[IndianaTrails] CANAL UPDATE--the annual "day after Christmas hike

Mon Dec 31 13:25:53 PST 2007

A HIKE IN THE DEER CREEK VALLEY

"Young Austin Smith along with 110 other people of all ages enjoyed the hike
to High Bridge last Wednesday.  This 'day after Christmas' narrated outing
was organized by Delphi Historic Trails" according to chairman  Dan McCain.
"It began on a nice day that became and even warmer day by the time it ended
two hours later.  That warmth encouraged Austin to shed his coat and give it
to his father Gil to hold."  

The hike returned by the Delphi and Wabash Valley Traction Company Trolley
back to the Canal Center for refreshments before disbanding.  Two days later
Gil finally relocated Austin's winter coat when Dan announced that "some kid
left a coat in the Canal Center."  The mood of many avid hikers- young and
old-kept pace with the kids.  It culminated in a very special outing.

"Hikers observed the Deer Creek Valley from high up on the north rim in the
first half of the narrated trek.  This vantage allowed a special birds eye
view from atop the old Monon High Bridge.  Up to that point the hike was on
the level stone trail."  Then McCain announced that the hearty hikers that
wanted to see specifically where the Heartland Highway will come across the
valley could go on for the second half of the walk.

More than half the crowd followed on the "off trail" cross country route -
that's where the expended energy and sun's warmth came into play.  It was a
beautiful day.  Sites were viewed in the valley depicting the history and
beauty of this area just east of downtown Delphi.  Early pioneer settlement
landscapes, the Bossard Falls, Slate Bluff, the old mill damsite near
Robinson's Run -- all were viewed with consideration of where the massive
cuts and fills of the new four lane highway will affect the area. 

This was the largest "day after Christmas" crowd in the fifteen year history
of the event.  Next spring a similar hike will be offered to explore the
south side of Deer Creek Valley where the old Pioneer Road, waterfall and
beautiful overlooks afford an appreciation for the Bowen Woods.  This area
may become a landlocked isolated nature area after the new highway is
completed.  INDOT is committed to "Context Sensitive Solutions" planning in
an effort to not destroy these natural, cultural and historic assets. 

According to McCain, "one mission of the Trails Association is trying to
accomplish is to get INDOT to provide trail access across Deer Creek to join
the Monon Trail with the Bowen Trace."  Other important points of contention
are focused on the massive earthen cuts and fills that may detract from the
beauty of this valley as well as the concern for an elevated "at grade 'T'
intersection" planned for the east entrance to Delphi.

"Other members of this local committee involved with evaluating INDOT's
plans are affiliated with the local historical organizations, the Rural
Historic District and local governmental representatives," according to
co-chair Anita Werling.   If the public wishes to respond to INDOT on
matters of the road's impact on this specific valley crossing east of Delphi
you may pick up information at the Canal Center Reception Desk.  Or, as
Werling suggests "the Heartland Highway's website:
<http://sr25study.in.gov/> http://sr25study.in.gov may be accessed for more
information."

A special thanks to hiking friend Tim Criswell for producing this special
coverage: 

Day After Christmas Monon High Bridge Hike PhotoShow

 <http://www.simplestar.com/redir.php?source=share_email_psd3_info> 

 <http://www.photoshow.net/view/MbpixkLAg> play show

Tim Criswell (tim at nextdaycontainer.com) sent you a PhotoShow! 

From: 

mit450 at 37.com

Title: 

Day After Christmas Monon High Bridge Hike

I made this Day After Christmas Monon High Bridge Hike PhotoShow for you!

(To watch this show <http://www.photoshow.net/view/MbpixkLAg> , paste the
address below into your browser) 
http://www.photoshow.net/view/MbpixkLAg

Create your own musical slideshow!
PhotoShow Express is the easiest way to manage, edit and share your photos.
Create & share a show just like this, or order your own copy on DVD. Best of
all, it's free.

 <http://www.simplestar.com/redir.php?source=share_email> 

This show features music by
Karl Frederick Grossman 

You can also find more great music though 

<http://www.emusic.com/promo/simplestar/index.html?origin=pitch&fref=800016>
Emusic

 <http://www.simplestar.com/> Simple Star

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