Cuyahoga Valley National Park- Blue Hen Falls Trail, Ohio

One of the main reason I wanted to go to Cleveland is for the hiking. I always see so many cool trails on social media and I wanted to check out a waterfall while there. I picked the Blue Hen Falls based on a recommendation.

The trail was slightly disappointing as it weaved down some roads and you heard the highway traffic most of the hike. Wasn’t quite like the tranquil forest I was expecting from a National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley is the only National Park in Ohio. I was here with Debbie before when I ran out of gas and we hiked the Brandywine Falls trail. I was having some PTSD when George’s tank went down to one bar for fuel, but being the gentleman that he is, he noticed my angst and fueled up so I could relax.

He captured this beautiful photo of the wildflowers right outside the Boston Mill Visitor Center.

In the summertime they offer train tours of the park. We were tempted to come back and do that but didn’t find the time in our short weekend stay.

There is a ski resort nearby. Not sure how active it is.

Was a lot of hills as it indicates. This trail was closed my last visit here and you could see the work they did rebuilding it to be safe.

As you entered the trailhead, you were immediately welcomed by steps.

A lot of them. I think I read in a review of this trail- 157 were counted by one hiker.

I don’t know why but this tree reminded me of a deer legs and hooves.

A newly built bridge to take you across a small creek.

When we finally arrived at the falls it was slightly underwhelming. But I was determined to climb down there. A couple of kids followed my lead.

Felt much better being down with nature instead of at a birds-eye view with a fence in between.

I was able to feel the temperature drop immediately.

The rocks were quite flat and dry. I was looking on Google maps thinking if we walked along the riverbed we would have a more scenic return.

I found my way down the rocks into the water where I laid my hand in and felt at peace.

George was not up for the rocky challenge so once I climbed back up he was already making plans for another trail.

Was being kid like and playing with my shadow. Love my boxy shape and leaf-like hand.

Heading back in a civilized manner the way we entered.

George conquering the stairs while I rested.

The visitor center was open when we returned and it was charming. The rangers helped us to determine our next trail after hearing our complaints and desires.

I am sure there are many more trails to explore and it was already 11 am. Not enough time to do them all.

Adena Loop Trail – East Fork State Park- Ohio

My Forth of July weekend was purposefully with very little on the agenda. I was looking forward to relaxing and squeezing in a much needed hike in nature. It’s been awhile since I encountered the calm that comes from forest bathing. Working three jobs is taking its toll on my spirit and I am feeling a bit lost and caught up in the monotony again.

Hence why I am looking for changes to my scenery. I’m currently house sitting a gorgeous place, taking care of their yard and labradoodle while they are sunbathing in the Baja. Sitting outside on their new veranda is good for my soul.

On AllTrails app I found another hiking area within a 1/2 hour drive from my home and I convinced my daughter Zoe to get up early and go exercise with me.

This is really a mountain bike trail which makes it an interesting terrain to hike on foot.

These trails are part of a state park. One trail is dedicated to a native from this area, Steven Newman, who walked around the world for 4 years solo. In recognition of his accomplishments they named the longest trail system in Ohio parks after him. Zoe and I were not up for that challenge. We took a 3+ mile route instead.

I felt immediate relief when being covered by the greenery at the trail entrance.

The roots exposed created a natural walkway. The trees behind the blue dotted one were hugging. I stopped to admire and Zoe instantly saw the same thing without me saying a word. The apple does not fall far from the tree as they say.

The first half mile I was literally forest bathing. Oohing and ahhing my way through, looking at all the greenery beautifully surrounding me. Taking it in. Not a soul in sight along the trail but us.

Made Zoe take a selfie with me before we got too far. She’s adopted my “Hike More, Worry Less” shirt that “apparently” shrunk on me. 🙂

The fallen trees always draw my attention with the art they create and the journey they still have to go.

The bark of this baby made Zoe feel “itchy”. I loved the dimension of it when I looked up.

It rained this morning before we left and I was admiring how these leaves still held onto the droplets.

Seeing these berries instantly sparked a reminder of the “Into the Wild” movie. Made me realize how little I know about nature and how I would never survive out in it.

We kept walking in hopes of not getting too lost. The trails at this park had some very long options and I wasn’t quite prepared for any more than a couple hours today.

I was excited when I heard water running and spotted these small drop offs along the river. I told Zoe I wanted to go down and walk in them, but she realistically said in it was too steep and knew I’d never make my way back up.

I grabbed onto one of the trees along the ledge and snapped some photos.

Always love a good natural arch over my pathway.

I googled mapped to have a better understanding of my terrain. Found out the little river ran into the William H Harsha Lake.

The bike trail metal sign was slowly being swallowed by the tree. Quite literally being eaten.

The trail zigged in and out creating a fun pathway for bikers.

This cool vine was sort of screaming from the tree with its heart shaped mouth.

It was like someone caught him and was holding on to his death too long.

This tree was a show stopper and I literally had to climb onto its base.

We swung back around to civilization and came across a couple other hikers starting off their day while our hiking was nearing its end.

Many railroad like additions on the final stretch home.

This trail runner had stamina and a backpack of water to keep him moving.

We were finally at the trail’s loop end an hour and 1/2 later. I wanted to capture these interesting bird feeders which were along the entrance of both trail heads.

Sugarcreek MetroPark- Dayton, Ohio

Wanting to explore more Debbie and I, being the overachievers that we are, decided to find a another true trail to conquer before checking into our Airbnb in Southpark. We headed 20 minutes east to Sugarcreek.

Dayton really does a good job at marking their trails.

We decided to take the outer loop, but actually ended off trail and through some pretty muddy areas. I was glad I swapped out my tevas for my hiking boots.

I love that the green is back in season and shading the pathways.

Saw this hallow tree and Debbie encouraged me to climb inside.

I was thinking I could probably sleep in there. But then spotted the ants and decided conceptually against it.

Me taking a photo of Debbie taking a photo of me.

There was sidewalk chalk left on a bench so we decided to add to the graffiti.

Debbie gave this wood piece a personality.

I had no idea what the three sisters were, but of course was going to find out.

I made Debbie go pose so you could get a sense of perspective.

They were magnificent. I guess these are the sisters. Except we didn’t see the third.

We crossed over the creek and this is where things went astray for a bit.

Cute couple walking hand in hand. She was wearing a skirt and didn’t seem hiking ready which made me wonder if this was planned or a first date continued.

Such a tangled mess we were about to walk under.

I was appreciating these baby wildflowers.

Was truly picturesque. I have been working three jobs and I very much needed to breathe in the woods again. Helps my soul so much. Makes it all worthwhile. A true day of rest.

I blasted out this photo so you could see the curves in the trunk. It was naturally carved into life. I felt like she was reaching for me.

We came across this stone staircase and I encouraged Debbie to walk down with me.

River roots always make me better understand life and strength.

Some kids came down and took off their shoes and played a bit while Debbie and I sat across the way on a stone watching them.

The trail out. My hips were hurting and we were both a humid sweaty mess. I gave myself mental strength by planning to look up the closest brewery and head there for a much needed cool break while we waited for the Airbnb code.

There was a huge storm coming and we barely made it to a bar before it poured!

We ended up sitting at Toxic Brew in the Oregon district and enjoyed a couple cold ones while sitting outside watching and listening to the storm.
We were tennis partners,
Synchronized swimmers,
Friends since childhood.
Friends for Life.

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.

Cincinnati Nature Center- Far Ridge Trail, Rowe Woods

I opened a link that someone posted on FB about the top ten hikes in Ohio and discovered the Cincinnati Nature Center which is only 30 minutes from me. So happy!

It was a gorgeous weekend, hotter than usual and I had plans with my neighbor Nancy to spend the afternoon outdoors. Nancy is usually my urban hiking partner who always leaves me in the dust going up and down the Cincinnati “hills.

It was Earth Day, what a perfect time to discover a new trail.

There are several trails to pick from and this one appeared to be in the “green space.

Beautiful garden walkways. They also had a lot of vendors selling natural hand made products which made me regret leaving my wallet in the car.

Cute metal sculpture with names of donors.

The trails were not well marked and I did my best with the AllTrails app to get ourselves started in the right direction. In the end a nice employee guided us to the limestone steps that eventually took us down.

Once we got to the herb garden, we took a sharp right and followed the path.

Lush greenery lined the trails. It costs $10 per person to get in. Seemed steep to me at first, but well worth it. I can’t imagine how much it costs to maintain this area.

There were a lot of steps. And between my lovely hot flashes and the sun, I soon lost my tee and hiked mostly in my tank.

We travelled up and down getting a very good workout.

Eventually there was a stream which we had to cross several times. I literally was so hot I walked in the water, cooling off with my easy dry sneakers. Nancy continued to rock hop to stay dry.

Many of the wildflowers were in bloom. Was really pretty. I should have stopped more to admire them.

Unsuccessfully attempting to capture the colors of the blue flowers and purple on the trees.

What do you see? Janet Jackson possibly? I loved how the flowers were sprouting off the tumors” of the tree.

Sending Nancy ahead to leap frog across.

We were pretty much on our own for this loop. Maybe one other couple took this route.

There was one area at the end where they had posts to hang hammocks to save the trees but promote the trend. We saw one person reading a book and enjoying the peace. I need to take advantage of my backyard hammock, this was a perfect reminder.

Heading down to the backside of the trail. Not for the elderly.

This dog knew just how to cool off and laid flat in the stream.

We decided to take a longer route back and discovered a small lake, gazebo and wooden walkway. We sat there for a bit and others took our cue and did the same. Nancy soaked her feet in the water and we watched the Canadian geese go by.

Trees are still a bit bare and I’m looking forward to them filling in this summer.

I would love to go back and try a different route next time. There were so many trails heading in different directions.

At the end I noticed this educational center where there were bones laid out that were found in the area and you were suppose to guess which animal it came from. Pretty cool.

Highland Hills Park Loop Trail- Fort Thomas, Kentucky

On my schedule for about a month in advance was another hike to check in with my friend Sarah. I appreciate people that make time, set dates and stick to them. But more importantly, I can appreciate friends that don’t judge, accept all walks of life, embrace change and growth, listen and appreciate nature. That’s Sarah!

We needed a hike close by that wouldn’t eat up our entire Sunday.

This one right across the river in Fort Thomas was perfect and I haven’t been there before.

As soon as we started, I noticed this cardinal brightly colored, carved out of a stump.

I googled and found an entire article written in their local press about this trail and the artist Chris Rust. https://www.crcarving.com/the-artist – I’m contacting him to see if he would be willing to do a carving in my back yard as a memorial to our beloved Cookie who we had to put to sleep this February.

The trails were muddy in parts. We literally slid down a hill and saved ourselves by cutting through an off trail area. But you could see a lot of gravel dumped on the sides, so they definitely maintain and look to be ready to freshen up the trails for spring/summer.

There was a lot of running water areas throughout this loop.

Another carving, a beautifully colored owl.

Along the mile hike were bright blue park benches which contrasted with the dull, dried, tan landscape, but I imagine in the summer will blend in with the cool green background.

Then we discovered this cool fort along the banks. Reminded me of my childhood forts and made me wonder if any adults discovered them like we are now.

One was cowering on the stump looking up at others.

I asked Sarah to pose by the peace sign guy.

Loved the creativity. Even put some alien scribe along the fallen log.

On her way back down to the path, Sarah noticed the alien was not holding a rock, but rather was intently looking at a sculpted rabbit who was posed looking equally interested in him.

As we continued wandering, we noticed this path with a humorous no trespassing sign. Noting that “violators will be shot and survivors will be shot again” 🙂

Looking up at where the path led to, besides to these clever tongued gun -toating Kentuckians, it looked like a tiny house or possibly a self sustaining area.

Bridges were accessible at many points where crossing the creeks would of otherwise posed an issue for the less avid hiker.

I stopped to admire the lush greenery that was now covering an area in between the two creeks.

Loved seeing the purple flower heads peeking out from winter’s wrath.

I posed by the last gnome, happy to catch a glimpse at all these clever carvings which added such fun discovery to this trail.

Story Woods Park Trail- Cincinnati, Ohio

I was so happy to go on a hike this morning with Sarah who is a blog follower and encourager in my life’s adventures. She is an amazing woman who runs her own architect firm and is in the midst of a transition in her life.

I love being able to hike and chat with her, catch up on her life and see where her head is. Supporting each other in life, as women, is so meaningful and necessary.

We all go through our shit. Nobody gets out without scars. When I can inspire someone to be their best self, I always find that what they offer me is equally inspiring.

I found a trail nearby that I have never been to before.

Immediately I noticed a memorial to a 10 year old child. I have been personally dealing with a lot of drama with my twins lately. I can’t even begin to imagine what the loss of a child is like, and hope never to.

Immediately the ice appeared. Sarah noted how she has fallen recently and bruised her knees on ice which surrounds us in Cincinnati. As we age it become scarier in a way, oddly. The fall comes with greater repercussions.

There were a lot of benches along the route. And the trail led beside a stream. The sound of water trickling was wonderful at times.

Walking along the ice was definitely challenging. It was like trying to figure out if it was better to walk on the ice or along the side where the grass once was.

We made it to a bridge where there way a small cleared walkway along the right. Other parts of the trail were treacherous and we had to hold onto vines and branches just to make it up an incline.

Liked how the moss was growing on the rocks edges in the ravine.

Even though the sun was shining, the ice was still holding out in the cold temps.

I looked back and saw the heart in these vines.

After Krohn, this landscape’s color seemed so lifeless,
Sarah decideto take a small path which was less icy and it ended up weaving in and out along the hillside. It was a fun choice!
I bet this place would be beautiful to hike in the spring. Even in the depth of winter, I was hearing the water and birds along the pathways. I imagine they would be even more lively in the warmer months.

Someone please educate me on these trees that seem to strip their bark and shed their skin like snakes.

You are on a journey of transformation. You are exploring the wisdom of your soul. You are shedding old beliefs and stories that no longe… | Beliefs, Quotes, Wisdom

Mount Airy Loop- Cincinnati, Ohio

I wanted to get out of the house today. Some weeks I feel trapped in the routine of work, especially this January. There was a blizzard that ripped up the east coast and Cincinnati received a little snowfall as a result.

I headed out early 10:10 am (double numbers telling me its the right move) to see if I could walk a small trail and still see some of the snow before it melted off the branches.

Mt. Airy has so many trails to hike. I don’t know if I’ll ever hike them all.

There were no cars in the parking lot, so I was surprised to see footprints in the snow.

Was quiet, the sun was shining, the temps were low, it was so refreshing.
I had to wear sunglasses because the glare off the snow at times was blinding.

I kept stopping to admire the clumps of snow still hanging on to the bare branches.

Absolutely in awe of these branches which were so artistically wound. The inch of snow creating a temporary canvas that I was happy to witness.

I was thinking how fascinating the snow must be to someone on psychedelics. It was iridescent and sparkling like precious gems wanting to be scooped up and evaluated.
The snow toppers on the blunt cut trees were perfect.

I looked back at the trail I decided to come down- where there were no tracks prior to mine. I was proud to have taken the path less travelled, although it often gets me in trouble.

And here was trouble. A mini obstacle course in my way.

The softness the snow adds to the landscape is only temporary, at least here in southern Ohio, and is a great reminder to enjoy change. I know upper east coast may be living with the snow they endured all month 🙂

The little bare branches kept snapping against my frozen legs. Sort of hurt but were unavoidable so I decided to just accept it.

Sun was peeking through and casting cool shadows.

Love this photo. Not really sure why. The color, the combination?
Seems like a painting.

Selfie moment to capture the sunshine that day.

Another trail that I didn’t dare wander down as my quick mile loop was already taking me an hour. (did a few detours, got a little lost, thank God for AllTrails app)

I looked up and thought of my friend May who is always reminding me of my own catch phrase, which symbolizes so much in life.

PARADISE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE TROPICAL. | Nature quotes adventure, Nature quotes, Mother nature quotes — A reminder to myself.

Butler Turpin House and Overlook Fossil Trail- Carrollton, Kentucky

My household has been struggling with this very contagious Omicron variant. Living with your adult children who continue to go out has its risks. Baby B received a positive reading earlier this month and missed her trip to Guyana. Then last week Baby A got her positive reading, after attending a few birthday parties.

I’m struggling to grasp the idea that this virus is now unavoidable and still continue to attempt, successfully so far, to avoid it. But I am tired of being stuck indoors, listening to them cough through the walls and making sure they have enough to survive on for the weeks they are healing. We had literally three good days after Sedona’s negative test…..and now we are back.

After going to the clinic to make sure I was still testing negative, I decided to meet George out for hike. I picked a location that was in the middle of Cincinnati and Louisville. Something new to see.

I received a text from my friend Todd, right before I was about to take off, asking if I was going to go hiking today. I said, “yea” “how’d you know?” and he sarcastically replied that he was just wondering how much of a wuss I was.

Temperature was hovering around 28 degrees F/-2 C. But the sun was shining bright and in the end, I actually got a bit of sunburn on my already rosey cheeks. (or was that wind-burn?)

We met at the parking lot right outside the historic house of General Butler. I am not much into history, but it was fascinating that he established himself here in the late 1700s.

The house must be kept available for touring as I could hear the heat was on inside. It was bit creepy walking around with its lace curtains draped in the windows.

At the trailhead, there were warnings about the trees falling due to an infestation.

The trail itself was very narrow and always on an angle. The very beginning was a fair warning of the steep inclines to come.

Many trees were down. It was sad and not such great scenery really. Everything was very dead- even the leaves had a dullness about them.

I liked the curvature of these branches, somehow reminded me of kicking legs.

George then started spotting these shells. They were everywhere. Almost perfectly laid out in the pathway. We literally walked by a hundred of them.

I don’t know a whole lot about forestry. It made no sense to me since we were at such altitudes, how so many shells could be here.

I later googled and found out more than I really wanted to know. Basically these are snail shells and the inhabitants have since been eaten by birds and such in the forest. Their shells are left behind for us to admire, but I now know its just evidence of the cycle of life.

Came across just a couple manmade walkways, but mostly the ground was frozen and actually crunching beneath our feet.

You could see how high up we were by looking down toward the Ohio River below.

More shrooms letting us know their part in the eco system.

After about 1 1/2 hours of not easy terrain, we decided it was time for a short cut to head back. This trail was a crazy windy loop so we cut it off at its narrowest path, which meant a straight up hill climb to meet the other trail. George made it to the top first, as I continued to struggle with my footage. I did my best to not look labored, but have to admit it was a bit tough.

I won’t complain because the blue skies were out and the fresh air felt great.

We ended up along a path that looked like we were on a totally different trail. Like a mowed out farmer’s field path.

Love the archway these trees created with their shadow connecting them down below.

One last gigantic dried out fungi. Their shapes truly are fascinating.

We finally made it to the lookout point and George celebrated.

I sat for a bit on the stone ledge to admire the view of the small river town of Carrollton.

I get bored easily with history. Obviously we are opposites.

We took the flat paved roadway back and passed the cemetery of the Turpin-Butler family.

Quite amazing that they lived such long lives. I mean back in the 1800s surviving into their 90s I bet was unheard of.

Love these little family lots that are preserved. No huge crematory fees or caskets to pay for. Just dig a hole in the backyard. Something beautiful about that simplicity really. Owning land and remaining there.

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Heritage Park Primitive Waterfront Trail -Miami River- Cincinnati, Ohio

What a fun Sunday. I woke up early and went to “The Fix” to meet a friend for coffee talk first thing in the am. As I was sipping on my second flavored latte, I realized the caffeine was kicking in! I went home to wake up my twins to see if they’d go on a hike with me.

Originally I was planning to go with my friends, Linda and Beth, but Linda cancelled on us. I thought Beth was out” also, but then she later texted and said she was ready to go! So I picked a trail I’d never been to before, because it appeared to be near water and off we went.