A neighbor said he recently walked from Occoneechee Mountain back to our neighborhood, and that sounded like a lot of fun. I combined this five-mile walk with two errands in downtown Hillsborough.
This is one of the most magical words in the English language!
“Trail” means adventure, mystery, nature, exploration and wonder.
After circling Occoneechee on the Loop Trail, I took the exit spur to the small parking area on Eno Mountain Road.
It’s a short walk on the sidewalk to cross the Eno River and connect with the western end of the Hillsborough Riverwalk.
Hillsborough had several thriving textile mills, up until 1970.
The MST (Mountains to the Sea Trail) incorporates the Riverwalk. I did this section, officially, a few months ago–but in the opposite direction.
The Riverwalk is well-used and a beloved feature of Hillsborough.
I left the Riverwalk and made my way up through the parking garage–the short cut to the library.
On the “Lucky Day” shelf I saw EXACTLY the book I was hoping for!
I began “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” as an audiobook, but as you can see, that was not very satisfying! Amy Tan shares her birding observations and sketches as a way to encourage us to connect with nature and savor the quieter moments of life.
Hillsborough was established in 1754 and has many historic buildings.
At the post office I bought some nine-cent and “extra ounce” stamps for the letters and Bible studies that I review for inmates.
Then it was back to the trail that continues through the woods towards the Occoneechee Racetrack.
I veered off along the MST, then took the side trail that climbs the hill to our neighborhood.
It was a lovely five miles! I’ll definitely do it again on days when I don’t want to travel to do another section of the MST.
My.Bird.Walks. 
This is lovely. Thanks g do or sharing 🤗
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Hey, I have gone about every inch of that same trail (except from the racetrack to your neighborhood). And to the library, and to the PO.
Nostalgic!
God’s grace to you & yours.
Lorraine Boyd
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