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Sunday, February 22, 2026

Did You Guess Bill?


I spent last night with Bill and Anne in Ann Arbor.
a couple


This morning, Bill and I took a short walk on a nature trail that wasn't yet built when I lived in Ann Arbor. It's near Barton Dam.
Barton Dam


The trail wanders near the Huron River.
Barton nature trail in winter


But what a surprise at the other end! I had no idea where we were going to end up. This now connects with Bandemer Park, and they have built a pedestrian tunnel under the railroad so you can safely get into Bandemer.
Bandemer Park tunnel


The inside has backlighted laser-cut artwork on the walls.
Bandemer Park tunnel


The reason this was such a fun surprise is that when I lived here, I could walk from my place to the Argo Dam on the river, and then up along it for a couple miles to get to Bandemer Park. But there was no way then to walk on to Barton Dam- at least not a trail. I just love connections like this!

Here's the picture you probably expected. Hiking buds.
friends


Last night's clue? I know it wasn't much of a clue. It's part of a computer memory system. Bill has a board that is about 16x18 inches covered with wrapped wire like in that picture, and the whole thing provided 16K memory! That was a "few" years ago.

Tonight's clue is a little more helpful, but I don't think you'll guess where I am anyway.
freeway sign for Rochester


Miles walked in 2026: 47.9

Barton Nature Trail, Ann Arbor, MI. 2.4 miles.

See Home Via Ann Arbor

6 comments:

Ellie said...

We lived in Ann Arbor for over 50 years and just moved to Ohio last March. We loved bicycling along the Huron River and watched that area being prepared for the tunnel -- no more lifting our bikes up over the railroad tracks to get to Huron River Drive. Have you seen the video of how they built the tunnel? I assume you can still find it on the city parks page or UTube. The railroad actually agreed to stop their freight trains for many hours so that one section of the tracks could be moved, the tunnel built, and the replaced. It was really quite amazing. If you get back to that side of Ann Arbor, try exploring Bird Hills park. One entrance is on the other side of Huron River Drive, across from the tunnel. It is an amazing piece of property -- entirely within the city llmits but heavily wooded with ravines and hilly trails. Lots of trilliums and trout lillies in the spring. Walking there almost feels like being up in nothern Michigan.

Ann said...

Nice that they built that tunnel. Love how they did the walls.

Doug said...

I do like a riddle, heading east on a road that ends with what looks like a zero. A town called Rochester. I eliminate MI. There is a Rochester OH, but nothing there. I'm going with Rochester NY, and given your love of trains; destination of NY transportation museum. Wherever you end up, safe travels to you.

Sharkbytes said...

Hi Ellie- I have walked Bird Hills many times! I'll look up the video

Sharkbytes said...

Ann- I'm shocked there's no graffiti yet!

Sharkbytes said...

Thanks, Doug.. I don't think I've been to that museum. Hmmm