgROSbPW8A4INVGNkbCwx0isWC3e1iP20bHlm-wDsfF6E_Qu67Mah6EP0QJJrNgJSxxS=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-54596901082669979552021-10-25T19:06:00.001-07:002021-10-25T19:06:13.739-07:00Biking the Virginia Blue Ridge Rail Trail, Amhurst VA<ul><li>Date Biked: June 12, 2021 </li><li>Posted Mileage: 7</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 13.8 miles</li><li>Type of Trail: Rail Trail<br /></li><li>Conveniences: Real bathroom at the Rose Mill Trailhead. Picnic tables. </li><li>Best Features: A beautiful trail with fairly gentle grades</li><li>Worst Features: A bit of a long drive for a short ride</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Deer</li><li>Vegetation: Wild flowers, hardwoods, pines</li><li>Associated Website: https://www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/wp-content/uploads/Map-of-Trail-13.pdf</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh29FYI5y7Wg2xbmGfHP7BCjTzWqVcm92yPbH5gYizp7QAUHhhaWgBdGbI6YAyPcYPqfqlToHBSwva7PJN1Jl3Zi_U69_1acsnQLDTsi2SG4utwCWXJH-JoLKHDhceDvHX1BGMjI3KIUwsvQLE8uATTcu0TghlASDP8m3KhwdFywJmvwpUu9ZoMw0AZ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh29FYI5y7Wg2xbmGfHP7BCjTzWqVcm92yPbH5gYizp7QAUHhhaWgBdGbI6YAyPcYPqfqlToHBSwva7PJN1Jl3Zi_U69_1acsnQLDTsi2SG4utwCWXJH-JoLKHDhceDvHX1BGMjI3KIUwsvQLE8uATTcu0TghlASDP8m3KhwdFywJmvwpUu9ZoMw0AZ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">About a half hour drive north of Lynchburg, Virginia, is the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail. This is a relatively short trail, only 7 miles, with no connecting trails. So, it can be kind of a long drive just to ride this trail by itself. You may want to combine it with the Lynchburg trail system if you'll looking for a full day of biking. But, if you happen to be passing through the area, and just want a quick ride you can knock out in under two hours, this is a pretty good trail. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS4g8avpjjbiYWJ5H1xoKF3lhN1edZUbe8DMzRPNE3YN7XFtINqBvcCJxWEAksP-f6Q-wVTvenJ3NBHW0NG3TTtRQysxC_uQ1DdJA9SkmRuVPW6Z9ui4w3BxKMK1elsABvbF0WAXy8HfNWPeh2671diFaOVZuUI05z9ezQEoFCbMKJu63sLp4YjiRT=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS4g8avpjjbiYWJ5H1xoKF3lhN1edZUbe8DMzRPNE3YN7XFtINqBvcCJxWEAksP-f6Q-wVTvenJ3NBHW0NG3TTtRQysxC_uQ1DdJA9SkmRuVPW6Z9ui4w3BxKMK1elsABvbF0WAXy8HfNWPeh2671diFaOVZuUI05z9ezQEoFCbMKJu63sLp4YjiRT=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1kXUTa3oQPVCsTfSt8GVHI0utTvr82MWWsnjCuh39cE4oD6TGA8tYiMpyMZ9IS2MuKDpF0Sa23lx7cMgXiw18NfwvMMgpxcITg2aQjpricnsBYosN9-aWKhhBG2bepm8J0SqExqkjEkU4LGhD3gGcD1P0-xMKhi0sYJBSBuTAEJKgLZt_eD3WZJv-=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1kXUTa3oQPVCsTfSt8GVHI0utTvr82MWWsnjCuh39cE4oD6TGA8tYiMpyMZ9IS2MuKDpF0Sa23lx7cMgXiw18NfwvMMgpxcITg2aQjpricnsBYosN9-aWKhhBG2bepm8J0SqExqkjEkU4LGhD3gGcD1P0-xMKhi0sYJBSBuTAEJKgLZt_eD3WZJv-=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The surface is mostly gravel, a little rough in a few patches, but overall very rideable. You see a few houses along the way, but for the most part you're following a creek and passing through railway cuts, feeling nicely removed from civilization. The day we rode there were tons of blooming wildflowers and numerous butterflies. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih7h7AM30plC88g60vYPhuvwhqIupHqNjDyWqUzZQgh9TkHTVyIzEUUsBhdjonM4hF_N17yXX9wOSlCVnhbgFsleZSaPMfa9picjXObYCGCcmfv0ASdLUXCDyClyRtqkjfOz5ihAe26GB5LdJmZbFHPRfChi6MKH7tKovmJvF04Nwzat7fQnzYZaN9=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih7h7AM30plC88g60vYPhuvwhqIupHqNjDyWqUzZQgh9TkHTVyIzEUUsBhdjonM4hF_N17yXX9wOSlCVnhbgFsleZSaPMfa9picjXObYCGCcmfv0ASdLUXCDyClyRtqkjfOz5ihAe26GB5LdJmZbFHPRfChi6MKH7tKovmJvF04Nwzat7fQnzYZaN9=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzKI5kEEMgEmTHLJQjePuGhvEKezDsjWTGWaMQzVXWkC_wuSrs1dLV-fo3eoXeim9FbHWeysW-a5QddTWPfP1m8WBM4-sgsGmgfWyCrmmG0gggmGHAi9z7emEDPTenQ7ITKgVRuq18Yi9qMwXHef6s2YxV2rZnWXf5lXuuXMMEDZq__q6dZt6j_6Ml=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzKI5kEEMgEmTHLJQjePuGhvEKezDsjWTGWaMQzVXWkC_wuSrs1dLV-fo3eoXeim9FbHWeysW-a5QddTWPfP1m8WBM4-sgsGmgfWyCrmmG0gggmGHAi9z7emEDPTenQ7ITKgVRuq18Yi9qMwXHef6s2YxV2rZnWXf5lXuuXMMEDZq__q6dZt6j_6Ml=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, you aren't too removed from civilization. There's a trailhead at Rose Mill Road with a brand new bathroom. A nice gazebo too! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllJYaBwOsaeWJGkB4yjFp1ftXasKzsaQEp_I8S_7BgCXE9Y4xCpBmqkqmfiOx98aM8hCZFaYVk9nNdOTunpbREmZd-XAJiKF4sgY4fsiGkr1GkyNx7gvl3XbP32rarg1T54qggR0s8IlkdKE4SeuGfDX_SSTfnZDhT7cpvZC65RKzEfYLvCy6sE7h=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjllJYaBwOsaeWJGkB4yjFp1ftXasKzsaQEp_I8S_7BgCXE9Y4xCpBmqkqmfiOx98aM8hCZFaYVk9nNdOTunpbREmZd-XAJiKF4sgY4fsiGkr1GkyNx7gvl3XbP32rarg1T54qggR0s8IlkdKE4SeuGfDX_SSTfnZDhT7cpvZC65RKzEfYLvCy6sE7h=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTv6xi3TqyIe2zOVwMQGV02FhJgFwDyU7gRuRaZvbQ5YXusf4go8ahpvXVdQ78TZFDCVuqEwzjqWUtc_FCXw47c2L-PEy-PhmQbYdSkkSClsx122H7AdVb_op6--N3Cjvldz4rvAXSmUlhJ4Hh0LTnULNd-sg5Wo8oYGsfDhisVC_nIk5pOVRSoBBR=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTv6xi3TqyIe2zOVwMQGV02FhJgFwDyU7gRuRaZvbQ5YXusf4go8ahpvXVdQ78TZFDCVuqEwzjqWUtc_FCXw47c2L-PEy-PhmQbYdSkkSClsx122H7AdVb_op6--N3Cjvldz4rvAXSmUlhJ4Hh0LTnULNd-sg5Wo8oYGsfDhisVC_nIk5pOVRSoBBR=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl and Hope chatting along the ride</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCrGbRMtYtHDiH7JMIGkOxDwrp0k0g0D0bJrmJIz6rT0nSPFH2aHnXzJUrkwIc_uhO_oXJnBZrzzwlpPkjoQBWBCSAAONP-5aLZtlfsHDfbXv2-frEHNM09HvHwT6z8MqSmpprKLJOyj118AYBoB380Dc10okosshVCkC_A8JtVc3PzLALJ4XjWgs-=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCrGbRMtYtHDiH7JMIGkOxDwrp0k0g0D0bJrmJIz6rT0nSPFH2aHnXzJUrkwIc_uhO_oXJnBZrzzwlpPkjoQBWBCSAAONP-5aLZtlfsHDfbXv2-frEHNM09HvHwT6z8MqSmpprKLJOyj118AYBoB380Dc10okosshVCkC_A8JtVc3PzLALJ4XjWgs-=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At just seven miles long, we mostly raced out to the end and took note of what we wanted to photograph on the way back. There's a short length of track at the end of the trail with some equipment and plaques telling you about the history of the railroad. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZRe4JnsD4S1sQ9bfLk_3SN5R898Rvh3hZSkgG9RhDC8dwK-iRcphWYO6c5NkAWBgU7io084f113rejWSOknPHGc6oNNpnQumPj9QLM2wO9h3MkTDQWerYAvlLxhMutiYZ4_ffg5MhlXcg4Mma-uvdYtKG2pdaaWixNPAZfGpMlBOSCxsbacTADsa2=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZRe4JnsD4S1sQ9bfLk_3SN5R898Rvh3hZSkgG9RhDC8dwK-iRcphWYO6c5NkAWBgU7io084f113rejWSOknPHGc6oNNpnQumPj9QLM2wO9h3MkTDQWerYAvlLxhMutiYZ4_ffg5MhlXcg4Mma-uvdYtKG2pdaaWixNPAZfGpMlBOSCxsbacTADsa2=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are several small bridges, but one fairly long one passing over the river offers nice views...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqDBqwHeYykHSp0asuT6da8BUx43DVyG4MMT6nNUcmmy6XELC-LRC524nXhiGZuXjFAmIcEQX6AhmcQP6Oj6f_r0JafVPbTskFX4l7CR6Yxba9aFi58y4DUjGiTQ87em2rXs2HsaHfK_S17yMLNwyjWLmE4XhVvfklaLAhUXjGjSPc2xWSsOMtTtCX=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqDBqwHeYykHSp0asuT6da8BUx43DVyG4MMT6nNUcmmy6XELC-LRC524nXhiGZuXjFAmIcEQX6AhmcQP6Oj6f_r0JafVPbTskFX4l7CR6Yxba9aFi58y4DUjGiTQ87em2rXs2HsaHfK_S17yMLNwyjWLmE4XhVvfklaLAhUXjGjSPc2xWSsOMtTtCX=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and there's even a covered bridge. Very short, but still a nice touch. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1RKCAidgM4YsJPU4G_zzTdaYOaONCW2ltYCpbIpSD-RQJPNxDq2R_NMapbiTLuJ5IXLhQtaz4iWWmDLRLcT3zBKDDZvMfPw5YLt1FDC7BougGeHTpT2cf00O8RwvCgAesPF04nJ1pWQZXLgUaDRRKe4x4UDi7oYEwNro_lQluydTDN96DBqJE2Nmq=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1RKCAidgM4YsJPU4G_zzTdaYOaONCW2ltYCpbIpSD-RQJPNxDq2R_NMapbiTLuJ5IXLhQtaz4iWWmDLRLcT3zBKDDZvMfPw5YLt1FDC7BougGeHTpT2cf00O8RwvCgAesPF04nJ1pWQZXLgUaDRRKe4x4UDi7oYEwNro_lQluydTDN96DBqJE2Nmq=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVRjL9nGl317JOanK-9to3oUDE5SzWu_Nd4zGT5YDm6pRNPm4aR18sIV9tuxOmwqO0HipatEsbjQcl2efZwdtWeKxR_3mAekaIKhCcft2EZ6MZWDPri3ffAcH4OmHzKhSAFnm4VUDzGzb--E_qartFPQXsAfRMgAo3TXpZFZS6BvBTyeiVKrmFFQA2=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVRjL9nGl317JOanK-9to3oUDE5SzWu_Nd4zGT5YDm6pRNPm4aR18sIV9tuxOmwqO0HipatEsbjQcl2efZwdtWeKxR_3mAekaIKhCcft2EZ6MZWDPri3ffAcH4OmHzKhSAFnm4VUDzGzb--E_qartFPQXsAfRMgAo3TXpZFZS6BvBTyeiVKrmFFQA2=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This trail was part of a weekend adventure with our friends Hope and Danny. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The beginning/end of the line features a caboose and what looks like might have been an old train station. There's some informational signage, but if we read it I've completely forgotten what it said! It's fine. We don't go out on these trails to read the signs. We go out to smile and take photos of flowers and butterflies. What more can you ask from a trail? <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyO9qtwTmSE3-qmmgCHNqGxiWz7NxoumpuzFLFW24inrjh19YkApN2liQhamZmwcmCAROxQV9kUIUAk_jOpy9Uw6XYNjN5rTABU1XK99p-P2SEg-vLRhhj6GBrRyJ0g7IBwKowHZK4YJaHxK01qVoJuvW4sdPucrpeQ91xRcGz6nETdeaFRI50MevX=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyO9qtwTmSE3-qmmgCHNqGxiWz7NxoumpuzFLFW24inrjh19YkApN2liQhamZmwcmCAROxQV9kUIUAk_jOpy9Uw6XYNjN5rTABU1XK99p-P2SEg-vLRhhj6GBrRyJ0g7IBwKowHZK4YJaHxK01qVoJuvW4sdPucrpeQ91xRcGz6nETdeaFRI50MevX=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggR-5oO6QZ-UYnGneS8piSlyKftNHIH7H8a1m2sdjddUfCRXyTOhm2wi2ushid9fnhbPgN-JqJxcYDIkwU_FUF0sS854vokbRrStbjqdnHONY97TS_4RjFaDKCYQxhH2uBsnDZDWuNfe0T_igh1ocLvQRvM4IGFP2oR8pTHgKFqcpBr2YDHihyev-Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggR-5oO6QZ-UYnGneS8piSlyKftNHIH7H8a1m2sdjddUfCRXyTOhm2wi2ushid9fnhbPgN-JqJxcYDIkwU_FUF0sS854vokbRrStbjqdnHONY97TS_4RjFaDKCYQxhH2uBsnDZDWuNfe0T_igh1ocLvQRvM4IGFP2oR8pTHgKFqcpBr2YDHihyev-Q=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-10448589000139223182021-08-22T04:10:00.000-07:002021-08-22T04:10:38.728-07:00Biking the Palmetto Trail around Lake Moultrie, Russelville, SC<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: June 3, 2021 and June 6, 2021</li><li>Posted Mileage 26.7</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 17.2 miles and 15.6 miles</li><li>Type of Trail: gravel and grass, much of it on dikes</li><li>Conveniences: Nada</li><li>Best Features: Great views</li><li>Worst Features: Rugged terrain and bare minimum signage</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Gators, herons, turtles, crayfish! (keep reading)</li><li>Vegetation: Pines, cypress, miles and miles of swampy vegetation</li><li>Associated Website: <a href="https://palmettoconservation.org/palmetto-trail/map/">Map – Palmetto Conservation Foundation</a></li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU1xX1zdsPQ/YR8gE13BvdI/AAAAAAAAFPE/FWkIzvmE1WYpPOQeQ8jrZu3w2wR62tSFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_153744001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CU1xX1zdsPQ/YR8gE13BvdI/AAAAAAAAFPE/FWkIzvmE1WYpPOQeQ8jrZu3w2wR62tSFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_153744001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In our last post, we kayaked at Lake Moultrie, heading to a tupelo swamp for one of our most memorable paddling adventures to date. But, Lake Moultrie turns out to offer just as much adventure on land as on water, since the dikes and logging roads around the east and north shores are part of the Palmetto Trail, a statewide trail that spans South Carolina all the way from the coast to the mountains.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wk0bYWKzo9A/YR8gbdJ4gSI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/_8c9fHHPxN8bKVMMW8NhGlGBRJNfppQCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210603_180916204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wk0bYWKzo9A/YR8gbdJ4gSI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/_8c9fHHPxN8bKVMMW8NhGlGBRJNfppQCACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210603_180916204.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ominous gray skies will be a recurring backdrop in many of these photos.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>We devoted two days of biking to exploring this trail and didn't see it all. We also didn't see any other bikers or hikers the whole time we were riding, probably because thunderstorms were rolling through the area both days. But, I get the sense that this trail isn't used much even in good weather. For most of the journey you're riding on a dike that runs around the lake. The dike is flat and straight and offers some stunning views of the bordering swamps full of lilies, lotuses, and alligators. Alas, it's a little difficult to appreciate these views since you spend a lot of the ride avoiding potholes and making sure you don't bounce over the steep slopes of the dike! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0di-0HvJEIQ/YR8gzhOB7OI/AAAAAAAAFPY/84ljs5SF3FQxye4IuhRWO_BnK_95s36OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_164223047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0di-0HvJEIQ/YR8gzhOB7OI/AAAAAAAAFPY/84ljs5SF3FQxye4IuhRWO_BnK_95s36OgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_164223047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the trail is surrounded by alligator habitat, sticking to the center of the path is a good strategy. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>On the first day, we started at the Amos Gourdine Boat Ramp. We rode south toward Bonneau. The trail begins with a locked closed gate and a keep out sign, but there is a tiny marker saying it's the Palmetto Trail, so we lifted our bikes over the gate and pressed forward. The ride to Bonneau is pretty easy. The gravel road is a bit rough, but its free of grass and the rest of the gates you encounter are easier to get around than the first one. The trail ends on a residential street in Bonneau... though, actually, it doesn't end there. In theory, you can keep riding forward, pick up the trail on the other side of the small town, and continue on to the Swamp Fox Passage. Alas, there were no signs we could find marking the way forward, and with the storms situation only getting worse we turned back. In retrospect, if we'd pushed forward we could easily made it to the Watermark Bar and Grill and waited out the storms on their deck with a cold beverage, but that will be a goal for another ride. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNOAqmW3r-A/YR8iEKLA6fI/AAAAAAAAFPg/eU-ldVd89ugzm_sWvVA4VskLoq9pYN1ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210603_163541350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNOAqmW3r-A/YR8iEKLA6fI/AAAAAAAAFPg/eU-ldVd89ugzm_sWvVA4VskLoq9pYN1ywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210603_163541350.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best journeys begin with a "Do Not Enter" sign.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6xUdMHrgo4/YR8jRa90c4I/AAAAAAAAFQA/D1S32_V-EOs47m7GSV_rqdarMg7TQDD7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_163033674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6xUdMHrgo4/YR8jRa90c4I/AAAAAAAAFQA/D1S32_V-EOs47m7GSV_rqdarMg7TQDD7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210606_163033674.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is as big as the trail signs get!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbl9CXM7R8/YR8iEs6HfsI/AAAAAAAAFPo/GG0AA_a9RHYlGf0k3-XZWnJrrIvFLIquwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210603150858_IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbl9CXM7R8/YR8iEs6HfsI/AAAAAAAAFPo/GG0AA_a9RHYlGf0k3-XZWnJrrIvFLIquwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210603150858_IMG_2118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8dtIYDYpwI/YR8iEckk1yI/AAAAAAAAFPk/47lKlIyHmLwaUfSYatDSgLHgKdta2vykwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8dtIYDYpwI/YR8iEckk1yI/AAAAAAAAFPk/47lKlIyHmLwaUfSYatDSgLHgKdta2vykwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yekHQBW_vKc/YR8j0iyw5OI/AAAAAAAAFQM/MxsU8Yx4nrozb5BqIuiE_V5z-krz_C6hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yekHQBW_vKc/YR8j0iyw5OI/AAAAAAAAFQM/MxsU8Yx4nrozb5BqIuiE_V5z-krz_C6hQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The second day, we parked at a small parking lot adjacent to the lake's spillway on Highway 35. Cells of storms were again rolling through the area, but we thought we might have a window to get in a few hours of good riding. I'm happy to say we did get in some good riding--it was an astonishingly wet ride through torrential downpours--but still good. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTVQ-6of71s/YR8kDnn2qhI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/WUbk_ePbSUEgep3cRn48duqYgoF-7xobwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_152118431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTVQ-6of71s/YR8kDnn2qhI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/WUbk_ePbSUEgep3cRn48duqYgoF-7xobwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210606_152118431.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ALfROXEpwk/YR8kDg6rNFI/AAAAAAAAFQY/qi4kyzkhQ0Qx4EImTF-HUEb8Zy9yg1vfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_155315988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ALfROXEpwk/YR8kDg6rNFI/AAAAAAAAFQY/qi4kyzkhQ0Qx4EImTF-HUEb8Zy9yg1vfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_155315988.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIQXY_JXOG4/YR8kDppMrwI/AAAAAAAAFQU/xQ2PCCP8jtY08JNMrKxXx7Br1OQ0MH4dACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_155737583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIQXY_JXOG4/YR8kDppMrwI/AAAAAAAAFQU/xQ2PCCP8jtY08JNMrKxXx7Br1OQ0MH4dACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_155737583.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The ride got so wet that creatures you normally only find in water were sharing the trail with us! Look, if you encounter crayfish crossing the trail, it's wet. We also encountered a soft shelled turtle, very rare to find on land, which had gotten stuck in some construction along the side of the trail. We freed it an sent it on its way. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqEi9RH5lFo/YR8kUPVeHNI/AAAAAAAAFQk/685cI1OgG_UcwCS5PB3ILn5y_aj1hFTJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_164717220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqEi9RH5lFo/YR8kUPVeHNI/AAAAAAAAFQk/685cI1OgG_UcwCS5PB3ILn5y_aj1hFTJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210606_164717220.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't fence me in!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BopmPnTXOfE/YR8kUEj7inI/AAAAAAAAFQo/V5AOVI6EPHcGDmrpLXnxncJdNbdmDx6YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_170239805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BopmPnTXOfE/YR8kUEj7inI/AAAAAAAAFQo/V5AOVI6EPHcGDmrpLXnxncJdNbdmDx6YgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_170239805.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A prehistoric looking critter!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbYH5EmSZdE/YR8kT2AU9SI/AAAAAAAAFQg/vTsPFdsqVF842CnQjHyvHpzyLjUAOnz1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_172509773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbYH5EmSZdE/YR8kT2AU9SI/AAAAAAAAFQg/vTsPFdsqVF842CnQjHyvHpzyLjUAOnz1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210606_172509773.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This crayfish didn't take kindly to our presence on its trail!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The ride the second day was much more rugged than the ride the first day. The dikes are mostly covered in grass, so it's slow going. Once you reach the logging roads, the going is marginally easier. Your reward for tackling the rough terrain is gorgeous scenery and plenty of wildlife. The rain kept us from getting out the zoom lens much, but on a dry day this would be a birdwatcher's paradise. Alligators were abundant in the water beside the raised dikes, camouflaged among the lilies but easy to spot once you learned what to look for. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cVY5xIs2Gs/YR8lm0IqbGI/AAAAAAAAFRI/E5p1JBSCFZIQnW30BSC6d1NxaK9XNursQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cVY5xIs2Gs/YR8lm0IqbGI/AAAAAAAAFRI/E5p1JBSCFZIQnW30BSC6d1NxaK9XNursQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2516.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peekaboo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa5HNXr5A0Q/YR8lmVqjTEI/AAAAAAAAFRA/12zJLvXRQzoOl1Ybq6-rgX1TjI5MkDCnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_161110694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xa5HNXr5A0Q/YR8lmVqjTEI/AAAAAAAAFRA/12zJLvXRQzoOl1Ybq6-rgX1TjI5MkDCnACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_161110694.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T28L4TtJ3to/YR8lmemd0dI/AAAAAAAAFRE/B_OcG_gvwjkUyMW4DeKI6qbxTe4hLrurwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_172404689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T28L4TtJ3to/YR8lmemd0dI/AAAAAAAAFRE/B_OcG_gvwjkUyMW4DeKI6qbxTe4hLrurwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210606_172404689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, the bad weather forced us to turn back. We reached our cars about as coated in mud as we'd ever been. Our bikes were a complete mess. We would have travelled further and take more pictures if it hadn't been raining, but don't regret pressing forward as far as we did. Who knows, maybe we saved that turtle's life. You don't get memories like that if you're afraid of a little rain. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6HaIvCaVwE/YR8mFnIJWQI/AAAAAAAAFRc/306v8PS7V34Pf2ky-v4Vs4IBB6FSxRuQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210603133407_IMG_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6HaIvCaVwE/YR8mFnIJWQI/AAAAAAAAFRc/306v8PS7V34Pf2ky-v4Vs4IBB6FSxRuQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210603133407_IMG_2103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i26hcGgltkM/YR8mFGPzs-I/AAAAAAAAFRU/FqoxexfweKcjfoinVbcMpnf1Lx6cQOEiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_170342596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i26hcGgltkM/YR8mFGPzs-I/AAAAAAAAFRU/FqoxexfweKcjfoinVbcMpnf1Lx6cQOEiACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210606_170342596.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A satisfied customer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcLVcANGxmk/YR8mFfLRRWI/AAAAAAAAFRY/yLMVslyWQiYXpR1nhXcfUKbUtVP40LQKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_175006645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcLVcANGxmk/YR8mFfLRRWI/AAAAAAAAFRY/yLMVslyWQiYXpR1nhXcfUKbUtVP40LQKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210606_175006645.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why pay a spa for a mud bath when nature provides them free of charge? </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTIcYTdbQ1Y/YR8mFjYm4OI/AAAAAAAAFRg/TUAopBG5vKAvU1leJc8VoSDdUKOTbm9bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210606_212020757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTIcYTdbQ1Y/YR8mFjYm4OI/AAAAAAAAFRg/TUAopBG5vKAvU1leJc8VoSDdUKOTbm9bgCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210606_212020757.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though what you save in spa fees gets taken back in car washes...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-43637476506946782702021-08-16T19:37:00.000-07:002021-08-16T19:37:01.893-07:00Kayaking to the Jungle at Lake Moultrie, Russelville, SC<p> </p><ul><li>Date Kayaked: June 4, 2021 and June 5, 2021</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 4.5 miles (the Jungle Passage) and 1.2 miles (sunset paddle)</li><li>Type of Paddle: Lake/swamp </li><li>Put in/Take Out: paved ramp</li><li>Conveniences: Bathroom, picnic tables</li><li>Best Features: Truly stunning scenery </li><li>Worst Features: Open water portions can get choppy, hidden stumps</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Gators, osprey, herons, redwing blackbirds</li><li>Vegetation: Cypress, tupelo, water lilies, some lotuses </li><li>Associated Website: https://www.berkeleyoutdoorlife.com/</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi4ZgzUpBGU/YRsYYkyFmZI/AAAAAAAAFME/dB-nmcrYKpsWmZlB9sXFXfu6Dz21dUCWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604114524_IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi4ZgzUpBGU/YRsYYkyFmZI/AAAAAAAAFME/dB-nmcrYKpsWmZlB9sXFXfu6Dz21dUCWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604114524_IMG_2215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Our last two posts were about SC paddle adventures that were, to be blunt, somewhat disappointing. Cat Island was a tiny spit of land. Wambaw Creek was fine, but maybe not special enough to justify potentially breaking an axle on the miles of dirt roads required to reach it. Wouldn't it be great if there was a remote paddle that left you feeling like you had the body of water to yourself that could be reached on a paved road? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo4fTfaZch4/YRsY0vmMT8I/AAAAAAAAFMM/Q-IgE_pLXzcSBhsErQImiLSSgG7bO1zDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210605200502_IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo4fTfaZch4/YRsY0vmMT8I/AAAAAAAAFMM/Q-IgE_pLXzcSBhsErQImiLSSgG7bO1zDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210605200502_IMG_2450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Well, it just so happens that our next kayak destination turned out to be one of the finest kayak trips we've taken to date. Lake Moultrie in South Carolina is a huge body of water, just shy of 100 square miles. We went there expecting it to be heavily trafficked with motorboats but, at least on the days we visited, the parking lot at the Amos Gourdine Landing was mostly empty. Even if it had been full a lake of this size can probably hold a few hundred motorboats and still leave plenty of room for kayakers to enjoy the shallow, tree-filled waters near the shore. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxnOAEHwqOI/YRsZHSin0AI/AAAAAAAAFMU/GiSZuTgPkvAEgYa5VyHPzVibWBaSEAhHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210604_151837281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxnOAEHwqOI/YRsZHSin0AI/AAAAAAAAFMU/GiSZuTgPkvAEgYa5VyHPzVibWBaSEAhHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210604_151837281.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Berkeley county website link above offers several kayaking trails. We chose to tackle the Jungle, a tupelo swamp on the eastern edge of the lake. The website tells you to launch from the main boat ramp, but there's a better site for kayaks. When you first enter the parking lot to the boat ramp, there's a sign to a swim beach. Go down that (very short) dirt road and you'll find a small paved ramp perfect for a kayak launch. Instead of launching into the main lake, you'll start your paddle in one of the sheltered canals. Our first trip was a windy day, but the water in the canal was still as glass, and right from the start you'll appreciate the beauty of the place as you glide among lily pads buzzing with dragonflies. Keep your eyes open for herons and gators, both of which we saw very close to the ramp. After a few hundred yards of paddling, there's a gap on the right onto the main lake. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7JuhVlGjdw/YRsZYqRxqZI/AAAAAAAAFMg/uDhaBVrK5zAsNM0k7Qv6VbU32ydzIexMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604101650_IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7JuhVlGjdw/YRsZYqRxqZI/AAAAAAAAFMg/uDhaBVrK5zAsNM0k7Qv6VbU32ydzIexMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604101650_IMG_2119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca4-z7WiH28/YRsZYFSsx_I/AAAAAAAAFMc/ql3KuNPk83kvFlk4nsoP48yVObAPIQtRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210605_234753879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca4-z7WiH28/YRsZYFSsx_I/AAAAAAAAFMc/ql3KuNPk83kvFlk4nsoP48yVObAPIQtRACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210605_234753879.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As you enter the lake, the full size of Lake Moultrie becomes evident with the far shore so distant it can barely be seen. The cypress trees rising from the water here are home to numerous osprey nests. You likely won't paddle far before you spot alligators drifting lazily, sinking beneath the surface as you approach. Some might be longer than your kayak, but the open water gives them plenty of space to stay clear of you. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evaxTZZb1QQ/YRsZn564acI/AAAAAAAAFMs/Z_b01henzo4aB8tRQokZJ0W444PFqIFkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604103739_IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evaxTZZb1QQ/YRsZn564acI/AAAAAAAAFMs/Z_b01henzo4aB8tRQokZJ0W444PFqIFkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604103739_IMG_2149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6pH_7vhvio/YRsZn1m9iqI/AAAAAAAAFMk/E2-2XvIzrasg_y6oaXe1AjT0Ex905fO8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604125952_IMG_2303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6pH_7vhvio/YRsZn1m9iqI/AAAAAAAAFMk/E2-2XvIzrasg_y6oaXe1AjT0Ex905fO8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604125952_IMG_2303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aZ5zY5yh5A/YRsZoMwb8tI/AAAAAAAAFMw/bB77cevRuNQ_5Qas4RDu0OKU8e75V9FaACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604134521_IMG_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aZ5zY5yh5A/YRsZoMwb8tI/AAAAAAAAFMw/bB77cevRuNQ_5Qas4RDu0OKU8e75V9FaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604134521_IMG_2350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Due to the wind, our paddle out was quite choppy. This concealed the one difficulty of keeping close to shore, the numerous cypress stumps just inches beneath the water. If you hit one and overturned, it wouldn't be that big of a deal, however, since the water is only a couple of feet deep. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVCxuKsNMDg/YRsaXddooJI/AAAAAAAAFNM/R2gmG1dWmE4eLQF3Bu8Kj26c5U8gmIMZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604130553_IMG_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVCxuKsNMDg/YRsaXddooJI/AAAAAAAAFNM/R2gmG1dWmE4eLQF3Bu8Kj26c5U8gmIMZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210604130553_IMG_2313.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A person with no fear of alligators could probably wade through about 75% of this journey. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After you hug the shore heading south for a little more than a mile, there's a cove to the left that's full of cypress and lily pads. Head into this and keep heading back as the cove narrows into a creek. At about the point where you feel like you can't go forward any more, you'll find a deep channel only about ten feet wide heading to your left, surrounded by walls of high reeds. Paddle through this for a hundred feet or so and the reeds will give way to a magnificent, wide open tupelo swamp with water lilies spreading for as far as you can see. The channel through this was easy to navigate. If you push forward you can reach the dike that runs along the eastern side of the lake, but we only went about half the distance from the entrance to the swamp before turning back. It was insanely hot, with no shade, and the wind that had been fighting us on the open water vanished completely. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuFPRNQZRL4/YRsZ_1jv-QI/AAAAAAAAFNE/ipjdp0bxTbsl6jRL4Q6IpCl12Qe5xylywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210604_154848448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuFPRNQZRL4/YRsZ_1jv-QI/AAAAAAAAFNE/ipjdp0bxTbsl6jRL4Q6IpCl12Qe5xylywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210604_154848448.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDlmCBJZuoo/YRsbLcmVfCI/AAAAAAAAFNo/0atDxt_2-30pnaRnGvMOmfQ89SVXmPIQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604114613_IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDlmCBJZuoo/YRsbLcmVfCI/AAAAAAAAFNo/0atDxt_2-30pnaRnGvMOmfQ89SVXmPIQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604114613_IMG_2217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Despite the heat, the swamp stirred our sense of wonder. The unending lilies made us feel like we were paddling through some fantasy landscape. The few patches of open water were mirror smooth, so that we glided across blue sky and clouds. Redwing blackbirds flitted about. The only sounds were bird songs; there's not even a whisper of traffic or motorboats. Put down your paddles, sit, and bask in the tranquility.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKoKqjx28aw/YRsa_tSy64I/AAAAAAAAFNY/ImSmvi8lEA8a-_oYiig-QcfFkf-E7Fk8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604120942_IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKoKqjx28aw/YRsa_tSy64I/AAAAAAAAFNY/ImSmvi8lEA8a-_oYiig-QcfFkf-E7Fk8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604120942_IMG_2244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfO7VruTsEs/YRsa_taXmGI/AAAAAAAAFNc/n62Wi93JJAE8_ES11f5YP9NpKuKvUZK6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604122037_IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfO7VruTsEs/YRsa_taXmGI/AAAAAAAAFNc/n62Wi93JJAE8_ES11f5YP9NpKuKvUZK6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604122037_IMG_2260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PtACklbN64/YRsbAT__VeI/AAAAAAAAFNg/hPlC7IxNM8UXJzJXgAXCNNihLuFH8ShcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210604123730_IMG_2281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PtACklbN64/YRsbAT__VeI/AAAAAAAAFNg/hPlC7IxNM8UXJzJXgAXCNNihLuFH8ShcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210604123730_IMG_2281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhTP1gJWrE8/YRsbBIL1-4I/AAAAAAAAFNk/DdxHz2d-NT47NsdxL7gY7F2bdwXsld_twCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhTP1gJWrE8/YRsbBIL1-4I/AAAAAAAAFNk/DdxHz2d-NT47NsdxL7gY7F2bdwXsld_twCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We did our first paddle in the middle of the day. The next day, we returned about an hour before sunset, confident that the wide-open lake was going to reward us with an amazing sunset. What we found far exceeded our expectations. The evening was windless, and the second we left the canal and turned onto the open water we found ourselves on what seemed to be a lake of pure mercury, a softly rippling mirrorscape that blended water and sky. The cypress trees rising from the surface had a ghostly quality in the fading light. The moment we came through the gap in the trees to look upon this silvery vastness might be the most breathtaking moment we've experienced on a kayak trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_EuyyHHB1k/YRsblC6uy1I/AAAAAAAAFOA/yMC7npvpa7IRIN0-XrUFOas-zyMdn4BPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210605195244_IMG_2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_EuyyHHB1k/YRsblC6uy1I/AAAAAAAAFOA/yMC7npvpa7IRIN0-XrUFOas-zyMdn4BPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210605195244_IMG_2429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWmEC-IdWOw/YRsblKxMREI/AAAAAAAAFOE/fzdCfTgauQwnN64qG59fZgioDuHE4vFsACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210605200355_IMG_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWmEC-IdWOw/YRsblKxMREI/AAAAAAAAFOE/fzdCfTgauQwnN64qG59fZgioDuHE4vFsACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210605200355_IMG_2447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bdiWn0_A0I/YRsblEZKOoI/AAAAAAAAFOI/RSW799Cs8m0WpDW1G0qGEJGLnIa-QbcYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210605202237_IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bdiWn0_A0I/YRsblEZKOoI/AAAAAAAAFOI/RSW799Cs8m0WpDW1G0qGEJGLnIa-QbcYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210605202237_IMG_2497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PCZplf9TZ4/YRsblio38JI/AAAAAAAAFOM/9AC7khufAogSgqlohaPCrGWmGkzuY2blACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210605_235350757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PCZplf9TZ4/YRsblio38JI/AAAAAAAAFOM/9AC7khufAogSgqlohaPCrGWmGkzuY2blACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210605_235350757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We returned from the trip already talking over when we might return. This was a nearly perfect destination for us, and not just for paddling. In an upcoming post, we'll return to the canals and wildlife, but this time for a bike ride along the dikes that form the Lake Moultrie Passage. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPx8PZSlboE/YRsb9OBPXKI/AAAAAAAAFOg/zz3o8hLDym0azPEOIcCGK_bco1dwymSVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPx8PZSlboE/YRsb9OBPXKI/AAAAAAAAFOg/zz3o8hLDym0azPEOIcCGK_bco1dwymSVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2346.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kd0YA23pxDM/YRsb8e14nyI/AAAAAAAAFOY/bLmpJ-SynmY62HJQ_qmiOS6J29za0__EACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210604_161902577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kd0YA23pxDM/YRsb8e14nyI/AAAAAAAAFOY/bLmpJ-SynmY62HJQ_qmiOS6J29za0__EACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210604_161902577.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2SITOblL7M/YRsb9XQgMcI/AAAAAAAAFOk/YjfG335EgBo6JchmPrK_JifyycAB4fUIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210604_174623850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2SITOblL7M/YRsb9XQgMcI/AAAAAAAAFOk/YjfG335EgBo6JchmPrK_JifyycAB4fUIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210604_174623850.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWUUCLAbbe4/YRsb9v_XYzI/AAAAAAAAFOo/7VgcLmM66zway8G79EFUlL0MYnirfLvLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210605_221520346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWUUCLAbbe4/YRsb9v_XYzI/AAAAAAAAFOo/7VgcLmM66zway8G79EFUlL0MYnirfLvLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210605_221520346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-69719639160883428362021-07-20T08:38:00.003-07:002021-07-20T08:38:17.788-07:00Kayaking to Cat Island on the Wando River, Isle of Palms, SC<p> </p><ul><li>Date Kayaked: June 1, 2021</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 7.6 miles</li><li>Type of Paddle: tide dependent</li><li>Put in/Take Out: cement ramp</li><li>Conveniences: none</li><li>Best Features: Time the tides right for some easy miles</li><li>Worst Features: Watch out for the wind!</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Herons, egrets </li><li>Vegetation: Marsh grasses</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3jU_kdLP0/YPbsMEM_BpI/AAAAAAAAFI4/kQlnxSqqJc4G5sXBeYCj0y4ErbKITYj9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_162917379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3jU_kdLP0/YPbsMEM_BpI/AAAAAAAAFI4/kQlnxSqqJc4G5sXBeYCj0y4ErbKITYj9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210601_162917379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Some of our adventures are grand adventures and others swiftly devolve into cautionary tales. Our paddle to Cat Island fits a little into each category. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFpWv9XK3Kc/YPbsUQJwFtI/AAAAAAAAFI8/kgTZOyWmP_s4Ns2dUc8fh8O0Lpz4SrvZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_143411057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFpWv9XK3Kc/YPbsUQJwFtI/AAAAAAAAFI8/kgTZOyWmP_s4Ns2dUc8fh8O0Lpz4SrvZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210601_143411057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We often kayak with my sisters Gina and Joy and it was Gina who first heard about Cat Island on the Wando River just north of Charleston. The Wando is a big, broad tidal river lined with houses for much of its length, but Cat Island is a marshy, muddy undeveloped stretch of land with a tiny beach of sand. Reading reviews, we saw that this small stretch of beach is a good place to find sharks teeth. Also in the reviews were warnings that we'd need to time our trips to match the tides. Launch at Paradise Island boat ramp when the tide is going out and you'll be carried down river to Cat Island. Wait until the tide shifts and ride the tide back. Easy!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq5sJoK2K_U/YPbsc4XoZ4I/AAAAAAAAFJE/zG4cGNfhr7csm5BEJUOyT6Uv5FZdPtF0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_150503587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iq5sJoK2K_U/YPbsc4XoZ4I/AAAAAAAAFJE/zG4cGNfhr7csm5BEJUOyT6Uv5FZdPtF0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210601_150503587.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>The day started promising. The boat ramp itself is a little tricky to find if you aren't using Google maps. We've been there twice and didn't spot a sign for it on Highway 17 either time. The ramp itself is somewhat rustic, concrete that's being reclaimed by river mud and shells. There are no conveniences at the ramp like water, restrooms, or even picnic tables, but this is fairly common. In all, it's a perfectly fine place to launch a kayak. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e8hJlwNo6Y/YPbskF9BitI/AAAAAAAAFJM/CtC-3VwzDoQOCY4crG_v8gU4mjRG_MH3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_122212170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e8hJlwNo6Y/YPbskF9BitI/AAAAAAAAFJM/CtC-3VwzDoQOCY4crG_v8gU4mjRG_MH3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210601_122212170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Phase one of our plan, to ride the outgoing tide to Cat Island, went well. The current moved swiftly, and we could see more and more riverbank being exposed. There's no real danger of getting stranded by the low water, but I was worried that we might be dragging out kayaks through mud once we reached Cat Island. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZcFXrTawfo/YPbstNA4b_I/AAAAAAAAFJU/DV38pZPwfBQCkFPHBnjdrsUZUDHabanJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_130147744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZcFXrTawfo/YPbstNA4b_I/AAAAAAAAFJU/DV38pZPwfBQCkFPHBnjdrsUZUDHabanJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210601_130147744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>But, we finished our ride there as the tide was going slack. Minutes after we arrived, the waves were lapping at the back of our kayaks on the shore and we had to drag them up higher. We were the only people on the little Cat Island beach that morning, which turned out to be a good thing, since there's really not a whole lot of beach there. We did find plenty of shark's teeth once we got our eyes dialed in on the shapes. Alas, they were all tiny, none bigger than half an inch, most much smaller. When I gave up looking for teeth, I explored the solid parts of the island, which turns out to be not much, maybe fifty feet across and a few hundred feet long. The opposite side was a big marsh with numerous egrets and herons, but they were too distant to really photograph. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eFlyniHgZc/YPbs26niUdI/AAAAAAAAFJc/BHR2pS5t7AokzD90jCVlh1KAwWpqVMm0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_154919384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eFlyniHgZc/YPbs26niUdI/AAAAAAAAFJc/BHR2pS5t7AokzD90jCVlh1KAwWpqVMm0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210601_154919384.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>One concern I had paddling out was that we might have to wait a long time for the tide to turn. Nope! In a little under an hour, the water was rising swiftly, wiping out the beach. It was time for our return trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuhGo0wDOTQ/YPbtJr5dBqI/AAAAAAAAFJs/6mvolx7BR246tJZT2RzYzRElcZE8RznJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_161420434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuhGo0wDOTQ/YPbtJr5dBqI/AAAAAAAAFJs/6mvolx7BR246tJZT2RzYzRElcZE8RznJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210601_161420434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>That's when we discovered that the tides weren't the trickiest part of this voyage. The water was moving in the right direction, but it was opposed by a wind blowing the opposite direction, creating very choppy water. This was also a good opportunity to appreciate how sail boats work, since the wind blowing against the parts of our bodies and boats above the water easily overpowered the water pushing against our hulls. Needless to say, the nearly four mile paddle back was grueling, and if photos on this post are a little skimpy it's partly because not once during the paddle back could I take my hands off the paddle. You were either paddling forward, or the wind was pushing you backward. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we got back to the boat ramp, it felt like a completely different river. All the exposed banks were submerged and docks we could have paddled under standing up were mere inches above the waves. The water was so high we were even worried it might flood the parking lot of the boat ramp, but, fortunately, when we arrived the parking lot was still dry. Still, I imagine that under particularly strong high tides, this boat ramp is probably submerged, so definitely do your research before launching from here!</div><div><br /></div><div>If we return, we likely wouldn't try for Cat Island again. The Wando continues on up from the boat ramp, narrow and twisting through marshes. It looks like a tempting place to paddle into on a rising current. Just, you know, not on a windy day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAONZ9p7uMY/YPbtpPd3M3I/AAAAAAAAFJ8/SbUbniVpj-gQyJE-8oBNyqg3NA2rK-8MACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_144711672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAONZ9p7uMY/YPbtpPd3M3I/AAAAAAAAFJ8/SbUbniVpj-gQyJE-8oBNyqg3NA2rK-8MACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210601_144711672.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpH1EX4RYbQ/YPbto_EDUSI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/zknxmQimiSkB6I7vDsUs-8IDEDTKwR_pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_163012473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpH1EX4RYbQ/YPbto_EDUSI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/zknxmQimiSkB6I7vDsUs-8IDEDTKwR_pQCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210601_163012473.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-60089722494234469332021-07-18T09:09:00.001-07:002021-07-18T09:09:53.053-07:00Kayaking the Wambaw Creek, SC<p> </p><ul><li>Date Kayaked: May 2, 2021</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 3.31</li><li>Type of Paddle: Blackwater creek, tide influenced</li><li>Put in/Take Out: Dirt ramp</li><li>Conveniences: None!</li><li>Best Features: Chock full of natural beauty</li><li>Worst Features: The dirt roads you drive to reach it might dislodge your internal organs</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Very brief glimpse of a gator</li><li>Vegetation: Cypress </li><li>Associated Website: https://www.berkeleyoutdoorlife.com/</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCmHT4keRJc/YPRCJQ72kvI/AAAAAAAAFG8/bocQYaFWDYMUU4Xn9f2PUbqdXrSw7wiYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_210913063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCmHT4keRJc/YPRCJQ72kvI/AAAAAAAAFG8/bocQYaFWDYMUU4Xn9f2PUbqdXrSw7wiYACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210502_210913063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Midway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston on Highway 17 is the Santee River. We've been tempted to paddle it, but it's so close to the coast we worried the currents might make for a tough paddle. But, Google maps shows numerous creeks feeding the river, winding through miles of wilderness and state parks, which led us to finding out about the Wambaw Creek Paddle Trail, which is accessed via Still Landing. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MusruttR7NA/YPRNB-hVrUI/AAAAAAAAFHM/jO0NgNQWJZI-SaclhEhH-KamXYuFt1MfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_192926142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MusruttR7NA/YPRNB-hVrUI/AAAAAAAAFHM/jO0NgNQWJZI-SaclhEhH-KamXYuFt1MfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210502_192926142.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of this, for many miles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Sometimes, we throw our kayaks into the back of my Hyundai Elantra hatchback. Luckily, this trip we had the kayaks on top of our Subaru Forester, because the dirt roads leading to Still Landing will not be kind to anything with a low wheel clearance. These roads have intimidating pot holes and go on for miles. If you want to kayak Wambaw Creek, you've got to work for it. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwPW146oqfc/YPRMo9n9EWI/AAAAAAAAFHE/oNG_k1jHXDMlxTvFpbJh1SWBdQYBt89gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_171545440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwPW146oqfc/YPRMo9n9EWI/AAAAAAAAFHE/oNG_k1jHXDMlxTvFpbJh1SWBdQYBt89gQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210502_171545440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of this, for many miles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Of course, the remote location has its advantages. You won't be facing a crowded parking lot, and no one is going to haul jet skis or a big motorboat down this road. You're far removed from pavement, so you can paddle miles without hearing even the whisper of a passing car. We encountered a couple of guys fishing from a small john boat, but odds are good you can make this trip without seeing another person at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmBx8xQK_2g/YPRNkjHC42I/AAAAAAAAFHY/XL0307nAFRsdj-nKR3Fsv6hQpBfsuEB8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502151355_IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmBx8xQK_2g/YPRNkjHC42I/AAAAAAAAFHY/XL0307nAFRsdj-nKR3Fsv6hQpBfsuEB8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210502151355_IMG_1175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXCJI_eJHG0/YPRNk4bKYDI/AAAAAAAAFHc/i8XWDydAk8UqJSbijftRoLlPNUPD5RKigCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502152929_IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXCJI_eJHG0/YPRNk4bKYDI/AAAAAAAAFHc/i8XWDydAk8UqJSbijftRoLlPNUPD5RKigCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210502152929_IMG_1208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other people. But we brought them with us, so they don't count. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu3-CjL4fhw/YPRNhpjcLoI/AAAAAAAAFHU/1hedPp0L05MSabIudIqX8hhSAVViDX_EACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_194246287.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu3-CjL4fhw/YPRNhpjcLoI/AAAAAAAAFHU/1hedPp0L05MSabIudIqX8hhSAVViDX_EACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210502_194246287.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>On the other hand, while this is a beautiful blackwater creek, once you're on it it doesn't feel dramatically different from the more remote reaches of the Waccamaw or the Lumber River. You can see spider lilies, not to mention humongous spiders, alligators, and endless miles of cypress without bruising your kidneys on the ride to reach the boat ramp. On the other, other hand, it may be that you own a monster SUV or rugged big truck and are looking for a difficult road to justify owning such a vehicle, in which case, this should definitely be on your bucket list! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBc47UWJln0/YPRN8qL3QNI/AAAAAAAAFHw/Enz2tgipSwY-5bqX_ZqLn5P4HRS0b0PEACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502150741_IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBc47UWJln0/YPRN8qL3QNI/AAAAAAAAFHw/Enz2tgipSwY-5bqX_ZqLn5P4HRS0b0PEACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210502150741_IMG_1170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ve6qslwXgk/YPRN8IWhZRI/AAAAAAAAFHs/hzFrMeBlzJsiEoPHsdGkEOtoafXpIHCuACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502160016_IMG_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ve6qslwXgk/YPRN8IWhZRI/AAAAAAAAFHs/hzFrMeBlzJsiEoPHsdGkEOtoafXpIHCuACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210502160016_IMG_1214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Now, as long as you are willing to make the drive to reach Still Landing, you might as well drop in at the Hampton Plantation Historic Site. Ordinarily, the idea of visiting a plantation holds zero appeal for me. Even setting aside the un-set-aside-able problem of marketing nostalgia for a slave economy, I generally steer clear of attractions whose underlying appeal is "seeing how rich people lived." It's why I never went to Biltmore House when I lived in Asheville. But, Hampton Plantation is free and, most importantly, features the only public restrooms within 10 miles of Still Landing. Also, you can ignore the house and still gawk at the live oaks. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KM8v1Dsja5U/YPROPChxCYI/AAAAAAAAFIA/zgpfTwfoA2cFXpii8K1nmvZShyhRX5iZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_162905669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KM8v1Dsja5U/YPROPChxCYI/AAAAAAAAFIA/zgpfTwfoA2cFXpii8K1nmvZShyhRX5iZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210502_162905669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QG_TDgTNjl4/YPROO_INc_I/AAAAAAAAFH8/VBED5wrYJf0xVcERmKVaySuJul3vmHLAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_164800376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QG_TDgTNjl4/YPROO_INc_I/AAAAAAAAFH8/VBED5wrYJf0xVcERmKVaySuJul3vmHLAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210502_164800376.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>To wrap up, in case I'm sounding lukewarm about the trip, once you reach the creek you can expect a great paddle and explore a wilderness that can be explored for hours. Every wind in the creek is going to open onto stunning views, and the banks will be full of flowers, butterflies, and birds well worth a closer look. You won't be disappointed if you make the journey. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-payv5hd1dP0/YPRO0mti8aI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/Px8UWKE30wEQcRfys56YfvlR5_fQUJ5zACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502151801_IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-payv5hd1dP0/YPRO0mti8aI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/Px8UWKE30wEQcRfys56YfvlR5_fQUJ5zACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210502151801_IMG_1195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWjmgjDn6Q4/YPRO0o3MQxI/AAAAAAAAFIM/GDucVJjmtmYR3T69Z5VSbY7pBLtLWU3fwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502160016_IMG_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWjmgjDn6Q4/YPRO0o3MQxI/AAAAAAAAFIM/GDucVJjmtmYR3T69Z5VSbY7pBLtLWU3fwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210502160016_IMG_1214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eSXNSJ9QjA/YPRO06bKAXI/AAAAAAAAFIU/yhX-MPGZbNY__sOaEBxD5Jr_z_4DiykvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210502161923_IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eSXNSJ9QjA/YPRO06bKAXI/AAAAAAAAFIU/yhX-MPGZbNY__sOaEBxD5Jr_z_4DiykvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210502161923_IMG_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUv8JbNCBBM/YPRO2BpMZ_I/AAAAAAAAFIc/Yx4H8xYWBp8wtO-QTNAt9bb0ImM7FccIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210502_194237465.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUv8JbNCBBM/YPRO2BpMZ_I/AAAAAAAAFIc/Yx4H8xYWBp8wtO-QTNAt9bb0ImM7FccIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210502_194237465.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYnOWtQu0AI/YPRO2GDBuiI/AAAAAAAAFIY/LwjmnS2m_msj8eQgYYHQR1M2cnSmnP1eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210502_201913604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYnOWtQu0AI/YPRO2GDBuiI/AAAAAAAAFIY/LwjmnS2m_msj8eQgYYHQR1M2cnSmnP1eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210502_201913604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-26315097461129780452021-05-20T18:42:00.003-07:002021-05-20T18:49:57.329-07:00Biking the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville, SC to Travelers Rest, SC<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: April 16, 2021</li><li>Posted Mileage 22 (not all currently connected)</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 32.46</li><li>Type of Trail: Paved rail trail</li><li>Conveniences: Restrooms, picnic tables, decent trail maps</li><li>Best Features: Excellent trail towns at each end, fantastic design, numerous restaurants</li><li>Worst Features: A little tricky to navigate</li><li>Wildlife spotted: Deer, woodchuck. Sadly lacking in actual rabbits! </li><li>Vegetation: Wildflowers, tended flower beds, hardwoods, pines</li><li>Associated Website: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/316/Swamp-Rabbit-Trail-Interactive-Map</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div>In my last post about the <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/05/biking-little-tennessee-river-greenway.html" target="_blank">Little Tennessee Greenway,</a> I talked about viewing a greenway or rail trail as a long, skinny, public park rather than simply as a road that lets bikers move between destinations. There is probably no trail we've ever ridden that merges these two ideas better than the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This trail runs from the heart of downtown Greenville into the center of Travelers Rest, a journey of a little over a dozen miles. In each downtown you'll find restaurants, breweries, and ice cream parlors located next to the trail. Along the way, great effort has been made to make the ride beautiful. </div><div><br /></div><div>My ordinary pattern in blogging about a trail is to write paragraphs first, then stick a few photos in between. But, mile after mile, the Swamp Rabbit is designed to delight the eye. So, for this blog, I'm uploading pics in a more or less random fashion and commenting as needed. It's going to be a little rambling... but if you want a trail to ramble along, it's difficult to beat the Swamp Rabbit. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBo2MpdXCIM/YKa1eioARzI/AAAAAAAAFBw/WWF79ad-zNc1d8BF0Uvodm7GgwQM2srfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416100730_IMG_0982.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBo2MpdXCIM/YKa1eioARzI/AAAAAAAAFBw/WWF79ad-zNc1d8BF0Uvodm7GgwQM2srfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416100730_IMG_0982.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls Park on the Reedy is in the heart of Greenville, carefully landscaped and full of sculptures. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Et1KSRKgxuk/YKa1eNCpitI/AAAAAAAAFBo/uuQ_VvAqGLcwr4RHRfXzrFLe2YrtXVJRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416103533_IMG_0990.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Et1KSRKgxuk/YKa1eNCpitI/AAAAAAAAFBo/uuQ_VvAqGLcwr4RHRfXzrFLe2YrtXVJRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416103533_IMG_0990.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short distance out of downtown there are exercise stations, so you can ride your real bike to work out on a stationary bike. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9dl1tuMysc/YKa1eosw0jI/AAAAAAAAFBs/D8KC5kx1JGM37rKjVTk9mWk4Ra_GN2eogCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416110604_IMG_1003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9dl1tuMysc/YKa1eosw0jI/AAAAAAAAFBs/D8KC5kx1JGM37rKjVTk9mWk4Ra_GN2eogCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416110604_IMG_1003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0kQjHaZyWg/YKa1jF-atLI/AAAAAAAAFCA/pm7UBpXcE08uqqfddkllI-TqrqAD8FF8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416110704_IMG_1005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0kQjHaZyWg/YKa1jF-atLI/AAAAAAAAFCA/pm7UBpXcE08uqqfddkllI-TqrqAD8FF8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416110704_IMG_1005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-G6xeX1CVM/YKa1kY3ssHI/AAAAAAAAFCE/wpEuv4HiA_Qajt6BH-sgIEE1W8ojrEAWACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416110908_IMG_1008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-G6xeX1CVM/YKa1kY3ssHI/AAAAAAAAFCE/wpEuv4HiA_Qajt6BH-sgIEE1W8ojrEAWACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416110908_IMG_1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail leads through a Cancer Survivors Park. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OzG-XxAhPk/YKa1i-NqIqI/AAAAAAAAFB4/xhn72lTRFOgJEZBL3tVyj4v9UgKLycssACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416111727_IMG_1018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OzG-XxAhPk/YKa1i-NqIqI/AAAAAAAAFB4/xhn72lTRFOgJEZBL3tVyj4v9UgKLycssACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416111727_IMG_1018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central to the Cancer Survivors Park is this pavilion with a roof that draws your gaze skyward. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiP-US6MZZs/YKa1l5iYQZI/AAAAAAAAFCI/zYxJMUqEslUTRXS1setydMvr3TKfNUhJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210416111921_IMG_1024.JPG" width="300" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00fDlerDORk/YKa1tEb5GbI/AAAAAAAAFCo/IeC8Gngh3Bo9DTA7Chjj565830lmYxQ9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416203207_IMG_1104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00fDlerDORk/YKa1tEb5GbI/AAAAAAAAFCo/IeC8Gngh3Bo9DTA7Chjj565830lmYxQ9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416203207_IMG_1104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning at night is a treat. </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD8T5P7sd_Y/YKa1mSTT0HI/AAAAAAAAFCM/W7TwpwocEgMFFYr96qG4dYZNm_pPbcUtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416115652_IMG_1047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD8T5P7sd_Y/YKa1mSTT0HI/AAAAAAAAFCM/W7TwpwocEgMFFYr96qG4dYZNm_pPbcUtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416115652_IMG_1047.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technically adjacent to the Swamp Rabbit, the highlight of downtown Greenville is Reedy Falls and Liberty Bridge, a curved suspension bridge that offers an unrivaled view. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Xg8645wJk/YKa1oIxg5-I/AAAAAAAAFCQ/DdSx11En1QUkwRxLzSzQ4PFxYTJhFNyngCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416115846_IMG_1051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Xg8645wJk/YKa1oIxg5-I/AAAAAAAAFCQ/DdSx11En1QUkwRxLzSzQ4PFxYTJhFNyngCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416115846_IMG_1051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3OhDKTbaXs/YKa1pSyvpzI/AAAAAAAAFCY/ruYjG0ie2nEgs0kUCwxuJLaQF08EPNNvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416131332_IMG_1067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3OhDKTbaXs/YKa1pSyvpzI/AAAAAAAAFCY/ruYjG0ie2nEgs0kUCwxuJLaQF08EPNNvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416131332_IMG_1067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sculptures aren't limited to downtown. This one is about midway between Greenville and Travelers Rest. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfAJKwULPv0/YKa1o6xK-NI/AAAAAAAAFCU/ghEgDZKCIiwsSeL3yE5WNXWlzY2NKaDswCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416135440_IMG_1069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfAJKwULPv0/YKa1o6xK-NI/AAAAAAAAFCU/ghEgDZKCIiwsSeL3yE5WNXWlzY2NKaDswCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416135440_IMG_1069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As might be expected from the name, Travelers Rest is an inviting place stop and enjoy trailside shops and restaurants. Grab some ice cream at Pink Mama!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgBAaHn4TXk/YKa1rII01YI/AAAAAAAAFCg/7LooGeaCPpcGXdnzsj0w9Q-8A0YQKfs2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416135913_IMG_1072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgBAaHn4TXk/YKa1rII01YI/AAAAAAAAFCg/7LooGeaCPpcGXdnzsj0w9Q-8A0YQKfs2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416135913_IMG_1072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swamp Rabbit himself greets you in Travelers Rest. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hPn9n0mIIU/YKa1q-57VfI/AAAAAAAAFCc/BW3B_xjpP9QVZm0FSs_-WkH8Z1TKlUazQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416140119_IMG_1074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hPn9n0mIIU/YKa1q-57VfI/AAAAAAAAFCc/BW3B_xjpP9QVZm0FSs_-WkH8Z1TKlUazQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416140119_IMG_1074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In town on business and didn't bring a bike? No problem! This trail has nearly as many rental options as the <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/10/biking-virginia-creeper-trail.html" target="_blank">Virginia Creeper Trail</a>. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaHKY6sMvVg/YKa1s_GAOpI/AAAAAAAAFCk/SQ-dt5D12oMdRIgtw5MhkodMaAU4SM_ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416151925_IMG_1089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaHKY6sMvVg/YKa1s_GAOpI/AAAAAAAAFCk/SQ-dt5D12oMdRIgtw5MhkodMaAU4SM_ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416151925_IMG_1089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tributes to the trail's railroad origins are abundant.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soLfoZuKCYY/YKa1tI703SI/AAAAAAAAFCs/ApcBWbmqFoYOS6w8d3Mx3WsCJxrOV_jMACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210416153257_IMG_1093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soLfoZuKCYY/YKa1tI703SI/AAAAAAAAFCs/ApcBWbmqFoYOS6w8d3Mx3WsCJxrOV_jMACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210416153257_IMG_1093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVRtqj56r6c/YKa1t53SVII/AAAAAAAAFC0/jmvXb5oIZOUwrp0qR7wZZwjeKNnlLNalACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_132847882.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVRtqj56r6c/YKa1t53SVII/AAAAAAAAFC0/jmvXb5oIZOUwrp0qR7wZZwjeKNnlLNalACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210416_132847882.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery is a popular stop along the trail. Great food!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrPa9YIqywc/YKa1uwqRdrI/AAAAAAAAFC8/A_YZ5NJsdBgCMfm-J5j9MEktepkRbWq1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_140731773.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrPa9YIqywc/YKa1uwqRdrI/AAAAAAAAFC8/A_YZ5NJsdBgCMfm-J5j9MEktepkRbWq1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210416_140731773.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Greenville.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_z-8yObG0U/YKa1u-LFT3I/AAAAAAAAFDA/qDwTH8A_jaUiIk2lKvn3VqS6wYAfOYkegCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_141223937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_z-8yObG0U/YKa1u-LFT3I/AAAAAAAAFDA/qDwTH8A_jaUiIk2lKvn3VqS6wYAfOYkegCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210416_141223937.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Medusa Tree. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG2GMzVthlQ/YKa1wEa1kHI/AAAAAAAAFDE/4Au3o-k7uigsQ_lp3ckPdO8aUuQwPPTtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_151737360.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG2GMzVthlQ/YKa1wEa1kHI/AAAAAAAAFDE/4Au3o-k7uigsQ_lp3ckPdO8aUuQwPPTtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210416_151737360.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly arch at the Cancer Survivor Garden.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSnTR65ia2Q/YKa1w746MyI/AAAAAAAAFDI/dHrWk1iY_WMKYIJtii784m_ieNN3CuZxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210416_153834784.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bet this place is pretty at night...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSnTR65ia2Q/YKa1w746MyI/AAAAAAAAFDI/dHrWk1iY_WMKYIJtii784m_ieNN3CuZxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_153834784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHyb0Iax4eA/YKbAKrIwlrI/AAAAAAAAFEU/HbfvLM1i4ygH0iyWDCAPU9MIRG-CQaaWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_004702163.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHyb0Iax4eA/YKbAKrIwlrI/AAAAAAAAFEU/HbfvLM1i4ygH0iyWDCAPU9MIRG-CQaaWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_004702163.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OggpfgWbEc/YKbAWGbKztI/AAAAAAAAFEY/Oj6RffSEQlw5u3xXi2ZgD7UKlQC6fiz4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_005928270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OggpfgWbEc/YKbAWGbKztI/AAAAAAAAFEY/Oj6RffSEQlw5u3xXi2ZgD7UKlQC6fiz4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_005928270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i73am14_LEs/YKa1xELaYwI/AAAAAAAAFDM/vc7G6WLdmwk_tGrMcJob2_k01XRYn9KlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_153923686.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i73am14_LEs/YKa1xELaYwI/AAAAAAAAFDM/vc7G6WLdmwk_tGrMcJob2_k01XRYn9KlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210416_153923686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDjsWY1XlgI/YKa1xWXikUI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/32VGUCr_9c4Z7xxTRz5kzxfOlRYgQOIGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_154019463.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDjsWY1XlgI/YKa1xWXikUI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/32VGUCr_9c4Z7xxTRz5kzxfOlRYgQOIGACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210416_154019463.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp Rabbit gives you wings! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umv9aumuvMs/YKa1ypB_1vI/AAAAAAAAFDY/JLsdPUACHTogMqeS2qkhhhBOYhf5Ow5cQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210416_164744077.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umv9aumuvMs/YKa1ypB_1vI/AAAAAAAAFDY/JLsdPUACHTogMqeS2qkhhhBOYhf5Ow5cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210416_164744077.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southernside Brewing, trailside.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct6tpBif36k/YKa1zAPxWiI/AAAAAAAAFDo/kMAiy5U2Ejo9XefifsTymRld6hWsNb_HACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_010621919.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct6tpBif36k/YKa1zAPxWiI/AAAAAAAAFDo/kMAiy5U2Ejo9XefifsTymRld6hWsNb_HACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_010621919.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of downtown Greenville is sculpted by light at night.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQWDt2VAVSs/YKa1z7ynoEI/AAAAAAAAFDg/W4L-tiO5j9welhIEPY0b4onOmyGpTyeyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_224101865.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQWDt2VAVSs/YKa1z7ynoEI/AAAAAAAAFDg/W4L-tiO5j9welhIEPY0b4onOmyGpTyeyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_224101865.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's tricky to tell from this picture, but the cowcatcher is a brick pizza oven. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wL4ntGRGCVw/YKa1z61LbGI/AAAAAAAAFDk/Wfr7_bDc3f8Q7HNjIgJsI6YyQfg2LsukQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_224108691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wL4ntGRGCVw/YKa1z61LbGI/AAAAAAAAFDk/Wfr7_bDc3f8Q7HNjIgJsI6YyQfg2LsukQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_224108691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX_AdN4TTU8/YKa103TivwI/AAAAAAAAFDs/16ylNNNDgaIew4-coF9wPf20Cd-uakqwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_235212836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX_AdN4TTU8/YKa103TivwI/AAAAAAAAFDs/16ylNNNDgaIew4-coF9wPf20Cd-uakqwACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_235212836.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDlwXKVSr0Y/YKa114MW8uI/AAAAAAAAFD0/aIyoUcD7-y830KLfL3keWJI5IaSf8CIHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210418_000424527.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDlwXKVSr0Y/YKa114MW8uI/AAAAAAAAFD0/aIyoUcD7-y830KLfL3keWJI5IaSf8CIHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210418_000424527.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whistle Stop Cafe, where you can get fried green tomatoes as a pizza topping. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wz0XqTtPoVg/YKa11oYw7wI/AAAAAAAAFDw/7eRriNz59gMVEl596c4aiHExgss02UVxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210417_235758201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wz0XqTtPoVg/YKa11oYw7wI/AAAAAAAAFDw/7eRriNz59gMVEl596c4aiHExgss02UVxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210417_235758201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the road from the Whistle Stop is the Swamp Rabbit Brewery Taproom. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>The Swamp Rabbit is very close to a perfect rail trail. It packs in more visual delights per linear mile than any other trail we can think of. There are a few busy road crossing, but all have crossing lights. From the center of Greenville to downtown Travelers Rest, the trail is flat and in very good shape. The few places it wasn't in good shape were due to ongoing construction to get the trail into even better shape. The only difficulty is that, once you reach downtown Greenville, you start encountering side trails and it can get slightly tricky figuring out which path to follow. Especially once you're past the Medusa Tree, Google Maps will show bike trails that are actually foot trails full of steps. Also, once you're past the cancer garden, there are a few challenging hills. Nothing too difficult, but definitely no longer railroad bed flatness. Finally, the trail markers seem to be aspirational, hinting at a much longer length than what's actually available as a continuous off road ride. Tacking on side trails, our out and back journey was a little over 30 miles, which is fine. That's a nice full day of riding, especially if you're stopping every other mile for photos and giving into the temptations of trailside ice cream and cafes. If you haven't ridden this trail yet, get there at once!<br /><div><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-38492932138712784952021-05-20T18:42:00.002-07:002021-05-20T18:42:51.197-07:00Biking the Little Tennessee River Greenway, Franklin, NC<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: March 20, 2021</li><li>Posted Mileage 4-ish</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 6.19</li><li>Type of Trail: mixed surface rail trail</li><li>Conveniences: Trailhead with bathrooms and picnic tables</li><li>Best Features: Covered Bridge</li><li>Worst Features: Rough surface, confusing trail path </li><li>Wildlife spotted: None</li><li>Vegetation: Wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: https://www.littletennessee.org/ </li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfymWcgqjDM/YKZ8bLOaphI/AAAAAAAAFA0/_a91vdShIhMt7wu2fymyToRoWm0zFZ2mACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_194720512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfymWcgqjDM/YKZ8bLOaphI/AAAAAAAAFA0/_a91vdShIhMt7wu2fymyToRoWm0zFZ2mACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_194720512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>When we tackled the <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/04/biking-silver-comet-trail-smryna.html" target="_blank">Silver Comet</a> and <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/04/biking-chief-ladiga-trail-anniston.html" target="_blank">Chief Ladiga</a> Trails back in March, we saw no reason to race straight home. From north Georgia, it's a relatively short hop into western North Carolina, so I scanned Google Maps to find a greenway we might explore. The Little Tennessee River sprang up. It is, as far as I can tell, the westernmost rail trail in North Carolina, so it seemed like a good one to check off our list. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og3qB7MKyLg/YKZ8mfy2-tI/AAAAAAAAFA8/yqOyF-pzo0AnxlUIPKWtmo5n-4897LMrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_200910799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og3qB7MKyLg/YKZ8mfy2-tI/AAAAAAAAFA8/yqOyF-pzo0AnxlUIPKWtmo5n-4897LMrACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_200910799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bETnBmrQFic/YKZ8mY1SqgI/AAAAAAAAFA4/aczjP4vZLL4QJoMNU_bAsjz6BJjCKp3AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_201718796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bETnBmrQFic/YKZ8mY1SqgI/AAAAAAAAFA4/aczjP4vZLL4QJoMNU_bAsjz6BJjCKp3AgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_201718796.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Little Tennessee River Greenway follows two railway cuts along the eponymous river through Franklin, NC. Franklin is a lovely little town. We ate lunch at the Motor Company Grill, which specializes in ridiculously decadent burgers and shakes. Laden with calories, we went in search of parking for the greenway, and launched our journey from Tassee Park near the midpoint of the trail. This has bathrooms and picnic tables, but the paths down from the parking area to the trail itself were a little rugged. We headed south. Before long we reached the best feature of the greenway, the Nonah Bridge, a wooden covered bridge that is a thoughtful blend of functional infrastructure and public art. Riding through it is reminiscent of riding through a cathedral, or perhaps the upturned belly of a wooden sailing ship. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7XVmYHzhrg/YKZ8yOUMFFI/AAAAAAAAFBE/NpnvDej0qlAouFoopkf8ZYW76ObhQP8hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_194335102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7XVmYHzhrg/YKZ8yOUMFFI/AAAAAAAAFBE/NpnvDej0qlAouFoopkf8ZYW76ObhQP8hQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_194335102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I've thought a lot about this bridge in the last two months. Having ridden several dozen greenways in numerous states, some of our favorites are ones where the people in charge of the trail understand that greenways are more akin to parks than to highways. Yes, we love long trails that let us ride from one town to another, but usually the trail itself is the destination for us, not merely a neutral surface that exists to provide easy passage from point A to point B. Once you think of a greenway as a long, thin park, it sets some expectations. Parks feature sculptures, flower gardens, and picnic shelters. Obviously, on a thirty mile greenway that passes through multiple jurisdictions, you wouldn't expect every foot to be lined with flowerbeds. Some of our favorite trails just let nature run wild six inches off the pavement. But the Nonah Bridge leaves me wondering why more greenways don't make the effort to build beautiful infrastructure. Not to name names, but Cheryl and I can name a trails where, instead of a lovely bridge crossing a pleasant river, there's are bland concrete slabs bordered by chain-link that give the surrounding the feel of an industrial wasteland. I understand that a beautiful bridge like the Nonah costs more than something drab, but we drove over a hundred miles out of our way because of the pictures of <i>this</i> bridge. No doubt other people do as well. Attractive things make good attractions! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLPmxekymHU/YKZ87wITzbI/AAAAAAAAFBM/AMbLcrnR81kSZicAx93CDanXcAqgcv6GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_201118175.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLPmxekymHU/YKZ87wITzbI/AAAAAAAAFBM/AMbLcrnR81kSZicAx93CDanXcAqgcv6GwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_201118175.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>So, big bonus points for the LTRG having such an excellent feature, one that's made me look at every greenway I've since ridden in a different light. Unfortunately, the fact that this trail includes such a great bridge makes the rest of the trail a baffling disappointment. The trail is a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, at somewhat random intervals. The gravel is rough enough that I wouldn't recommend tackling this trail on a road bike. The other problem we had was a lack of clear signage. As you head toward downtown, the trail reaches the back of a shopping center. Google maps indicated the trail continued on the other side of the river, but the pathway wasn't immediately clear, and the bridge crossing into downtown had a ton of traffic on it, so we turned back. It looks like we only missed out on another mile or so of riding. Even though there are downloadable trail maps, if a trail sort of fizzles out in a parking lot, clear markers pointing toward the next step of the journey are a necessity. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNN24XXzJbk/YKZ9FK-pL8I/AAAAAAAAFBY/dwnw-_oNHJ0tLdu9b0vuyovFLvCmU4zfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_195012238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNN24XXzJbk/YKZ9FK-pL8I/AAAAAAAAFBY/dwnw-_oNHJ0tLdu9b0vuyovFLvCmU4zfACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_195012238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuQJDtHQPlc/YKZ9FKpBHTI/AAAAAAAAFBU/1CxSKjTF_vIjwi_bk2sdxH3sj3driRw2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_201122834.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuQJDtHQPlc/YKZ9FKpBHTI/AAAAAAAAFBU/1CxSKjTF_vIjwi_bk2sdxH3sj3driRw2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210320_201122834.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>If you're serious about biking, this trail is probably a little too short to be worth the drive just to ride it. But, I imagine that in the fall, when the color is changing, this would be a spectacular greenway for a walk or run. But, if you are looking for a longer trail that has fully embraced the "greenway as a park" philosophy, do we have a trail for you! Up next: <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/05/biking-swamp-rabbit-trail-greenville-sc.html" target="_blank">The Swamp Rabbit!</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7tTzkWh0o8/YKZ9MxRiz_I/AAAAAAAAFBc/Tl1CNhIWAJoyVYk0hjg10uHaFBdoXssSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210320_190610723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7tTzkWh0o8/YKZ9MxRiz_I/AAAAAAAAFBc/Tl1CNhIWAJoyVYk0hjg10uHaFBdoXssSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210320_190610723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>James Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16927848864775293278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-64878448326106511942021-04-02T09:22:00.001-07:002021-04-02T09:34:43.997-07:00Biking the Silver Comet Trail, Smryna Georgia to the Alabama border<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: March 14-17</li><li>Posted Mileage 61.5</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 122</li><li>Type of Trail: Paved rail-trail</li><li>Conveniences: Nice trailheads, good signs, plenty of bathrooms and picnic tables near trail</li><li>Best Features: Great surface, access to downtowns</li><li>Worst Features: Busy road crossings, though all with lights. Also, "Surprise Hill." </li><li>Wildlife spotted: Hawks. Turkeys. </li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, pines, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: https://www.silvercometga.com/index.shtml</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSYM6_OzaZA/YGYu-E5zTwI/AAAAAAAAE5U/xUAaDe6hRJAphvOl3LtvTUJrwibAjyFSACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_152218388.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSYM6_OzaZA/YGYu-E5zTwI/AAAAAAAAE5U/xUAaDe6hRJAphvOl3LtvTUJrwibAjyFSACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210315_152218388.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>I don't know if anyone ever looks at the labels we attach to these posts, but for this one we're introducing a new label: Vacation Destination. A lot of the trails we've written about are near where we live, and they are perfectly fine trails. But, no one is going to take off a week to ride, say, the<a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/12/biking-thermal-belt-rail-trail.html" target="_blank"> Thermal Belt Trail </a>in Spindale. Vacation Destination Trails need to be long enough to justify hotel stays (or camping), plus several days exploring them. Of trails we've already written about, the <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/06/biking-greenbrier-river-trail-west_11.html" target="_blank">Greenbriar Trail</a> in West Virginia is in this category. Also the T<a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/01/tammany-trace-trail-louisiana.html" target="_blank">ammany Trace</a> in Louisiana, and the <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/10/biking-new-river-trail-virginia.html" target="_blank">New River Trail</a> and <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2020/10/biking-virginia-creeper-trail.html" target="_blank">Virginia Creeper</a> in Virginia. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5rdy6fFq5c/YGYvPp_ZFRI/AAAAAAAAE5c/KHYY6CiqdY0txI-B88rQScNjMsj0I-F0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_153149084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5rdy6fFq5c/YGYvPp_ZFRI/AAAAAAAAE5c/KHYY6CiqdY0txI-B88rQScNjMsj0I-F0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210315_153149084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Our latest vacation destination trail is a twofer. The longest continuous paved rail trail in the eastern US is the combined Silver Comet Trail (Georgia) and <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/04/biking-chief-ladiga-trail-anniston.html" target="_blank">Chief Ladiga Trail</a> (Alabama.) Combined, they offer nearly 100 miles of riding. Some bikers might be tempted to race along the whole length in a single day, but we took our time, taking photographs as we went and spending a little time in the towns the trail passes through. We planned to do the whole trail system as out and back rides from different trailheads each day, over five days. Fortunately, we'd built in a buffer for a rain day, because, yeah, it rained. A lot. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijedMfoM7s4/YGYwTk-L4HI/AAAAAAAAE5s/Jzrf374PtEsoXx7vfnh67sdWrlO2y0MbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210314_203111237.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijedMfoM7s4/YGYwTk-L4HI/AAAAAAAAE5s/Jzrf374PtEsoXx7vfnh67sdWrlO2y0MbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210314_203111237.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first day, there was enough sun to cast shadows...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyukwc8qDAI/YGYveknN0fI/AAAAAAAAE5g/SPwI6IO_e7QH-mAoOKw11fGw1915F0YHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210317_173347947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyukwc8qDAI/YGYveknN0fI/AAAAAAAAE5g/SPwI6IO_e7QH-mAoOKw11fGw1915F0YHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210317_173347947.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...by midweek, we counted this as dry. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvH3fHWkBqY/YGYw5sNdJLI/AAAAAAAAE54/V_ay5jHlUG4G86qZcjFvIhUJ0QBacNaHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210317092345_IMG_0537.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvH3fHWkBqY/YGYw5sNdJLI/AAAAAAAAE54/V_ay5jHlUG4G86qZcjFvIhUJ0QBacNaHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210317092345_IMG_0537.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nice thing about rainy day rides is that it does tend to thin out the crowds!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>We did get nearly perfect weather for our first day, when we started at mile 0 in Smyrna and rode to Hiram, logging about 29 miles round trip. It was a Sunday, sunny and warm, and the trail was crowded! As often happens on popular greenways, there's a tension between serious bikers out to race as fast as they can and whole families leisurely meandering along the trail with strollers and leashed dogs. As avid bikers, Cheryl and I get annoyed by families spreading out to cover the whole trail, but even more annoyed by bike racers who treat a mixed use trail like an interstate. Our ability to really enjoy the ride was offset some by witnessing numerous near collisions. Still, we finished the first day excited by the potential of the trail. The surface of the trail was excellent, there were bathrooms, parks, and even a bike shop along the route. We also liked that each town we biked into had their own customized trail signs. We did find the mile markers on this section odd, since they aren't placed at any sort of regular intervals, so that you might have a mile marker 3.9, but no mile marker 4. It's more quirky than annoying. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPs1Uxbc19U/YGYyFcpjH5I/AAAAAAAAE6I/a4yfuMDAn6Y9unC0KCY_D89Jtvbm2MB_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210314_175550621.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPs1Uxbc19U/YGYyFcpjH5I/AAAAAAAAE6I/a4yfuMDAn6Y9unC0KCY_D89Jtvbm2MB_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210314_175550621.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 0.0 is the last obvious mile marker you'll see for a while.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XZot0ZLmYo/YGYyFRWz5SI/AAAAAAAAE6E/JMRlkuQ0CIU8sgYMpU9ZE04523Ia_7QowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210314_184048532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XZot0ZLmYo/YGYyFRWz5SI/AAAAAAAAE6E/JMRlkuQ0CIU8sgYMpU9ZE04523Ia_7QowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210314_184048532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailside bike shops are a great feature of any serious rail trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XonDtclPtmM/YGYyFc-RUWI/AAAAAAAAE6A/rSiM8iyMZts5Qq31ZYPkrf5Sdt-PN-NAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210314_194458321.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XonDtclPtmM/YGYyFc-RUWI/AAAAAAAAE6A/rSiM8iyMZts5Qq31ZYPkrf5Sdt-PN-NAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210314_194458321.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The towns along the route all seemed proud to be part of the trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The next day we biked from Hiram to Rockmart, a round trip of 45 miles. This section leaves behind the more populated sections of the trail, taking you through forests and farmlands, and through the Brushy Mountain Tunnel. Rockmart welcomes you with a lovely small town center and ample places to sit at a picnic table and enjoy a long break. We expected some crowd-thinning on a Monday, but were surprised to find ourselves alone mile after mile on this section. But, we were riding in the face of an oncoming stormfront. We lucked out and made it back to the car before getting too much rain. After two days, we'd already knocked out so much of the Silver Comet, we started to think we'd maybe finish it the following day. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0O43-n3D0A/YGYzsWRG67I/AAAAAAAAE6c/tAKTtFVBvXUQkugokCbYxVSJiSS1LeEowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210314_195623059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0O43-n3D0A/YGYzsWRG67I/AAAAAAAAE6c/tAKTtFVBvXUQkugokCbYxVSJiSS1LeEowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210314_195623059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The caboose in Hiram is actually a sheriff substation. An officer patrolling the trail on bike was very helpful.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCGv1BzWxVs/YGYzsSg9w7I/AAAAAAAAE6g/hsJJb3qBcAwqLWXcWuCoGqhvyeHrSMAdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_144826125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCGv1BzWxVs/YGYzsSg9w7I/AAAAAAAAE6g/hsJJb3qBcAwqLWXcWuCoGqhvyeHrSMAdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210315_144826125.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the trail heads had little libraries, so I could mix a little business with pleasure, seeding Georgia with my books! And thus began the legend of Johnny Dragonseed. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfw3enyJPHQ/YGYzsciXrkI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/dVSSDsTJKCAjSU3oXUvK9T3wg3ggPdYZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_151118428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfw3enyJPHQ/YGYzsciXrkI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/dVSSDsTJKCAjSU3oXUvK9T3wg3ggPdYZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210315_151118428.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right on the verge of spring, little flowers were peeking up everywhere. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-498X8FqVi88/YGY1T6dL_lI/AAAAAAAAE68/P4c000Ya_mQUmuRL6D58t-4hO18r8ZsvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_190918993.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-498X8FqVi88/YGY1T6dL_lI/AAAAAAAAE68/P4c000Ya_mQUmuRL6D58t-4hO18r8ZsvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210315_190918993.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brushy Mountain Tunnel. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Then, the rains came. We hung out in the hotel as long as we could stand it, then headed back to Rockmart for a short afternoon ride in between bands of the storm. We only logged 16 miles on day 3, but this turned out to be a lucky break. Past Rockmart, the Silver Comet stops following a former rail bed, and turns into a hilly ride next to a highway for several miles. It's got enough climbing to be a real workout. We'd gotten our bikes tuned up before the trip, a good thing because we did a lot of gear shifting, and really needed our brakes as steep downhills lead to road crossings directly off a highway. That said, in the parts of the trail where you get away from the road, this section is lovely, with rolling farmland along both sides of the trail. We got behind a pair of wild turkeys grazing on the margins of the trail and they took off running down the greenway ahead of us, so we had escorts for about a mile before they finally veered off into the woods. We got back to the car soaked, but pleased with our progress. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KpwunVwARU/YGZEhbNW_0I/AAAAAAAAE7Q/3yTB7s4EepECDCLdYTvYkrL1QPL4VSL7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_175339698.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KpwunVwARU/YGZEhbNW_0I/AAAAAAAAE7Q/3yTB7s4EepECDCLdYTvYkrL1QPL4VSL7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210315_175339698.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgOwbeMi-4c/YGZEhUsMBlI/AAAAAAAAE7U/ox5xvLsYyDkvOFALP1BK9T3DoerBT1gJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210316_191703870.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GgOwbeMi-4c/YGZEhUsMBlI/AAAAAAAAE7U/ox5xvLsYyDkvOFALP1BK9T3DoerBT1gJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210316_191703870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NbaKae71Qw/YGZEhtloksI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/X8G5mYMlUsoY7hFqWGqSmsVTvYeXhKATgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210317_154858320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NbaKae71Qw/YGZEhtloksI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/X8G5mYMlUsoY7hFqWGqSmsVTvYeXhKATgCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210317_154858320.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our final day on the Silver Comet, we parked at the visitor center in Cedartown. It was strangely devoid of information about the trail itself, but has all the trailhead essentials like bathrooms, water, parking, and a place to rest. It was still raining, but we headed east to Grady Road, where we'd stopped the day before. The stretch immediately west of Grady road is the infamous "Surprise Hill." It's very steep, but the worst is behind you in probably a quarter of a mile. We got back to our car as the rain died off and changed into dry clothes. We weren't finished! From Cedartown, it's only about 10 miles to the Alabama border, so we were determined to knock that out. Fortunately, after the challenging landscape between Rockmart and Cedartown, the ride to the border is once again a true rail trail, flat and straight for most of the ride, and through farmlands well removed from any traffic noise. There's a nice archway at the border between Georgia and Alabama, where the Silver Comet meets up the the Chief Ladiga Trail. You can read about our adventure riding that trail <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/04/biking-chief-ladiga-trail-anniston.html">here</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9_ljmSUiYU/YGZFrcgehsI/AAAAAAAAE7s/u1CF73BHjA0ibKc4zX_WVCStbELZP_K3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210317104242_IMG_0544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9_ljmSUiYU/YGZFrcgehsI/AAAAAAAAE7s/u1CF73BHjA0ibKc4zX_WVCStbELZP_K3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210317104242_IMG_0544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4krIg7pdwjw/YGZFrDIugtI/AAAAAAAAE7k/2gLWggx-RDYa002Ie-y9gL8p_BBrBWpnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210316_162124073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4krIg7pdwjw/YGZFrDIugtI/AAAAAAAAE7k/2gLWggx-RDYa002Ie-y9gL8p_BBrBWpnACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210316_162124073.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTlwHQxjcDw/YGZFrA2KuZI/AAAAAAAAE7o/f8E0yWcrCSInr0Kka05wJ2C_EOqQHQkZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210316_203523065.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTlwHQxjcDw/YGZFrA2KuZI/AAAAAAAAE7o/f8E0yWcrCSInr0Kka05wJ2C_EOqQHQkZACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210316_203523065.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cows looked at us like we were crazy to be out in this weather. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAIa3rR5R8E/YGZFr_o02mI/AAAAAAAAE7w/mYE8spPnq_cDMzJD1_AH_1kq8o_t_3RKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210317_162134387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAIa3rR5R8E/YGZFr_o02mI/AAAAAAAAE7w/mYE8spPnq_cDMzJD1_AH_1kq8o_t_3RKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210317_162134387.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeQSfikQ860/YGZFsBiH-yI/AAAAAAAAE70/EiEr924BK1oaPCfcDXBiXMzGJSu6-n4QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210317_162238292.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeQSfikQ860/YGZFsBiH-yI/AAAAAAAAE70/EiEr924BK1oaPCfcDXBiXMzGJSu6-n4QwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210317_162238292.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line! But only for Georgia! Another state awaits! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>All in all, the Silver Comet section of our ride was a grand experience. This is a well designed trail with a lot of support from the surrounding communities. There are any number of great day rides possible, and if you wanted to attempt the full distance purely on a bike, there are campgrounds and other places to stay along the route. There are numerous restaurants only a few blocks from the trail at many of the towns you ride through. There aren't many other trails that offer the same freedom to just get out and ride as far as your legs can take you. If you love biking, the Silver Comet should definitely be on your bucket list. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhCbZT3HzVU/YGZGqsduZ6I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/BI6nJg4Dux4G1giUxiWCBxzPinBCq5S5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210315125218_IMG_0355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhCbZT3HzVU/YGZGqsduZ6I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/BI6nJg4Dux4G1giUxiWCBxzPinBCq5S5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210315125218_IMG_0355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH5YaqwhrHg/YGZGptIjqFI/AAAAAAAAE8E/VbEpPQGeGGkF4sSR-6OwRjChNePUzhUmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_161554390.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GH5YaqwhrHg/YGZGptIjqFI/AAAAAAAAE8E/VbEpPQGeGGkF4sSR-6OwRjChNePUzhUmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210315_161554390.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxCW7rzLsys/YGZGp4DtyFI/AAAAAAAAE8I/d_2-FsEM5JkPEZLMeXk5DJpv614K4MvvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_161927771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxCW7rzLsys/YGZGp4DtyFI/AAAAAAAAE8I/d_2-FsEM5JkPEZLMeXk5DJpv614K4MvvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210315_161927771.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcaNyKSz218/YGZGqVO2XtI/AAAAAAAAE8M/Zeg3EcnRzLUx1Smx7-q9G9p_R9KCAa17gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_165305832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcaNyKSz218/YGZGqVO2XtI/AAAAAAAAE8M/Zeg3EcnRzLUx1Smx7-q9G9p_R9KCAa17gCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210315_165305832.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSiY4-q3zNo/YGZGq7QOhsI/AAAAAAAAE8U/iH9BNTJJjhIZjK4tTJHjKQrtAjy9shiZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210315_175807516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSiY4-q3zNo/YGZGq7QOhsI/AAAAAAAAE8U/iH9BNTJJjhIZjK4tTJHjKQrtAjy9shiZACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210315_175807516.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHt2JL7TdGo/YGZGrOWgYkI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/KCaugyteDCIUY-VT-r5EG7l9nc5VwrNKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210317_165608321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHt2JL7TdGo/YGZGrOWgYkI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/KCaugyteDCIUY-VT-r5EG7l9nc5VwrNKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210317_165608321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2114088223724480126.post-60775502314650276862021-04-02T09:05:00.004-07:002021-04-02T09:34:27.226-07:00Biking the Chief Ladiga Trail, Anniston Alabama to the Georgia Border<p> </p><ul><li>Date Biked: March 18-19</li><li>Posted Mileage 32.5</li><li>Total miles Tracked: 66</li><li>Type of Trail: Paved rail-trail</li><li>Conveniences: Great visitor center in Piedmont, parks and benches at various points on the route</li><li>Best Features: Talladega National Forest, Elevated Grounds Coffee House</li><li>Worst Features: A few busy road crossings </li><li>Wildlife spotted: Hawks. Turkeys. </li><li>Vegetation: Hardwoods, pines, wildflowers</li><li>Associated Website: https://alabama.travel/places-to-go/chief-ladiga-trail-eubanks-welcome-center</li><li>Primary Author: James</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZIrXGk3myA/YGZdyYiPPoI/AAAAAAAAE8s/ue81LSPb8BIMnoWljQXYRAdEiOzW1aG7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210318_162622031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZIrXGk3myA/YGZdyYiPPoI/AAAAAAAAE8s/ue81LSPb8BIMnoWljQXYRAdEiOzW1aG7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210318_162622031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Chief Ladiga Trail follows the same rail trail corridor as the Silver Comet, and the two trails combine into one long supertrail that makes a great destination for anyone who loves biking. We'd spent four days riding the <a href="https://bikesbootsboats.blogspot.com/2021/04/biking-silver-comet-trail-smryna.html" target="_blank">Silver Comet </a>before we tackled the Chief Ladiga, and were a little worried our growing exhaustion would dampen our enthusiasm for this trail. Not to worry! The Chief Ladiga may be the shorter of the two trails, but it's an amazing ride with unbeatable scenery and plenty of trail side conveniences. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENjQY5UXbqI/YGZeG4UaFsI/AAAAAAAAE80/sg3adf7HHdk4riRy01V_YybQ8ma4E3ewACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319112304_IMG_0714.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENjQY5UXbqI/YGZeG4UaFsI/AAAAAAAAE80/sg3adf7HHdk4riRy01V_YybQ8ma4E3ewACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319112304_IMG_0714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Csqhl4USuNU/YGZeHHEWlRI/AAAAAAAAE84/gdaZNQvI0_kAhIY_ka-XrJ6lxLChU88FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_165347291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Csqhl4USuNU/YGZeHHEWlRI/AAAAAAAAE84/gdaZNQvI0_kAhIY_ka-XrJ6lxLChU88FgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210319_165347291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In theory, this trail could easily be tackled as a single day 65 mile ride. The Chief Ladiga is a nearly perfect rail trail, with only a few road crossings that you'll need to stop at, and mile after mile of straight, flat, paved surface in excellent condition. But why rush the experience? We divided the ride into two days to take our time and enjoy the scenery.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYK9HXaj5s/YGZeeF9-dkI/AAAAAAAAE9E/FX_9PpY06wQObdcIDgS8Cr-9b-Cu1RVmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319100847_IMG_0684.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYK9HXaj5s/YGZeeF9-dkI/AAAAAAAAE9E/FX_9PpY06wQObdcIDgS8Cr-9b-Cu1RVmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319100847_IMG_0684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qFrZAg4Jbo/YGZeeTmnrJI/AAAAAAAAE9I/EmkCJjJE6f4cLdTAIkiCuunitwJivvDfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319121544_IMG_0720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qFrZAg4Jbo/YGZeeTmnrJI/AAAAAAAAE9I/EmkCJjJE6f4cLdTAIkiCuunitwJivvDfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319121544_IMG_0720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>On the first day, we headed from Piedmont toward Anniston. This takes you through the college town of Jacksonville. The surroundings are pleasant, but for most of the journey you're never far from a highway. After a few days of rain, the clouds were lifting and we had a little company on the trail, though it was never crowded. The Anniston end of the trail has a campground and park with picnic tables and bathrooms. There are a few mild grades, but the whole trail is easy biking that could be tackled by anyone without ever shifting a gear. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7sqHCvPXOU/YGZe2RQHDxI/AAAAAAAAE9U/PX7PcZbZtBMPb27wIFWx4hHUIzF1RVbuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210318_160304746.NIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7sqHCvPXOU/YGZe2RQHDxI/AAAAAAAAE9U/PX7PcZbZtBMPb27wIFWx4hHUIzF1RVbuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210318_160304746.NIGHT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSbezbr9ZYA/YGZe2gJdG-I/AAAAAAAAE9Y/d7PuSE4EE4I2iNIJFOn0gNyn44EssZTWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210318_165612504.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSbezbr9ZYA/YGZe2gJdG-I/AAAAAAAAE9Y/d7PuSE4EE4I2iNIJFOn0gNyn44EssZTWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210318_165612504.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat, straight, and a heck of a lot of it. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Even though we got a little sunshine, it was windy, and we were cold by the time we got back to Piedmont. Fortunately, the bathrooms at the visitor center in Piedmont have a welcome feature that more trailhead bathrooms need: benches inside that make it convenient to change your clothes and shoes after a long ride. The visitor center staff was very friendly, and there were even some trail cats that make their home there and were happy to greet us. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0ArwZ2t7EM/YGZfg-xf6YI/AAAAAAAAE9k/lxqhUylHC84CPN9VZuBNGSXVHcCC3AyxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210318_190056535.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0ArwZ2t7EM/YGZfg-xf6YI/AAAAAAAAE9k/lxqhUylHC84CPN9VZuBNGSXVHcCC3AyxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210318_190056535.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I apparently didn't get a picture of the trail cats! But, here are some flowers made from sprockets. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>A few blocks from the trailhead we found the Elevated Grounds coffee shop. Again, the staff here was extremely friendly, and the pastries under glass at the counter were quite welcome after five hours of biking. They also do sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast bowls, so we knew exactly where we'd be eating breakfast on our return the trail the following morning. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e9YJDDBR8Y/YGZgWLEdT-I/AAAAAAAAE9s/zmu0OZS5KMYYymTKC78FZ2louwkBFp6dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319093822_IMG_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e9YJDDBR8Y/YGZgWLEdT-I/AAAAAAAAE9s/zmu0OZS5KMYYymTKC78FZ2louwkBFp6dgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319093822_IMG_0682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After breakfast on Friday morning, we headed toward the Georgia line. This takes your through the Talladega National Forest, and feels like a completely different trail. A few miles outside Piedmont you leave civilization behind and start climbing a long grade up into forested mountains. The grade is never really strenuous, but you'll definitely feel it. Trestle bridges offer excellent views of the river that winds through the area. We found the ride somewhat reminiscent of sections of the Virginia Creeper Trail in Virginia, though much less congested. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwBMdFichVY/YGZgysFPm9I/AAAAAAAAE94/5kV_t2xTtksBir3yq8xv-6vDIpghg_qNACLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319104041_IMG_0693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwBMdFichVY/YGZgysFPm9I/AAAAAAAAE94/5kV_t2xTtksBir3yq8xv-6vDIpghg_qNACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319104041_IMG_0693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLX0vhk_0Co/YGZgynh6o7I/AAAAAAAAE98/-HePKSK2zQw9GzX9-GfiUVq9Idax4296wCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319133522_IMG_0754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLX0vhk_0Co/YGZgynh6o7I/AAAAAAAAE98/-HePKSK2zQw9GzX9-GfiUVq9Idax4296wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319133522_IMG_0754.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JLHXEhfLwQ/YGZgyF-V2LI/AAAAAAAAE90/QXNTz9dE8Lgc95zsQGvEGUMvpT3aOco5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_150226401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JLHXEhfLwQ/YGZgyF-V2LI/AAAAAAAAE90/QXNTz9dE8Lgc95zsQGvEGUMvpT3aOco5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210319_150226401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>One important similarity to the Creeper is that, once you finally reach the Georgia line and turn back, that long continuous grade you just came up turns into a stress-free glide back through the woods. Since we were on our sixth day of our combined Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga ride, being able to coast a significant portion of the way back to Piedmont made for a nearly perfect ending to the trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bY3kSMP51s/YGZhfAixY2I/AAAAAAAAE-o/pHfOCtRUjiUDwRB5bZi0qi1eoz00IYp0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_141202205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bY3kSMP51s/YGZhfAixY2I/AAAAAAAAE-o/pHfOCtRUjiUDwRB5bZi0qi1eoz00IYp0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210319_141202205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C3qYpfqkcw/YGZhfGpStPI/AAAAAAAAE-g/kWAYjv2SoBUh59pwKqUXbwjHeR_huNWLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_161002120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C3qYpfqkcw/YGZhfGpStPI/AAAAAAAAE-g/kWAYjv2SoBUh59pwKqUXbwjHeR_huNWLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210319_161002120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJToAV-kqIc/YGZhfHXUMuI/AAAAAAAAE-k/7ctIN-rwpJw9odF7etVxxsaoJlW8IGSmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_171159285.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJToAV-kqIc/YGZhfHXUMuI/AAAAAAAAE-k/7ctIN-rwpJw9odF7etVxxsaoJlW8IGSmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210319_171159285.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Cheryl and I stayed in Rome, Georgia for the trip, choosing a single hotel for the week and a lot of driving to various trailheads over the hassle of packing and unpacking at a different hotel every few days. If we return, we might consider bikepacking since there are nice campgrounds adjacent to the trail. However you approach it, this trail will reward your time and effort! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyw9mC5ewtI/YGZhQV02nxI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/Rn0LeShDUjwVvk2UiwC2mby7XP9mMbKVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_180941696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyw9mC5ewtI/YGZhQV02nxI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/Rn0LeShDUjwVvk2UiwC2mby7XP9mMbKVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210319_180941696.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIYzACbmbHw/YGZhr5jQ56I/AAAAAAAAE-4/mIEpF20gnIk3QL7dCqxsjOicpP1SVT_9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/20210319123330_IMG_0730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIYzACbmbHw/YGZhr5jQ56I/AAAAAAAAE-4/mIEpF20gnIk3QL7dCqxsjOicpP1SVT_9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210319123330_IMG_0730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__ovHMPAz2s/YGZhra-TxLI/AAAAAAAAE-w/5-8fnPM_Fo8Quzu7sfObJ739WcfXRPT2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_142959965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__ovHMPAz2s/YGZhra-TxLI/AAAAAAAAE-w/5-8fnPM_Fo8Quzu7sfObJ739WcfXRPT2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210319_142959965.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bi-ExtA4is/YGZhrnPqf-I/AAAAAAAAE-0/I7JyMidnPRAm3BYMtEq-C5ZOR4I9JRGcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210319_143626585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bi-ExtA4is/YGZhrnPqf-I/AAAAAAAAE-0/I7JyMidnPRAm3BYMtEq-C5ZOR4I9JRGcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210319_143626585.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Cheryl Morgan Maxeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15274702092719888239noreply@blogger.com0