Winton Woods- Kingfisher Trail, Cincinnati

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.

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.

Lies are like sink holes the more you use them the less of a: OwnQuotes.com — 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. ✌🏼

Triple Falls Trail- Caryville, Tennessee

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

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

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

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

Obviously a good graffitti site for teens.

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

Peaking through the trees I immediately saw the creek.

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

Delicate mushrooms added ruffles to the branches of trees.

The first waterfall appeared with a clear pool below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Occasionally the tree roots look like snakes.

Then other times just inspire me to hold on.

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

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

Adds such a dimension to the coloration and landscape.

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

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

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

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

Fall was definitely making an appearance.

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

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

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

Just an amazing creative site in the woods.

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

I wondered what little critter made this a home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

51 Hiking Quotes ideas | quotes, hiking quotes, inspirational quotes

Otter Creek Trail- Brandenburg, Kentucky

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. 😛

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.

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.

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 🙂 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.

I asked George to climb up so I could snap a photo for perspective.

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.

40 Inspirational Leaf Quotes for nature lovers — Walk My World

Catawba Falls Trail- Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

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?

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.

A sunbeam perfectly found us making a picturesque view.

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.

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.

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.

I snapped this cute photo with my portrait view. The background almost looks fake, like a studio setting.

Instagram photo by Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat • Jul 1, 2016 at 8:37pm UTC | Waterfall quotes, Yoga quotes nature, Nature quotes

Rentschler Waterfall Loop- Hamilton, Ohio

Baby B, Sedona, agreed to go on a Saturday morning hike with me and I tried to find a new trail that I haven’t visited yet. I love being able to discover new trails within an hour of where I live. Why hike the same trail twice? Unless of course it’s during a different season in which case, I totally get how it can appear completely different. For me, filling my head with newness is the key to keeping me present and seeing the beauty this world has to offer.

I was house sitting, so Sedona came over early and met with my Turkish student, Sercan, via Cambly. He wanted to meet her since they both work at airports -only thousands of miles apart. It was fun to have one of my students, who I have been chatting with for over a year, meet my daughter. My long term students are more like friends to me. They continue to book my reservations not because I am the best teacher, but because they can talk with me about anything!

I found a route on AllTrails called Rentschler Waterfall Loop, and you all know I am a sucker for anything water. We made our way there before the humidity of the day set in.

There were several entry points, but we opted to start at the Pumpkin Vine Trail head.

This is the first tree I encountered that grabbed my attention. I see a face here and I love bark that has all this texture. Such personality.

Then we stumbled across this site! Check out the antique farming equipment left behind. Nature was not letting it stop its growth and purpose.

I was scaring Sedona a bit by climbing up this fallen tree. I love a challenge. I later was doing a few gymnastic balance beam moves on another log just to prove that her old mom still had it 🤣

This beauty caught my attention from a distance.

Always admiring the natural archways over the trails. I don’t know why. It just makes me feel like I’m walking in a fairytale.

Beautiful wildflowers. We occasionally would see white butterflies gathering around them.

I liked how this post was growing hair on top.

After crossing the street along our path, we came across a totally different landscape with these extremely tall trees.

As we were walking we kept seeing huge feathers. It started to smell foul as well and we noticed a ton of bird poop. Obviously some type of bird liked nesting in these tall timbers.

Kudos to the parks and scouts that make the walkways in the woods.

About half way through we found the waterway.

Sedona and I decided to walk in the creek bed.

Sedona’s Chakos have been on our front porch since our last muddy hike and she finally is taking the opportunity to wash them off in nature.

I was cracking up over this tree and Sedona thinks I’m nuts. But I totally see a guy who fell down on his face with his mouth open and arms outstretched.

How many selfies can I take in the creek beds of my hikes? I naturally always pause here.

Does anyone else see the beauty in this?

As we wandered further we came across another waterfall. If we weren’t walking in the creek would we have seen this?

Sedona discovered that the waterfall was actually creating clay but additionally also a great place for huge spiders to dwell.

We later stumbled across a perfect bluejay feather. If I were a kid I would’ve picked it up and brushed it across my cheeks. Now unfortunately I know better not to touch it.

We resurfaced from the woods to walk a bit along the Miami River nearby.

We decided to take the paved road back to our car. I captured this natural beauty as I was looking up through the fern like tree leaves. A perfect blue sky day.

Krohn Conservatory -Cincinnati, Ohio

After nursing hangovers Saturday morning with some coffee and bacon, I wanted to give Virlane a tour of this great city I live in.

I started with Eden Park which is very close to my house.

A view from one of the lookout areas in Eden Park, capturing a riverboat making its way upstream.

Loving the color combinations! Virlane was a botanist at one point in her diverse career path and she started educating me about the blooms.

I have never noticed these before! Virlane said they were related to artichokes. Makes sense.

As I was driving through the park, I pointed out our conservatory and we decided to go in. It used to be free to enter with a donation box at the entry but now they charge 10$ per person. That allows you into all the exhibits.

When you first walk in, it’s like a mixed jungle complete with humidity.

Amazing diversity in this place. Plant life from around the world mixed into one compact location.

I adored these fuzzy red elongated beauties. I squeezed down a small path the get their photo.

Virlane was fascinated by these leaves that seem to have sprouts in the middle. At first glance it looked bug infested.

I don’t know why but I liked this leaf coloration and shape.

Splashes of color. Textural differences are so artistic. Notice the ferns next to the smooth leaves.

In the palm tree walkway there was a waterfall.

Carnivore plants. ( I wouldn’t have known but Virlane was telling me)

This plant’s multi tones of green, pink and red were eye catching! Why do we think we need to be all one color?

Pure genius. Reminded me of the orchid farm I went to in Phuket.

There was a butterfly exhibit going on. I haven’t been to it since my mom last visited many years ago. My daughters were still in elementary school. I remember my sister Tiffani trying to get our mom to focus on the butterflies but with her Alzheimer’s it seemed impossible, sadly, for her to notice.

Virlane on the other hand was loving it! The butterflies were very active and in flight all around us.

This gentleman had one sticking onto his hat and shorts. From this butterfly’s closed winged view it looked like a moth.

But when it opened its wings it looked like this!

There were feeding stations that attracted many at a time. We were told the bigger butterflies tend to live longer but their lifespans vary. They usually only live 1-2 weeks according to the volunteer at the info center.

It’s so easy to capture these unbelievable photos with the setting the butterflies are released in.

When you walked into the butterfly room they handed you these round papers to help remove or pick up a butterfly. You weren’t supposed to touch them.

And in contrast this poor fellow is all white.

Caught two mating (bottom right) as I was actually looking at the beautiful one above them.

Outstanding. No wonder we are inspired by them.

An excellent reminder with our own self criticism.

Virlane was convinced if she lived here she would volunteer her time at Krohn’s. We later saw the nursery where the butterflies were developing. I guess there are actual breeders of butterfly larva that ship to these places. Interesting farming.

After exiting the butterfly room we entered a bonsai exhibit which was pretty cool.

Each one so unique. More than just a plant. Was told these are handed down through generations in some Asian countries. Originated in China but the Japanese took over the art form and are more known for it. I remember Karate Kid with Mr.Miyagi’s.

After the bonsais, there was a cactus exhibit.

Again such a variety. Reminded me of my May trip out west and Virlane of her many years of living in Arizona.

Succulent wall. I’d love to see these outside on
buildings. Plant walls are so meaningful.

Creative metal chair along the walkway as we left.

Was a wonderful unplanned pit stop. Such beauty and reminders of God’s endless creativity.

I drove to Mt. Adam’s stopping at the old Rookwood pottery facility to check out another viewpoint.

Virlane noticed the stadium in the distance so we made it our next destination.

The entire trip this flower was hanging onto the passenger car door. She was along for the ride desperately clinging to the handle, wanting to partake in our Saturday fun. ( can you see it?)

Mixtiles Memories

My therapist suggested finding a way to remember my May van- life adventures. I was so high during that road trip, figuratively speaking. Everything I saw was new and inspiring. It was another one of my adventures I will never regret. Life lessons were made clear. A priceless moment in time. But all good things come to an end. This is always true, at least for me, and I’ve learned to accept the universe’s ways of resetting my fate.

If I had the financial ability I may have continued that road trip lifestyle, but reality set in and I found myself back in my routine, unmotivated and depressed. Faced with challenges and responsibilities. Real life as we know it.

I found a deal on mixtiles.com. I decided to order more prints than I originally intended and was excited when my box arrived. The photos restored my energy and I couldn’t wait to surround myself with their visual reminders.

I am thinking I could actually sell some of my photographs in sets like this one. It looks professional eh?! So proud of my iPhone shots!

As said I over ordered. But in typical Tonya style I randomly started putting them up. Without thought or reason.

Imperfection is my goal. Allowing the tiles to create disturbed space. Hoping to annoy anyone who enters longing for symmetry.

These three brightened my bathroom. Now any man that pees here can enjoy the views from Dallas, Provo, and Oklahoma City.

I added the framed tiles to the wall and mixed them in with my past Phuket collection. I moved my bed to have this as my first visual. I love their presence and reminders of who I am and how magnificent our world is around us.

Cedar Cliff Falls Trail- Cedarville, Ohio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I loved these little moss balls along the ground.

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

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

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

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

How cute is this coverage? Like a fairyland.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Never encountered one of these before on our hikes.

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

Showing perspective on the way back down.

We took the lower gorge route on the way back.

It led us directly along the river’s edge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Somehow the manmade walkways blend beautifully with nature.

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

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

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

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

Flower Power 🌷☀️🌸🌼

Just admiring as I go.

I’ve learned to stop and really look deeply at their details and admire the transition.

And those colors! How fortunate we are to share their space.

French Park- Cincinnati, Ohio

I received a sweet text message from Alexandra Leurck who had just returned after spending a semester abroad. I haven’t seen her since her grandfather’s funeral and we decided to check out French Park and catch up. I wanted to hear all about her European adventures and find out what her plans are for the summer.

She was determined to hike barefoot, grounding herself with nature. I love this girl’s heart! She is a genuinely kind, passionate protector of the earth that encompasses the wisdom of a recycled soul. I absolutely adore her and could talk with her on my level for hours without feeling the age difference. I can’t wait to see where she ends up in the world. A free spirit for sure with empathy and a grip on what makes a human happy. Admirable to be at that place mentally in your 20s.

We came across a water spigot which was still functioning.

As we were walking at the beginning of the trail, the aroma was overwhelming. Lilacs. But not the big oversized flowers I was used to seeing, it was coming from these tiny little guys. (which I was just informed is called honeysuckle. So much I could be learning!) We were both just breathing it in. It was like walking in a fairyland with the sweet scent surrounding us.

The paths were so quiet. It was morning and the sun was not yet hot. I love when trees naturally create archways over the trails. This one with its shape in particular was unique.

As Alexandra was walking, she snagged this clover between her toes. Instead of my heavy shoes crushing nature, she was becoming part of it.

I am constantly amazed at how I notice different plants and flowers every time I hike. Are the species are endless? And as Alexandra pointed out, there are so many more seasons than we are educated on. Anytime you get out there is always change. Lesson there in life.

This cicada did not stray far from its shell which is right below it. These ugly bugs live a simple life. The noise yesterday was at its peak with them singing. Today seems a bit quieter.

The white bark of this tree stood out with its enormous height.

Check out these flowers. The buds are so tiny, like baby’s breath and then they bloom into a cross shape of adorable miniscule petals with tonal spiked edges. My new favorite. And honestly, I have never seen before. (was told by a blog reader, aka Jane, that these are poisonous-yikes!)

Another archway making the other side seem even more mysterious. We walked along many different paths, randomly selecting as we went.

I made her stand under this guy to capture it’s scale. Maybe another day I’ll come back and scale the branch leaning up and perch myself up there for a bit for a different perspective.

The bark of this tree had such interesting markings on it. And up higher, unfortunately, was the victim to many lover’s initials. It was a survivor for sure. More than likely outlasting the love of teenagers who falsely promised forever.

We got to the creek and Alexandra rinsed off her muddy soles.

Can’t tell you how happy I was to be out again, and with the energy and company of this beautiful gal!

A memorial to some childhood friends in the early 1920s – I’ll have to google the story.

The roots of the riverbed trees. Always intriguing.

As we continued we passed a venue where it looked like they may be hosting a wedding tonight. June. The wedding month. So happy to see things in the USA opening back up thanks to all us who believe in science and risked the vaccine for the greater good.

Color and texture combinations always make me ponder the creativity of the creator.

So delicate. Reminded me of Kathy’s newly renovated home with touches of blush and pink. (Kathy is Alexandra’s mom and wonder woman!)

When I got home I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the remainder of my day, but knew I it was a rare moment in the sun, so I got my hammock out and listed to the Dreams & Detours podcast on my ear pods while relaxing and enjoying life. As I was heading back up to the house for lunch, I spotted this perfectly placed heart flower.

Open your eyes out there. It is a fascinatingly communicative world.