First Day Hike offers fresh start to New Year

As some were sleeping in on Jan. 1 following a long night of ringing in the New Year, a crowd gathered at Daingerfield State Park, eager to start the New Year off on the right foot. Adults and children of all ages joined Rangers Onlie McGee and Cassie Dickerson for the Third Annual “First Day Hike,” sponsored by the park. What began three years ago as a way to get people into the park and out and moving for the New Year has turned into an annual adventure. “The first year, I think we had about 30 people,” said McGee, who led the trek. This year’s group well eclipsed the first two years, with over 50 in attendance. “Last year, it pretty much got rained out, I think it rained the whole time,” said McGee. Although there had been some rain previously in the week, the only remnants left for the hikers to navigate were a few large puddles along the two-mile trail which followed the perimeter of the lake. Along the trail, those in attendance had the opportunity to watch rushing water falls, thanks in part to the heavy rain earlier in the week. Hikers also had the opportunity to see the effects of the prescribed burn that the park underwent last summer. The burn cleared out undergrowth and brush, but left the majestic pines that served as the canopy for the hike. Parents, as well as the rangers, could be heard pointing out the burn lines on the trees to children, who became curious as to what had happened. All of the changes noticed on the hike were not natural, however, and some showed what can happen when the public does not take care of the park. Numerous benches that had been erected around the trail could be seen lying on their sides, pulled up with the cement. At first, with all the rain that had so much of the area flooded, one might think this was a natural problem. In reality, according to Dickerson, those problems were caused by people vandalizing the area. “I’m sure the rain helped to loosen them, but no, they are down because of people working at them, wiggling them and pulling them up,” said Dickerson. Most of these benches were placed at points that would give the casual hiker an opportunity to rest, take a breath, and take in the sights and sounds the park has to offer. To continue reading this article, purchase the January 7th edition of the Steel Country Bee, or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/default.aspx