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Autumn days
While every season has its charms, I
always find the arrival of autumn as cause for celebration. Beautiful
days with cool, crisp temperatures are an invigorating change from the
hot, humid conditions of summer. The tempo of life in the resort area
slows and is a welcome relief from the frenzy of recent months. For me,
autumn is a time of reflection and introspection. The slower pace gives
me the opportunity to reflect on life and to assess where I’ve been
and where I see myself going. It’s a process I find very helpful to
keep me centered on the things that are truly important.
Of course, things haven’t slowed
completely. In recent weeks, my partner, Bob, and I have been very busy
doing fall cleanup projects and starting a remodeling job of our rental
property. We’ve also taken the time to have some fun. A highlight was
a recent trip to New York City to see The Lion King. What an amazing
production! You couldn’t help but leave feeling exhilarated. This
coming weekend, we’re off to Bob’s hometown, Miami Beach. I can’t
think of a better place to celebrate our anniversary!
Hitting the trails
After my last article in Letters, I
decided to take my own advice and “hit the trails” in a number of
the parks. Not only was the activity been great exercise, I also got to
experience some of the most beautiful natural resources in Delaware. It
doesn’t get much better than that! Among my recent hikes, I explored
fern-lined trails at White Clay Creek, cypress swamps at Trap Pond,
historic gun batteries at Fort DuPont, and beautiful gardens at
Bellevue. But my favorite trek was on the Burtons Island Trail at
Delaware Seashore. Located across from the Indian River Marina, this
trail is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the state’s busiest
park. A relatively easy hike, the trail winds for 1.5 miles through
sandy areas and upland woods, offering spectacular views of the inland
bays. With the exception of some pesky flies, the journey was problem
free and successfully carried me away from the hassles of my daily
routine. It’s hard to believe such a serene place can be located only
a short distance from the resort area. If you are looking to give hiking
a try, I highly recommend this trail. Remember to dress for the outdoors
and a little bug spray never hurts. You’ll be glad you made the effort
to explore this special place!
Introducing “Junction and Breakwater
Trail”
For over a decade, the Division of Parks
and Recreation has been working to establish a hiking and biking trail
between Lewes and Rehoboth. While there has been strong support from
legislators and the general public, the task of making this trail a
reality has proven to be an incredible challenge. Initial studies
explored the possibility of running the trail around Gordons Pond in
Cape Henlopen State Park. A number of issues, including environmental
concerns, indicated this was not the best option. Further investigation
led to the conclusion the best route for the trail was on the west side
of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal along an abandoned railroad. These lands
were not yet owned by the Division, but the property was considered a
high priority for protection as open space. In the succeeding years, the
Division set about the task of purchasing the property, ultimately
adding thousands of acres to Cape Henlopen State Park. While there is
still some land to acquire, I am happy to report the Division will soon
be ready to begin the first phase of development of what will be called
the Junction and Breakwater Trail.
Current plans call for the trail to be
placed in close proximity to the Junction and Breakwater railroad that
ran from Rehoboth to Lewes. For those of you who are unsure where to
find this, the railroad crosses the open space located east of Route 1
behind the Outlets. While the Division does not yet have all the land
needed to connect to both towns, the decision was made to get the first
section of trail developed on the central portion we already own. This
first segment will be a two-mile long, 12-foot wide, stone surfaced
trail designed for pedestrians and bikers. From its northern terminus
off Wolfe Neck Road (Rt. 270), the trail will begin west of the historic
Wolfe house at a trailhead which will include a new 50-car parking lot,
restrooms, informational display board, bike rack, and landscaping. From
the trailhead, the trail connects to the old railroad bed alignment,
which it follows for 5/8 mile, as it gradually rises above the
surrounding wooded area, to the existing Holland Glade Bridge. This
former railroad bridge spans 80 feet and was built in 1913. The existing
concrete bridge abutments and steel girders are to be rehabilitated and
a new wood deck, scenic overlooks and railing are to be installed. The
trail departs from the old railroad alignment just south of the bridge
and meanders through scenic woods and across farm fields for 1-3/8 miles
to its southern terminus at a location near Holland-Glade Road Rt. 270),
just east of the Rehoboth Outlets on Route 1.
The Division is very excited about this
project. This trail has been a desperately needed addition to the resort
community. Currently, designs for the Junction and Breakwater Trail are
approximately 80% complete. Construction is anticipated to begin in
2003. Future phases of development to connect the trail to Lewes and
Rehoboth depend on the Division’s acquisition of remaining properties.
We are optimistic this will be accomplished in the near future.
Park Reminders
Entrance fees remain in effect daily
through October. (Next year remember to buy an annual pass at the
beginning of the season—they’re the best outdoor recreation bargain
in the state!)
Visitors should be aware that hunting is
allowed on many State parks in order to manage wildlife. Signs are
posted to designate active hunting areas. In some cases, trails or other
facilities may be closed. For your safety, please comply with all posted
areas. Maps and other information concerning hunting areas are available
on the State Park website.
Autumn is an amazing season to get out
and explore the state parks. Whatever your interests, there’s
something available for everyone! For more information about upcoming
programs and activities, check out our website at www.destateparks.com.
And if you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, please
e-mail me at stephen.schilly@state.de.us.
For
information on park programs, contact the Seaside Nature Center at
302-645-6852.
Stephen Schilly is Park
Operations Administrator Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation.
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