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I came back to explore the eastern parcel of the Meyer Preserve since I was only able to get a taste of it on Tuesday. Unfortunately the batteries in my camera gave out after just a few pictures, so I’m not able to show some of the highlights of this wonderful preserve.
As I said in the post on Tuesday, the western parcel is mostly fields, with a forested section and one windy bit (yellow trail) that goes through a small depressed area that is difficult to navigate, or at least was when I went. The easter parcel is much more hilly and varied. More exciting, to me, and definitely a better workout.
I decided to explore the perimeter of the preserve, which is what I like to do when first exploring. I feel it gives me a sense of scale and gives me better bearings once I revisit a place. I entered at the southern tip of the blue trail, and followed it until it ended at the northern-most part of the eastern parcel, where it connects with the red trail. for the middle third of the its length, the blue trail follows a ridge that overlooks… the highway. Too bad. It offers quite a nice view, but there’s that darn highway. Shortly, though, it cuts northwest and the buzz of the tires on the freeway soon fade away. The red trail picks up when the blue trail ends at the northern edge of the parcel. The red trail then turns due south and mostly parallels the blue trail back to the trail-head. In the future I will take this trail instead of the blue trail, as I just can’t stand the highway.
I decided to do the yellow trail loop again on this trip, as it was such a good hike last time. It didn’t disappoint. To make my way back to the trail-head I took the orange trail, which winds its way down adjacent to a stream, in a small valley. Huge old hardwood trees shoot up along the stream, left uncut most likely due to the steep nature of the terrain here. This must be a very magical hike in the spring, which I’m very much looking forward to.
Some photos from the hike (before the batteries ran out):
the parking area - much larger than for the western parcel
squeeze-through gate to keep mountain bikers out
information kiosk, with hiking sticks left by others
