Spring 2013 edition - Cleveland Metroparks Trail

(this is part two of one hike.  To read the first part, scroll all the way down to the "winter 2012 edition" then come back up to continue).

To read all the adventures in order from the beginning use this link  First Post, Spring 2011 and then at the bottom of each page select NEWER POST to move through them.

A Series of Remarkable Experiences and Hiking Life Lessons

As I passed out of earshot of Sagamore Creek’s constant din and its wind ravished forest into fields created by a row of electric towers came a distinct silence. 

Field created by an electric tower pass

The warmth of the sun on my face, though momentary, was bliss before entering another wooded area. 

Steep slope up to a reclaimed railroad grade

Alexander to Kent railroad recreational reclamation - "Rails to Trails"

Popping up and out onto a reclaimed railroad grade I walked a paved path to Alexander Road.  Of the redeeming things people have thought to do, reclaiming abandoned railroad grades for recreation is right up there in my book!  Taking back the countryside one strip at a time and everyone can take advantage of them!    To date I have walked on two.  Check out this link http://www.traillink.com/trail/bike-and-hike-trail.aspx to see the trail that I walked.  Hit Trail Link to explore other Ohio Rails to Trails locations!  

Blue Blaze Bugsie on the trail

At Alexander I caught a glimpse of my location and learned I’d only hiked a small piece of section 4. I sighed; I had a ways to go before reaching 8. During the next uneventful hour I slowly continued to wind my way up to and through Bedford Reservation. I found myself talking on the phone, snacking, taking photos of fabulous fungi of multiple shapes, colors and sizes and other beautiful things........

Mushroom on a decaying log

 

Very striking; mesmerizing almost.

"Chicken of the forest" or sulphur shelf high on a tree

close up of sulphur shelf

Another tree shroom, don't know this one

close up of unknown type of shroom

I noticed a curious jagged trunk of a tree about 10 feet in height.  With the body shape and face of a swordfish, it appeared to be leaping out of the water! The only thing missing was the angler. As I got closer it became evident that someone else thought the same thing as they’d added an eye! I got a chuckle out of it as I took its photo. Lesson #18: As long as you’re not hurting anyone or anything, express yourself! I am always amazed to see that there is never an end to the creativity and expression of people, even out here in the middle of the woods!

A surprise!

Eventually the BT comes very close to Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook with its viewing platform that showcases the awesome valley stretching out just below and the sliver of Tinker’s Creek that winds through it.  The leaves had not yet begun to turn and with the greenery of summer still in full abundance I could barely see the creek, but I promised myself I would make my way back to see it in the different seasons yet to come.  I took some photos before I ambled around trying to pick up the trail again. 

Tinker's Creek way below from Overlook Drive in Bedford section of Metroparks

Deep into another forest of pine and deciduous trees, the view limited, you could hear the waters of Silver Creek long before you could see them.  From the direction I was approaching the waters are buried at first in a winding, steep and narrow gorge that become a  long, gentle sloping falls that gracefully step up and out to the surface at the other end:  

On approach, can't really see anything yet

The little gorge

More of the gorge

Stepping up...

Bridal Veil Falls. What a fitting name!  It was just gorgeous!  Even though the light that could penetrate the trees was limited, it still made the beautiful flowing veil of white water really pop against the sides and bottom of the little gorge.  I felt special standing in the midst of this perfectly sculpted masterpiece.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

The platform just above the bottom of the veil’s hem perched you out and over so you could gaze peacefully well up the way. A foot bridge further up crossed a calmer section. I spent a lot of time there just taking it all in, taking photos and videoing the sounds. It was just amazing! 

Bridge and another set of falls up beyond the Bridal Veil

The falls up beyond the bridge

She was a beautiful bride today, indeed, but we were forced to part ways as I continued on.  Not long after leaving Bridal Veil it started to rain. Pulling on my heavy-duty rain poncho I pushed harder to reach my bike parked at Taylor/Egbert Road.

Footbridge

Unusual fauna

Coming up to Egbert Road and my bike.

  

Preparing myself for the ride back, I debated whether to take off the poncho and sun visor from beneath my bike helmet and decided against it.  As I started down the steep road I got a small taste of how high I’d hiked today.  As I picked up speed and flew through the curves in the road, frighteningly the poncho flaps filled like sails swaying me all over and beat at me furiously while the visor tried desperately to pry my helmet and glasses from my face. It was the scariest bike ride I’d been on in a while, but it ended soon enough as I turned onto Dunham Road, which had more hills going up than down. 40 minutes later I finally made my last turn onto Sagamore Road and after a few seconds I could see the full glory of the climb. 

View obscured at first...Sagamore Road

About halfway down the hill...Sagamore Road

Voicing a, “No way!” I pulled over and took off my poncho and visor. Stuffing them into my backpack I spied my camera.  Smiling, I looped it around my neck, turned on the video and filmed the most excellent dash down into the valley.

Three minutes later I pulled out onto Canal Road and headed back to the Frazee House.  I packed up the bike then took the camera over to the house and took some photos.  They are renovating the house inside, according to a notice outside, for some structural issues.  I could see where they’d torn up the living room and another room on the ground floor. 

Do you ever wonder what would peer back at you from the other side?

I try to imagine the scene decades ago, a slow moving canal boat, being towed slowly by the mules or horses floating right on by this house.

This hike was over seven miles long and it took me rougly five hours, including a 40 minute bike ride back.

(Bridal Veil in the dry season)  No veil!  No water.

by Blue Blaze Bugsie 
Barb Crompton

To read the first part of this adventure, scroll down. To read all the adventures in order use the index links at the right side of the page.

to contact:  reikiguide@sbcglobal.net