Truth to tell

    To tell the truth, Historic Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, blogged about yesterday and reopened today, is a pretty terrible park. Planners didn't much think through the need for shade in this climate and you have to walk under high-tension power lines for a significant distance. The best part is the very farthest end and the entrance and parking area for that end are still closed. The most fun part are the little islands in the middle of the Broad River and they largely washed away in the flood. But I was thrilled beyond words to be back there and in no way disappointed when I left, hours later. I was not the only person to return today and was not the only one best pleased; the dogs seemed particularly thrilled. The far end entrance and parking area didn't seem structurally damaged; there were a gazillion sandbags awaiting assignment in the parking area. Perhaps why that's why it's still closed. It doesn't seem like it will be a terribly long wait for it to reopen. There is the shade problem, but it's a lot shadier at that end.
    I have a lot of memories of Canal Park, many great and some sad, but I was entirely pleased to be back there. I'm not sure, but it looked a lot like they had moved the high tension power lines, or at least some power lines, away from the trail for a distance. So that's a plus too. The canal is not as high as it used to be, but not as sad looking as it was after the flood (and dam breach). On the whole, the city is to be saluted for getting it up and running and open again. Sa-LUTE!