River walking

By Dan Cahoon
Posted Monday, September 24, 2007

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Moncure, NC - The crisp September air makes me think of walks along rivers and trails in times past. It is a great time to get out and experience some of the beauty of our world. Chatham county boasts many gorgeous, accessible and family safe sites for walking, viewing wildlife and general enjoying nature in all it's glory.

The drought has been rough on the rivers and lakes but it has also offered an opportunity to practice a little stewardship. While out on your walks try taking some shopping bags along with (30 can be carried lightly in a pocket) you and pick up the trash along the way. You may find that you gather as much as you can carry, but don't get discouraged. There is another good person coming along in a while to get some more.

I try not to grumble about litter bugs while doing this but the feeling of righteousness I get more than makes up for my ill will towards sloppy fishermen and irresponsible drinkers.

This is a good time to go out and clean up a little. As always, go with a buddy and watch out for danger. I love to walk alone in the woods but rarely get the chance. I feel very comfortable on the trails along the Haw and around the lake. The facilities are clean and the park personnel kindly present.

I have never seen anything more disturbing in and around the Haw and Jordan lake than litter and wildlife damaged (I saved a water snake from a fishing net once). Maybe I don't see anything because I am not looking for anything except the birds, lizards, turtles, plants and water. These days water is hard to come by and is hardly moving. Please go down and spend some time "out in it". Leave only footprints, take only memories (and maybe a few bags of trash).

Be safe. Be kind. Be prepared.