~ Happy Father's Day ~

This week has been all about family: mothers, fathers, new big brothers, grandparents…the list goes on, because we welcomed a new member to the family. I couldn’t be happier to introduce you to our new grandson, Colton (aka Baby C. because we have a C.). Father’s Day is even more sweet for A. this year! He now has two beautiful boys to nurture into fine young men. It’s been several years since I’ve had a stroller in tow on a hike so it will be fun to add that element again when Baby C. is ready to hit the trails.

G. and I have stayed close to home this week since we have wanted to be nearby when Baby C. arrived and then we were on grandparent duty with W. who got to sleep over at our house two nights; two nights was just enough for him. Although, we did our best to keep him busy, even calling in extra help. Aunt C. helped to keep him busy and distracted as W. was processing the new role he was about to embark upon, Big Brother.

We did get one interesting hike in on the weekend. G. really enjoys going to State Parks on Father’s Day but since we didn’t want to venture too far from home, we explored a brand new park right here in Z’ville, Overley Worman Park. It is nestled in a newer neighborhood located just south of the Z’ville Village area and sits along Eagle Creek. It is not completed yet, but the trails have been opened so it gave us the opportunity to check it out and be outside on a beautiful afternoon while enjoying Father’s Day weekend. The Vonterra neighborhood residents will have a wonderful asset just outside their doors. Once completed the park will include, within its 53 acres, mountain bike trails, a playground, an 18-hole disc golf course. There are paved trails that can easily be biked or walked as well as natural trails that go through the woods along the banks of Eagle Creek. We found a fishing pond that has two fishing piers ready to welcome “catch and release” fishing. This park, like others in the area, has a lot of hilly terrain. A unique spiral paved path makes an easier descent and ascent for biking from the Big Four Rail Trail. The rail trail heading south from Z’ville used to end at Eagle Creek but now connects to Overley Worman Park over Eagle Creek on a reopened rail bridge. We only saw the bridge from the banks of Eagle Creek today so we will want to stay on the higher trail next visit to see that connecting pathway. That trail leads into another one of our favorite local parks, Starkey Park. Starkey Park is where we did one of our original muddy hikes when the ground was thawing just enough to be muddy and slippery. Below photo, dated January 4, shows the rail trail connector bridge before it was reopened, Starkey park is to my right and the new park, well before it was opened, is over the creek and G.’s left

shoulder.

The smooth blacktop trail is excellent for biking, but poor Teddy got so hot. When we passed under the walk bridge that connects to the spiral trail he plopped down in the shade for a brief break. We encouraged him to walk in the dirt along the sides, but he’s gotten so used to heeling I think that just didn’t feel right to him.

Searching for that photo taken in January reminds me that six months have nearly passed since beginning this Phog (photo/blog). Having this creative outlet has done just what I had hoped it would do, it has kept me accountable and it’s been a good vehicle to help me to accomplish the goals I set in January. I look forward to where the next six months of adventures will lead.

And before closing I want to send great big Happy Father’s Day wishes to my favorite trail companion and adventure finder!! You are a great father to the kids and awesome grandfather. Love you G.!

‘Til next time.