When I rode the full length of the Trail on a Tuesday morning last week, I was surprised to see so much vegetation had come back after the fire on the west end. I will be curious to see which scorched trees may survive. The Locust Grove was hit hard. I also enjoyed a few fistfuls of ripe blackberries on the far east end beyond Riverfront Park. Blackberry vines have been nicely cut back from the Trail but access to berries might require thornproof footwear. Through faithful and generous public support the cracksealing and sealcoat project has been completed on a large section out near Taylor Lake and the Trail is in excellent condition. Most major repairs and maintenance to the trail itself, as with the very creation of the Trail nearly 40 years ago, are dependent on private donations. Northern Wasco County Parks & Rec District is a full partner in managing and maintaining the Trail.