It is another great morning and time to get out on a trail. Today we head for The Pawling Reserve just a few miles from our previous hike. Parking at the trailhead is completely empty, hooray! Preserve trails are a bit muddy with lots of up and down as we cross ridges but it is a beautifully peaceful hike. We are on the watch for deer as the preserve claims a problem with severe overpopulation but nary a one. Instead, as we sit for a quick drink break a big black bear lumbers out of the trees down the slope in front of us. He is chill, just passing through. When he encounters the trail, he must determine it is easier going and stays on it. In only a few moments that will bring him within 6 feet of us. We watch quietly with bear spray in hand; but, when he reaches the turn in the trail closest to us, we speak, “hey bear”. He glances our way then veers off the trail about 15 feet for long enough to stay clear of those pesky humans then returns to the trail and ambles on. Such a well-behaved guy. Love it!
Straight line distance this fantastic bear sighting is just 1 ½ miles from where we hiked with Willa. It is probably good she was not here today but she has seen black bears when with us before and been curious not afraid. It has typically elicited “woof, woof”. That would probably have worked to divert this bear as well as “hey bear”.
We opt to return to the trailhead via a section of the Appalachian Trail. It is not muddy but that is because it is rocky with nearly continuous rugged climbs and descents. Low spots do sometimes include a bit of rock hopping across streams. There is thick undergrowth so we do a bit of talking to the bears to avoid any surprises. Only mini bears (squirrels and chipmunks) for the duration of the trip. It is a fun day and at just over three miles not too taxing.
Oh, yeah. Lunch is empanadas from the food truck. The beef and black bean and buffalo chicken are both fantastic.

We get a sunny Friday and head out to try a boardwalk section of the Appalachian Trail that runs along the Swamp River and its wetland. This is a trail that was just too busy back on Mother’s Day. The boardwalk winds through tall cat tails with red winged black birds, orioles and sparrows chattering everywhere. Once across the river we enter a woodland area just alive with birdsong. It is a mostly level walk the first mile then climbs to a meadow. It is relaxing and pretty good birding plus it looks like we have found a great trail to introduce Willa to hiking with us. We are pleasantly surprised to find a food truck in the trailhead lot when we emerge. A pastrami Rueben and philly steak provide considerably more calories than we burned today but they are delicious.