Originally, I was planning to hike a short section of the Appalachian Trail this morning, but after re-evaluating the travel time, I decided to hike closer to home. I've got a concert to go to tonight and don't want to be late. I've got a very, big hike coming up in a few weeks and I'm trying to get trail miles in whenever I can. I decided to hike a few miles at the nearby Little Mulberry Park. Though I've been here many times, it's a good option as it is nearby and the trails are quite popular, which will allow me to continue listening to my audio book while I'm getting some exercise.
The park seems especially busy on this rare August afternoon, where is is both not raining and a bit cooler. Many people are out taking advantage of the great weather. The trail begins on pavement, but at my first opportunity, I enter the woods. I'm breaking in some new hiking boots and pavement is not the best option. I pass a number of families out enjoying the day. Everyone is friendly and either offers a nod, a wave, or a hello.
Before too long, I've made my way to the lake and decide to follow the trail around it. There is a small island in the lake and though I don't know the story behind it, someone has erected a tyrannosaurus rex statue in the center of it and cleared the trees out to offer a unobstructed view. I've commented on this before, but it never ceases to amuse me.
As I being making my way back the parking area I decide to walk across the observation plateau, which I believe is the highest point in Gwinnett County. It's nothing more than a mowed field, with a slab of concrete poured and some park benches scattered around, but it does make for a nice astronomical viewing area when certain stellar events occur. Just as I begin down the hill towards the car, a light sprinkle begins. It's actually kind of nice, since I'm fairly sweaty from my fast pace. I was able to get in about 6.5 miles today. That's not much, but I have plans for substantially more miles tomorrow.
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