Garner Recreational Park Walking Trails

Goose has started looking longingly out the window. He walks a little farther and with more confidence each time we go out. He's getting better at keeping up with The Pony.

Every day his limp gets a little less. He has full feeling in his leg and foot but still cannot flex his toes. Only time will tell how far his recovery will go. We are happy he won't need an amputation.

I am amazed by his resilience and how well he fits into our family. He is such a great kitten. Mac seems happier than ever to have a little brother.

This week we went for a hike on the walking trails behind the Garner, NC Recreational Park. It's a small area with few trail markings which means you have to wander until you learn the area. I don't know it very well yet so I take a lot of hikes making only right or left turns. There is a nice creek that runs through the property with lovely spots for resting or watching the water run over the rocks.
To learn more about this park, visit:
https://www.garnernc.gov/departments/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources/parks-facilities/parks/garner-recreational-park

It was a cool 45 degrees and we arrived a little after 12:30. My partner, Jason, joined us today and we started out with Goose in the backpack. It didn't take too long for the squirming to start and little orange cat was back on the trail.

There weren't a lot of people on the trail which allowed  Goose to explore uninterrupted. This was the second time Goose hiked this trail. The first was his first real experience hiking. This time he was trying to climb trees and rocks.

Mac was excited to be back in the woods and I spent a lot of time being pulled in two directions as Mac and Goose rarely want to look at the same thing at the same time.

Eventually both boys decided to go in the same direction and we were able to move at an enjoyable pace through the woods. We stopped at the creek to watch the water and I learned that the babbling water was a little too much for Goose. He thought it was too loud and didn't understand why it was moving. There is also the possibility he thought he would be getting a bath and was not interested. All his squirming stopped once we left the sound of the creek behind us.

We only passed a couple of people with their dog on the way back. It was such a nice change from the extremely busy trails at Umstead last week. We could hike at our own pace, stop when we wanted to and Mac didn't have to worry about anyone petting him.

I didn't use GPS on this walk, it was just meant to be a relaxing stroll. It felt like close to 3 miles. A perfect little visit on  a quiet Sunday.

As always, the boys were pooped when we got back to the house. Goose fell asleep on the way back.

Fresh air and exercise are best followed with a nap. Jay and I even fell asleep on the couch. The quiet after a hike is a blessing to behold. It never seems to last long enough but the chaos that is born out of that quiet only drives me to get back out there. That and the joy it brings the boys to be out on another adventure.