Rowe Woods- Quick Walk with Rebecca

I wanted to hike during my time off and visit with friends. I was able to squeeze in lunch with Jeff Stechschulte which was long overdue. And Rebecca joined me for a short hike in Rowe Woods. The humidity makes it tough sometimes in Ohio, but the tree coverage was helpful.

We were on a time limit and both of us wanted something simple. We opted for a shorter route which took only an hour.

We got out early and arrived before most of the families. It was on Labor Day so many people were out looking for something to do.

Its great getting out with my beautiful friend. My time with Rebecca is always uplifting and allows me to consider things differently. She’s a perfect companion in life for me as we continue to get past divorce, launch our kids and embrace new relationships.

The hike had a lot more ups and downs than I recall from my past visit to this nature preserve. I really need to get my cardio back. Hoping once I get back into the full time one job rhythm I’ll be able to schedule some routine exercise.

Love the shade of the trees and the empty path.

We came across these stairs and I was so glad we were going down and not up 🙂

Root system creating a natural staircase.

Dawes Arboretum- Newark, Ohio

A half an hour away from Baltimore, Ohio is a hidden arboretum in the countryside of Newark, Ohio. Sunday morning after packing up Debbie and I decided to check it out. This time I Google mapped us there as she followed. I took the scenic route through the country lanes to avoid any highways. Was a gorgeous Sunday drive.

My legs were tight and hips were warning to not push myself. You can imagine how happy I was when entering the gate and the woman informed me that there was a driving tour.

Yes please.

The map looked daunting, but driving the route and parking at dedicated locations made tackling this park in 1.5 hours easy.

We arrived early, which was smart given the heat to come. Not many people were out. On the north end was this historic house on the property.

More sculptures, this time insect themed. Debbie and I discussed the differences of raising boys and girls and how my daughters would never consider touching this or climbing on this, yet boys see it as jungle gym.

The one spot in this arboretum that I wanted to see was the Japanese Garden.

When you first entered it didn’t look like much at all.

Once you made it over the hill where there was a gravel area with rocks, you eventually came to the pond and immediately felt a more serene sense of the area.

Cute shaded resting structure. We discovered there were trails throughout the woods of the park taking you between locations. May be fun to explore on another day.

This Japanese landscaped area was well shaded. We walked admiring the varying trees planted. Many I have never seen before.

Check out these branches. Not sure why but its stunning to me.

We drove to the opposite side of the arboretum to climb a viewpoint that displayed hedges spelling out the arboretum’s name. Planted originally to entertain the small planes that flew over head.

I was hoping it was a maze that Debbie and I could get lost in. I need to walk in one of those high hedged mazes like The Shining, they always fascinated me.

I spotted this very white tree in the distance and told Debbie it matched her hair. I was too tired to walk to get a closer look.

Debbie went ahead and then took a selfie to see if I was right.

This would be an excellent hiking place with plenty of interesting tree and greenery diversity to hold your interest.

Close by the gift shop were some flowers still in bloom.

Not sure what this guy is but don’t really want to know.

Beetle at the entrance. All these were made of wood which was quite cool.

They had some bonsai trees in the back of the gift shop. Reminded us of Karate Kid. These were not as breathtaking as the ones at Cincinnati’s Krohn’s Conservatory. Those are worth the trip to admire.

Fascinating though these mini trees. I can’t even keep a cactus alive.

Inside this cute little troll house were maps. I was hoping for some dolls or furniture.

After the arboretum we decided to check out nearby Granville, Ohio. I have never been and read about this small town where Dennison University is when researching places to stay. I am sure it may have been a cute town to spend more time in, but being that it was Sunday most places were closed. We grabbed breakfast where we saw the most people eating, assuming it would be good. Always a quick way to know where to go.

Our Airbnb also recommended this cidery so we waited for it to open.

They had a great shaded outdoor area. I think we were their first customers of the day.

Love supporting a local business. They were open now for a couple years

A perfect ending to our weekend before we headed back home to reality. There were two cardinals flirting in the trees which were entertaining. The male was trying so hard! I know how some people believe cardinals are signs of loved ones from the afterlife. Debbie and I do not. We again discussed leaving reminders differently for our loved ones. Whenever I see a penny on the sidewalk I think of my mom. No idea why. But I do. And so do my kids now. And its just nice sometimes to think they are still with us.

Smeck Park- Baltimore, Ohio

Why Baltimore Ohio? Debbie and I were trying to find a place that was approximately the same distance from each other’s home base and this location happened to be that on the Ohio map. Our original intentions were to meet in Indiana but I could not find any interesting cities with hiking trails near by.

I found an adorable two bedroom Airbnb overlooking a wildflower meadow curated by the owners. Once we arrived we also realized the meticulous attention to details these owners had. The woman is a recycled artist and the art she created from piano keys, burnout out light sockets, wires, licensed plates etc was amazing.

The furniture was also refurbished and set the modern vibe perfectly.

This is the beautiful huge gold butterfly that welcomed you when you walked it. It was interesting trying to figure out where all the pieces originated from.

A close up shot of the butterfly. This should be a museum piece.

Another close up of the art behind the sofa.

One of the local recommendations for eating was called The Chubby Hawaiin. It had excellent reviews so after hitting the Dollar Store to score Debbie her Lucky Charms cereal, we headed over.

We walked into the most local looking dive bar restaurant which did not serve alcohol:) A large grey haired man in a Hawaiin shirt and lay came over to welcome us, then sat down at our table and continued to tell us his life story. Sometimes people just do not know their audience. I have little empathy for the elderly that need attention sometimes. I think that’s the Aries in me. Please don’t let me become them.

Food here was seriously excellent. Sticky rice and great flavorful chicken dishes! I had a side of Mac and cheese, just because, and it was the best I’ve had out at a restaurant.

Another Airbnb recommendation was a park just a mile up the road. We made that our first stop on Saturday’s hiking list.

I decided to drive since Debbie’s Kerry Washington voiced Apple maps made her the perfect navigator last time we met in Florida. As we mapped our way to Smeck park Kerry led us to a water treatment facility instead. Maybe she was off her game in the countryside. Google got us to the correct entrance.

A mucky pond welcomed you by the parking lot.

We posed by the sunflower field and sent it to our third musketeer Kassie, we were a childhood trio, wishing she were with us. It was an overcast day predicting storms, but we decided not to let it stop us.

The gravel trail that led back to the woods took us past this beautiful barn.

Antique farm equipment left for educational and artistic purpose I presume.

I captured Debbie through the equipment.

This was an adorable park and virtually empty.

Once you got to the main trailhead it was covered in trees and I literally let out an AHHHHH. Its been a hot minute since I was surrounded by green. This hike was very necessary for my mental health and I couldn’t have picked a better companion to be on the walk with me.

Debbie pointed out this blue beauty among the yellow.

Someone carefully placed a fallen birds nest on the park bench for all to admire.

Debbie hates going up steps, but climbed a 1000 of them in Australia with her sons while sick, so I assured her she would make it back up. Luckily, the path was circular and getting back did not require any steep inclines.

So peaceful. Except for the occasional hum of the water plant nearby. I loved that this small town community preserved this for its local citizens. Its only 1/2 hour outside of Columbus. I wondered if some people commuted.

Really needed to appreciate nature’s wonderment again.

The colors of green blending together and the moss so thick in places.

Toward the end of the trail, it led us through tall grasses and a corn field. Plenty of benches for people to sit still and bird watch.

Took this photo to remember the name of the trail we took.

They called out the different plant names. I don’t think I would’ve distinguished the difference between popcorn and feed corn.

These beauties were opening up and getting ready for the fall harvest.

Wetlands Loop- Glenwood Gardens

Sunday was a beautiful sunny day so after having a relaxing brunch with Rebecca for a much needed catch-up, I forced myself to go out for a hike. The AllTrails app is getting annoying to me, with its constant pop ups with the ‘option to buy. But I can still maneuver my way around it enough to look for new trails.

I found Glenwood Gardens only 20 minutes away, one which I had never heard of before. This park is hidden, tucked behind a McDonalds restaurant. Very obscure location, but surprisingly well kept.

There were three trail options interconnecting. I decided to try them all which was only a total of about 3 miles.

I was able to snap this shot on the AllTrails app to understand a bit of direction prior to hiking.

The entrance to the trails was impressive. Clean open restrooms also available.

At the start of the trail you could see the acreage ahead and the wetlands below. Currently dry.

Shadow shot. There were a few people out walking their dogs and older couples running. The trails themselves were all gravel and easy to follow.

This gazebo has some educational information on the variety of trees in the area.

I’m sure its beautiful in the summer or spring once its green.

I noticed right away the sounds of the birds. Along the paths were many bird houses. Most of the trees also were marked. I felt like this area was preserved and used for studies.

Snow was still in some places escaping the sun that was finally shining bright today.

I loved the coloration of this view with the prickly branches, snow, aqua water and red toned leaves all against that awesome blue sky.

This bridge took you to the Wetlands Trail, which was off the Garden Loop.

Not a whole lot to see, but occasionally I would stop to appreciate the combination of textures winter was showing off.

As I walked I discovered how much people scare me vs being alone. I occasionally stopped to let a man pass me only to be sure I wasn’t being followed. If I were alone, I would have no fear. It makes zero sense except that the world these days seems tilted in mental stability.

Plenty of benches on this trail, which made me think bird watching over the grounds was possibly a summertime activity in this park.

Was a quick hour hike over easy terrain. A good pick to get me going again. Winter months are always difficult. I look forward to my end of the month escape to Arizona. Should provide some interesting landscape along with some warmer spirit lifting weather.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

I put a date on my calendar to drive up to Cleveland to see an old friend of mine from back in my New York City days. Literally just wanted to get up there to give her a hug since she had been through so much at the end of last year. It was heartbreaking to see the toll her challenges had taken on her body yet so uplifting being able to spend quality one-on-one time and reminisce about our ‘glory days’.

The stories we exchanged about being young Ohioans literally packing up and leaving for the big city to see if we could ‘make it there‘ as they say. I often wonder why people’s paths cross in life. Who gets to play a role in who you become and why. May was definitely one of those defining people who entered my world during the start of our careers and continues to inspire and leave the kindest marks on my heart.

We drove over to a small village for a bit of fresh air. I had never been to Chagrin Falls before and it was such a treat. This village was named after the Native American meaning “clear waters”. May knows I love waterfalls and I was due. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been out.

I took this photo which truly captures the quaint experience you get when coming here.

May also dragged me into some amazing boutiques along Main Street. She mentioned that when she was the Director of Fashion at the University, she brought her students here to get inspired and see what unique design is about. One of her students recently opened their own shop. You never know how you can redirect someone in a positive way just by being your true self.

This waterfall is literally part of the town. Beautifully kept with easy access. Not overwhelmed by tourists.

There were restaurants built along the river with this view. Such a romantic place for couples.

Across the street, we wandered along a brick pathway which followed the river. It led to a playground.

May mentioned taking her son to that playground years ago. Our kids are growing up so fast and looking back on when they were little ones is so special.

I am officially an empty nester now. Sedona moved out into her own apartment and it creates such a different energy as a parent. Another level to the relationship, a healthy and beautiful step. As she and Zoe were cleaning out they came across an old digital camera we had. I’m sad sometimes that I didn’t have the opportunity to raise my kids during the time of easy access photos and videos. We had to have the full video equipment if you recall.

When they looked through the past photos that were taken and still alive on the camera, they found some old videos of themselves as kids, probably around 8 years old, filming each other and play acting. It literally melted my heart.

The hanging flower baskets on a gas light is so classic small town Ohio. Always remember to look up and appreciate where you are from.

The ducks and Canadian geese lined up on the opposite side. So cute how they all hung out together along the edge.

I finally feel awake after such a long funk. Getting back to blogging and recapping is such a joy and I’m happy to feel energized to do it again. Doctor changed a prescription, which did not say it had side effects of depression, but dang, I was definitely in it. Love this quote below which captures both my time with May and my memories of my twins as kids.

Day 4- Carlsbad, New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 2- Hot Springs, Arkansas: Garven Woodlawn Gardens -Apostle Church, Gulpha Gorge and Goat Rock Trails and Historic Downtown

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.

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.

There are several still functioning bath houses.

This town’s bath houses were built around gambling which was huge here.

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.

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.

England-Idlewild Park North Loop Trail- Burlington, Kentucky

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.

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.

Tunnel Trail- New River Gorge, West Virginia

After going to my car to grab some much needed water after my 3 hour hike, I decided to check out one more trail that was nearby. Not sure when I will get this way again. Trying hard not to feel obligated or rushed, but rather made the choice since I still felt there was energy left in my legs to endure another, hopefully easier, shorter, walk.

Seeing how it connected to the other trails I conquered.

I noticed all these bright green baby pines.

Came across a warning sign about black bears. The warning was cutely worded, saying if you see one, sit back and enjoy. But if they come towards you, don’t move. Not sure I could do that, guess it would depend on how big it was.

Walking down the steps I noticed that flat rock and I climbed up and laid down for a bit.

Sun on my face and the cool rock on my back. It was wonderful. I almost fell asleep. Not a person in sight.

This trail was also difficult to follow.

Tons of rocks and later I saw some manmade metal scaffolding which made me leery to climb.

Love that ray just pointing out its power. We would have nothing without the sun.

I was thinking this would be beautiful in the snow.

Saw this tunnel and climbed for a closer look.

But I decided not to crawl though. Not really sure why. Instinct.

Great to be in the woods again. Exploring in peace. Remembering what life is about.

Castle Rock Trail, Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock- New River Gorge, West Virginia

I planned a weekend alone within driving distance a couple months ago, knowing I would need rest. I couldn’t have timed this trip any better. Literally. I just finished up a freelance project which felt rushed, then my boss was let go on the same day I was training a new hire. Thank God the new hire was someone I knew from my past job at SKL, who I trust fully and with her by my side, made the chaos seem more tolerable.

But I was at my wits end the day before I left for West Virginia. I took my daughter’s advise and looked on TikTok for places to see- and that’s how I found Castle Rock Trail.

In typical style, I only saw a recommendation for this trail but didn’t research it any further. Once I started on the trail, I learned it connected to another.

I had all day to explore and the weather was amazing so I decided to continue the hike to the Turkey Spur Rock Viewpoint.

I knew my timing was bad, as a big group arrived at the same time and I wondered how their walking on the trail would affect me. I was hoping for some quiet time. They were a couples group obviously enjoying a weekend away together.