Hiking in the parks
So, hubby and I had a fun (and free, and environmentally friendly, AND good exercise) date Saturday morning, courtesy of the York County Parks Department.
We've decided to take part in the parks' "Eight for Eight" hike series, which leads you through - you guessed it - eight of the county's parks in 2008.
Saturday's was a two-hour "ridge to ridge" hike in Nixon Park. It was the second in the series, though we'd missed the first one. I would HIGHLY recommend future hikes to you all, but first, let's look at some lessons learned.
First, make sure you register in advance. If you do, and you're running late, the guides will wait a bit for you.
Second, bring a bottle of water (preferably in a backpack or on a shoulder strap, because you might need your hands to help you navigate the trails in uneven areas.)
Third, eat a good breakfast. One piece of bread and a swallow of Diet Pepsi does NOT cut it, Miss Thang. (Not that I would have done that. Um, no. Not at all.)
Fourth, wear good shoes and long pants. The bugs can get pretty bad by midday.
Finally, a bonus tip: Make sure you are wearing decent pants. Unlike your friendly blogger, who found out at, say, 5 p.m. today that the seat of her favorite comfy old pants had worn a bit TOO thin. Guess the guy hiking behind me had quite a view!
Register in advance for any of the upcoming hikes by calling 428-1961. They're all free.
June 7: Eight for Eight Hike: Rudy Park
This first hike explored the hedgerows and trails and a view of the summer landscape with Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator for the Parks.
June 21: Eight for Eight Hike: Nixon Park
We went "ridge top to ridge top" and learned about "succession" and the history of the park - how it went from a farm to a forest.
June 28: Eight for Eight Hike: Kain Park.
(Come meet Joan and Hubby! We're already signed up.)
Kain Park, George St. Parking Area, 9-11 a.m.
Experience the majesty of towering pines along the restful shores of Lake Williams.
July 5: Eight for Eight Hike: Rocky Ridge Park
Rocky Ridge Park, Oak Timbers Parking Area, 9-11 a.m.
With clear skies, let your eyes roam over the views from this ridge top park, look south at the valley traveled by American Indians and north to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
July 19: Eight for Eight Hike: Raab Park
Raab Park, 9-11:30 a.m.
Of mines and bats is the theme for this hike led by Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator for the Parks.
July 26: Eight for Eight Hike: Apollo Park
Apollo Park, 9-11:30 a.m.
Explore this river hills hike and learn about the park's recent expansion while hiking up and down the trails.
Aug. 2: Eight for Eight Hike, Spring Valley Park
Spring Valley, Line Road, 9 to 11 a.m.
Hike along the East Branch of the Codorus Creek and see the old walls and rockpiles of farms of yesterday.
Aug. 9: Eight for Eight Hike, Heritage Rail Trail Park
Days Mill Road Parking Area, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Hike to see Howard Tunnel. Learn about the railroad and listen to a waterfall along the way.
Hope to see you out and about!
Hubby · June 23, 2008 7:03 PM
This past Saturday morning's hike was definitely a good workout. Up and back down two big ridges. Saw dragonflies, turtles, a snake and a frog. And this was my first time seeing all the ultra-cool stuff in Nixon's nature center -- shame on me for never being there before. Now we need to take The Child.
Capt. K · June 25, 2008 7:43 PM
Enjoy the great indoors.