Keeping the trail clean for others to enjoy. DogPots are available along bike path for dog-owner convenience.

Each morning, Monday thru Friday four friends meet in the parking lot of Shiells Park at around 7:30 and walk together, on the bike path, from Old Telegraph Rd south to the City of Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant and back! A distance of about 3.5-miles. With them are their two dogs, Tasha and Rylee. Now, although they are long-time Fillmore residents, their bond is not that they grew up together, or were they high school classmates, or even lived in the same neighborhood! Their bond grew from the love of the early Fillmore mornings, native birds, wildlife, and the enjoyment of sharing conversations on just about anything, with just about anybody they meet along the way!

During their trek one of them carries wild bird seed to scatter for the many quail, pigeons, sparrows, robins, and a cottontail, or squirrel, who live in this wildlife oasis bordering the Sespe Creek. Conscious that they are visitors to this area the two walking their dogs dutifully pick up deposits left by Tasha and Rylee and carry the baggies back home for disposal.

While walking they have made many acquaintances who travel this same path, by bike, walking, or jogging! Many times it is a simple good morning that is said, but more often than not a hug, or handshake is given and a moment, or two of conversation about family, health, or, I'll admit, even some juicy gossip! There are the two Volkswagen Enthusiast brothers who walk nearly every day, but don't walk together because their pace and distance walked are different. There is George the Fillmore Ambassador endlessly waving at passing motorist. There are the carriage-pushing mother's running at an amazing clip with their sometimes sleeping children. And, there are many other anonymous dog walkers, joggers and an occasional coyote, pond turtle, bullfrog, or abandoned dog all populating this two-mile stretch. All are benefactors of a cheery "Good Morning" from this group of four!

The four consist of Navy Veteran, longtime Fillmore Lion's Club member, and retired business owner of Jack Stethem Painting, who in 40 years of business has painted many homes and commercial buildings in and around Fillmore. Jack, Jack's wife Jolene, who worked for 39 years as the Fillmore High School Principal's Secretary, and is now retired. Jack and Jolene have two sons, Brian 56 of Fillmore, and, Mark, who passed in 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Jolene walks her Grand-dog, Tasha, a four year old female Bizsla breed. Susan Wilson (Mitchell), a Fillmore native and co-owner, with her husband Rex, of Mikrex Centerless Grinding in Fillmore. Susan has one daughter, Aubree, 26 years of Fillmore. Susan walks with her eight year old white Labrador Retriever, Rylee; and, Susan Berdahl (Meyers), also a Fillmore native, housewife and Teacher's Aide for the Fillmore Christian Academy. Susan and her husband Duane have four children, Erin 23, Nicholas 20, Rebecca 17, and David 14.

In addition to being passionate about the wildlife seen daily on the trail, each are very concerned about violations of the leash law they see daily and the failure of picking up after your dog while enjoying the bike path. Although they bring their own bags to pick up after Tasha and Rylee, it is evident others do not, or do they use the provided bags located at the entrance to the trail. Currently only one of the containers that provide the bags is still there near the Fillmore Water Reclamation Plant. The others have been damaged, or removed by vandals. Keeping your dog on a leash is not only the law, State-wide, but is is also for the protection of your dog, other dogs as well as other people using the bicycle path.

On the morning I took this picture it was just another one of the many beautiful mornings we enjoy here in Fillmore! Keep building up those miles Jack, Jolene, Tasha, Susan, Rylee and Susan and sharing your goodwill! I'll look for you again tomorrow!