Hike 2 of 52

August 21, 2017:

Hike: Okehocking Preserve
Location: Newtown Square, PA
Distance: 1.7miles
Elevation: Unknown

Today Rue and I took a short drive to Okehocking Preserve in Newtown Square. It’s a nature preserve with trails and woods and creeks. Horses also take to these trails.

Besides being my second hike of my 52 hike challenge, today, August 21 was the total eclipse. I figured that I would hike to the top of the hill and sit and relax watching the eclipse through my dad’s welding glass inserts.

We got to the preserve and immediately realized everyone on the mainline was here. I watched as a group of women in their mid-late fourties unloaded their lawn chairs and vino. Rue and I followed the path towards the dog park (an open field) and then veered towards the trail versus following the crowd to the field. As we walked, we spotted a baby deer eating and a horseback rider passing by. The deer spotted us and took off-Rue tried to chase after.

We made it up the hill in no time and I was surprised that no one ventured up there. There is a bench at the top with a veiw of the preserve. We stopped for water and I caught some views of the eclipse (about 60%).

We then continued our way down and looped around towards the creek.

We passed some more onlookers as we headed to a secluded, wooded area where Rue could swim. We had the area to ourselves. Thankfully I wore my Tevas so I walked around in the cool water. Rue was in her happy place, galloping and chopping at the water.

After about 15minutes, we headed back up the trail and the hill. Again, the top of the hill was desserted so we sat on the bench and shared an apple. I kept trying to catch glimpses as it was close to peak eclipse but alas clouds moved in and blocked all the view.

Rue and I headed back down the trail to the lot as we completed my second hike of the 52hike challenge.