This morning, Goat (my loyal canine companion) and I ventured out for a hike at Emmenegger Park, a hidden woodland gem nestled intriguingly between a bustling interstate and an industrial zone across the Meramec River. The contrast between nature and urbanity here never ceases to fascinate me. Emmenegger is my go-to spot for hill training when I'm in the mood for a trail run close to home. However, today was different; I chose to hike rather than run. Hiking allows me to slow down and absorb the scenery more intimately. While I firmly believe that there's no better running experience than a trail, engaging with the same paths through hiking, biking, or running each offers a unique perspective. The same trails reveal different secrets, depending on how you traverse them. The park's layout is particularly striking, with bluffs on either side and a central stream that flows depending on the recent rainfall. Goat especially enjoys this feature; it’s his favorite spot to cool o