One of my favorite activities on any rails-to-trail is observing wildlife. Depending on the trail, you can see anything from deer, fox, snakes, turtles and all kinds of birds, even larger ones such as owls, hawks and eagles.  If I see any smaller wildlife resting on the trail I find myself in a bit of a dilemma.  Should I leave it alone or try to "encourage" the animal to move along so it doesn't get run over by other riders?  Generally, it's best to simply enjoy your wild encounters and move on.  Occasionally, though, I have felt the necessity to gently urge the more delicate locals to move off the trail and onto the nearby grass.

I'm a trail junkie. There's something about the sound of limestone under my tires and the sight of a bike path as it meanders off in the distance under a thick canopy of trees. It ignites my imagination and lifts my mood. The curve way up there, in the distance along the trail - that's my Achilles heel. I HAVE to know what's beyond. As the trail veers and curves out of sight I am lured and driven further and further. Invisibly, over time, those curves have increased my endurance and stamina.