Walking in the park

Late yesterday afternoon J (JustMe) and I began our walking in the park program. There is a gorgeous state park here in town with uphill and downhill paths and great stretches of trail along the river and through the woods. It’s a beautiful place to walk and, before the end of the year, we should be clocking about a 14 minute mile. (Yes. We will, J!) Not jogging, mind...just a very fast walk that does quite remarkable things to one’s muscles. Having a walking partner helps with the motivation end of things.

Yesterday, however, we noted that several of the trails are still closed to the public while the bald eagles finish their nesting and chick raising. I think the ban lifts on March 31st. Some years ago the eagles decided they liked this particular area along the river and started moving in. Gradually the population has increased and, every once in a while, I’ll see one gliding along the river. Not as often as I’d like, but once in a while. They are beautiful birds and it’s absolutely thrilling to see them fly.

In a couple of days we’ll have access to all the park and the eagles will be off about their business. I hope they’ve had a successful nesting season. It would be nice to hear stories about a new crop of baby eagles fluttering around the river front this spring.