Under absolutely ideal conditions the “Friends” 2011 New Year’s Day morning “Resolution Walkers” pose for the annual group photo. Photo by CLIFF HILL
by CLIFF AND NANCY HILL
The unseasonably warm weather during the days leading up to New Year’s Day morning conspired to create unbelievable conditions for the 10th annual Friends of the White Pine Trail Resolution Walk.
As a result, a record crowd of well over 300 people stepped off under a bright sun and blue skies to enjoy nature and a morning of good cheer and fellowship. Greetings of “Happy New Year” were the order of the day.
Squire graphic designer Joyce Wagner (right) with her daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Jorge Rodriguez enjoy the Friends of the White Pine Trail Resolution Walk on New Year's Day morning 2011. The weather was so beautiful that Joyce was able to remove her coat. Photo by CLIFF HILL
To add icing to the cake, the temperature was 43 degrees and the trail was totally clear of ice and snow. It was almost surreal. The geese, along with the white swans and ducks on the Rogue River and in the air, were in total agreement. Their calls and honks could be heard joyously in the background. Believe it or not, we even saw a small frog hopping across the trail!
So many people participated in the walk that Dave Heyboer, chairman of the “Friends,” had to rush to the supermarket to pick up additional hot dogs that were being provided with all the trimmings, free of charge, to all in attendance.
The Friends, in appreciation to their many members and the peoples and businesses of the communities through which the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail passes, host the annual walk.
Comments by our Readers