I took my dog on a five-mile urban walk from our home that included Hamlin Park for at least two miles. The park was quiet except for dog walkers, a few strolling couples, a father pushing a baby carriage, and 6 fire vehicles doing training in the parking lot nearest to the cannons.
We started on the east side and did a starburst meander pattern on paths exiting each of the north parts of the park, roughly following the white arrow posts as per the trail recommendations, then looped back on a large gravel path to include some stairs (I counted 131) and hills. We returned to the cannons to find the fire department training, so we exited west to continue on city streets back home.
Nice to go when I can hear the birds. We heard 12 species inside the park (16 on our walk to and from) including pine Siskins, a Pacific wren, and a Fox sparrow as the more unusual birds. I was impressed with the trails, only in one western meadow that is part of a restoration project did I see any puddles.
The trails are pretty spongey right now due to all the recent rain, so careful of your footing this autumn. I could feel my stress levels ebb away as I soaked in the fresh forest air and birdsong. So nice to have urban parks within walking distance that don't require gas to visit. I appreciate whoever has done trail maintenance in this area and intend to find out more about helping the city with the restoration project.
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