29, 30 August
There are two paths leading into what is now called the Hamilton Marsh Regional Park and Conservation Area. Until this past weekend I've consistently used the second trail. Preliminary investigations during wetter seasons had shown the first to be very boggy. Moreover, until recent work on the trail maintenance, the first path was blocked by blowdowns and demanded more effort and bushwhacking than I found safe to pursue. But after our dry summer (an ill wind blows nobody good?) I reckoned that the path would be dry, and I knew that the trails have been cleared--mostly. So this past Saturday I explored the first trail. I'd been told that it was even more beautiful than the second, and I concur. Initially, there is an unfortunate amount of litter at the trailhead--it appears to be a popular destination for messy partying. After a short walk, however, the parties apparently subside, and stands of cedar, hemlock and douglas fir appear. At som...