Canyon Park

Canyon Park: A World Within Worlds
 
The descent that starts you on this glorious little haven is one of expectations, awe and sheer wonder. The gravel Canyon Park Road that leads you to this paradise seems to welcome you as you traverse the path. It is almost as if you feel the stresses and the day to day grind we imagine ourselves in, floating away, like a layer of skin, left at the door.. As you start your final retreat into the incredible sight opening up quite literally in front of your eyes, you cannot help but notice all of the grand residents of this magical canyon welcoming you to their indigenous gifts. A feeling to be remembered, that is quite certain.
 
If the sights and the raw energy of the plot were not enough, the delightful hosting done by Mr. And Mrs. Jeff and Lynn Martin was warm and receiving. Jeff did not hesitate to pull himself from his work to take an hour or so and show me around the 44+ acres of raw ancient life. He pointed out a looped path on the top of the property that shows a really remarkable Northwest view. The bottom part of the property is a real treat to have been among. The steep path down helps greatly to build up this amazing feeling of what awaits. With the nature of the watershed and the hundreds of underground aquifers in our area, the place bolsters natural springs oozing from every crevice it seems. The pond that you meet in your initial few hundred feet is really a treat in itself. It is a natural stop for many waterfowl on their instinctive travels. There is a place to relax, enjoy a fire and a picnic while listening to the trickle of water over the man made dam. Blissful.
 
There are so many areas to make camp independent of the tremendously rustic and homey feel of the cabin. I fell asleep to the steady, soothing and surreal sound of the spring fed creek that elegantly flows crystal clear water through the canyon. That same creek can be a savior as you wash your face and feet in the morning. It exhilarates you, and fills you with intense renewed energy for the daily exploration. This is a truly magnificent place to make a camp for biking, hiking or just ecological exploration.
 
The foliage is vast. I was completely overwhelmed. Granted, my knowledge of foliage and the wildlife that inhabits it is not that extensive, however, after one day and night at the Canyon I have decided it will serve as a perfect classroom. The stories to be painted by the large, almost god-like trees are amazing. There are trees growing between rocks, on top of rocks, out of rocks and just about any other position you can imagine. They are simply amazing. Anyone who appreciates the sheer size and evolutional history that has to accompany these gargantuan trees will be deeply pleased upon seeing the “Father Pines” looking over you, protecting, and singing. The wind affects every single tree different, as it whistles through the canyon. A symphony of leaves and branches electrify the atmosphere in a song that would please the deaf. Often it sounds like a steaming locomotive approaching; sometimes you can notice a subtle whisper of the tops, dancing and intermingling in a song of great grace.
 
The climate is profound. The climate boasts green lush vegetation everywhere you turn. I will be spending the next few weeks researching to find out what I saw and remember. That is after less than 24 hours of enjoyment. At night the temperature dips a few degrees lower than its elevated counterpart on the top of the canyon. In the sunny morning of this past Saturday April 28, 2007, it was surprisingly humid and warm. It immediately reminded me of a rainforest. The water was falling and being absorbed by all of the life. It did not get to maybe more than 68 or 70 while I was there, but the Canyon floor was humid and alive with 80 degree heat.
 
Recreation holds a great place within the Canyon. If hiking an explorative hike throughout the lush 45 acre land is not enough, there are numerous areas where a mountain biker might be able to navigate some pretty technical and treacherous riding. Conversely, for the relaxing bike ride, the property wonderfully cloaks a bottom and a top trail to view the property. It also is under .5 mile from the Military Ridge State bicycling trail. If that isn’t enough to make one want to relax with the moon illuminating the canyon bottom, there are unbelievable rock faces and cliffs that are begging the rock climber to top rope from the thousands of anchor points. On top of the land by the cabin is a spacious area to throw a Frisbee around or just sit on a lookout cliff and marvel at the unfathomable sights to behold. There is also a swing set and an area where the little ones can entertain themselves. Let us not forget our best friends of the furry type. Dogs and pets alike would be enamored by the size of the “park” they get to play in.
 
In my mere 18 hours on this property I was amazed and overwhelmed. I did not get to trek the cave, or see the large rock structure at the Northern most corner of the property line. I did not get to walk the North ridgeline or climb the many cliffs. There is not enough time to enjoy all of the wonders this remarkable world holds.
 
Time is not an idea or a realm here. Tensions are lifted, your muscles relax, all automatically. This area of our great state is known, but this area is one of our lucky gems, hidden away for a select few to discover and re-discover. It is a place boldly opened by a family with a gift to share. I encourage anyone looking to enjoy Mother Nature at her most divine to visit this vast Canyon Park and feel the indigenous spirit pass through your soul, leaving you changed for a lifetime.
 
Reserve now, spots will fill quickly!