I finally got out in the woods yesterday. I’ve been longing to get out in the woods for a few weeks. I had high hopes that this would be a family event, but that did not come to pass. I spent some time at Patapsco State Park near Elkridge, MD yesterday afternoon. The smell of the decaying leaves, the earth, felt good in my nostrils.
I took an easy hike starting in the Avalon Area of the park, over the swinging bridge, and north on the paved path until I came to the “Forest Glen Path.” I took this path which ascends from the Patapsco valley toward Catonsville, MD. I saw a few other walkers on the path but it was far from crowded. Just what I needed — a bit of solitude and time alone.
The weather was a bit cold for mid October in MD, but I was happy for it. Also, there seemed to be a front moving through and the sky alternated between cloudy and sunny. There was a brief period of light rain. I was glad to be wearing my new Gore-Tex shell. I have Mrs. TKD to thank for the reminder to take it as I left the house.
When I got to the end of the trail, I found myself in an area known as the Hilton Area, and there was a really cool playground made of used tires there. I plan to bring Mr. Grey back to see it. I showed him pictures of it on-line last night and he said, “I should have gone to Patapsco with you.” I thought to myself, “yeah, buddy, you should have,” but I kept that thought to myself.
I wish we lived closer to some wilderness. The fact that we have to get in the car to find some empty spaces really wears on me. Growing up I had open spaces right across the street from our house. I could go out and be in farmer’s fields in as little as 100 yards.
I enjoyed playing outside in the fields for hours upon end. Sometimes I saw wildlife. Sometimes I climbed up trees and hung out in them until the sun set. Sometimes I ate wild raspberries. Sometimes I got poison ivy. Sometimes that happened in February (the poison ivy).
There was an old abandoned house that was nearby, tucked back in the woods. I usually didn’t remember that it was there, and didn’t go to find it very often, but every now and then, I came upon it and was always surprised to find it.
Things were different when I was a kid. I roamed around those fields and woods alone for hours at a young age, perhaps 9 or 10 years old. I can’t imaging letting Mr. Grey out in the wilderness on his own. And then again, I wonder if it would be really good for him.
It probably would.