Looking at the maps, there is a section from the eastern terminus of Ramsey Street in West Duluth to Clyde Park in the West End where only one route is drawn -- Alternative 1. It looks like a good route to me, so I doubt there's much to debate about on that.

But there are a few different variations on how to get from the end of the Munger Trail to the eastern terminus of Ramsey Street. I'd like to hear what people think about those options.

Alternative 1b is basically the same, except it briefly follows a different set of railroad tracks in the area between 67th and 63rd Avenues West.

Again, fine, but not the best option in my opinion.

Alternative 1c splits off from 1b and follows yet another set of tracks, staying closer to Grand Avenue. It goes off the map, but comes back in at Nicollet Street to join the main Alt 1 route.

Nothing bad about this option either, but still not my favorite.

Alternative 2a starts like Alt 1, but instead uses the existing Western Waterfront Trail. Then it connects to Alt 2 on 63rd Avenue West.

I like the Western Waterfront Trail as it is -- a gravel trail with much less bicycle and snowmobile traffic than the Munger. So, Alt 2a is my least favorite option.

It should be noted that only a small part of the Waterfront Trail would be affected. It wouldn't be that bad. But it would be MUCH preferred, I think by many, to stick with the railroad route and leave the Waterfront Trail as is.

Let me take you on a little photo tour of the proposed routes. Here is where the Munger Trail ends, at 75th Avenue West.



One plan is to continue it straight across the avenue, following the railroad tracks. In the photo below, under the snow to the left of the railroad tracks, is an open area full of small rocks that would become a paved trail. (Below is a 180-degree turn from the same spot the above shot was taken.)



At the far right of the above photo, there is an entrance to the Western Waterfront Trail. It's a short, paved path that leads to the gravel trail along the shoreline. That paved section could be an alternate route to get a little further up the rail line. It pops up by the Tappa Keg at the spot shown below.



There is another option in which the Cross City Trial would follow the Western Waterfront Trail, but let's not go there. The railroad route is the best option. Trust me. However, there is more than one way to go about that.



The center of this photo is the Fremont Street culdesac. Two rail lines split off, creating two potential routes for the trail. The one to the right is by far the greater adventure. The one to the left has some merit as well, though. Although it takes the main trail in a less desirable route, it offers a more efficient route for people in the Denfeld area to get to the Munger Trail quickly while staying off Grand Avenue. The photo below shows a third option, shooting down Fremont. That's not a good option. Forget that.



If you chose the way of adventure and follow the tracks to the left, you'll come to another split shortly. The route to the right will take you to Waseca Industrial Road. It's OK, but less desirable than the route to the left.



Below is Waseca Industrial Road. It is what it is, an industrial road.



It'll take you to the overpass below, which is where the other option goes. Confused yet? Sorry. I really am trying to make this as simple as possible.



Below is where the other option would have taken you. It would climb up the hill to the street and connect with the short,  existing paved trail that goes to Irving Recreation Area. What street is that? Well, it's either Raleigh Street or Waseca Industrial Road. They run together.



Let's back up, though. The railroad route to the same place -- you know, choosing left earlier and not going via Waseca, looks like this.



That's a little better, I think. Anyway, when you get to the paved trail to Irving, that's where the new route should use the aforementioned "Alternative Connector" on Raleigh/Waseca to put you back on an old rail line, which is where the adventure is.

Look! There's a bald eagle! See what I mean?



Sure, any of the routes through this part of West Duluth will have more industry than nature ...



... but there's some cool stuff that would be missed by not following the waterfront.