Since you asked . . .

The most amazing thing happened today! We received an inquiry. That voice from the wilderness indicated that a) someone actually reads this blog, and b) they were interested in our opinion.

Heady stuff, indeed.  So we must respond at once.

The question concerned our recent series about off-road trails in Maryland, and the progress being made around the state as a result of Governor O'Malley's interest and impetus provided by DNR, local governments, and community activists.

The question was -- if we could select any one trail project in the state to complete, which would it be . . . and why?

(Two part questions are permitted since our opinions are solicited so infrequently.)

Alas, dear reader.  Terry and the Tweet are off this weekend, so you only get one response. But it comes without a moment of hesitation --- the Spring Garden bridge over the Middle Branch in Baltimore.

That's right -- this dream project trumps even South Shore and the Paw Paw Bends on the wish list because this one trail segment would be highly visible, drive tourism, connect important recreational resources, promote the War of 1812 Bicentennial, and showcase Baltimore's heritage as a port and railroad city.

The prospects of tranforming this eary 20th century railroad bridge into a multi-purpose promenade have been discussed for years. A few things, mostly $$$$$ (no hibernating bats, thank goodness,) clouded this vision. The last time I inquired, the possibility was tied to a future Transportation Authorization Bill in Congress. Maybe because that is now being crafted (after six years) it makes the prospect seem less far-fetched.

(I know some people are still touchy on this subject, but Pittsburgh has done a heck of a job converting some of their old rail bridges into bike trails. The Hot Metal Bridge, opened in 2007, is a major attraction for cyclists. And anything they can do . . .)

While Spring Garden looks like a bridge to nowhere since abandoned by the railroad many years ago, this double tracked span has the new Westport development and Gwynns Falls Trail on one end, and Swann, Riverside and Latrobe Parks on the other. As you follow the old rail bed into Port Covington, it carries you along the Middle Branch, past the cruise terminal in Locust Point and eventually to Fort McHenry.

(The annual Tour de Port ride, sponsored by Bike Maryland, has helped popularize cycling around the Fort. More than 1,000 riders participate every October.  Note the trail around the periphery.)

The south end of Spring Garden, near the light rail stop, would also tie into one of those projects on Governor O'Malley's to do list -- the connector between the BWI trail and the Baltimore trail system, creating a passage all the way to Annapolis.

So consider this the most fanciful pipe dream of the Here 2 Play trio, at least for now.   There are others -- mostly rural and historic in nature. But the eye-catching Spring Garden bridge would probably enjoy the most traffic and bring the most visitors so it's #1.

(The fact it's close enough to Camden Yards for a lunch hour loop and quick stop at Nick's has nothing to do with it.)

Any other questions out there will be cheerfully addressed. Tweety's on deck at the H2P Answer Desk, so she gets the next swing.