ABOUT THE PARK:
Columbia Trail - Morris County Parks
DIRECTIONS:
Bartley Road Parking GPS Coordinates 40.81665, -74.72535
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| Bartley Road Parking at the eastern end of the Columbia Trail |
The Bartley Road parking is on a very busy street. A better choice would have been just a short distance along the Columbia Trail:
Fisherman Access Parking GPS Coordinates 40.81445, -74.72876
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| Fisherman access parking (that is what the sign says on Bartley Road) which is off of a gravel road that crosses the Columbia Trail. |
TRAIL MAP:
The Columbia Trail - State of New Jersey
Columbia Trail - Morris County Parks (scroll down to Columbia Trail then click on the "trail map" tab)
HIKE DISTANCE: 8.2 miles (4.1 miles each way)
THE HIKE:
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| Because parking was on such a busy street, I had to move all of the contraptions on to the trail before bringing the dogs out. This is where a biker drove by and identified himself as a blog follower. Always so cool! |
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| Finally all saddled up and ready to go. Al the poodle joined us today. |
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| If for no other reason, the stroller comes in very handy to carry stuff. |
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| In just a short distance passing by the parking lot where it would have been easier and safer to get everyone and everything set up. |
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| Shawnee was not doing well in the wheelchair at all so within the first 3/4 of a mile, it was the stroller for her. I think we need to retire the wheelchair and just stick with the stroller from here on out. |
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| Stashing the wheelchair so I don't need to lug it along and can pick it up on the way back. |
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| The stroller rolls very easily and smoothly on this fine crushed gravel. |
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| What Shawnee sees. |
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| An overgrown Patriot's Path joins in from the left. |
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| Another stroller with children who thought it was very neat to see a dog
in a stroller. (Photo taken and posted on blog with dad's permission.) |
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| Al seemed to be getting tired and Shawnee did not mind him joining her in the stroller. |
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| To the right, the Gillette Trail which leads to a parking area and Schooley's Mountain County Park across the road. |
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| The Gillette Trail leaves to the left ... |
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| ... but sadly, looks like it has not been maintained and is very overgrown. |
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| Just before the end of this section in Long Valley, the trail passes behind some not so attractive places... |
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| ... to a fence which forces a detour to the left ... |
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| ... around a development. |
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| I wasn't quite sure what this was at first. |
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| But a distance ahead is a kiosk indicating it is Mill Pond Park. |
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| Long Valley |
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| The end of this section in Long Valley at Route 517. Across the street is parking for the next section. |
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| Heading back and checking out Mill Pond Park. |
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| Just a short distance in on the Mill Pond Trail... |
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| ... and we could go no farther. |
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| Nice place for a break though. |
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| Continuing on to the Frying Pan Tree Trail on the right. |
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| There is a place to park bikes since they are not allowed so I parked the stroller, left the dogs for a sec and ran in for a look. |
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| Nice views of the South Branch Raritan River right off the trail. |
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| Had to run back to the abandoned dogs but these trails are definitely worth checking out. |
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| Heading back. |
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| Running into our friends again. |
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| Al wanted to walk for a bit. |
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| But decided riding was more fun. |
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| Retrieving the wheelchair stashed off to the left. |
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| Back at the parking area. |
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| All loaded up, which takes forever with breaking down the stroller. |
A grand time:) Always nice to see our Shawnee friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Always good to hear from you!
DeleteDaniela
So nice that you take Shawnee in a stroller and the other little dog too. I'm sure it's not easy pushing that around with Shawnee in it. I'm sure Shawnee appreciates you taking her along on hikes even though she can't walk that much anymore. You got some nice photos too! Thanks for sharing! Joanne from NJ
ReplyDeleteIt was actually very easy to push the stroller on the Columbia Trail. It's that crushed gravel and all flat so we just glide along. The McDade Trail is difficult with hills and chunky gravel.
DeleteDaniela
The stroller is so cute and a great idea for Shawnee now that she's having issue with walking; glad she enjoys it... even though she may be a little fussy about getting in it. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, Dawn, I would not call it a little fussy, LOL. It's more like muzzle-worthy lots of fussy. She will ram her head through the sun roof and bite holes into the fabric if I don't muzzle her. Once I get her stuffed (and I mean STUFFED) in, she is fine. She is just so old and cantankerous any more and everything has to be a battle. Sigh.
DeleteI'm happy to see that Shawnee is still able to get out on some trails, albeit w/much grousing on her part & difficulty for you. But in the end, I'm guessing it's worth whatever aggravation (for all involved) just to be outside on any trail, walking, riding, pushing and most importantly...together. I do think Al may want to mooch more rides next time he comes along. He looked mighty comfy next to Shawnee.
ReplyDeleteLinda
You are correct on all accounts! I am sure Shawnee would rather be with me outdoors than at home yet if I don't take her with me, I never know what I will come home to with incontinence being an issue now - but ONLY at home. I can have her outdoors for 12 hours and she won't go until we get home, go figure. So it's actually less work to have her with me although I do need my hiking fix every now and then.
DeleteDaniela
Aw, glad Shawnee can get out. I ended up having someone stop in and let Moxie out midday so that we can keep going hiking (with our other dog). Moxie still can hike, but I find that after we get home, she usually can't stand up by herself and has to be carried in and outside.
ReplyDeleteI have to get someone to let Shawnee out, too, when I go alone. Stinks that they deteriorate with old age like that.
DeleteDaniela