McDaniel Farm Park - My Favorite
My favorite place for a walk has to be
McDaniel Farm Park . It is a great place to connect with nature, close to a busy mall and a fast developing part of the metro area. Walking amidst the old-growth timber, glistening streams, and even being able to spot a deer, it is wonderfully easy to forget the fast paced life just outside the carefully tended woods and trails. I understand this land was owned by the same family for over a century and was still a working farm less than ten years ago. It could have easily surrendered to the fate of most of the rest of the area, developed into subdivisions and rows of mini-mansions. Thankfully someone had the foresight to preserve these several hundred acres for the benefit of folk like me.
It is not a multi-use park. There are no ball fields or playgrounds; just ribbons of paved trails winding through nature. I choose to make the widest loop possible, which measures out to almost three miles. There are hills galore, great for cardio development. Bridges cross streams, and there is a wonderful wood-chip nature trail, which adds about a half-mile to the trek.
Come along with me. I’ll share some pictures and commentary.
Big Dog is in the car, ready to go. He jumps the fence and squeezes through the door as soon as it is opened, then fills the vehicle with lots of slobber and doggie-breath, quite impatient as we travel about two miles to the park. He absolutely loves these walks.
Soon after passing through a glade of hardwoods, a wooden bridge awaits. The old farm has been restored, including the barn in the background of this photo. A self-guided tour is available. But I come here to walk.
The bark on this tree looks almost like armor plates, or scales. Big Dog suggested we call it the Dinosaur Tree.
After about a quarter mile of open field, the trail leads into a dense and dark area of hardwoods. I’ve spotted deer hiding in the midst of these trees. Within the thick patch of forest, the air seems to me to have an earthy smell and a refreshing coolness. I find it natural to quietly pray while passing through. This stretch of the trail I call The Chapel.
In a couple of weeks the flowers will be even more glorious in display.
Honey bee, quite busy. She was not appreciative of my interference, and shooed me away. I’ve never been stung by one of these things. Let’s continue that streak.
A lone tree, with a big wad of gum. There is a story to be told…
“Honey, will I kiss you? Just let me get rid of this gum!”
“Ouch. That ant bit me. I’ll take care of that little son-of-a-gun.”
“There’s still some flavor! I’ll leave it here for next time I walk this way.” I hope you have enjoyed our little walk. We’ll get together again next week.
06.16.09 (11:13 pm) [
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posted by:
toztee (
reply)
post date:
06.17.09 (1:58 am)
Enjoyed the walk and the pictures. Much more enjoyable than the market...I'd like to see it in person someday. Do you do guided tours?
posted by:
surrogate (
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post date:
06.17.09 (3:51 am)
Great post. Does Big Dog complain about preacher breath?
posted by:
PirateGirl (
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post date:
06.17.09 (12:08 pm)
Love this PD! Just what I needed. - Could use another lovely walk sometime soon. *hint-hint :)
posted by:
barnabus1 (
reply)
post date:
06.17.09 (1:40 pm)
I enjoyed the walk immensly, could even smell the trees! smelled something else too...doggie breath?
Wnat more!! Much More!!!!
posted by:
bawdy (
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post date:
06.17.09 (1:48 pm)
That looks like a great place to get Lyme disease!
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
06.17.09 (7:25 pm)
Reply to: toztee
Come on! We will take a walk together. You would appreciate this place, with the fields of clover and forests of old-growth trees, birds and squirrels in abundance. Since the habit was instilled in me as a kid, I've always relished a good walk in the woods.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.17.09 (7:26 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
Indeed, there are a few ticks around. I surmise you are a city slicker?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.17.09 (7:27 pm)
Reply to: barnabus1
He has bad breath. They actually make snacks and bones to take care of such. Can you believe that? But, you know, I eat the snacks and still have halitosis.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.17.09 (7:28 pm)
Reply to: PirateGirl
You'd like another walk? Meet me here tomorrow evening. We will stroll through another favorite place.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.17.09 (7:30 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Big Dog is my biggest fan. He's big and I guess could take a bite out of me rather easily. But he's my biggest fan. That's something a good dog can do- make you feel loved and appreciated. In that respect, he's about the best.
posted by:
bawdy (
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post date:
06.18.09 (12:27 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
If you consider 70,000 people in one location a city, you may consider me slick.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.18.09 (3:51 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
We country folk don't worry 'bout no dang lyme disease.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
06.18.09 (6:09 pm)
Beautiful post PD ~ I'll be here for the next time we venture on the trails... seriously!
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
06.19.09 (12:02 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Oh thank you PD - I look forward to it :)
