My sister Trisha and her husband Tim were on a whirlwind family visit across the eastern portion of the USA. They have always wanted to go see “Serpert Mound” which dates back to 1000 AD or even further according to legends. I never heard of it.
It’s a gigantic earthen sculpture representing a serpent. It is said to align with the galaxy and is built directly beside where a crater hit. This place was the first privately funded archaeological preserves in the United States.
To get there we drove through Amish country and passed by at least 6 different horse and buggies. That lifestyle always is so strange in the midst of other civilization.
A paved walkway goes around the snake which unfortunately was a tad underwhelming since you couldn’t actually see the snake layout from ground view and the viewpoint structure had 15 code violations, so it was roped off from use.
I took a snap from google maps to see the body of the snake made from hills. There were also several ancient burial mounds in the area as well.
At the head of the snake, there were steps leading down to the view of the crater area below.
They had signs to keep off the grass’ but there was one woman with her barefeet sneaking some of its magical energy.
Just looked like small hills to me. It is cool though that even back before google or drones, someone was able to recognize the serpent shape and realize its historical meaning.
We hiked down a trail for a bit to get a view of the river below. I was distracted by the pretty wildflowers making their appearance.
I also noticed a young guy sitting in the woods meditating. Obviously supposed to be a spiritual place.
The clouds were rolling in and by the time we made it back to our car the drops started.
As we drove back toward Cincinnati, we google mapped our way to Mt. Caramel Brewing Company for a stop. After that we detoured to the 50 West Brewery, then onto Woodburn Brewery. Eventually making our way to Newport on the Levee for a late dinner and a city view.
A perfect ending to a very strange and uneventful, yet perfectly lost sort of day. It was great seeing my sister again and I love how she can roll with it and still find joy in the moments.
One thing that can help anyone get out of a funk is spring time. The flowers that re-appear and brighten the landscape everywhere you go while the weather is not yet unbearably hot. Its such a beautiful time of year and is a highlight of the changing of the season.
While walking back to my car from the Museum Center I noticed the cherry blossom trees were in bloom.
Its all about timing to capture their beauty.
Meanwhile at Spring Grove the tulips were in full force.
So beautiful seeing the colors blending.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to see a large tulip field in Amsterdam. Putting that on my bucket list.
These puffy flowers smelled so good.
I could sit under a dogwood for hours.
No clue what this was but the purple coloration was so pretty against the green.
I kept this snap shot as my new screen saver. The combination of warm colors is a masterpiece.
But its the God-given details in the petals that renews my trust in the Universe.
“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.” ― Georgia O’Keefe .
Sunday came and I was exhausted from all the touring the day before. But I didn’t want to waste a day. Especially in a new city, free from work. So I google mapped my way to a botanical garden, because I aways enjoy those and it was only 1/2 hour away.
This art was in my bathroom. I feel its totally symbolic. I need to hear this some days. Its a simple truth but sometime hard to remember during the difficulties during darkness.
I headed to San Diego Botanic Garden which is off of Quail Gardens Drive. It is 37 acres and when reading the reviews, said to bring comfortable walking shoes.
The first tree I encountered was a beauty.
I snapped this photo of the map in case I needed it later.
Here were those wide based trees again. Called Elephant’s Foot.
Adorable kids area. Seemed as if a lot of families had memberships here.
I walked and admired the new landscape.
The colors and contrast.
Even within one plant.
These sweet buds, I adore their contrast with the thin sharp grassy leaves.
This tree’s shape was fascinating and relateable.
As I walked I appreciated the blooms and sun in February. Although it was still chilly here. Not quite the Sunny San Diego I expected.
When I got close up on the flowers I could see how intricately colored and textured they were. Mother Nature at Her best.
The cactus and the flower. Why do I love the opposites.
How do we not see the perfection in our own selves that was created from this same Master?
This texture. I have never seen on a tree before.
These trees were African and I have never seen quite a beautiful sight ever before.
Couldn’t quite capture their beauty.
I never get bored of nature.
I kept walking and was mostly alone but occasionally would run into the same couple.
Found my way back to the cactus.
I feel like this is a scene out of The Lion King. I love trees. I want to be one in my next life.
I admire the landscapers who also had to plan and design these gardens for us to appreciate and wonder at.
A close up view of anything reveals its true beauty.
Interesting characters designed with botanical accents.
A close up view.
I passed over a man made river with tropical foilage.
Back to an interesting cactus who looks like she is storytelling.
I’m learning a lot of lessons out here in California. Many that I wish could’ve waited. Many showing me how flying by the seat of your pants and not reading things thoroughly can bite you in the ass. Usually it doesn’t really get to me. I tend to roll with it. I tend to make decisions and stick with them, good or bad. But somehow there is a pause I was meant to learn here.
After moving Zoe into her studio, I wanted to get away for a bit. To allow her the time to settle. To get out of each other’s way for a break. And to explore a new area, since that was another reason for me to be here.
I randomly looked up Airbnbs that were affordable for a three night stay. I still wasn’t feeling well and thought getting my own space may help me to sleep more soundly and get the rest I needed. I booked a place at Big Bear Lake, while eating breakfast. Didn’t really even know how far away it was but knew I had a car and time.
I headed up there on Monday, President’s Day, a weird random national holiday that for some reason my company observes. Going to check out on Thursday, to get back to Zoe’s place since I knew she had the Image Awards to attend to. I wanted to make sure someone was going to be at her place to keep unpacking and being able to receive any furniture deliveries in route.
Driving up it was a sunny California day. Bright and happy. I was loving the palms with the mountains next to the colorful flowers. Picture perfect nature.
I stopped and filled my gas tank which put me into a bit of sticker shock. I am thankful to be renting a fuel efficient hybrid car. There are a ton of Tesla’s on the roads out here and I can understand why.
The entrance to the mountain. Hwy 18. I was excited to be seeing another national forest.
I took my time and pulled over wherever there was availability, courtesy allowing any locals who weren’t impressed by the scenery, to pass me.
There was bumper to bumper traffic coming down the mountain. I was smug with myself booking during the week, avoiding the weekend rental cost increases and crowds.
As I kept climbing I kept finding myself in awe of the views.
The entire drive up was one sharp 20 MPH curve after another along the edge of the two lane road. Nerve wracking to drive so I was thankful for the breaks.
It was fun to see some families enjoying the snow as if they had never experienced it before. They were touching it and kids were laughing.
Was truly pissed to see how humans spray painted the rocks here. I mean why? So sad the lack of respect and appreciation. I believe this is when we reached about 2000 feet altitude.
I watched a group start hiking down this trail and thought it would be fun to do maybe one evening after work. The confusing part was there was no parking anywhere along the streets, so they must have walked from their place nearby.
Crystal and I started hitting bumper to bumper traffic right as we entered the city limits by the lake.
Tried to see from Life360 how far apart Zoe and I now were.
On Tuesday, I texted a guy that I work with who lives in LA to see if we could meet for lunch while I am visiting out here, and he said probably better if we arrange a date after the storm passes through. I questioned, “what storm”.
Then Wednesday I got a text from my friend Susan who used to live out in California, but who is now appropriately back in NYC, who sent me a link to a huge winter storm warning for the mountains I was now in. I can see how not watching the news can be an issue at times like these. I texted my Airbnb to ask if there was concern and they said just be sure to buy tire chains. I was like….hmmmm- not going to do that. But then Susan informed that its the law and you were required to have them on in certain conditions in the mountains.
So, off I went to find tire chains. I had no idea what I was doing. I went to AutoZone, a familiar auto brand store and there was a line already with every person buying just that. Two ladies in front of me told me to go take a photo of my tires so they knew the proper size. Then I asked them if they knew how to put them on and they said no, but they were going to “you tube it”. That sounded right. I asked if they were alone and they said yes. They were also planning to leave on Thursday.
It was fun seeing fellow women out there braving it. Thinking we can handle such crisis. Gave me confidence. Only exception is they were wearing full snow suits and I didn’t even pack gloves.
I drove to at least see the lake before the snow fell. I found a nature reserve and took a few photos.
Clouds were quickly rolling in and the wind chill was dropping fast. Thought best to get my butt back to the Airbnb for the night with my 200$ chains in the passenger seat.
It was eerie seeing the clouds start swallowing the mountains.
The visibility kept getting worse on the drive back. At this time, I was thinking I was smart not to try to drive down the mountain tonight.
I watched from my dead end street cabin window as the snow started to accumulate.
It was picturesque with the icicles. It only looked to be about 8″ on the ledge. I am from northern Ohio, I got this right?
This is what I encountered on the morning I needed to leave. Luckily the Airbnb provided a shovel. My coworker, Chelsea, suggested I put socks on my hands since I didn’t have any gloves. That worked for a bit. Then eventually became sopping wet and freezing. I kept jumping into my car and warming up.
I had to drag a full sized suitcase up this hill which actually has steps below. At one point my foot sunk and the snow came all the way up to my knee. I had to grab onto the handrail to pull myself over the wall.
Was a cute place to stay.
After shoveling for 1.5 hours and trying to move my car, which did not budge a bit, I decided to convince the Airbnb to let me stay. They wouldn’t. Claiming they had new tenants coming up the mountain that night. Good luck to them! I couldn’t even get my car out of the parking space.
I decided to call a tow truck. One company charged 900$ minimum. Then I remembered I had AAA. Thank God that works everywhere in the USA. They hooked me up. The tow truck arrived but could barely make it down my road and then admitted they couldn’t get me out.
I was told to call another tow requesting a certain type of truck That was going to be an even longer wait than the 2.5 hours I just waited. I was at my wits end. But I called and got in the que.
Totally reminded me of Findlay winter high school days. No proper clothes. Just layers.
I want you to know I tried SO HARD to appreciate the beauty. I snapped a few photos, but my heart wasn’t in it. I honestly didn’t know how I was going to ever get out of my situation alive. 🙂
Trying to look up’ physically and metaphorically.
I started texting a few Airbnbs nearby to see if they would lower their rates for me to stay the weekend, IF I could get there. Then hearing the snow was supposed to get worse on Saturday I really just wanted to get down the hill.
I saw a man, obviously local not tourist, snow blowing out some driveways. I approached him and asked advise. He came over and said my parking spot was in a drop and no way I would get out without chains. I told him I had chains if he could put them on. So he did. I paid him 40$ cash. (just guessing what would be a decent thank you amount) He then brought his snowblower over and another shovel and finished digging me out. I told him I was waiting for another tow. He said they wouldn’t be there for another 3 hours. He asked if I would allow him to try to drive the car out. Absolutely! And he did!
I cried, hugged him, and asked if he’d take Venmo. He of course did and I sent another 100$. I asked him if he thought I could make it down the mountain. I was literally scared to death. He said take it slow and I’d be fine.
Never driven with these before. The guy that sold them told me not to use them on pavement ever. So….there’s that. Not sure what I was going to do once I reached the bottom of the mountain and need to get onto a highway to LA.
They had an officer positioned where you had to stop and he checked if you had chains and then waved you on. You could not see the road. It was completely white and the snow was blowing across off the trees and mountains. I only snapped these photos when I felt safe.
So excited to see some tire tracks and a car to follow. I will say the chains were miraculous. I never slid.
Again, may have been able to appreciate how beautiful it all was, if I wasn’t driving in this situation.
And then just like that (after 1 hour of 15 MPH) the landscape changed. I thought, people down here have NO idea what’s up there.
As soon as I started to question if I should be removing my chains, there was an entire police blockade where people were pulled over putting on chains to go up. So I pulled over and asked a guy to help take mine off and he said, okay for 20$. Thank goodness I had one more 20 in my wallet. Thank you George for teaching me to always have cash while travelling.
As I drove to LA there was a beautiful hole in the clouds.
Then a rainbow as I hit the city. I took a deep breath and thanked God and asked him to be great to that guy up the mountain who saved me.
I felt safe.
But as I pulled down the road two homeless men jumped out into the street and were fighting right in front of my car. The one had a knife and was stabbing, or attempting to stab the other. I didn’t know what to do, so I honked my horn and it must have triggered the knife holder to jolt back to reality and he ran away. Then the one left behind in his purple jogging suit got up and dropped his back pack and all the contents spilled out.
I’d love to end by saying I got out of my car and helped him. But I didn’t. I failed that test. Call it instinct. Call it my nerves were already shot. I don’t know. I wish I can do better. Help more people when challenged. Maybe awareness is just the beginning.
The night in New Mexico was interrupted by gale force winds. I felt like the house was going to blow away like in The Wizard of Oz. I honestly have never heard anything like it before. Neither of us slept well but had another 8 hour drive ahead of us when we woke the next day and two pit stops planned.
Zoe booked us a self guided tour at the Carlsbad Cavern National Park for 9:30 am. So we hit the road by 8:30 and let our day begin!
I googled best breakfast and found the Blue House Cafe located a couple blocks from where we were.
Inside was like Cheers, everyone knew everyone. It was quite crowded and all seats were filled. We were lucky to grab a small two seater by the counter. Their espresso was amazing.
It was a quaint joint and a gentleman with a 1 foot long handlebar mustache sat behind us. Another local went to chat with him discussing this ridiculous “green energy and Biden this and Biden that. I stiffened up and got the hell out of there. I could tell that the mustache man didn’t necessary agree since his replies were very limited and not encouraging but also not argumentative. I suspected they knew Zoe and I were not from there.
I took the day off work to try to enjoy the National Parks. We drove about 35 minutes away and then started seeing this landscape out Crystal’s window! I mean seriously?! Just amazing this land.
We passed a semi truck, overturned by the winds, luckily on the other side of the highway. Hoping it would be cleared by the time we came back. Roads out here are different and as Virlane advised me- stick to the highways.
As we drove into the park entrance I was literally oohing and aweing at nature. I swear being out west just reminds me of how small and insignificant we are.
Loved the solar power at the entrance to the caverns. We struggled walking due to the winds. Thankfully most was underground.
We walked to the outdoor entrance to the cave and discovered another outdoor amphitheater. I guess they have some sort of bat viewing at night. See Zozo in the corner. She is such a great sport about modeling for me.
Looking down into the entrance.
It was very cool and such a perfect time to come out in February where we lucked out with the blue sky days and very few humans.
Truth be told, we took the elevator down to the cave level to save 1/2 hour in time since we knew we still had a 3 hour drive to White Sands planned. I wondered if the winds would be kicking up there too. Would make for a miserable visit.
This is the largest caverns in the USA. It was about a mile to walk through the main area. It took quite some time and every turn was fascinating.
Couldn’t believe how well my photos turned out.
Literally a new form of nature’s art. I was definitely getting the good Lord’s message. I felt at peace as I walked and wondered.
Zoe and I split up and walked alone. I had so many thoughts going through my head as I followed the pathways.
The creative inspiration. The unbelievable ability in nature. The discovery.
Was an absolutely beautiful way to start our day.
I told Zoe that she was going to have to take the night shift with her young eyes this time. So I took the wheel to White Sands.
Blessed by google, we were routed through the Lincoln National Forest and discovered an entirely different landscape and even some snow as we hit the Sacramento Mountains.
I kept directing Zoe to take photos. It was just all so beautiful. You can’t possibly capture it.
I pulled over and got out to snap this one. I can’t imagine getting used to this landscape. Look at that sky in combination with the rocks and snow.
I wondered if I could live out here or if the closed minded small town mentality would wear on me.
Yep it was cold. I was glad I packed my hat.
After coming down from the forest, this was our view.
The winds died down and we hit White Sands National Park and hiked a trail. It woke Zoe up. She was like a kid again. This was the only place I had been too before but wanted my daughter also to experience it.
Me in the sand.
Us remembering the trail we were on.
Mother daughter happiness.
The wind’s art voice.
Zoe found her natural chair. The colors here are undescribable.
We drove to another section to take in the boardwalk.
I wish we had more time to stay, but still 4 more hours to go and the sun was starting to set. We needed to get to Bisbee, Arizona. A location recommended to me by my good friend from Phuket, Virlane. So just like that, taken from her texted suggestion, off we went to southern Arizona.
Again capturing the most magnificent sunset.
Zoe drove down highway 80, a two lane narrow road in the darkest black of night you can imagine in the desert. We passed 13 border patrol officers in one hour which made Zoe very nervous. We also had about a dozen desert mice run randomly across the road. At first we thought we were hallucinating, but finally we caught focus. I told her just embrace for the “crunch- do not swerve. Luckily they all lived.
At one point while we were driving we turned on the brights and literally jolted as we saw tall mountains literally beside us. We had no idea what we were missing in the dark. But we arrived safely to our ecclectic Airbnb which was adorable.
The ceilings were draped in various fabric yardage.
The bedrooms were a collection of any and all cool things.
The merman beaded doorway was the best.
Unfortunately this place did not have heat. Only small space heaters which did no justice in the winter freeze that fell upon us that evening. I woke to the freezing rain on the metal roof as I buried my head under the covers for heat.
The next morning as I was packing up and brushing the snow off the car, I saw these coy fish wanting fed. This place would’ve been great in the summer.
After Memphis, Zoe and I planned to hit the road and spend the day in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Never been to this state before and the TikToks said it was a great place to visit. I wanted to get in some hiking, it talked about a brewery in town- and that was enough for me to make a stop.
A lot of photos taken out of our car windshield attempting to capture the memories. We named our car Crystal.
Our first stop was the Garvan Woodland Gardens. There was a church I saw on Instagram once and wanted to check it out. It was located here.
This massive sculpture was in front. Reminded me a bit of my trip to Columbus, Indiana where they had interesting metal sculptures that you could walk through.
Remembering that looking up always offers the best views and new perspectives. I love how natural and open this felt.
My heart was in love with the manmade work with nature. Whoever designed this was showing how in synch we can be.
Zoe, checking it out from the other side. She seems naturally part of it as well.
Our timing getting to the church was perfect. They were about to close it off to visitors as a wedding was starting soon. Zoe and I were able to peak inside before the ceremony started.
Honestly. Breathtaking. A work of art.
I told George before I left that I was hoping to have God open my eyes again to the beauty around me on this trip. I’ve felt distanced. This was definitely taking me back to my roots and faith.
Architecture always amazes me. The thought put into each part for a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing building or sculpture. Genius.
We walked along the path which took us to a cute little gazebo.
Then to this incredible outdoor amphitheater.
Can you find Zoe sitting out there. That should give you an idea of how grand this was.
I asked her to take the stage while I sat in the grassy seats.
The next day was our long day driving through Texas. I did a quick glance to see how far from the border we were.
Mural as we drove through the town trying to find our trailhead.
We climbed up to the top of this trail. Man I am out of shape!
Then we veered off to see the Goat Rock Viewpoint.
The trailhead from the campgrounds started with us crossing this beautiful clear stream. I swear the weather was perfect. So nice to get out of the cold for a bit.
Very few people on the trails. Was a quiet hike.
This trail immediately started with steps and a steep incline. I saw a young couple with the mom papoosing the baby and I thought, there is no way I could carry an extra 20 lbs with me. Then I realized I probably gained that much in the last year, so I already was 🙂
This was the peak of the Gulpha Gorge trail where they showed historically how long it’d been there. This town has a lot of history to it because of the natural springs.
Hiking through the woods, showing my daughter the free beauty in life.
We made it to the top and enjoyed the view.
Hot Springs National Park was one of the first established.
Loving the colors of the natural stones.
Tree chair perfect to rest. I think this hike was preparing me for all the steps and lifting I did later when I moved Zoe into her apartment. Does make me thankful that I am still capable.
We decided to check out the downtown and grab a beer.
This was an old bath house and is now the only brewery using hot spring natural water in their beer. It was so good!
We sat outside and it was hilarious. All the songs playing I loved. Zoe questioned if they stole my play list. Made me feel better than there are others that enjoy my musical taste.
We found out that many places are haunted. Unlike some locations that make this a “feature” here in Hot Springs they do not talk about it. They never admit to any of it and have even closed off entire floors to avoid the spirits.
The haunting started as early as the early 1900s because this city started “selling” the holistic healing of the hot springs and people with all sorts of uncurable illness came here to be cured. Well, they weren’t. My understanding is the bodies stacked up in the still -standing Veteran’s Hospital.
The main street is adorably preserved.
There are several still functioning bath houses.
This town’s bath houses were built around gambling which was huge here.
Still standing and above the springs.
We didn’t have time to peak our heads into any of them. It was getting late, we had done a lot already and needed to settle in and find a place to watch the Super Bowl.
Anyone that is a history buff would enjoy this city. There was plenty of tales to be told here.
Zoe and I filled up our water bottles at the station. I drank mine warm hoping it would cure my cough. I woke up thinking a miracle had happened, but it didn’t.
A little history on the streets. We saw a lot of people dressed in Kansas City jerseys and Zoe and I teasingly taunted them and said “Go Eagles”.
Cherry blossoms in February? Wow what a blue sky day will do for my soul.
Heritage also honored.
Zoe was telling me that there is a 513″ bar in Los Angeles that she can go and watch the Bengals game at. Then we stumbled across the Ohio Club. Guess we Ohioans are everywhere!
When did city murals take off? I know in Cincinnati it was not that long ago- maybe the past 10 years?
We walked back to the car and spotted a park where you could touch the hot springs.
It was hot. I really don’t know how people endure it.
It occurred to me after walking with Kassie, (via FaceTime) a lifelong friend who I’ve shared many great adventures tromping in Manhattan with prior to my quitting SKL, (oh the stories we could tell) that those that follow me on this blog feel a part of my life. Feel like they know what’s going on and how life is treating me based on my stories.
The truth is that we all use social media the same. To share the positives (hopefully) and to provide optimism in the moments we grab in life that make us happy. I scroll to seek those shared glimpses but I am sure behind every family vacation shot of smiles there are stories of teenage angst and spousal quarrels. My trip to Knoxville last year for Mother’s Day for example, as much as I saw and captured visual joys with my daughters, was a weekend of silent treatments, negative energy and wishing I could just be alone.
My answer many times to discomfort is to escape. To seek joy elsewhere to avoid the work and pain that comes with hard communication and compromise. Maybe I feel I already spent my years silently absorbing the pain and now I don’t want to tolerate it anymore. Its been a tough road for me to adjust back to reality of relationships and family drama. I’d much rather be the light I know I can be and shine through my adventures alone. Afterall its easier alone, the decisions are yours, the wrong turns are yours to own and you really don’t need to communicate. (which has always been my issue)
Today I heard a reel that said “What keeps us from suffering is the constant seeking of pleasure. That we as humans are never content and always attempting to alleviate our suffering.” (ie: addiction issues) Instead we need to “crave peace over pleasure and find joy in the challenge.”
I definitely seek pleasure through my hikes. I am forever curious of nature’s wonders and its true that if I don’t get my fill of it, I’m a little lost. A temporary high I like to share and blog to remember. But I also appreciate the challenges that push me to think differently and bend my temperament. And this is why I walk in life with friends and continue to grow in my love with George.
I found out my friend Kevin was free Saturday so I asked if he’d want to go on a hike with me. He questioned what the weather was going to be like, and honestly, that wasn’t even a consideration to me as I’ll hike in anything! We completely lucked out and it was an amazing blue sky day with sunshine and temps in the 50s. Yep, in January.
I found this trail that I never did before and it was rated decently so we drove down to Burlington.
When we arrived it was a little tough finding the trail head but we found the map and of course AllTrails is also helpful and kept us from going too far in the wrong direction.
This little guy was enjoying the sun on the pavement, but we moved him off to avoid his sudden death.
The shadows were fun as the sun beamed into the woods.
First impression was all the same trees and coloration. I was happy it was at least not a paved trail.
This tree stopped me as I wondered its history of life. It seemed to have endured plenty and taken on many personalities with its wounds. I saw a deer face in this view.
On the other side looked like a monster throwing up. I often think creatives who write stories and invent sci fi monsters must seek inspiration from trees.
Snapped a photo through the hole of this burl.
Later figured out that this is a mountain bike trail.
You could see the tracks from past bikers but none were on the trails today.
Cute mushroom scallops were found everywhere.
Admiring the dimensions on the surface and the monotone coloration of this season’s landscape.
And the wonderland feel to this collage.
We finally wove our way down the zigzag trails to the creek’s edge. The water was so clear.
A typical winter view with the bare trees, dead leaf ground coverage and mossy banks.
Across the way was a single bench and I pictured an older me sitting for a break.
The blue skies are a great contrast.
Still some snow leftover from the previous storm.
When we made it to the bridge to cross over we still had 2 miles to go.
Beaming sunrays kept shining through as the trees protected us from the wind.
A selfie to capture our time together, sporting my new hat my sister gave me from the Grand Rapids Meijer Gardens.
I kept stopping to admire the views along the walk. Peaceful. Quiet. Still.
Kevin was attempting to show off his strength holding this bad boy up as it was leaning toward the water.
Something about this photo looked like an animal leaning into the creek for a drink and a huge spider monster coming over to get him.
Several times we saw the planes as they were landing at the airport nearby. Captured this Southwest flight looking up.
As we were walking I spotted this dying moth showing off his beautiful colors as he was barely flapping his wings. I always wondered what happened to the beautiful butterflies that die in ways other than splattering on your windshield. I mean does some animal eat them? You never see them lying about.
Added terrain for the bikes, but super helpful for hikers too when the trail got too muddy.
Kevin and I got caught up on our latest adventures. He is never still for long and its always fun to hear what he experienced.
Think it took us about 1.5 hours and the shadows were leaning a new way once we headed out.
We spotted a family of 8 grown female deer that stopped and starred at us with their ears perked. Its amazing how they blend instantly to the background.
Leaving, the light was shimmering on the creek. A perfect walk on a perfect day.
Picking up Zoe on my way to drop KangKang off in Columbus was the best idea I had in awhile 🙂 She was exactly who I needed to be with to reset.
Zoe will be moving to LA next month and I plan to road trip with her there and help get her situated. A fun memory filled cross country drive is on the calendar with a van rental booked and no return ticket home. Who knows, maybe I will stay awhile. The benefits of working remote!
I googled mapped a trail to hike to help break up the drive home and ended up along the river with a view of the city of Columbus.
We only did the small area in the Audubon Park
As we were walking Zoe started pointing things out to me with her creative vision.
I grabbed her and hugged her because it was exactly what I needed to wake up and see” again. The milky color of the ice and how the clouds reflected beautifully off the still water. My senses came back. My love of nature returned.
The path was fully paved which is not my preference but given the recently melted snow it probably served us better.
My girl. I’ve taught her well. We were wearing the new scarves that KangKang gave us. I was wearing a new hat from my sister, Trisha and a Christmas gift hoodie Zoe got for me. I felt like a kid wearing all my new stuff!
The bare trees can be ugly compared to the bright leaves they wore two months prior, but when you place them against a sunset or a clear backdrop, they become art again.
I really enjoyed our first winter hike. Hoping there are more to come.
There was construction disconnecting the trail from the adjacent side. As we walked up to the higher level we saw a view of the city.
We found the climbing wall and I wished I had the strength still in me to do it. I feel recently as if age has taken a toll on me. Maybe its menopausal or maybe its just winter depression, but I need to get myself back mentally and physically.
As we circled back around there was a nature center. I’m sure this park is booming in warmer weather.
We saw a young man pull up and get his paddle board out. We needed an excuse to see how he was going to get it off the ice. Zoe took a step out to test the solidity.
I saw signs to this park while driving down a country road near George’s house. I was killing time while he worked, just checking out the area. I discovered these secluded trails off in the countryside. I’ve been there twice now. Once I tried to check out the waterfall, but there wasn’t really anything there to see. May be better in the spring after a rainfall.
The second time I did the 2.4 mile loop which was quiet, muddy and complete with some steep hills to get the blood pumping. There was a creek along the bottom of the valley and the trail took you alongside for a bit but then up the inclines again to walk along the ridges.
Great clean park with great signage throughout.
Going to the waterfall was a narrow steep muddy trail. This is when I’m most thankful for the roots that stop my slide.
Waterfall area, looking down. Nothing coming over the rocks.
I admired the foam green moss growing on the damp branches.
Quite a few bridges crossing back and forth across the creek.
Reflection of the trees in the still water added to this simple shot.
Could be fun with kids in the summer to dig in the creek for fossils.
The ice from the week before hadn’t melted yet off the wood.
The creek was now muddy instead of clear.
Trails changed from mud paths to mowed grass pathways.
I stumbled onto this abandoned structure and wondered what it was meant to be. There was a fire pit inside where I imagine teenagers hung out at night.
It reminded me of the abandoned warehouses in Phuket where there was great graffiti art and people sleeping. Here, just rusty metal and wood.
Landscape was somewhat boring with the bare trees and brown and tinted green ground. I’m ready for a change in scenery. One week from today I will be in Memphis. That should be a great new city to check out.
Looking back after I climbed up the hill to the final turn out to the parking lot.
My hiking boots have put in the miles. Today mud filled.
Atter my first hike I made my way to Westport beside the Ohio River and admired the clean lines. It was definitely a more grey day. Winters can be hard with the sun hiding for weeks at a time.
Driving out after the second hike I admired this beautiful scenery. I loved the weathered wood and how the worn white and red paint contrasted to the blue in the sky.
Sunday morning with the time change, I got an early start. I viewed waterfalls, sat on rocks watching rapids and even captured a few bridge viewpoints. It was only noon, so I decided a quick trail would be the perfect way to end the afternoon.
I looked on All Trails and found the Long Point Trail which said its an easy 3 mile hike.
I thought it would be a gentle walk in the woods. I wasn’t expecting the inclines.
I usually don’t like trails that are out and back, I always prefer a loop.
I entered to what seems super easy.
Level walkway maintained. I ran into the two women from the Castle Rock Trail ironically and they said “hey, its the girl with the skull shirt from yesterday :)” They encouraged me to go to the end, it was worth it.
It was like hiking back in Ohio. A lot of woods, nothing too different about the landscape.
I challenged myself to find some beauty and collected some leaves as I walked.
Took this photo for Debbie, Christmas in November. Anytime I see berries I think of her.
It was a quiet solo walk. I eventually would catch up with hikers heading back out but never passed anyone.
I felt a bit confused by this sign which became my nemesis later.
I spotted some fungi decorating a tree. Enjoyed the textures of the bark, dried leaves moss and mushrooms.
Interesting tree roots which I felt could inspire any scary movie.
The leaf covered path, the sound of my feet swooping them with every step.
Looking up at the admirable yellow hanging on.
The roots became a challenge.
I finally got to a ledge that showed our heights.
Was quite a view.
A perfect view of the bridge.
I snapped a selfie for fun.
Gorgeous day. I sat up here for bit on the ledge while a group of younger guys sat off to the side eating their packed lunch. Check out the lines in this photo, the angles naturally met. Even the clouds were behaving and playing their part.
I agree it was worth the hike.
On my walk back I was drained. I imagine my face was bright red and I was dying for some water.
My feet were hurting and I was cursing my 200$ shoes which are a bit small. I thought they would break in eventually, but now I am not so sure.
I kept going.
Spotted this beauty who seemed like a flag of some sort among the trees.
I thought I spotted a short cut on the map so I wandered that way for another 20 minutes. A path less taken.
Was definitely a different route.
I took my leaves out of my pocket and laid them out to admire.
This trail was covered in pine needles and not a soul in site.
I later found out the name of it.
I exited the trail only to find out I was in the wrong parking area. I literally wanted to beg someone to drive me back to my spot. I was even tempted to ask if they had any water since I was parched. But I didn’t. Sometimes when you travel alone and don’t talk to anyone for awhile, its awkward to speak again. I find myself stumbling to be social.
I google mapped my way back to the correct trailhead. If I walked the street route it was going to take me 28 minutes but if I back tracked my way through the woods, it was only 23. This short cut added another hour onto my “easy” afternoon hike. I was determined to make it back to my car and hit a brewery immediately for an ice water and a beer!
The return walk definitely gave me time to wonder why we don’t follow our instincts more. I knew before I veered off that the way I was going was correct. Interesting to me, why we change directions and ignore our guts. A helpful reminder I must have needed.
Tonya Takes Thailand 