A Walk In The Park- McDaniel Farm, My Favorite

My favorite place for a walk has to be McDaniel Farm Park .  It is a great place to connect with nature, close to a busy mall and a fast developing part of the metro area.  Walking amidst the old-growth timber, glistening streams, and even being able to spot a deer, it is wonderfully easy to forget the fast paced life just outside the carefully tended woods and trails.  I understand this land was owned by the same family for over a century and was still a working farm less than ten years ago.  It could have easily surrendered to the fate of most of the rest of the area, developed into subdivisions and rows of mini-mansions.  Thankfully someone had the foresight to preserve these several hundred acres for the benefit of folk like me.

It is not a multi-use park.  There are no ball fields or playgrounds; just ribbons of paved trails winding through nature.  I choose to make the widest loop possible, which measures out to almost three miles.  There are hills galore, great for cardio development.  Bridges cross streams, and there is a wonderful wood-chip nature trail, which adds about a half-mile to the trek.

Come along with me.  I’ll share some pictures and commentary.

Big Dog is in the car, ready to go.  He jumps the fence and squeezes through the door as soon as it is opened, then fills the vehicle with lots of slobber and doggie-breath, quite impatient as we travel about two miles to the park.  He absolutely loves these walks.

Soon after passing through a glade of hardwoods, a wooden bridge awaits.  The old farm has been restored, including the barn in the background of this photo.  A self-guided tour is available.  But I come here to walk.

The bark on this tree looks almost like armor plates, or scales.  Big Dog suggested we call it the Dinosaur Tree.

After about a quarter mile of open field, the trail leads into a dense and dark area of hardwoods.  I’ve spotted deer hiding in the midst of these trees.  Within the thick patch of forest, the air seems to me to have an earthy smell and a refreshing coolness.  I find it natural to quietly pray while passing through.  This stretch of the trail I call The Chapel.

In a couple of weeks the flowers will be even more glorious in display.

Honey bee, quite busy.  She was not appreciative of my interference, and shooed me away.  I’ve never been stung by one of these things.  Let’s continue that streak.

A lone tree, with a big wad of gum.  There is a story to be told…  
“Honey, will I kiss you?  Just let me get rid of this gum!”
“Ouch.  That ant bit me.  I’ll take care of that little son-of-a-gun.”
“There’s still some flavor!  I’ll leave it here for next time I walk this way.”

I hope you have enjoyed our little walk.  We’ll get together again next week.