Just back from a noon walk in the Oregon State Park out the back door<G> They have had a bike path for years that was paved through the maple and fir forest and leads to a nature center/visitor area. *It's neat<G> Today I discovered what they have been "up-to" all summer... for now there is a fresh coat of black top over the old trail! Some of the brush was also cut, and trees that over hung the trail were cut down, and left on the forest floor. You can see into the forest now, as before a hedge blocked the view. Just because it's new- I had a feeling of regret over losing the old trail that had many root pop-ups and holes giving it *character. I ride a Mt.Bike to work and these flaws were 'challenges that had me weave and bob and jump as a rode to work. They were also needless<G> as the obsticals *I enjoyed- were a hassle to others... Someone must have complained<G> Today these flaws are covered over and the new trail is flat and wide.. made easier by the application of a thick coat and rolled out smooth. Everyone can walk it, even the squirrels and racoons! I was walking- so I noticed the new trail was easier to walk.. this was because they had taken the time to "level" it out side to side! Have you ever walked crossways to a hill side? *If you walk a trail with a slant, you must allways correct and keep your eyes open or you may walk right off the trail! I'm in favor of every trail being straight and level<G> It makes things EASY! and easy is good! Because the new trail was 'engineered, it takes less effort to arrive at the nature center, and I found I could take my eyes off my feet and look at the trees<G> This will add to the experiance- I started thinking that the re-vamp was not caused by my complaint, but perhaps another... and while I wanted to stick my nose in others business, the work done to correct the trail was outside of my little "world"... *I just got to enjoy the change! I got to thinking about that and about the people who designed the changes to the trail, the "Big-Bossman" and others.. and found it didn't matter. *I just get to enjoy the walk<G> Yea- you may assume I have some questions about ripping out plants and new culverts and such.. but in the big picture world of things, the trail still leads the same direction and it's me that walks it <G> Thanks Trail Crew! -=A=- _______ To unsubscribe, send "unsubscribe rangernet" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Eat the hay & spit out the sticks! - A#1's mule" RTKB&G4JC! http://rangernet.org Autoresponder: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
