Feeling Appreciated

Yesterday I did a barefoot hike at Clear Creek Metro Park. Nothing special about it; I’ve done this particular hike quite a few times; it’s probably the longest hike one can do without repeating oneself. It is also quite soothing. Additionally, because yesterday was so hot and steamy, the trails were deserted and I did not see a single other person on my 6½ mile hike.

What is noteworthy is that at the end of the hike I picked up a park map. Not that I needed one. I know the trails pretty much like the back of my foot.

I picked up the map because it was a new map, recently redone . . .

You can see the older map here on the Columbus Metroparks website. Particularly look at the trails in the middle (Cemetery Ridge Trail, Fern Trail, Hemlock Trail).

Here’s a scan of the main trails of the new map:

New Clear Creek Map

Notice the difference? The trail locations are much more carefully defined on the new map.

But now take a look at my map for Clear Creek on my website. On this map I took a topographic map of the area and paid careful attention as I hiked the trails. I then transferred that onto the topo map. This is the result:

My Clear Creek Topo Map

Notice any similarities? Well, you should.

For their new map of the Clear Creek trails, the Metroparks used my map as a template, totally with my permission.

When I did the Walk with the Ancients, I happened to meet the head ranger of Clear Creek. In addition, I’ve gone on many of the scheduled hikes there, and I’ve brought copies of my maps with me.

I rather stand out because I am barefooted, and the park personnel have come to know me and have liked my maps. So, that meant that, when they ran out of their old brochures and needed to make new ones, they asked me if they could use my maps as the template for the new map. After all, everybody prefers a more accurate map.

Of course I was happy to say yes. It’s nice to be recognized for the work one has done (even if it was originally intended only for oneself). It is great that others can benefit from the work I did. It is nice to feel appreciated.