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.
The wise soul was my favorite.
Another babbling creek.
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.
We spotted three green aliens up ahead.
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.
Crossing over again.
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.
Last weekend, I wanted to hike a trail and get outdoors while the weather was somewhat sunny. While checking my AllTrails app, I noticed there was an arboretum within an hour drive and it was the place where the Forest Giants lived.
I heard about these giants years ago, when my sister and brother-in-law stopped to see them on their way back from a concert. Tim always finds interesting off- beat places of interest.
This is the trail I saw on AllTrails that I thought I would conquer.
Sign at the entrance, where they ask for a 10$ donation. I read that there was usually a long line to get in, so I arrived at 10 am. When I left at 12:30 the que was backed up to the road.
According to their website the giants were placed in 2019 as part of a 90th anniversary for the forest. Completed by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, who constructed three giant sculptures throughout the arboretum using recycled wood from the region.
At the gift shop they had a write up about Issac Wolfe Bernheim and how this educational forest came to be.
As you walked around there was tons of educational signage. A perfect family friendly spot.
At the gate, they passed me this map which became my new hiking trail route.
I cut through fields and trails avoiding the baby strollers and running toddlers on the paved walkways.
First trail to follow.
Took me through some wooded areas, a prairie field and eventually to a giant.
In one of the fields was this sculpture trio.
I was having fun looking at them from different angles. Nobody else seemed to want to walk onto the grass which made me wonder if I was allowed to.
Maybe the parents were avoiding it so their kids wouldn’t climb on top.
I spotted this sweet sitting area which I bet in the summertime is a great place to find shade and hide from the crowds.
Came across a foot which made me believe I was getting closer.
I headed down another trail named Sun Shade Loop.
I wondered what families thought as they saw me solo.
Once I got to this pregnant giant, I could see the attraction. The kids sat in wonder and climbed up to become part of the sculpture.
Love how they named them. As I was walking I heard one toddler, maybe 3-4 years old, ask his mom if the giant would still be sleeping when he got there or if she would be awake. Love their imaginations and wonder.
Great facts along the route. I enjoyed seeing the families getting much needed exercise after the winter covid months.
I’m sure there were other trails deeper in the woods, but I decided my goal was to see the giants.
This giant had a little maze that all ages seemed to enjoy.
My favorite photo was capturing this little girl inside the arm looking up in admiration of the giant, seemingly unknowing of its creation but more of the life it was here to give.
I headed away from the crowds and ended up following a trail around a lake.
Natural structures were positioned along the path.
As well as black history heros of environmental conservation.
A lot of people were out fishing along the water’s edge.
I came across another sculpture. Was fun how they made you walk to see them all. Maybe families came and conquered certain paths on different days, but I tried to see as much as I could all within the couple hours I was there.
Appreciating man and nature.
I loved this tree and how it appeared as if it was a monster swooping down to earth.
Save the people from the clash of race and creed From the strife of class and faction Make our nation free indeed Keep her faith in simple manhood Strong as when her life began til it finds its full fruition in the brotherhood of man.
I hiked up a very steep hill and when I got to the top saw this old silo.
This was a truer natural hike that was practically empty. Occasionally I would come across a family who also adventured off the giant’s paved trails.
I don’t know why but these leaves reminded me of ghosts.
As if they were leftover dead hanging on. My morbid mind. But nature always shows us death is never the ending, just part of the cycle.
Once I exited this trail I saw the sign. I must have entered from the opposite way.
Across the street was another giant by the water.
I loved its positioning, as if looking at themselves in the reflection of the water.
“My vision embraces that all will be made welcomed and treated with an equal consideration with no distinction related to wealth or race.” He must have been an awesome man leaving this legacy, preservation and creed behind.
More sculpture lined the path.
A birds egg or some sort? Not really sure but interesting nonetheless.
I am struggling to upload any more photos onto this site. I am not sure if WordPress now limits the amount of data you can upload, but its frustrating since my blog is usually a visual blog and not so much about verbiage. I found a quote but the photo won’t upload.
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.
A very cool hallow tree along the way.
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.
We crossed many bridges.
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.
My big sister came to town and I haven’t been able to spend quality time with her for quite some time now. She is recently retired and in the midst of moving states. I briefly saw her at Christmas but I don’t think either of us got a true conversation in with each other.
But now with Covid on the decline and boosters out, it was so nice to have her feel comfortable coming down for a visit. She came complete with a suitcase full of crap’ she didn’t want that my kids eagerly embraced. It was awesome catching up and checking out a new place for lunch. I love having an excuse to try something new.
I was hoping to show her a place she hadn’t been to before, so after lunch, I took her to Krohn Conservatory. Later realizing she had been here before when my kids were probably in second grade. (they are now 22)
They had just started presenting their Spring display which was perfectly fitting to my 2022 story board I put together, which revealed the personal need to add more color in my world. Lately most of my months in Ohio are pretty faded in tone.
I enjoyed this symbol representing the protector of the environment.
I was immediately taken back by the color. I hike a lot in the fall and winter, but nothing beats the colors of spring.
Trisha was immediately captivated by the lilies and their diversity. They added such a different dimension to the landscape amidst the hydrangeas.
This flower almost looks fake it was so perfect.
This darker lily was so dramatic. I haven’t seen a flower this dark” since Thailand.
I’m ready for spring’s arrival and the blooms that show up throughout our world during that season of transition.
I admire these greenhouses where the horticulturist know how to create an amazing presentation.
We ended up in the cactus section where this new garden art piece was on display. It was inspiring to my sister who now has time and a backyard to decorate to her imagination.
We noticed the interesting re-colorization of the cactus which I can only assume came from lack of sunlight. Knowing nothing about plants, I can only base plant life on what I see when hiking- the cycle of life in plants comes and goes with the seasons.
As I was admiring these cute little pink buds, I later noticed their thorny stems. Made me wonder a lot about life and how we perceive and are often distracted by beauty.
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.
A small loop I haven’t been on before.
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.
Reminded me of cotton.
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.
Finally found my loop back.
With more stillness to receive.
Just me and my shadow.
Feeling tall and brave.
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.
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.
Right away George spotted mushrooms.
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.
Always love looking up a hallowed tree.
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.
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.
Ironically as we were google mapping our way to this place, we literally passed the street Beth lived on. Who knew?
We pulled into the park and saw this historic landmark. There was also a very small random cemetery with a handful of markers.
The sign clearly marks the park entrance, which is good because you could literally zone out driving here on the windy countryside roads.
The trail was only occupied by a handful of people. Snow was predicted and I think the temperatures kept most sane people indoors.
But not us! And I loved it. Nothing a hat won’t fix. It’s amazing how a good winter hat will add miles of warmth and a colorful punch to our winter wardrobes.
The river was a cool shade of sage and was beautiful contrasting with the dried out riverweeds and sand banks. Was such an interesting landscape on an overcast day.
The trail was right along the Miami River banks.
I was admiring the deep cut in the bark of this tree.
And then a little further up, was totally taken back but this tree which had fallen. It now looked like a sculpture. With its textures and dramatic stance.
It was huge. I walked around and took this photo of my girls waiting for me. Just love the view.
Close up photo of the bark and its transition.
I was mystified by this. What is your guess to what it is? I think someone started carving an owl into the bark and then someone said “no”. Odd really. Always good for story telling.
The twins were always up ahead and Derby (the poodle) kept checking back to see if Beth and I were still coming.
Beachfront. Could be fun to sit here during a hot summer day.
The water was moving quickly.
Sedona enjoying the view. She wanted to take a drink of the water it was so clear.
I enjoyed the way the trees framed everyone walking ahead.
Such interesting terrain with the sand and bare trees.
At the end of the trail was this frozen water area with another fallen beauty.
We were curious if we could cross it without falling in, contemplating its depths.
I climbed up, of course, and pranced around having fun balancing and feeling free.
I dared Zoe to go up and take a walk, but she opted to hug the tree instead which was adorable.
May recommended this place when I saw her in Cleveland. She reminisced that her son loved climbing up the tower and walking over the narrow suspending bridge. I had no idea what she was referring to. But when someone I love and trust recommends a place, I go. Heck if a stranger advises me, I’ll go too,
And again, as always, following spontaneous recommendations is never disappointing.
This willow tree was being overly dramatic, but as most drama does, it gets attention.
Then there was Christmas in November. (ode to Debbie who will be sorry she didn’t go)
Fall was definitely showing off its colors here. I was so glad I decided to come.
I loved the added architecture which caste awesome shadows.
Such a serene walk, totally worth the 16$ entry fee.
This guy’s bark was unique.
The reflections in the water are amazing this time of year.
I felt covered in yellow, with a lime teaser.
This was the bridge. Like walking among the trees. There was a huge line to get on filled with many families with small children. I decided to skip it.
But I did wait a small amount of time to climb up this cool tower! They were doing a great job making sure there weren’t too many people on at a time.
Cool looking up from the bottom once inside.
This was the view from the top. Quite a height. 120 feet.
There were many trails off the beaten path. I think you could discover a new area every time.
I sat by this pond for a bit and noticed this thin tree was perfectly centered and the yellow leaves felt above the others from this perspective.
From a distance this stump looked just like an old chopped down tree. I thought it was strange that they didnt remove it. So I walked over to touch it, and as I got closer I discovered the carvings along its base.
Can’t believe I almost missed these. Nobody was near this stump and no one was coming.
Felt like it was speaking to me. These artist did a good job showing its soul.
Winter is right around the corner but I am so happy Mother Nature gave a few sunny warm days to appreciate the transition.
Looking up always. Can definitely look up today because its FRIDAY- and I forgot how difficult work weeks can be. It’s aging me. Thank God I have this blog to save a piece of myself and remember who I am. It’s tough during work days to stop and appreciate. It was so much easier when I was freelancing.
Lily pads still afloat.
I took a leaf trail and discovered these cool little bridges.
Selfie on a bridge.
Love the little country straw hat hanging above the natural arches.
As I as neared the exit I saw this staircase heading down to some hiking trails. But I concluded that I needed to call it a day snd give my hips and calves a rest. So I didn’t dare adventure down.
I headed back to Cincy by cutting across the top of Ohio so I could veer down through my hometown of Findlay and deliver some mead for them to enjoy for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Once I got closer to Cincinnati I viewed this amazing sunset. Just completed my Sunday in the most perfect way.
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 “The 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.
I was so happy when Stephanie mentioned going on a hike this weekend. I just started a new full time job and was a bit overwhelmed with the learning curve I was facing. Nature was exactly what I needed to heal my confidence and Stephanie was the perfect friend to accompany me.
I found this trail near her suburban home which I’d never hiked before. She was excited to check it out with me. The world is too big to explore the same place twice.
I was cracking up with the visual of the person picking up the poop of their dog. Who approves this art? 🙂 Hilarious. Reminded me of the signs I used to see in the bathrooms in Asia explaining how not to stand on the toilet. Very cool that there was archery nearby. We also came across a lot of trail runners.
Picked this trail mainly because of the loop and the fact that it was near the Little Miami River.
When you get to the trail head there is a mansion and this old carriage house. Assuming based on the trail name, that this property formerly belonged to a family named Carter.
A little history on this location:
Ahimaaz King was a local industrialist who founded a gunpowder andcartridge manufacturing plant on the Little Miami River back in the late 1800s. The workers of his factory moved to the area that would soon be called Kings Mills. Nearly the entire village was built at King’s request to house his employees.
After Ahimaaz died in 1909, the King family lived in this mansion home for 3 generations. The famous amusement park, Kings Island, still holds the family name.
Immediately I was loving the trees, especially the ones showing off their own unique personalities.
Remember to look up. Always. Even if your vertigo has kicked in from stress.
The trails were quite easy to follow but occasionally we would find a path less travelled.
This tree was alive and well, simply leaning over to grab a bit of sun, showing that not everyone follows the same path.
I was loving the message on this tree and the way the scars showed up in a textured bark rather than just a slice. I wondered if he was speaking to me or if someone was trying to speak to him.
We hit the trail about 10 am so the sun was not blazing yet. It was a perfect day for a hike.
I was loving this tree and wished I could make myself small to escape into its hallows.
We were getting near the river and there were signs posted to kindly stay on path.
I made Stephanie run ahead so I could capture the perspective of this place. It was a surprise having this great forest preserve in the middle of the suburbs.
Stopped to admire the camouflage of this bark. The leaves have started falling.
As we approached the Little Miami River, we saw remnants of an old bridge.
Seeing the man on the other side was cool. He was telling us to come on through.
A great glimpse of the river through the cement windows.
An interesting manmade structure in the midst of nature.
Then we finally found our way down to the river.
It was gorgeous and just starting to transition to fall.
If I were alone I would have sat for a bit listening to the river as it made its way through the shallow curve.
Loved how I could capture the reflection of myself in Stephanie’s glasses and the water reflections behind her.
There were seashells mixed in with the pebbles. I always equated shells with the ocean, but obviously this is not true.
Stephanie mentioned how it would be so different if we attended college later in life. We have such a different perspective now. I know many people go back to school to reinvent themselves career wise, or follow a different path. But I am stuck making a living on my past experience and not my new found interests. Sad I can’t live off my blog and appreciation of nature 🙂
Selfie moment.
Such a quiet walk in the woods.
Some stairs to help us up the incline.
Fantastic fungi lining the way.
This tree was decorated by it.
I was loving how the roots provided a natural staircase but then man decided we needed better and built over top the remainder of the way.
After our hike outlined here in red, we headed down the river a bit to sit outside and enjoy some refreshments, where the blue dot is.
More water views, with a beer, yes please. Weidemans blood orange was the perfect local craft brew for our afternoon.
We ended up a bar called the Monkey Bar which was in between the Little Miami River and the Loveland Bike Trail.
This place comes to life with its indoor/outdoor venue. So many different sections- to sit by a fire, by the bar, on the balcony, or to by the tvs to watch a sports event.
We of course stayed outdoors to not only be Covid safe, but the enjoy the afternoon weather and share much needed friendship advise.
Stephanie has been through all my hard times with me. And when I moved to Thailand, she always made a point to put a date on our calendars as if I never left. 💚
Tonya Takes Thailand 