“As the crow flies”. I expect to hear those words for a long time. Went to Burr Oak State Park for our annual fall camping weekend with friends Beth & Mark (camp ring leaders), Debbie & Steve, Karen & Ed & Bailey, and Wendy. Ed picked this location so we could double-up and also hike the BT- seemed like a solid plan! Tent camp sites weren’t the most level, neighbors a bit rowdy, and no lights in bathroom, but company was fantastic and weather great after an initial evening gusty downpour that dropped the temp into the 30s. Hard to tell from park map how long hike from dam to lodge would be, so I estimated 3 miles as ‘crow flies’ and figured would maybe be 4-ish- boy was I wrong! Looking at BT map now was just shy of 6 mi. Trail basically ran along lake perimeter, up and down. Generally well maintained, with elevated walkways over wet areas. With such a large group it was fun to float among friends and gab. I found a large walking stick off trail (hadn’t seen one of those in DECADES) and rushed to show the others despite its persistent attempts to escape my hands. By end of hike we finally arrived at lodge for best part of the day- cocktails on the back deck overlooking the lake near sunset- what a well-deserved rest and view! Steve reassured me that I was not to blame for longer-than-expected hike and we went back to camp and enjoyed a classic camp dinner- hot dogs and baked beans. PERFECT!
