On Saturday, Matt and I headed out to try out a new-to-us walking trail in Dora, AL, a little over an hour away. We wanted to check it out for possible biking, but at just 6 miles, we decided to walk it instead. We have been walking the same trails so much, I wanted something new since we had a whole afternoon open.
At some point in the day, I realized my old friend David lived in Dora and I got in touch with him Saturday night, we talked for an hour and made plans to meet up at the end of the month. I had not talked with him for over 2 years, yet he had my number jotted down to call on Sunday afternoon. Great minds!
At some point in the day, I realized my old friend David lived in Dora and I got in touch with him Saturday night, we talked for an hour and made plans to meet up at the end of the month. I had not talked with him for over 2 years, yet he had my number jotted down to call on Sunday afternoon. Great minds!
We were menaced by numerous small dogs! One house had 5 weemies and a...whatever that white dog is who barked and chased us. They were not quite as bad as a lone small dog who decided ripping out my ankles would be a great way to spend an afternoon and he chased me-always running away as soon as I turned around-for at least 300 yards. I finally had to bluff-charge him growling and barking myself. He ran. When Matt passed him a few minutes later-he had been getting a cache-the dog barked at him about 20 seconds before running off. I can only assume that means I have tastier-looking ankles.
At 78, the trail continues another half-mile or so as an unpaved basically mowed path. It goes behind some houses, a couple with large barking dogs which does not really make for a peaceful feeling as you stroll along!
There is a steep up-hill connector trail that links the rails to trails path to the local city park. The park has a small track, maybe 1/10 a mile around. There are bathrooms, parking, picnic facilities and a playground there as well as access to the city lake which is open to fishing, but nothing else.
The trail goes through wooded and residential areas, past a couple factories and crosses a couple roads. We only saw 3 bikers and 2 other walkers out, though it was a really nice afternoon. We did get caught in a brief rain shower and were able to make good use of one of the 5 'rest areas' along the trail, which are small roofed spots with a trash can, short bench and a bike rack.
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This is a persimmon. On the internet, there are SEVERAL photos of quince blooms identified as persimmons. This gives me mental itching.
Overall, it's a nice trail, I wish we had one that long nearby. The whole walk was over 6.5 miles and took about 2 hours. It would be fine if you lived nearby to haul a bike to ride, but I would not haul bikes all the way there for such a short trail unless the kids were little bitties. For a decent rails to trails ride or walk within 90 minutes of home, Richard Martin still wins my vote.
