Yesterday, the traveling party and I headed out to hike around Ridley Creek State Park. This time though, instead of the multi-use trail, we went "off road".
Without benefit of a trail map (didn't think to download one before I left, and the map on the multi-use trail is only of that trail), we headed out exploring. If you are familiar with the park, we started out @ the main trail entrance down off Bishop Hollow Rd, had a quick sandwich while I chatted up a fly fisherman. We put Boo-Boo in his pack, and headed off, going UP the hill at the point of the trail.
The first marked trail we came across was yellow, and I can't tell you how many times as we walked the m-u trail the rooster asked to climb on the boulder at the beginning of the trail. He and the girl climbed to the top, and we headed up the hill following the trail. The kids ran ahead, while K and I watched our footing and looked around. We followed yellow all the way up and over (a decent climb), til we met back up with the m-u trail. The trail continued with a left turn, then resumed on the other side of the road across from the water fountain. The kids were loving the adventure, and so we continued to follow.
Not knowing if we would come back to the m-u trail, and not really wanting to double back, we took a left turn when the yellow treail joined with white.
After a brief encounter with the m-u trail at the tunnel, we found a long meandering walk along the white trail. It merged with several others along the way, crossed the park road - twice - before finally returning us to the m-u trail above the excercise area @ area 17. A steep walk downhill, and we were back at our starting "point".
We took our time with 3 kids (2 walkers), and did it in around 3 hours. We didn't see many animals - human or otherwise - along the way, but enjoyed ourselves none the less. It was very hilly, but not too strenuous or treacherous - good exercise.
I was however attacked by a flying something, and took a painful bite on the shoulder (better me than the baby). K poured some cold water on it, but I'm not sure how we could've been better prepared for it - especially if it had been one of the kids. We brought no First Aid, and maybe need to consider it in the future for any hike, no matter how "ordinary" it is.
Any suggestions?
Really enjoyable read. For "critter-relief" recommend buying a small botttle of pure aloe vera juice (a little goes a long way); chill it big-time before leaving, wrap in a washcloth to keep cool or if your backpack has an insulated area put it there. Aloe is superb for burns as well.
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