A Less Than Scintillating Hike at Slate Run

Early in the hike, crossing a bridge, we were treated to a somewhat desolate view.  We had begun our hike from the main parking lot of Slate Run Metro Park off State Route 674.  While inviting Eva to be the official hike leader and thus add star power to the event, the idea to begin a hike at this place was my own. Rather than allow my observation to bleed through the comments below, I'll say it here; this may be the most boring hike in which I have ever participated and were it not for the good people with whom I was hiking, I'd have never finished it.  OK, now the happy face continues.

We paused to regroup at this bridge and observe nature's finest through the aforementioned opening.  Wow, the snow, the bare trees, the birds, etc...it don't get much better than this!

At mile 2.5, with packs weighed down by snacks, we decided to take an early break and a thanks to Engineer Mitch for producing the most items for drinking or eating.  This deserves....

....a closer look.  Others brought spiked tea, dark chocolate, Reese Cups, cheese, etc... Flying Tuna brought cauliflower bread.  She does not yet fully understand the concept but is getting there.

We resumed our fun trek, crossing several bridges that forded a series of ponds.  Our participants were Eva, Steve, Mark & Karen, Mitch, Lisa R, Amanda, Frans, Cindy and me.  Towards the end of the hike we decided to....

....hike to this cool observation deck and observe the flatish surroundings.  We...

....chose to take this opportunity for another round of snacks and drinks.  That was one stop too many for me, for a 8 mile hike but hey, that is ok. Let's see, what was the elevation gain, 450' so.....