I should have stolen a bicycle.
Just joking, kids.
You can do the Gunpowder State Park Quest by bike or on foot.
Bike is faster, but you'd miss a lot of the scenery and sounds.
Naturalist Brenda Yarrison sends me on my way.
The rain makes my worksheet soggy, but not illegible, and the ink stamps at each stop along the trail don't run.
Neither do I.
Luckily, on my way back to Monkton Station, there's a white truck waiting at the final road crossing.
It's Ranger Paul Roberts, who offers me a lift back.
Park Quest tradition dictates that those who complete the challenge get to ring the big, brass train bell in the station.
Brenda rings it in celebration.
I ring it with a feeling of accomplishment.
Sweet sound, indeed.
Slap the beaver is the Monkton Station mascot.
Brenda rings the bell.