| Windstorm Cleanup |
Early on the morning of June 17, high winds downed many trees and limbs on the trail, especially north near Corwin. But with the combined resources of the Friends and the Department of Natural Resources, cleanup was so fast that FLMSP didn't get even one hotline call for trees down.
Friends volunteer Dirk Morgan cleared 6 downed trees and countless branches between Ft. Ancient and South Lebanon. Volunteers also were on the trail in areas that received less damage.
FLMSP President Ron Gorley reports that there were at least 8 DNR employees tackling trail debris as well as the many Friends volunteers. In addition, workers from South Lebanon Township cleared trees on the trail in their area.
"It was truly a successful day where everyone worked for a common purpose," said Ron.
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| Share the Trail |
Our multi-use scenic trail is meant to be enjoyed by all ages and sizes. Let's make it safe for everyone by keeping cycling speeds under the 20 m.p.h. speed limit and using special caution around other trail users.
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| "Monkey Bar" Gets Makeover |
by Janet Slater
The Train Stop Inn at Fosters, long known as the "Monkey Bar" because of the chimpanzee kept there years ago, has a new owner who is remodeling the Inn's reputation as well as its appearance.
"It's a diamond in the rough," says Mark Altemeier, who has had his eye on the place for 10 years. He and his wife want this to be a family-friendly, trail-friendly establishment that serves healthy food for lunch and dinner. Behind the Inn, next to the river, is a two-level patio with over 6,000 square feet of space for cyclists and walkers to enjoy a salad or chicken wrap while admiring the view. Mark would even like to make access from the river easier for kayakers and canoeists.
Renovations are in full swing this summer, and the kitchen is currently closed, but Mark hopes to start serving lunch this fall and plans on a Grand Opening next spring. We think trail people will love the change at The Train Stop as well as the food and drinks.
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| Buckeye Trail Hikers |
Chuck and Beth Hewett have logged 1400 miles on the Buckeye Trail since they set off on April 22 from Headlands Beach on Lake Erie. Don Hahn talked with them on June 9 as they passed through the Foster trailhead. They had slept the previous night at the VFW campground in Loveland. Their hometown is Salem, Ohio which is between Canton and Youngstown.
The Buckeye Trail is primarily a footpath, but certain portions are designated for use by horse riders and non-motorized users. Chuck and Beth told Don they planned to hike until mid-July, but they picked up the pace on the western and northern stretches and completed the loop trail on July 6, arriving back at Headlands Beach after a 76-day journey.
"There are so many aspects to a long journey," reports Beth. "People met, landscape changes, history, plants and animals." She is writing a book based on her journal entries, as well as recording their observations in a data book for the Buckeye Trail Association, founded in 1959.
Below is map of the Buckeye Trail and its side loops. Go to
buckeyetrail.org for more information.
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Friends of the Little Miami State Park is a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation and enhancement of the Little Miami State Park. We assist the Ohio Department of Natural Resources with development planning, capital improvements, and safety concerns, as well as providing most of the maintenance of the park.
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