Lake Crabtree lake trail reopens

Yesterday, I was on Cary's Black Creek Greenway reporting an upcoming story when I noticed the bridge was done, the yellow tape ceremoniously (or perhaps not) down on the bridge crossing the creek at the mouth to Lake Crabtree. "It's been open about a month," Charlie Porter told me. (Charlie would know; He works nearby and walks the trail daily at lunch.) The bridge was a vital link in being able to hike the 6-mile Lake Crabtree County Park loop trail.

 A lunchtime walker crosses the new bridge over Black Creek at Lake Crabtree.

The bridge was washed out by Tropical Storm Alberto in 2006. It took a little doing, but the bridge is finally back in place, finally open. I'd give you a report on the trail itself, but:

A. I was in a rush and didn't have time to walk it, and

2. It occurs to me that the last time I did the loop was possibly 10 years ago and I understand it's changed since then. For one, some of the perpetually wet areas are now bridged by boardwalks (some perpetually wet areas remain, according to a sign at the bridge). Also, the trail as it traces Aviation Parkway has been moved off Aviation Parkway itself and is just inside the guardrail.

I'll head out there in a week or so and return with a complete report.