Wheeler Farm Fall Visit

I have been a fan of Wheeler Farm for years. 

Although I understand their motives, I am not a fan of the current destruction of trees and vegetation along the west side of the creek.

Thankfully, the farm is a big place. It's definitely worth visiting any time of year.

Bell Canyon Reservoir and Lower Water Falls Hike

On the trail toward the reservoir

Bell Canyon Reservoir

Road leading toward falls trailhead

Once you're on the trail, there are steeper portions of boulder-strewn trail mixed with flatter places. The trail gradually becomes more steep with more boulders to navigate over and around. This portion was like walking through a hedge of scrub oak.

It's really nice to hear and then see the creek from time to time.

There are a few mile-marker signs, but they all tell how far it is back to the parking lot, not how far there is left to go to the falls. 

There's one sign that says .9 miles to the falls. After that, it feels much further and takes longer than you'd think because of the steepness and rocks.There are a few signs that say "trail" with an arrow pointing the right direction. There is also a long skinny board that says "Lower Falls Trail" once the trail splits with one going left toward the falls and the other going straight up to the Upper Falls. Then you have to hike down through the trees to get close to the waterfall.

Hidden Valley Park Rabbit Brush

This morning, my cousin informed me via Instagram message that what I was calling "blooming sagebrush" is actually rabbit brush. I have yet to learn more about the differences between the two plants. I know she's right because of the nature of the blooms and the pungent smell they give. No matter what they're called, I think they're pretty. We saw these at Hidden Valley Park yesterday.

Murray Park Last Friday

I usually post pictures of my walks on Instagram, but for some reason, I didn't want to post these there.We enjoyed a date walk at Murray Park last Friday. I don't know if its visible in the picture here, but R pointed out a big grasshopper on the stalk of one of the red flowers.

Wheeler Farm Wild Destruction

I don't know if this view at Wheeler Farm still exists. I will update.

Wheeler Farm has destroyed much of its beauty and serenity. Last Tuesday, my daughters and I went walking there and were appalled by the removal of trees and undergrowth along the west side of Little Cottonwood Creek. They have a sign with a website posted where you can find out what they're doing and why: Talking Trees Link

This destruction was only the beginning. The plan was/is to remove much more in other parts of the wild area, including the first picture in this post.

Big Cottonwood Creek in September

On Friday, we walked along Big Cottonwood Creek Regional Park by the Walter Frederick Morrison Disc Golf area. It's currently under construction, but they weren't doing anything by the creek. I liked the shadows, the lighting, and the colors in the creek. The red is probably from willow tree roots. They're not red until they're in the water. I tried to find out exactly what it is and why it's red, but willow tree roots was the best I could get.

I put one image on Instagram, and one on a private blog, but I'm going to put the rest here because I like them. I will probably delete a few of them once I decide which ones a prefer.

End of August, Beginning of September Walks

Crestwood Park on a smoky mountain morning.

Rocky Mouth Falls on a lovely Thursday evening.

Wheeler Farm on a rainy Friday afternoon.

They're repairing the bridge by the duck pond at Wheeler Farm. I'm glad because that area was unsafe. Also, they put down fresh new gravel around the most walked-on areas. The wild area is still wild.

Big Cottonwood Regional Park on a perfect Saturday afternoon.