When looking on the AllTrails app, I was disappointed that there weren’t more options nearby to explore. I’ve hiked a lot of the trails in my area and was looking for something new to hike that was closer than an hour drive away.
For Christmas presents I received a lot of hiking gifts- first aid kits, notebooks to log my trails, socks that read “Inside Sucks” and many other cool encouraging items that make me want to escape again. The weather here has been abnormally warm, you don’t even need to wear a coat or hat! So I wanted to enjoy my day off and find a place to get outdoors. I ended up at the Boone County Arboretum.
Upon arrival I was slightly disappointed to find paved trails. Not sure what I was expecting. It was located among baseball fields and a very well kept park area.
I decided to follow a side trail which had signage explaining how invading plants can alter the natural state of an environment. It made me think how we only know what we know at the time. Many people brought plant life over from Europe and Asia never even considering how it would effect our US landscape. Reading the facts on all this was interesting, noting there is still debate about it. Made me reflect on human life, as we have now been stopped in our travelling freely from country to country due to the spreading of the virus.
I immediately started appreciating the beautiful fungi which always finds a way to add beauty and texture to the forests.
I enjoyed that this trail took me into the woods but with the trees bare, you never felt too far away from civilization.
The education along the walk was interesting. They also had a book for kids along the way, posting on signs with walks in between. I loved how they were encouraging them not only to read but to exercise and learn about nature.
I started out before noon and it was quiet which I enjoyed. Peaceful.
Love how this tree was covered with the lacey mushrooms.
A small creek offered a trickle of sound.
This sprig reminded me of a Dr. Seuss image in one of his fantasy like stories that clearly reflect reality of our own world.
A sweet birdhouse.
As I was walking, it all seemed dead around me. I was seeking to find the beauty and I asked God to show me where He was. I saw this bench that read “Enjoy a Breath of Peace” and I was spiritually pulled over to sit on it. I sat and meditated for about 15 minutes, listening to the sounds around me, the birds, the wind, while feeling the sun on my right cheek and realizing that the weather today was absolutely perfect. I was able to clear my head, ground my feet, and recognize what I was missing.
This bench served me well. I owe it thanks for speaking to me.
An odd tree. Seemed more like an oversized bush.
Another interesting shape without its leaves.
I passed a grass field where a hawk was eating something. I later saw it circling above showing off its wingspan.
This birch tree shedding its skin literally made me ache. I felt as if it were in pain. Transforming while screaming of what it has to endure to survive.
As I rounded the last corner these gorgeous berry trees were full of color.
I reached out to hold them in my hands and was surprised to find their texture so solid. Not at all what I imagined.
Figure they must be poisonous or they would’ve been eaten by now.
Another blue sky day, I am happy I did not ignore. I thank God daily for the fact that my body is prescription free at my age and able to keep moving to wherever my heart desires.
This walk inspired me to want to explore again. Set plans for another adventure. To try not to remain still through these winter months. Adventure awaits. What am I waiting for?
I really needed to get outdoors. Reset my mind. Get away from all the need to dos that surround the holiday season, and instead get out on this December day. It was cloudy, rainy, cold, but it was perfect. I borrowed George’s jacket and a pair of jeans to slide over my leggings, and decided with these layers, I would be able to survive the 2 plus mile hike I mapped out in Indiana.
It was a 35 minute drive there, over the Ohio River. Google maps took me down some gravel dead end streets which reminded me of the dirt roads in Oklahoma. I swear if it shows up on the map, google thinks its do-able.
This was a new bridge for me. Said it was with toll fees, but there was no stopping point. These days I think they must zap your plates and just send you a bill in the mail. Its a definitely more productive way to collect the tolls without backing up traffic.
After passing through the park’s entrance, it was still a 9 minute drive to get to the trailhead.
Loved this color combination. Christmas appropriately in December this time. Red berries always in season it seems.
The trail started off pretty flat but soon was quite an incline. It rained the entire night before, so i was expecting some mud and slick areas.
The inclines were unexpected, but fun to be back in it again.
Mushrooms made their appearance and I loved the burnt look they had on this bark.
The limbs were holding onto droplets of water as if making time stand still.
More fungi and color combinations of nature showing off.
I felt like a splash of color in the otherwise monochromic brown woods.
The trail was along a ridge. When looking down you could see the roadway and off in the distance the Ohio River.
Love the doodle marks in the devoured bark.
Kentucky and Indiana always have these boulders which are fun to climb onto and sit for awhile.
Such a strange season of warm air, rain and then winds. I’m looking forward to the snow covered trails and limbs.
Shrooms just hanging out with the leaves.
And cool berry branches.
A deer ran across my path just a couple feet in front of me. I didn’t see her coming. then she just stood and watched me as I told her I was not going to do any harm and was just as much a part of nature as she was. I captured her starring at me.
No wonder some cultures believe in gnomes/elves. It just looks like a perfect cave for a little person.
I thought this looked like a perfect little sitting area.
As I kept walking, I started to hear water running and was excited. I had no idea prior to coming if this trail had a stream, but the closer I got, the more obvious it was. I was giddy like a kid in a candy shop, just couldn’t wait to see. I walked to the edge of the ridge and clung onto a tree while looking over to see the water below.
I saw a bridge up ahead and looked forward to crossing over it.
Listening to it brought me back to my instincts. Centered. I felt like I was back in the groove.
Looking down over the bridge and just seeing the water separate, then group back together, only to find different pathways to the next level.
My happy place.
Looking back at the bridge. Have to love the parks systems that preserve these places and make them accessible for all to enjoy.
I thought about walking along the stream but decided to follow the pathway instead. Behave for a change.
I took a short cut and crawled through this hole.
Looking back through the hole, you can see the ridge that brought me this way. Seemed the loop was now taking me the lower route back.
I crossed the stream again this time on lower ground. I was so happy I came. I was the only car there. The only person walking this trail today.
I came across this giant mushroom. Do animals eat them? I wonder. They seem so meaningful and dominant in forests.
The berries holding onto the droplets. I stuck my finger out gently and the droplet kept its form and rolled onto my skin. Was somehow like magic to me. Connecting. Seeing how as much as I am nature. part of nature, I still find myself mystified and craving to mimic that which I know I am.
I found an instagram site called wanderlustinohio, and it’s all about Ohio and places to see here. One post listed the top ten places to see fall foliage and three out of ten were in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park is up near Cleveland and Akron Ohio which is a bit of a drive for me, but the foliage down in the southern parts of Ohio are not transitioning well so I decided to make the trek up North to see if the views were any better.
I asked my childhood friend Debbie if she would meet me there. (It’s only a 2 hour drive for her….about a 4.5 hour drive for me) We set a date on our November calendars and set to meet. Ironically this same weekend, her son who lives in Cleveland was heading out of town, so now we had the bonus of a free place to crash. Now we have the potential of bar hopping after the hike. My favorite combination- nature and beer.
A lot of the trails on my app said they were closed, but the one starting at the old Stanford house was not. So we met there.
A loop with a waterfall. What more could you want on a trail?
I love these bulletin boards they post right at the trailheads. I never really read anything that’s on them, but they make it all seem so official.
I noticed the shadows and how dominant they were on the bridge, but also how it was looking as if the trees were already bare.
A little further in it was beautiful. Golden leaves covered our path while the sun was peeking through to add a hint of warmth to the air. It literally was weather perfected.
I told Debbie she was my model today. So she struck a pose beside the grafiti tree. We both wondered if people were killing it by adding their mark, or if this was simply like tattooing and instead adding to its character.
There were a lot of steps throughout this trail. Was definitely a work out.
Debbie posing on the bridge. One of many we crossed.
Pastel leaves amongst the autumn colored palette, really stood out.
The sun was perfectly hidden. The woods are always a great place to catch up with friends. You get to talk and walk and the time just flies by.
Looking up always.
I wanted to climb down this hill to the river below. The roots provided a great natural staircase, but there wasn’t much to hang onto as you went further down. Debbie stayed up top while I went down a bit to check it out. She snapped this photo of me.
And I took this one of her up above. Roots have so much to give and strength to stay.
Selfie by the drop off while leaning on the tree.
We hit a boardwalk and Debbie did a jig. Funny how in our 50s we have more fun just being ourselves and embracing life and the moments we have together.
We finally made it to the falls.
It of course used to be an old electrical source back in the day. Whatever happened to us using water as an energy source?
Happy together. Debbie is always open to meeting for a hike which I love. Its the only time we get to see each other these days.
When we got to the top of the falls, I mentioned that if I were in Thailand, I would be able to walk out onto the flat rock surface, but here it was completely fenced off.
As we looped around to the other side there was this cute bed and breakfast complete with two sheep and a scarecrow.
A great bench spot but I refused to pause since there was a family with young kids loudly behind us and I was hoping to get ahead.
Debbie catching me taking off.
A cool trail runner up ahead, passed us in his shorts and patriotic knee highs.
Admiring the fallen always.
Natural beauties showing off their textures.
Look at this one!
Debbie shot ahead of me on the trail and found a path down to the water’s edge. It was so peaceful down there. Exactly where I wanted to be but coming at it from this side of the loop was a better choice for sure.
Shadows of strength. Or is she doing the YMCA dance?
Capturing both of us as we paused by the water.
Loved watching the leaves float by.
Even captured the leaves raining down on us at one point.
When I saw this log over the water, Debbie told me to go and walk the line.
It was a bit unstable and it took awhile to get used to the sway, but eventually I tried a plie” but Debbie said it just looked like I was squatting to go the bathroom, which wasn’t too graceful of a look.
One last look before we headed back up the trail.
A very narrow bridge with great shadows.
Looking over the bridge to see what it was helping us over.
Seeking through.
I absolutely love this tree’s face.
Always look for the beauty amongst the norm.
The yellow color was so dominant here. Reminded me of Robert Frost’s poem quoted in the movie βThe Outsiders”. Every first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold ……
When the hike ended we had walked over 4 miles and approximately 2 hours. It was time for lunch.
I warned Debbie that on my way to the park, I was chatting aimlessly with my sister and didn’t notice that my gas light was on until I exited. I made the decision to drive to our hike location, since the nearest gas station was about a 15 minute drive away. Wasn’t sure if I would make it to either place, but chose the hike.
We debated about whether or not I would make it to the gas station but I thought for sure cars can go many miles on an empty tank. I especially thought that because I have never run out of gas before. Until now.
I started heading to the gas station and at the stop sign, my car just died. So I put on my hazards, jumped in Debbie’s car and I purchased a tank and filled it with gas. I have never done this before, I was pretending to be a pro.
Debbie laughing and taking this photo of me as I came back to the car carrying my 5 gallon tank.
When we got back to my car, the police had arrived. They tried to call me earlier but I didn’t answer since I didn’t recognize the number. They were about to tow me since my car was illegally parked.
Instead he helped me pour the gas into my tank. He was super helpful and kind. I was so happy and thanked him profusely, only to get into my car to find it wouldn’t start.
My battery was now dead. I honestly did my best taking it in stride but as time passed I was getting quite hangry and impatient with myself and my situation.
The police officer said that AAA (my car roadside assistance) would come quicker if he went through his dispatch. Once the tow truck arrived to jump my battery, he said he didn’t take AAA. So I had to pay him 50$. At this point, this was a costly lesson, as mine always tend to be.
Two hours lost because of my distraction and 75$ in expenses. This was not the way we planned our one and only day in Cleveland to be spent together, but it sure makes a hell of a story. Often life throws you these curve balls and then there are stories to tell.
When I was living in Thailand and Covid hit, for some reason- thankfully, it triggered a Zoom Reunion with my friends from my NYCity days. May, Karen, Susan and I. We named ourselves the Phuket Posse pronounced of course with the American F” sound version of PHβ.
We knew each other from when we worked together at AMC (Associated Merchandising Corporation) in Manhattan in the 1990s. Yep, many, many years ago. We all started out working for the largest importer of clothing as assistants, associates, peons, minions, whatever you want to call us. We were rebellious and loving life in our 20s. We worked past midnight many nights at 1440 Broadway setting up for our product meetings with buyers from around the country, working for retailers now non-existent. We worked hard and partied harder.
Back in the 90s there were many stores that came together to import products so minimums could be met. They were too small to import by themselves, so they put a non profit group together to gather their orders and help them to get the trendy cheap pricing from overseas. Within the short time we were working there, the world changed and was taken over by what is now considered the mega stores/box retailers and our import business was absorbed along with those wonderful mom and pop retailers.
What was AMC is now Target Global Sourcing. I jumped ship before it sank. Never a regret, except for the friends I left behind.
The stories we could tell. We were the brightest of the bunch. AMC would send us overseas to source new factories and negotiate with vendors. We were the young and dumb. The single gals that were willing to go anywhere and seize the opportunities in front of us. I was even featured in a text book that went out to Universities attempting to teach what to expect in product development of imports.
I travelled with this company to Turkey, Israel, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
We all took our experiences and went into different fields of work. Speaking of which, my new job as a Category Manager, was NOT happy that I was travelling on a Friday. Afterall, this was a work day. I almost cancelled the trip because of this, then decided I needed to keep my priorities straight and spend my time where it most makes me happy. I work hard, but they*will not own me ever again. I refuse to give up what I’ve learned about life and my appreciation of it, just to make a buck to pay a bill.
Two years after our Zoom reunion, we finally met up vaccinated and in person! Cheers to that! For organizing a get together with Karen as our host and Blake, her husband as our victim.
We haven’t aged a bit. It was as if no time passed and we all felt right at home together, overdrinking, reminiscing and catching up on too many years without each other.
Before we descended upon PA, Karen texted the group and challenged me to find a hiking trail that wasn’t pavement. Susan jumped in and said her hiking boots were packed. So hungover the next morning, this Phuket Posse hit the winding roads of Pennsylvania to hike a couple miles while Blake cooked us an amazing breakfast.
They know how much I love nature and it was awesome experiencing it with them.
Not feeling our best we cut the trail short by taking an inner loop.
The leaves have already started falling and lined the paths beautifully. I love how they provide the warm coloration that contrasts with the cool trees still lining the way.
Always seeking mushrooms.
And appreciating the texture combination of the bark, stones and leaves.
There was a beautiful river running along our right.
I was appreciating the colors and reflection in this shot.
Karen took this one and immediately said “X marks the spot”. I took the same photo and didnt even notice the trees. So cool how we all have different eyes.
Later on the way back there were kids swimming and playing with their dog in the river. Why don’t we do that as adults? Susan said she did this year, when hiking in the Grand Tetons. She jumped in and cooled off, clothes and all. Love that! I haven’t swam in years and I totally miss it.
Against the better wishes of my friends, I climbed out onto this fallen tree to strike a pose. If I were alone, I would’ve sat for awhile. They all said they were in no condition for a water rescue today but I assured them I could swim.
Sweet tiny meadow flowers among the dried grass. Nature always contrasts beautifully.
Love how the trail looked as if it were leading us into a hole in the woods. The crisp leaves were falling down like soft rain around us.
We naturally paired up for some distances, then switched getting some one on one time.
I felt like this tree was wanting a hug and kiss. Stretching his arms out and puckering his mouth. Either that or singing some dramatic tune.
Just appreciating color, texture, death and life.
My favorite are the leaves that have more than one shade on them.
As if they get to wear their fanciest dress before falling down to dry out.
Never forgetting to look up and breathe.
Selfie hiking moment! Love these girls. Was such an excellent weekend- short but totally necessary!
A map of our trail options.
Next time we’ll check it out. This time, we were doing our best just to keep our legs going.
Reminded me of a scene out of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or some medieval time. A totally different landscape than what I am used to seeing.
Karen loved this vine. It reminded her of a long fuzzy caterpillar. Reminded me of a mane of an animal.
They sat in support. Taking a much needed break and I snapped this natural photo of these beautiful women. They have no idea how flipping cool they are and how I am so lucky to have met them so many years ago.
Again dog sitting, but this time brought my 16 year old dog along with me since my twins are both out of town. Walking three dogs is tough. I managed to take the young lab, Buddy, out for a long walk, and then after returning was able to take the two older ones together.
Once out this morning and catching a breath of the crisp fall air, I decided I wanted to do some hiking today. I texted my friend Allen to see what he was up to, and he happily agreed to explore Winton Woods with me.
The three pups I’m watching. I love when dogs get along and respect each other.
I haven’t ever been to the Winton Woods area before. As you may know, new trails are my thing. I don’t ever want to get too comfortable repeating paths where I no longer see”.
Parcours was the first trail we decided to hit, knowing we wanted to be in the woods.
Support signs were posted at every trailhead. The litter on this trail was zilch, which I loved.
What I didn’t know is that this was an exercise course. I did all the easy ones along the way, like this one, but was unable to do a lot of them.
Felt good hiking with Allen. He’s such a dear friend and we were just taking our time, relaxing and catching up.
The course started out with primarily stretches which was great for us 50+ers.
These flowers were everywhere. Lining the pathways. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before, or possibly just never took notice of them.
Allen had an app and could look up what they were. I need to get this on my phone soon. I kept asking him to tell me what something was. But the funny thing was after about 15 minutes it completely erased from my memory. Like someone explaining IT to me….just in one ear and out the other.
They do create a pretty pathway.
Again with the textures. The feathery leaves vs the defined ones. The fallen leaves on the pebbles. I certainly could never be this creative. Nature certainly makes me appreciate Mother Earth π
Absolutely serene. It was a perfect day for a hike. No humidity. No people. Just us and the forest.
Always fallen timber adding angles to the usually linear views.
I had to step over this and try to show Allen how I knew he could do it. And of course he did. I told him I wasn’t going to carry him out if he fell and injured himself, but he assured me that’s why God gave him two legs π
We crept down to get a glance of the murky lake.
Allen showing off his strength, which, in all honesty, IS impressive. He was so encouraging for me to just start somewhere. With just one. But I assured him I could not even do them on my knees.
Such beauty in the silence.
Glad we chose the hiking trails instead of pavement. Maybe when I’m 90 I’ll have to stick to the easy sidewalks, but until then, I choose the roots and rocks.
Fungi everywhere from the moisture.
The bark of this short needle pine tree is cool. Not sure why I like it so much but I do.
Never forgetting to look up to notice my place in this grand natural world.
As if my legs weren’t still aching from the walk Nancy took me on up Sycamore Hill, now there were steps to challenge me.
Bridges to cross. Appreciating those who built them, making it easier on us.
This bad boy was screaming at us to say hello.
People placed rocks on this tree’s tumor. Or at least that’s how I see it. Like as if saying, we see you. You got this.
My friend Debbie and I have a thing, whenever we see red berries we say it looks like Christmas. So if either of us see this, we text each other with “Christmas in September”, or whatever month it may be. Guess December won’t be so funny.
Gotta love the new portrait option on the IPhones eh?
After finishing Parcours Trail, it was such a pleasant day, Allen and I decided to hit another hike in Winton Woods. I looked up our options on AllTrails and we headed a 5 minute drive around to the other side to explored Kingfisher.
We knew we were in the right place.
Cute wooden walkway.
Caught this action shot of Allen jumping to hug a tree.
I know I look a little insane but I wanted a selfie to document our time.
This creek must flood a lot. We saw many natural driftwood dams.
Lord help me, more steps. This photo taken after we walked our way up from the creek below.
Whenever I’m hiking I make a point to really appreciate greenery around me. I snap my photos in split seconds and am never disappointed at how Mother Nature poses perfectly for me.
A lesson on sinkholes. Allen and I spotted a huge one on Parcours Trail. I found it fascinating that we just trust the earth we walk on. But we honestly have no clue what is below our feet.
I personally have been finding myself again with the help of my journeys and a year of therapy. There was a tolerance I endured which consistently put me back into a sinkhole. I would even willfully jump into it because it was comfortable there, where I knew what to expect. But I am out. And now looking forward to continuing to see the beauty of what I choose to surround myself with. βπΌ
Monday morning I insisted we get back out in nature. I need to be covered by trees and ground myself again to appreciate what the Universe offers and is whispering. George decided we would hike the Otter Creek Trail and we managed to get there by early afternoon.
On our way there, I was desperately in need of some coffee but it seemed the closer we got to our destination the more remote the area. Then George stopped at Fort Knox.
Being a terrible historian (I refused to take a college prep level history class in highschool) I had never heard of Fort Knox except for vague references of something being locked up as its name references. I didnt know there was an actual Fort Knox, which is a military base known to hold America’s gold.
Fort Knox Facts: Amount of present gold holdings: 147.3 million ounces. About half of the Treasury’s stored gold (as well as valuables of other federal agencies) is kept at Fort Knox
George went into their visitor center to see if we could cross the security gates to get to the coffee shop. I originally thought he went into the visitor’s center looking to pick up more pamphlets. π
After background and ID checks, photos were taken, then we were issued a barcode that got us onto the base, with comments on my pass stating reason for visiting, “Starbucks”. Was hilarious. I wasn’t allowed to take any photos on base as per the signs posted. George is more a rule follower, but God knows if I was by myself I would be snapping some.
The base was desolate and made me feel like we were in the “Twilight Zone. Nobody was out. No cars. All the stores were closed due to Labor Day. My first military base experience and probably my last. But I scored some Dunkin and now I could properly enjoy the trails ahead.
I thought George was joking when he said it was an 8 mile hike.
We ended up cutting across and making it a 5 mile hike which was perfect.
The drive in was like being in a movie with tall tree lined streets.
At our trailhead was a beautiful meadow of yellow wildflowers. A perfect combination of color with the clear blue sky that was out today.
The trails were clearly marked with signs along the way and also dots sprayed onto the trees for guidance.
I was fascinated by these trees that naturally bent and maneuvered their way toward the sun. It wasn’t just one. There were several of these flexible beauties.
I looked up to to capture the color combination of the autumn season starting to sneak in.
As we started hiking we noticed the pine needle pathways.
We later saw a sign that educated us about this area where four different pine trees grow. Some are not native to this region and were planted here 40 years ago.
I listened to a podcast that stated 3/4 of all of our trees in the world have been cut down, and we would have to plant 1000 trees per person to restore the Earth’s coverage. And you wonder why we have a global warming issue. Think of all that shade gone.
Pinecones on a fallen tree.
Looking up at these great pines. Very different than the traditional pine trees we think of at Christmas time.
All along the trail these trees seem to be dying off. They were very skeletal and I wondered what happened to their species.
George taking the lead to fight off the many ,many, many cobwebs.
A sign about the magic of the mushrooms. I have seen many items at past trade shows made of mushroom fibers. Even read an article about canoes and housing being made of their root systems. Such a cool fungi of the woods.
There were so many different types throughout this forest.
Some were huge! And housing a small pool of water on their heads.
This one takes first prize.
I tried to catch a view from the ground underneath looking up.
You know you are in Kentucky when the horses have their own signage and hitching posts.
Did you know if you rub these leaves together and smell them, they smell like lemon. Now you do π Nature is so cool.
Nothing but woods for miles. Was a perfect escape.
Headed down some steep steps in search of a cave.
No such luck. Didn’t find it. But found the sign.
He’s such a Boy Scout.
Captured me taking it all in.
I asked George to climb up so I could snap a photo for perspective.
Could not spot the eagle.
But spotted lots of beautiful shrooms.
Something about the color and texture of this caught my eye.
This tree had arms reaching up to the sky.
I absolutely loved being surrounded by green and being with a man that also appreciates it.
George is an early morning person. Up way before me and is actually more productive in the mornings. As he left the hotel at 6 am I fell back to sleep only to be woken up to an urgent need to get myself around for a hike he found for us. I, am NOT a morning person. BUT, I knew this was our last day in Asheville and wanted to squeeze in as much as we could, so I miraculously mustered up the energy to brush my teeth, put on a bra and go on the hike.
I was so happy that we arrived there before anyone else. We were only the second car in the lot at 8 am. By the time we left we were passing so many families and couples just starting their days. The mornings are the perfect time to hit a trail. It was so peaceful and quiet. It ended up being my favorite memory of this road trip.
Ironically when speaking with one of my Turkish students, she had also hiked this same trail. Such a small world.
Heading in looked just like any other tree lined trail.
George was all geared up and ready for anything. I was my typical self with no beverages and just my baseball cap.
As soon as you entered you could hear running water which is pure joy to my senses.
Was so clear and pleasant. I immediately stepped right in.
Sad that they actually have to tell people not to climb on historic structures eh?
Bridge view.
Was doing a little happy dance for entertainment purposes.
Was hoping to see a black bear drinking along the river, but no luck.
As we hiked further along we kept seeing different small waterfalls.
Admiring the unique trees along the walkways.
I feel like the bark and knots tell such a story of their endurance.
This tree was calling for a fairy garden to be set up! Complete with a front fenced in yard and doorway.
I kept seeing these leaves on the ground and was admiring their colors. When I looked up none of the trees had these leaves on them. Things that make you go hmmm.”
We kept taking the small steep trails down to see all the various falls along the way. Taking our time. Soaking in the adventure.
Was really like being a kid again and exploring in the woods.
It just kept getting prettier.
A sunbeam perfectly found us making a picturesque view.
Just taking it all in.
I climbed out on a slippery log to try to get a closer look at this one. I had to scoot back on my butt on the way back, to avoid falling in. I ended up with a big hole in my pants and was showing off my undies here on out.
The riverbed rocks varied so much as we kept moving along.
Waterfall chasing could become my new hobby.
Check out the angles.
Just being me.
When we saw this dam we thought this was the highlight. Little did we know a little further ahead with the master of them.
He looks so natural in this element. I’m happy to have found a man who likes to hike.
When I read this barefoot comment I immediately thought of Alexandra who loves to hike barefoot.
After crossing that last bridge we came across this gorgeous waterfall.
We used the roots to climb our way up even higher to find a perfect resting spot.
I swear it speaks to me.
Not sure what this sign said, but obviously everyone denied it and covered it up with stickers.
We literally sat right here for about a 1/2 hour not even talking to each other, just breathing it in.
Had to take my classic hiking boot view.
Love, Love, Love.
I snapped this cute photo with my portrait view. The background almost looks fake, like a studio setting.
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.
More steps. Debbie’s nemesis.
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 weβd 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 itβs 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.
Debbie peeking in the windows.
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.
I decided to spend the weekend in Louisville and wanted an adventure to keep me out of trouble on Sunday while George was working. In typical Tonya style, I took a look at the AllTrails app to see what hiking was near the area. I discovered that Mammoth Cave National Park was only an hour drive away and offered many different trails.
I feel like my parents took me to this place possibly when I was younger, but I don’t remember much about it. I wondered if seeing it would trigger any memories.
Just a little info about this park- Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the world’s longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave is a limestone labyrinthine and you with more than 400 miles of it explored, and the park estimates a potential for another 600 miles in its system. Can you imagine? Discovering this back in the 1800s.
I knew I wasn’t going to be able to explore the cave, since reservations are required due to Covid and general summer tourism. Maybe I will come back again with a friend to take a look, but for now, I was just day tripping to get some sunshine and exercise.
On my drive there I stopped at a rest area and there was this poppy meadow in front of where I parked. I couldnβt resist.
I literally covered all the trail routes. Not knowing if Iβd be back. Wanting to see all the sites. Was out walking the trails for 3 hours. Map location in Kentucky. I was curious what city it was closest to. There was a time change which literally made me feel like I was in a time warp as I was hiking for over an hour and then it said I was only out 15 minutes.
Heading down the historic trail. This led you to the opening of the Mammoth Cave. You could literally feel the temps drop when you walked by.
Oh Virlane- wtf is up with this tree bark? It was the only one like it.
Heavily covered but it did nothing to help with the humidity.
Looking up. Admiring the leaves.
Check out the tree roots adaptability. Talk about will to live.
Occasionally there would be paved or wooden walkways.
Looking down into the opening of a cave. I decided to find my way down to it for an up close personal look.
Was pretty. Not so deep.
Looking up.
I spotted a fallen tree in the distance and hiked along the slanted muddy/sandy/slick edge to reach it. Knowing it may be the only secluded part of the woods. Most paths had many hikers and families. Off the paths was poison ivy galore.
I walked out onto the tree.
And planted myself for a much needed silence check-in. Listening to the birds and water. Asking God whatβs next for me.
This ironically was sent to me from Kang Kang which was perfectly appropriate for the days end.
A last look before I left the area. οΏΌ
How in the world does nature so easily embrace and conform when as a human I always kick and scream against change.
Another boarded walkway.
Surrounded by green. π
These shrooms looked like ruffles on a dress in their warm coloration.
And these cuties were so small and sprouting up as a new layer on a fallen log pronouncing their existence.
Rocks or boulders are always along Kentucky trails.
Nothing to see here. Very disappointing.
Ferns showing off in a spiral form. New to me. Always seeking new shapes.
The sinkhole was more like a dried up river bed.
Surrounded by ferns not seen elsewhere in the park.
My love of roots and their strength. Supportive. Surviving. Enduring whatever elements come their way.
The mud path ended that I was following along the sinkhole sight.
Lookout point.
Leading to a place to watch the sunset. It led to an opening overlooking the tree covered mountains. I was about 4 hours early.
Cemetery for the slaves that gave tours in the caves for generations.
The Dixon trail cave. Nothing much to see.
One last look as I made my way back out of the forest and back to the parking lot.
I stopped in Elizabeth Town, Ky for dinner and had to capture this thoughtful mural.
As I was making my way back to the apartment I saw this little guy in a parking spot. Like heβd fallen out of a car and was left behind. My heart broke. So I set him up in this position as if calling out β Iβm here!!β
Tonya Takes Thailand 