Mile marker 48.0 has to be one of the loveliest spots on the Little Miami Scenic Trail.  Here, the trail makes one of its crossings of the Little Miami River.  It's a verdant area with fields and woods, but it also has a good cross-section of bicyclists, runners, and pedestrians.  Some use the quiet berg of Miamiville as a jumping-off point, and others come from nearby Milford and Loveland.

Recently, where the trail crosses Loveland-Miamiville Road, the trail became even more attractive.  A rest and information center, featuring wooden bike racks, tables and benches, and a large kiosk, are now part of the landscape, courtesy of a 17-year-old aspiring Eagle Scout named Ray Bromen.

Ray is a member of Troop 13 in Forest Park, Ohio.  As one of his projects toward becoming an Eagle Scout, he took on the task of beautifying the Little Miami Scenic Trail.  Although he's had assistance, much of the work has been done by Ray himself, including the design of the bike racks. . .  More photos and story

Bobcat sightings have increased in Ohio, suggesting the population may be increasing. Bobcats are solitary and tend to be very elusive. They eat a wide variety of foods, but rabbits and rodents are their principal food. They are not aggresive. Sightings are generally in the early mornings or evenings. Bobcats have short fur with 5- to 6-inch stubby black-tipped tails and black-tipped ears. Colors vary from gray, yellow, red to brown. They typically weigh anywhere from 15 to 28 pounds and are 29" to 37" long. They are most often confused with ferral cats. While they have not yet been reported along our trail, the fact that their population is increasing is exciting news.

Thanks to OSU Extension Educator Cindy Meyer for this information.