MST-21

Thornton Road Trailhead – River Bend Park Trailhead

April 31, a warm day. This ended up being almost 13 miles round-trip, due to circumstances I’ll explain later in the post.

There was a .2 mile access spur from the parking lot to the Neuse River Trail.

I learned last time that it is helpful to spend some time walking on the edge, on natural terrain, so I did that wherever it was feasible.

It was also restful to take a couple of short side trips over to the river, just for a different view.

Lots of bird-song, including four new spring migrant warblers: Prothonotary, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and Black & White.

Part of the fun of these hikes is keeping a birding list, which I post on eBird.

This walker also passed me, since I had stopped to listen to Indigo Buntings.

Otherwise, this asphalt route would be a bit…tedious.

…although I keep my eye out for the unusual. Like, what is this?

A couple of miles in, the MST left the Neuse River Trail and traversed through the WRAL soccer fields, then out to a busy road. It seemed like a strange detour.

Note to self: Next time, BRING MONEY!!!!

An entire mile along busy roads was not fun.

So, I was happy when the route re-connected with the Neuse River Trail.

This is the Wake Technical Community College North Campus. A potential place to park for the next hike, but I wondered whether I would need a parking pass…so I ended up going another mile along the MST to an established trail head. (Which added an additional 2 miles to my round trip today.)

I took a short break on the rock before heading back. This was a long hike for me!

On the way back, I’m thinking I should just stay on the Neuse River Trail, instead of making that strange detour out on the main roads. It will only add a quarter mile of distance, and it will be so much more pleasant!

Well, POOK!

THAT’S why the MST routed us out onto the busy roads.

So now I had to backtrack.

Added in almost an hour, and some extra mileage.

Too hot and tired for any more photos!