Trail Mix

by Tim Rensema, Natural Resources Trails Committee PLVC

The Around the Bay Trail (ABT) is 2.9 miles long and encompasses many “sub-trails” like Montgomery, Camber, Picnic Point and others. It travels roads such as Olympic Place, Waterhouse, and Ebb Tide. If you are new to hiking the ABT, it is best to have a map, though we have great directional signs along the route.

Parts of the trail are maintained by different people: Montgomery sub-trail, Mike McLeron; ABT sections 1 to 12, Mark Makarowski; Gerry Allen, Picnic Point. The Camber sub-trail (ABT sections 12-20) is maintained by June deMers, who also maintains Wells Walk near the Bay Club. ABT sections 20 to 25 are maintained by our long-time committee officers Dan and Soosie Darrow, who also maintain the Gazebo Trail behind the Bay Club. Dwight Hauptman maintains ABT sections 25 to 28, down to the retention ponds along Ludlow Bay Road. One of our earlier trails, ABT was originally constructed without signage or the bridge at Waterhouse Lane, though signs were later installed in subsequent years.

This level trail provides good views of Ludlow Bay. We’ve done some major maintenance (new steps, clearing of brush, etc.) in places. There are four bridges on the trail. One connects Montgomery to Olympic Place, and two major bridges, and one minor, connect Waterhouse to Ebb Tide. At this point, cross over the drainage stream from the Osprey area as it enters Ludlow Bay. You can either continue on the ABT, or go around the shore to Picnic Point at low tide, and reconnect with the ABT. If you do this, be sure to duck the overhanging cedars. You may wake a sleeping otter or get a glimpse of sea birds. You also will have great views and interpretive signs of the log storage and the end of the McCormick railroad.

All along the ABT, you will find interpretive signs and benches. Take some of the side trails, like the Gazebo Trail, which is bounded by native rhododendrons and views of the “Twins” (two islands) located behind the Bay Club. Be careful when walking along Paradise Bay as vehicles are usually exceeding the 25-mph speed limit. Then you enter on Keel Way. This is where you enter Gazebo by walking down to the Bay Club. If you wish to access Timberton, there is a crossing off of Keel that takes you up Timberton Lane to the trail head. If you wish to travel the ABT, stay on Keel. Follow it to Camber between a stream and Paradise Bay Road. With benches installed, it is a tranquil walk.

Walk on Camber Road to the end and take a right on South Bay Lane back to Paradise. Across Paradise, you will see the entrance to Dunsmuir Cut (maintained by Chris Vogt) for access into that neighborhood. If you stay on the ABT, you will see a side road (no name) on the left that accesses the Estuary Trail (maintained by Jennifer Levcun). If you have time, this is a wonderful trail to see seabirds and mudflats. Major erosion is occurring on this trail, so be careful. Still, the views are worth it, and there are lots of benches to sit on and observe the bird life.

Back to the ABT, access Mariner until you get to the end. The trail cuts between major blackberry hedges parallel to Ludlow Bay Road and ends at retention ponds supporting this area of South Bay. During winter it may get a bit muddy, so be prepared.

Our maintenance program has been in full swing this month, and our Fun Day crew has been busy. The major work of the Fun Day crew has been clearing brush on the Larry Gordon Scott Memorial Trail, spreading chips on the Picnic Point trail, removing Scotch broom on the Teal Lake trail, and weed whacking Talbot and Osprey. More maintenance to follow.