New Hip? Find Trails!

With my not-quite-so new hip and increasing mileage, I have discovered that a soft running surfaces is my friend and a hard (concrete) running surface is way not my friend. With today's schedule I needed to stay around town - but with a little creativity, I was able to run from dirt trail to dirt trail to dirt trail in a big zig zaggedy loop from home. In addition to being kind to my hip, it was a delight to my eyes, ears, and lungs. I do love the north country!

A few blocks from home I got on the Bear River trail - most of which is part of the North Country Trail. These photos are all from the same spot in the trail, just looking different directions. The blue blazes on the pole in the second photo mark the North Country Trail. 

 

From Bear River, the North Country Trail goes up to the North Central Michigan Community College. At that point, I cut through the NCMC campus and hopped onto the Clark Nature Preserve trail. 

This trail is also brimming with wildflowers, as well as a small pond, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Apparently, I am not the only person who enjoys this trail. These trail signs, new since my last visit, brought a big smile to my face.

 

 

 

This was one of several signs made by the second graders.

 

 

 

Ah, yes.  Trails. Delightful indeed!