Written by: Rennae Gruchalla, Hikes and Outreach/Dakota Prairie Chapter/NCTA
MAY YOU BE FILLED WITH LOVING KINDNESS,
MAY YOU BE WELL,
MAY YOU BE PEACEFUL AND AT EASE,
MAY YOU BE HAPPY!
In the middle of a bustling city, eighteen enthusiastic hikers took a stroll through a
beautiful forest to experience a serene and peaceful place. These folks got away
from the buzz of the screens and the stress of the day’s activities, to make some
memories by going outside for a group hike!
Despite the clouds, the temps were cooperative at 50 degrees accompanied by
absolutely no wind. Yesterday’s urban hike along the Red River of the North fit
the bill. Christine Holland, executive director of River Keepers was our leader
and interpreter. She educated the group with her extensive knowledge of the
history, ecology, and people of the river, and the surrounding area. Everything
seemed to come alive with her explanation of the former “tent city” that
originally occupied the space of the Crystal Sugar building, as well as the
restaurant placed on the bridge crossing the river. The Red River has so many
curves that newbies traveling on it used to say, “I left my tail behind that curve”,
meaning they left it while passing the last curve. The Bears Den, which still
stands, never fails to intrigue hikers.
Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s hike, especially those of
you who were new to the Dakota Prairie Chapter sponsored hikes! I hope you will
join us again!
Speaking of future hikes, the next hike will be on the Oak Leak Trail (a spur off of
the NCT), on Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 PM, We will meet at Jorgen’s Hollow
Campground located in the Sheyenne National Grasslands on CR. 23. This
location is about an hour’s drive from Fargo and SW of Kindred, N.D. This easy
hike is a 4 mile loop on the North Country National Scenic Trail.
https://www.meetup.com/NCThikersinND/