Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve, Indiana

I talked Sedona into coming down to meet me for a hike near Louisville. It’s been awhile since we’ve been out together and we are having some fantastic, surprisingly low- humidity summer days.

Unfortunately, I am not good at finding wooded trails for hiking around Louisville. Most options are at least an hour away, but we discovered this cute reserve within a 30 minute drive.

We drove down industrial, then local roads and ended up across from this gorgeous farmland landscape. There was a small parking lot near the trailhead.

As usual, I didn’t do much research so I didn’t understand this little wall here, but later discovered it is part of a historic stage coach trail. While in the woods we saw more stone wall remnants which marked the route through this area along the stream.

Immediately walking inside the temperature dropped as we were covered in green.

Cute little trail. I was giddy walking with Sedona in the woods again. Walking in the woods is such an excellent way to naturally catch up on each other’s lives. I wish I did more hiking with my daughters when they were younger.

Looking up and always in awe of nature’s patterns.

Rock sitting area along the edge. Sedona warned me that if we go down, we have to come back up. It was quite a drop.

Sedona being a sport and posing on the bridge as we crossed a stream.

A little info where we learned about the history of the area.

Then we discovered some water falls. Was such a great area to climb around.

Sedona snapping a photo of the falls from a different view.

Looking down the stream. There was only one other family there playing in the water and catching toads.

Was a wonderful escape from sitting at my computer all week.

It took us a bit to find the remainder of the trail which was on the opposite side of the stream. It was a mile loop and not too much to see.

I would definitely recommend this trail to anyone who needed a short couple mile hike in solitude.

I accidently hit the “non-toll” route and we crossed back over The Ohio River utilizing this cool yellow bridge just as it started to rain.

We felt we deserved a beverage so we detoured to a place called Atrium. My beer was named “cake”. As you can imagine it was delicious!

Glen Helen, Little Miami & Clifton Gorge Trails-Yellow Springs, Ohio

I don’t even know where to begin to explain this journey. It was a doozey.

Debbie and I try to hike together a couple times a year and this summer with our schedules, we were struggling to find a date on our calendars that would work. We decided on a Friday, which was perfectly timed with my intense need to have a day off from my remote full- time gig.

We tossed around a few trail ideas located in between her house and mine and decide to meet up in Yellow Springs, Ohio. This trail was 11 miles and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from it.

Debbie told her friend about this trail and her friend was pessimistic about us accomplishing it. That motivated her even more. I forgot how competitive Debbie is.

We met at 10:00 am and it was an overcast cool morning. We debated about whether we needed water and stupidly decided not to bring any along. (lesson #1- always bring water on a hike longer than a couple miles!)

Debbie had a nutritious chocolate donut and Diet Coke on her drive in while I ate the equally smart breakfast choice of leftover BBQ pizza from the night before. Neither of us were properly prepared physically, mentally or emotionally for the challenges that lay ahead.

We started off at the welcome center, grabbing a map and talking to the very enthusiastic workers who told us we could see an authentic beaver dam that was not on the map. We felt ‘clued in’ and headed that way immediately.

Debbie wasn’t impressed. While I explained how a tiny animal dragged each stick through the water to create this. She snapped a photo to entertain me.

We continued along the trail by the water. It was so cute seeing the ducklings following their mama in the pond. Reminded me of a tarot card reader who told me “my ducks were in a row”.

We followed this solo hiker for a bit and enjoyed the ever changing scenery we encountered.

The walkways were clear on this overcast weekday with very few hikers seen.

We found our first of many “waterfalls” and I made Debbie pose.

The next waterfall was the actual Yellow Springs which the city is named after. I wanted to take a drink but Debbie warned me of dysentery. Made me wonder how in the heck settlers, back in the day, survived. My friend Kevin later told me that if he is ever going on a long hike he always take a water filter in case he needs it. Smart man. Debbie and I didn’t even pack water. Guess which one of us has a Ph.D.

The landscape, after the initial sight seeing loop, changed to tall tree lined trails.

Then somehow we ended up at another waterfall. Debbie made me take out the map which had numbered stopping points and asked me which number we were on. It became a running joke as we walked- trying to figure out which # we were at.

Selfie by the water. We actually had to wait our turn to get into this spot. There were quite a few hikers down in this area.

Looking down at the tiny waterfall as we crossed over top.

There were many run off streams along the way.

We talked to a couple with walking sticks who wanted to share their knowledge of the area and how three nature preserves came together in this location. Debbie and I were set to see them all. As we wandered down narrower trails, I took a glance at the map only to find ourselves off the beaten path in the pine tree forest area.

Always taking a detour. At this point still optimistic and feeling good about taking the route through the pines.

Debbie captured me breathing in this tree.

Felt like we were on an adventure. Little did we know, this one was like no other we had been on before.

We crossed an open field which was odd. We walked away from it several times thinking it had to be the wrong way. But the map said to continue forward. So we did.

Again the landscape changed and felt unchartered.

Debbie started pointing out the wildflowers as most of our landscape was strickly green.

I snapped a few photos to witness them in hopes they felt my admiration.

We thought we had to be in the wrong place as this was marked as a monument. Not a number on our map but some sort of landmark nonetheless. Quite overgrown.

We made our way through the weeds on a small single line trail hoping we were still headed in the right direction. At this point we had walked about 2 hours and were getting a little tired. Didn’t want to take too many steps off our planned pathway destination.

We saw this sign and were confirmed we were headed in the right direction. Entering park #2.

We came across a river and followed along for a bit. Loved how the roots were natural steps. There’s no shuffling your feet on this walk. Legs were getting a full work out.

I learned recently, through the forever unreliable news source of Instagram, that the root system of trees is actually not very deep but generally more wide and long and this is how trees such as these, can hang onto the edge like they do sometimes.

Its amazing the natural shapes and textures you get on a hike in the woods.

We were walking along the shore, seeing a lot of snake holes. Wasn’t sure if it was the right path, and after about 5 minutes this trail dead ended so we turned around.

Had beautiful viewpoints which we still appreciated. As we walked along the river we spotted a couple of folks in hammocks just hanging out reading a book and relaxing on this cool Friday. Goals.

By now I am dying of thirst, parched! Debbie was getting a little shaky and joked about possibly passing out. ( Lesson #2 always pack a snack! ) I checked our location and we were in between the city of Yellow Springs and Clifton. We decided to keep heading to Clifton where there was a small restaurant which was a must at this point.

Check out this tree dangling gracefully over the edge.

We kept walking but our spirits were dwindling. We had to get to the restaurant before they closed at 3pm.

Then we entered our 3rd Reserve. The battery on my phone was dying. It wasn’t looking hopeful for us as Debbie’s phone couldn’t pull up any signals. (I have AT&T and she has Verizon- just sayin)

I posed inside this rock cave just to stop walking for a second 🙂

In the Clifton Gorge area the river was roaring!

It was much busier than the other parts of the journey.

I kept saying I wish I wasn’t dying of thirst and on a mission to reach a said destination by a certain time so I could actually enjoy this amazing view.

Many more large limestone rock formations and waterfalls. But not a # on the map. We were officially off the map.

Well- kept walkways. A lot of tourists, elderly and families.

Debbie and I always have a joke when we see red berries on walks. Christmas in June.

I want to go back and just walk this part of the trail again when my energy is renewed.

It’s a natural beauty in Ohio. Can’t believe I’d never been here before.

You can imagine the sound of its continual rush downstream.

I wasn’t honestly absorbing the joy I usually feel because of our desperation. The good news is we surfaced to the street level in the town of Clifton at 2:15 ish and made it to the restaurant. I literally downed 2 glasses of lemon-aide (the server probably thought I was on drugs) and two glasses of water. My phone was at 10% and I knew we weren’t going to be able to make it back without a map. (Lesson#3- always bring a charger.)

I asked the server if they happened to have an IPhone charger and she was reluctant but said there was one in the office. She took my phone back to charge for me. Thank God for small favors and kind people.

At this point we had been hiking for 4 hours and about 6 miles. I realized I would never be able to do the 9 mile hike a day on The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail I was invited to. Good thing I passed that opportunity up. May have done more harm than good.

Debbie tried to see if there was a shorter way back. All routes were going to take 2 -3 hours walking and there were no back roads- just highway country roads without sidewalks. So we opted to return through the woods with hopes of never getting off route.

We walked along the opposite side of the river for a different view.

There were a lot more rocks to climb and explore should there had been time or energy. Debbie actually did climb up one as I waited behind. At one point she asked if she was going to have to carry me out. I laughed at the thought of it. She agreed it would be more like dragging me out. I mean I have put on the lbs.

It was pretty and the weather honestly could not have been easier on us.

We kept seeing small trickles of water over rocks and asked if there was a number on the map for this waterfall.

We crossed back over the river and were exiting the Clifton Gorge area. This is where we got lost before and were determined to make it out this time.

I took a snap shot of where were were on the map since my battery was again getting low. There were a lot more turns ahead. I was starting to get anxious.

Debbie was ahead of me most of the way back. I was slowing down.

Another good sign. We made it to the last reserve. We still debated about whether or not we would make it out before the sun set.

There was that darn field again. We crossed it only to realize we needed to turn left instead this time. Grrrrrrrr.

You can imagine what Debbie said when we entered this area 🙂 But we kept walking. (Lesson #5 always wear long pants just in case you encounter a trail like this.)

Another baby waterfall. Oh how we tried hard to uplift our spirits and find something to laugh at along the way.

At one point on this trail it led us to a guardrail and we literally had to climb over it, cross the stream via the road and then jump the guardrail on the other side to then get back onto the trail. When you are tired, trying to cross a metal edge without injury at our height was a hoot. I literally got my hips stuck in between two posts and couldn’t stop laughing.

The last few hours we barely spoke. I think we both were just seriously concentrating on our steps and making it out. We got passed by an energetic young couple, we both wondered where the heck they came from. They left us in the dust which was good because I was growing weary of hearing about their youthful dreams and issues.

When we passed this rock I heard voices above. I checked my map one more time and we needed to go back through.

We did it!!! I made her take another selfie.

Debbie recorded the hike and sent me this snap. We ended up doing 13 miles! I felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with stupidity. When I got into my car, my phone battery was literally at 1%. I’m not sure if it had died when we would have figured out where to exit. But it didn’t die. And we did get out.

Twin Sister Falls- Brecksville, Ohio

Seeing Chagrin Falls inspired me to find a hiking trail before I left the Cleveland area. I googled other waterfalls that would be along my drive home and when I saw the name Twin Sister Falls, I knew this was the hike for me.

I googled mapped my way there since AllTrails didn’t have this listed. (I now know why) The Aussie accented directions took me to a house near a farm. I zoomed into the map and could see the falls was located close by but was I supposed to walk through someone’s property? I drove up and down that street trying to find an access point with zero luck. I gave up.

Going back to the trust of AllTrails app I found a trail very close by and decided to hike it instead. It was a fairly busy trail for bikes and birdwatchers. It was fun being out there early in the morning. When I saw the group of birdwatchers, I figured that would be me in the future. Less hiking, more watching.

Arriving the trailhead was right next to an old train station. George and I had heard about the train rides through the Cuyahoga National Park when we visited last year.

It now housed a sparkling clean bathroom which was much appreciated.

View of the bridge that I drove over to get me here.

This was a happy family trail. Perfect for a Sunday morning.

Wonderful wildflowers added some color to the green.

A beautiful mallard duck just chilling alone.

Cute lily pads with frogs jumping off as you walked by.

Looking up. Appreciating the trees that offer us shade along the way.

A sea of green ferns which give off magnificent coolness.

I veered off the paved path and took a narrower shaded route after I turned around. I stopped to google map to see my location and realized I was close to the waterfall.

Was I up for an adventure alone? I was still low energy and felt somewhat incapable of handling it.

I kept looking for inspiration. This tree captured my attention.

On the maps, if I walked directly this way, I would reach the falls. I hesitated because not a soul was going this way. Definitely a path less taken.

Then I asked myself, if I were in Phuket, would I go? The answer was always “yes”. Why there did I feel fearless and empowered? Yet in my own country, I worry about being found in the woods’. I think being naive to Thailand helped me to adventure more. Like I didn’t know any better. I never heard of murders or crime. It felt so safe. Honestly probably wasn’t but I loved that feeling- so I embraced it and hiked on.

Surrounded by tall trees and hills. I kept close to the water.

Was loving this hike alone. I jumped, ducked, climbed and walked through the water to keep going.

It was raw. I did find one footprint in the mud which was encouraging.

It was fun hearing the toads hop into the water all along the way.

I stopped to wonder who would’ve done this with me without constantly doubting the direction. I concluded my daughters and Debbie. Anyone else would question my judgement.

I arrived to a lackluster waterfall but looking up had a very cool view. Like I was in a bowl.

I attempted a panoramic view shot from my feet up to the curved falls. Not a success.

I snapped this google shot showing where I left the path and ventured through the woods to reach my original sought out destination. Funny how it all ended up working out.

I took this photo because I saw the heart shaped stone and thought of my friend Anne who pointed out hearts in nature.

Nature is so fascinating. I know I could never survive long in it, but I truly feel connected when I’m surround by it.

Walking back to the car I took one last look at the overpass. So happy I found this adventure.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

I put a date on my calendar to drive up to Cleveland to see an old friend of mine from back in my New York City days. Literally just wanted to get up there to give her a hug since she had been through so much at the end of last year. It was heartbreaking to see the toll her challenges had taken on her body yet so uplifting being able to spend quality one-on-one time and reminisce about our ‘glory days’.

The stories we exchanged about being young Ohioans literally packing up and leaving for the big city to see if we could ‘make it there‘ as they say. I often wonder why people’s paths cross in life. Who gets to play a role in who you become and why. May was definitely one of those defining people who entered my world during the start of our careers and continues to inspire and leave the kindest marks on my heart.

We drove over to a small village for a bit of fresh air. I had never been to Chagrin Falls before and it was such a treat. This village was named after the Native American meaning “clear waters”. May knows I love waterfalls and I was due. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been out.

I took this photo which truly captures the quaint experience you get when coming here.

May also dragged me into some amazing boutiques along Main Street. She mentioned that when she was the Director of Fashion at the University, she brought her students here to get inspired and see what unique design is about. One of her students recently opened their own shop. You never know how you can redirect someone in a positive way just by being your true self.

This waterfall is literally part of the town. Beautifully kept with easy access. Not overwhelmed by tourists.

There were restaurants built along the river with this view. Such a romantic place for couples.

Across the street, we wandered along a brick pathway which followed the river. It led to a playground.

May mentioned taking her son to that playground years ago. Our kids are growing up so fast and looking back on when they were little ones is so special.

I am officially an empty nester now. Sedona moved out into her own apartment and it creates such a different energy as a parent. Another level to the relationship, a healthy and beautiful step. As she and Zoe were cleaning out they came across an old digital camera we had. I’m sad sometimes that I didn’t have the opportunity to raise my kids during the time of easy access photos and videos. We had to have the full video equipment if you recall.

When they looked through the past photos that were taken and still alive on the camera, they found some old videos of themselves as kids, probably around 8 years old, filming each other and play acting. It literally melted my heart.

The hanging flower baskets on a gas light is so classic small town Ohio. Always remember to look up and appreciate where you are from.

The ducks and Canadian geese lined up on the opposite side. So cute how they all hung out together along the edge.

I finally feel awake after such a long funk. Getting back to blogging and recapping is such a joy and I’m happy to feel energized to do it again. Doctor changed a prescription, which did not say it had side effects of depression, but dang, I was definitely in it. Love this quote below which captures both my time with May and my memories of my twins as kids.

Henderson Falls, New River Gorge Bridge, and Concho Overlook- West Virginia

This morning with the time change, I was able to get an early start and decided to check out a few things closer to where I was staying. Saturday I drove about 45 minutes south to hike. Today I decided to stay within a 20 minute parameter.

In such a short radius, I conquered a lot. My legs are killing me. My first destination was Henderson Falls, I was eager to get some time beside water. I had no idea to get to this location, I would be taken down the most windy one lane road I’ve ever been on. It was fun since I was alone.

That’s one thing about travelling by myself. I answer only to my instinct, my needs and time is mine to waste. No consideration needed for others feelings or agenda. I pulled over several times to enjoy the views.

This was my first stop. I crossed this bridge coming over and now I was below it.

I foolishly stopped in the middle of these tracks to snap a photo. It was so beautiful to me how the train followed the river.

Crossing over this bridge made you restore you faith in man made structures. You had to believe it would hold despite the sound and feeling below your wheels.

As I was crossing the one lane rickety bridge I spotted the rapids below and had to reach them. I stopped and hiked though a treacherous slippery rock area to get to the water.

It reminded me of Phuket when Jason did this sort of rock climbing in his flip flops with ease. Here I was testing every step with caution.

I made it! The roar of the water was perfectly deafening. I love watching the water move over the rocks and dip into pools created by the depth.

The sun was shining the other way making it difficult to capture with my Iphone. Time I trade my old version in. The only real reason for me to upgrade is the quality of the photos. I cherish my photo memory log.

Downstream was a perfect view of the bridge.

It was fun feeling so small below the traffic. Hidden from view. Beyond where most dared to climb.

The rocks were slick with moss and dampness. Only the larger rocks were secure to step on.

I drove onward and stopped at this cute cascade after I crossed a small bridge.

Further down the road I pulled over to hike a trail. I ran into a woman who told me the waterfall was worth the incline. She joyfully explained how you could feel the water. I could tell she loved nature as much as I do. Her husband patiently waited in the car.

The view when crossing the walking bridge.

Of course I had to climb under for a different viewpoint. I wonder if I will ever be too old to be childlike in my hiking adventures.

The woman didn’t lie. It was amazing! I was giddy. I was taken back by the sound, immersion and beauty. The moss structure added such a dimension to it all.

Nature. It goes without saying. Just amazing. My imagination could never have created such a site.

From a side view, it seems weak. But once you were in front of it you felt its power.

On my way back, I hiked beyond the bridge to see the mini waterfalls.

It was lush and moss covered from the moisture.

I headed back to the welcome center to see what other trails there were to hike. I noticed they had a multi level walkway so I decided to take the – way too many steps down- to check out the view.

My legs were still in decent shape so what the heck. The day was young.

The view of the New River Bridge was perfect.

I decided to head over to this view point which was within 20 minutes. But I got lost and ended up at the ACE adventure stop which was totally crowded. Obviously a popular facility for families.

I found my way out of that parking lot and up to this viewpoint. Was interesting to see. I watched a couple kayaking around the bend wondering how they would know when to stop and who would get them.

You can see the railroad tracks following along.

The West Virginia mountains are non stop. As difficult as they are to hike, its worth the climb.

Indian Run Falls Trail – Dublin, Ohio

It was time to check in with KangKang again and she asked to go on a hike. It was the perfect opportunity for us to get some quality time together but also catch the fall leaves in transition. It was a gorgeous morning when I arrived and the day continued to bless us throughout.

We saw double numbers when we started. I thought of Virlane and her angel numbers. These double digits appeared several times throughout the day and made us feel we were meant to be together. Afterall, the Universe did connect us and we both know that it was not by chance. Rarely is the Universe so lazy as to allow for coincidences.

I found this small trail on the map that promised water and was in the right direction to the shopping mall we were going to hit later.

We got there early and there was only a handful of people out. I’d never been to this area of Columbus before.

Literally the minute we walked into the main trail the trees welcomed us with an enlightened calm of green and yellow.

I kept looking at the fallen leaves, admiring how large they were.

I walked out onto this rock ledge to peer at the stream below. We were determined to find our way down there.

Kang Kang kept saying how beautiful our country is and how her mom would love to hike here. I could tell she was a bit homesick. After the excitement and nervousness of coming to a new place settles, you are left with the reality of your choices and the loneliness that you are faced with.

The trail couldn’t have been better. Each portion showed a new combination of colors.

Looking down instead of up made me think about the beauty of the decent rather than the climb.

We found a way to get down to the flat rocks by the stream and sat for quite a bit talking about personality tests, loved ones and the challenges facing us.

Nothing beats listening to the water move.

Noticing how the leaves created a natural dam in spots, adding color to the grey rocks.

Was so nice to sit together before trying to hunt down some winter attire for the months ahead. When she was buying her Timberland boots, a kind lady next to us told her how much she was going to love the snow. She can’t wait. She’s never experienced it before in her life. Such a treat she has yet to savor.

Noticing the reflection in the still water.

Looking up was such an experience that is only temporarily colored during this fascinating season. Always good to enjoy it through someone’s new eyes. Imagine never seeing this before. How cool it must feel to be surrounded by it live, instead of just on the pages of Instagram.

I haven’t been hiking much this fall and am about to miss the season. Hoping to finish up some projects to be able to get out again before it vanishes.

But friendship can and the way the sun rays broke through the trees capturing us in this selfie was validation of ours.

Twin Falls- Rock Island State Park, Tennessee

On our way to Chattanooga, we decided to take a detour to the Rock Island State Park which is south of Cooksville, Tennessee. We randomly pulled it up when researching hikes and thought it may be a nice stop along the way to break up the drive.

We stopped at the information center because George is obsessed with brochures and hey, ya never know who might have new ones 🙂 Picked up this free map from a gal that had zero personality and certainly was not in love with her job.

We drove back the way we came in and crossed over several bridges until we finally met a dead end where the trail head appeared. Surprisingly there was only a couple cars in the lot.

Immediately upon exiting the car you could hear the roar of the falls and I was super anxious to get to them.

I was so excited. I had to figure out a way to get closer.

My model captured naturally. Seriously an amazing site of my love and nature 🙂

Further downstream there were more cascading falls.

I looked up ahead and if I could figure out a way to cross this part of the river to that island, I could certainly scale the rocks to the opposite side to take a closer look.

I made it across after much hesitation, strategic planning of my steps and completely soaking my boots. Well worth this up close experience where I found two other girls meditatively taking it in.

I honestly felt a little guilty leaving George behind. He had a swollen ankle and was timidly walking as it was. I went to the far corner and snapped this shot of him.

I’d love to go back here again and sit for hours. Can you see me in this photo? Shows you how close I got. George took it from where he stood. Imagine the sound, it was deafening.

Oddly, for the first time, I felt like being alone was not enough. I really wanted George with me to experience it. I am a solo traveler at heart and always embrace being silent in nature. But today, I felt a tug to get back to sort of celebrate this site.

I think I’ve had this look since childhood.

As we drove away, we had to stop at this adorable, teenage run, ice-cream trolley.

I opted for coffee flavor, in hopes of staying awake for the remainder of the car ride.

Triple Falls Trail- Caryville, Tennessee

After the first night arriving to this mountainous area in Tennessee, I wanted to hike. According to AllTrails, the closest near me was the Triple Falls Trail. So I headed there first thing in the morning, as George taught me, morning hikes beats the crowds.

I figured the posse sleeping back at the lake house was not going to miss me, so I took off solo.

For only 2 miles, this trail packed in some beauty as well as steep inclines.

There were boulders in the way at the start of the trailhead.

Obviously a good graffitti site for teens.

I did think this was a cute trail marker, but then later felt a little sorry for the tree that probably now stands out too much at the forest parties. Scarred for life. A tattoo he never chose to have.

Peaking through the trees I immediately saw the creek.

As I walked further there was a cleared out campsite area.

Delicate mushrooms added ruffles to the branches of trees.

The first waterfall appeared with a clear pool below.

Such a wonderful combination of textures in nature. God showing off again.

I was happy to see how fall was beginning. Adding a mix of color into Earth’s landscape.

The changing of the leaves last year was spectacular. I couldn’t figure out if it was me, having not witnessed it for a couple years and now with new appreciation, could stop and wonder at it again? Or if the colors truly were more magnificent than years past. Whatever the reason, I am excited about the changing of the seasons this year.

After Climbing to the top of the falls I took a shot looking down. Was a little irritated by the graffitti spoiling the view.

I started hiking along the creek to see where it would take me.

There was a lot of litter along the way showing how even people that enjoy the woods, do not care for it. I honestly don’t get littering.

I was behind a car the other day that literally rolled down its window and threw out several fast food bags onto the street by a sewage opening. Really? That’s a trash bin? Who raises these people?! Where do they come from and what is their logic? Inquiring minds would LOVE to openingly discuss so I could at least attempt to understand this global issue.

My Cambly students, whenever we speak about the environment as a topic, say education is the best way to approach change. If that is true, which logically makes sense, why didn’t the Native American advertisement that I grew up on tv work? Or possibly it did for my generation, and then it became politically incorrect.

Occasionally the tree roots look like snakes.

Then other times just inspire me to hold on.

As I kept going, there were several other falls. Some small like this one.

Check out that fossil. (and how my boots blend in :))

Adds such a dimension to the coloration and landscape.

Waterfall chaser. I never knew until I went to Thailand how much peace it can give me.

As I kept following the trail I passed two tents. By the time I was heading back the opposite way, towards the end of my trip, they were gone.

After crossing it, the journey got quite a bit tougher.

Very steep inclines. This is looking back down from where I started. Can you see the bridge?

Fall was definitely making an appearance.

When I saw these trees it felt like a dance party. Not sure why but I sort of wanted to join in!

At this point I texted my friends back at the lake house to tell them I wasn’t going to turn back so they may as well make plans without me, because I didn’t come this far to quit.

For some reason the leaves’ deterioration was inspirational and reminded me of the beauty in aging.

Just an amazing creative site in the woods.

I don’t know why, but this tree was speaking to me.

I wondered what little critter made this a home.

Nearing the top. I ran into a man who asked me what I was grieving. I thought it was a tad odd but then told him- the loss of both parents, kids and husband. He seemed to want me to confide in him and I instinctively backed away and reassured him I was fine. I feel like he was in the middle of seeing the light and wanted to share his awakening. Little did he know I was way ahead of him. I no longer needed comforted.

There was a pathway around the perimeter at the top. I was alone.

Left in the quiet to contemplate my emotions and thoughts from the night prior.

The American flag standing strong at the top showing off its glory to the I-75 traffic. It was somewhat sad hearing the trucks roaring by, knowing how we have yet again invaded this exquisite natural site. But also knowing if humans never did, I would probably never have gotten to experience it at all.

Looking down from the rock’s edge, admiring the variety on the surface.

It was a great climb. I am so glad I went and would recommend this trail to anyone who enjoys a good hike with a view at the top to breathe it all in before the descent.

I enjoy being alone in the quiet to take in these sites.

It helps me to appreciate who I have become and what the world offers.

This cute little fern was showing off its colors against the mossy stones.

And much more quickly on the way back, I ended up at creeks level heading straight into the reality of life again. A little wiser from the forest’s wisdom.

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Cedar Cliff Falls Trail- Cedarville, Ohio

This trail was recommended by my friend Denise that lives in Dayton. I struggled to find it on the AllTrails app because I was looking in Yellow Springs but the actual hike was in Cedarville, Ohio. Was only about 4 miles from the Clifton Mill Restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast. A perfectly planned Sunday.

As our luck would have it, there was an hour and 1/2 window between rain storms! So we conquered this trail confidently knowing we were meant to hike it. I wonder if it was raining, would we still have checked it out? I mean we both drove such a long ways….it may have been worth it regardless. Nonetheless, I was thankful to have the break in the clouds, but not so grateful for the humidity.

You must take the lower gorge route, that black dash line, its worth the climb.

After only a short walk from the parking lot we got a view of the waterfall.

We walked along the boardwalk for a closer look. Discussing how it must have been canoeing down river back in the pre-map days and then just randomly hitting a drop off. Would you hear it beforehand?

Selfie moment pre-sweat timing. Damn we are looking good for our age. Good-ole corn fed roots.

I immediately admired these flowers on top of the prickly weed. It reminded me of the cactus blooms I was so fascinated by out west.

This is a view of the main bridge we crossed to get to the trail head.

I loved these little moss balls along the ground.

We were both saying this entry looked as if we were going into a tunnel of the unknown.

We moseyed down this staircase to the river below. I was admiring the mossy fern rock wall on the right side.

River roots are the best- strongest, creepiest, most resistant.

Debbie posing below the overhang, fully trusting the rocks stable position.

How cute is this coverage? Like a fairyland.

Peeking around the corner before we headed back up. The stacked rocks on the right of this photo must have been created in drier times.

Natural walkway. Makes you wonder about the intricacy of what lies below where we don’t walk. How all the roots are connected and intertwined.

There were many bridges which were slick from the rain. I kept warning Debbie to be careful because she had on sneakers. She kept teasing me that I just didn’t want to have to carry her out of the woods.

She named this ‘Christmas in July’. We reminisced about squeezing these berries between our fingers as kids. Which then triggered our memory of a sunflower that we grew in our yard and we’d pick the seeds and eat them. The simple innocent joys of childhood are the best.

Got to love them trees! The coloration of the bark with the leaves. The coverage and canopy providing shade.

And then you see this beauty that branches out so boldly in multiple directions showing off it’s strength to its skinny neighbors.

The trails were marked beautifully and were easy to follow. We headed first to the log cabin and then circled back to the Indian burial mound route.

The historic log cabin which was the end of the trail.

Never encountered one of these before on our hikes.

More stairs. Certainly made an easy walk to the top.

Showing perspective on the way back down.

We took the lower gorge route on the way back.

It led us directly along the river’s edge.

Even though the sun wasn’t shining we were sweating like crazy. Didn’t ever stop for long or the mosquitos would swarm us.

I decided to climb up this slippery rock to pose for a photo. Debbie captured my accent.

Such a hidden gem this trail was! Felt like the Red River Gorge but closer and in Ohio. I am sure there are endless trails for me to keep trekking here if I’m willing to drive a bit.

Debbie is such a great sport. She later told me she rarely gets out onto any trails unless with me. She never complains and is so fun to hang out with. We need to road trip together someday and explore another terrain.

Check out that tree leaning over the water, hanging on until the bitter end. Nature teaches us death as well as life. How some hold on and gradually fade, others get infected with a virus and decay while some simply get struck by lightening or fall to natural disasters instantly.

Looking back one last time before we climb back up to the higher trails.

Somehow the manmade walkways blend beautifully with nature.

Last glance of the waterfall from the opposite side on our way out.

On my drive home I encountered scattered showers but nothing like the downpour I managed on the way up. My last view before my exit was this heavy cloud coverage and I had to admire the heart.

Can you see the heart shape formed? Signs of love are everywhere if you open your eyes.

TOP 25 GOD AND NATURE QUOTES (of 76) | A-Z Quotes

Grand Falls- Joplin, Missouri

After my Springfield stop, I kept chasing the sunshine and driving west. I decided to stop in Joplin to see the Grand Falls site which I had read about. It was said to be a hidden unmarked treasure and it certainly did not disappoint.

Getting greasy and it was a chilly rainy day so I was sporting my flannel Zoe loaned me. I’m channeling my inner Findlay-small town self.

Finally blue skies again and clouds galore to admire and entertain me during my drive.

Love the rainbow halo around the hidden sun.

The Falls were down a country, local road and there is no set parking. People just pulled over on the side of the road and took in the view for a bit. An excellent curve ball on anyone’s trip.