I’m sitting at a picnic table in Dix Park. I just came off the trails and am so thankful to have had sunshine and upper 50s weather. Perfect for a hike!
As I entered the tunnel of trees, I felt as though I was entering another world. And indeed I was in many ways. There was only one other car in the lot, so I was virtually alone. The week’s stresses and busyness seemed to stop at the entrance as they knew they have no place in such a tranquil spot. Stress hasn’t a clue how to survive in such a sanctuary and knows it is powerless to invade such enormity.
The Farmers Trail was aptly named. With cornstalks peeking their tasseled heads above the brush and apples trees here and there, along with a beautifully maintained working farm to the north, it is a picturesque scene that all Portage residents should partake of.
The winding trail is wide and covered in limestone, easily walked, and I clipped along at a nice pace. As I came to the end, there were two trails, both dirt, that led off to the right and left. I opted for Fox Trail, the shorter trail first. It was very damp from the rains the day before. The earthy scents were even more pungent as I entered this slightly darker more wooded section of the park. As it wound around, there were a couple of foot bridges and a bench.
I will be happy to this see invader go…too many encounters over the years with him has kept me very attentive so that I am happy to say I have not suffered his sting for quite a while now! (poison ivy)
I came back out onto Farmers Trail but almost directly across is Trillium Trail. As I ventured a little way, the first exciting thing that caught my eye was exclusively designed for the climber in me. Perhaps it’s a childhood love that never died; perhaps a gymnastic carryover. Either way, this jungle of grapevines looked like an adult playground for me and I simply could not resist! There was no doubt in my mind that these would hold my 120 pounds, so up I climbed a short way on the one directly in the path. I saw no signs that said no climbing, so I assume it was not illegal! If I am wrong, Ms. Craycroft*, please scold me!
After my short jungle gym excursion, I started off again and found myself among some of the wetland areas. Had it been a tad warmer, I’m quite sure I would have been greeted by some froggy friends, but it was probably a bit chilly. I’m sure they’re thinking about bedtime these days and preparing for their long winter’s nap…but we won’t discuss that just yet!
As I gazed about this little boggy area, I saw this tiny morsel that some critter had decided to munch on. What do you suppose it was? I hope not a human! Another question for Christine….
Back on the trail, this was dropped right in the middle of the path. I considered taking it, but decided to leave it for another curious observer. I think it’s a red tail hawk’s feather. Am I right?
If you have kids, this park is a must. It’s not so large you can’t manage it nor too difficult to hike. When I came across this little bridge, I instantly felt as though I had just traveled backward in time bout 20 years. I have seven children, and we spent thousands of hours outside together. Six are boys. To come upon this little bridge, hear the water flowing, and then see a tiny waterfall reminded me of all the imaginative play times that took place around our property at that time. We called our woods Narnia, and we would create little settings where the lego guys would live and float them on tiny handmade rafts on the creek. There would be critters to catch, enemies to scare off, wars to fight, numerous dunkings to rescue those unlucky lego fellows from. What these outdoor adventures contributed to each of my children’s incredible imaginations and creative endeavors today cannot be underestimated. Children who do not get the chance to experience nature first hand, get dirty, and just be a kid are so unfortunate. Make sure to include these excursions regularly into your children’s lives!
I found my way back to the Farmer’s Trail and headed toward the entrance again. I turned around to take another picture and felt as though I was closing the door to my special hidden secret. And I guess I did. No two people will ever have identical experiences with their hikes through nature, even if you are on the same trail walking side by side. It is yours alone and will enrich your personal life to the degree you allow yourself to absorb it. Refreshing. Inspiring. Life-giving. It makes me want to do more, be more, and improve more.
In a week or two this park will be completely transformed into a palette of color and will offer up all new adventures. Don’t lose out on life! Get outside this week. Go alone, with friends or family, or call Christine and plan a program. I hope you’ll get hooked like I am!
*Christine Craycroft is the Portage Park District executive director and guide for the Wild Hikes. You can contact her HERE if you have questions or if you would like to arrange a discovery program for a group. More about those can be found HERE.