Grand Valley Trail Hike 1 Black Walnut

I started my Grand Valley Trail adventure today. It was rainy and mild out - probably around 10celsius. I was a little nervous that I might get lost but it was really well marked. There was one spot that had a chain across the trail and I wondered if I wasn't allowed to go through but I assumed it was to keep out motorized vehicles as I could see more markings on the trees beyond the barrier.

I didn't think I'd like walking on the roads but I actually didn't mind. The view of the grand from the bridge was beautiful. I also came upon an osprey nest and got some photos of it, ooh, and a heron like bird in a farmer's field, and then passed some cows in a forest that were very interested in Kayla and I. I also went through some private farms with forests on them - there was this one spot where I had to stop and just listen to the symphony of birds! I had brought headphones to listen to a podcast if I got bored at some point but the birds provided plenty to listen to as I walked! The final parts of my little hike were Sudden and Dryden Tracts. Dryden of course was my favorite, it is so green and beautiful in there. I could feel my joy rising as I stepped into that forest -got a pretty shot of a trillium too.

I took out Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring this week and I'm looking forward to reading it. I noticed that at the end the GVT's trailmarkings newsletter that there was a quote from her saying: A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods. I couldn't agree more.