Azalea Park- Summerville, South Carolina

My last day in sunny Summerville. I had driven past this park a couple of times and wanted to stop by for a visit before I headed north to the chilly, barren landscape.

Right away the pathways were inviting with their purple and red floral bushes lining the way.

As always it takes a village. Someone inspiring, then inspires others. Love the story of a retired gentleman who made making this park beautiful his retirement goal.

I snuck through some narrower dirt trails.

Artistic butterfly wings set out for picture taking .

It was about 9 am and only the dog trainers were out with me.

Looking through the gazebo at the heron statue.

He fit perfectly in this landscape. Love sculpture mixed with nature.

The turtles popped their heads up to see what I was up to.

There were quite a few in the pond all coming to say hello.

Peaceful really. Such a lovely part of the small town.

Never underestimate the power of one person’s passion that may in the end, benefit many.

Story Woods Park Trail- Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

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.

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.

You are on a journey of transformation. You are exploring the wisdom of your soul. You are shedding old beliefs and stories that no longe… | Beliefs, Quotes, Wisdom

Mount Airy Loop- Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

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.

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.

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.

PARADISE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE TROPICAL. | Nature quotes adventure, Nature quotes, Mother nature quotes — A reminder to myself.

Butler Turpin House and Overlook Fossil Trail- Carrollton, Kentucky

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.

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.

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.

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Heritage Park Primitive Waterfront Trail -Miami River- Cincinnati, Ohio

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.

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.

Brandywine Falls- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

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.

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.

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.

A cool trail runner up ahead, passed us in his shorts and patriotic knee highs.

Natural beauties showing off their textures.

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.

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.

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.

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Ridley Creek State Park Trail- Media, Pennsylvania

When I was living in Thailand and Covid hit, for some reason- thankfully, it triggered a Zoom Reunion with my friends from my NYCity days. May, Karen, Susan and I. We named ourselves the Phuket Posse pronounced of course with the American F” sound version of PH”.

We knew each other from when we worked together at AMC (Associated Merchandising Corporation) in Manhattan in the 1990s. Yep, many, many years ago. We all started out working for the largest importer of clothing as assistants, associates, peons, minions, whatever you want to call us. We were rebellious and loving life in our 20s. We worked past midnight many nights at 1440 Broadway setting up for our product meetings with buyers from around the country, working for retailers now non-existent. We worked hard and partied harder.

Back in the 90s there were many stores that came together to import products so minimums could be met. They were too small to import by themselves, so they put a non profit group together to gather their orders and help them to get the trendy cheap pricing from overseas. Within the short time we were working there, the world changed and was taken over by what is now considered the mega stores/box retailers and our import business was absorbed along with those wonderful mom and pop retailers.

What was AMC is now Target Global Sourcing. I jumped ship before it sank. Never a regret, except for the friends I left behind.

The stories we could tell. We were the brightest of the bunch. AMC would send us overseas to source new factories and negotiate with vendors. We were the young and dumb. The single gals that were willing to go anywhere and seize the opportunities in front of us. I was even featured in a text book that went out to Universities attempting to teach what to expect in product development of imports.

I travelled with this company to Turkey, Israel, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

We all took our experiences and went into different fields of work. Speaking of which, my new job as a Category Manager, was NOT happy that I was travelling on a Friday. Afterall, this was a work day. I almost cancelled the trip because of this, then decided I needed to keep my priorities straight and spend my time where it most makes me happy. I work hard, but they*will not own me ever again. I refuse to give up what I’ve learned about life and my appreciation of it, just to make a buck to pay a bill.

Two years after our Zoom reunion, we finally met up vaccinated and in person!
Cheers to that! For organizing a get together with Karen as our host and Blake, her husband as our victim.

We haven’t aged a bit. It was as if no time passed and we all felt right at home together, overdrinking, reminiscing and catching up on too many years without each other.

Before we descended upon PA, Karen texted the group and challenged me to find a hiking trail that wasn’t pavement. Susan jumped in and said her hiking boots were packed. So hungover the next morning, this Phuket Posse hit the winding roads of Pennsylvania to hike a couple miles while Blake cooked us an amazing breakfast.

They know how much I love nature and it was awesome experiencing it with them.

Not feeling our best we cut the trail short by taking an inner loop.

The leaves have already started falling and lined the paths beautifully. I love how they provide the warm coloration that contrasts with the cool trees still lining the way.

And appreciating the texture combination of the bark, stones and leaves.

There was a beautiful river running along our right.

I was appreciating the colors and reflection in this shot.

Karen took this one and immediately said “X marks the spot”. I took the same photo and didnt even notice the trees. So cool how we all have different eyes.

Later on the way back there were kids swimming and playing with their dog in the river. Why don’t we do that as adults? Susan said she did this year, when hiking in the Grand Tetons. She jumped in and cooled off, clothes and all. Love that! I haven’t swam in years and I totally miss it.

Against the better wishes of my friends, I climbed out onto this fallen tree to strike a pose. If I were alone, I would’ve sat for awhile. They all said they were in no condition for a water rescue today but I assured them I could swim.

Sweet tiny meadow flowers among the dried grass. Nature always contrasts beautifully.

Love how the trail looked as if it were leading us into a hole in the woods. The crisp leaves were falling down like soft rain around us.

We naturally paired up for some distances, then switched getting some one on one time.

I felt like this tree was wanting a hug and kiss. Stretching his arms out and puckering his mouth. Either that or singing some dramatic tune.

Just appreciating color, texture, death and life.

My favorite are the leaves that have more than one shade on them.

As if they get to wear their fanciest dress before falling down to dry out.

Never forgetting to look up and breathe.

Selfie hiking moment! Love these girls. Was such an excellent weekend- short but totally necessary!

Next time we’ll check it out. This time, we were doing our best just to keep our legs going.

Reminded me of a scene out of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or some medieval time. A totally different landscape than what I am used to seeing.

Karen loved this vine. It reminded her of a long fuzzy caterpillar. Reminded me of a mane of an animal.

They sat in support. Taking a much needed break and I snapped this natural photo of these beautiful women. They have no idea how flipping cool they are and how I am so lucky to have met them so many years ago.

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Winton Woods- Parcours Trail- Cincinnati

Again dog sitting, but this time brought my 16 year old dog along with me since my twins are both out of town. Walking three dogs is tough. I managed to take the young lab, Buddy, out for a long walk, and then after returning was able to take the two older ones together.

Once out this morning and catching a breath of the crisp fall air, I decided I wanted to do some hiking today. I texted my friend Allen to see what he was up to, and he happily agreed to explore Winton Woods with me.

The three pups I’m watching. I love when dogs get along and respect each other.

I haven’t ever been to the Winton Woods area before. As you may know, new trails are my thing. I don’t ever want to get too comfortable repeating paths where I no longer see”.

Parcours was the first trail we decided to hit, knowing we wanted to be in the woods.

Support signs were posted at every trailhead. The litter on this trail was zilch, which I loved.

What I didn’t know is that this was an exercise course. I did all the easy ones along the way, like this one, but was unable to do a lot of them.

Felt good hiking with Allen. He’s such a dear friend and we were just taking our time, relaxing and catching up.

The course started out with primarily stretches which was great for us 50+ers.

These flowers were everywhere. Lining the pathways. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before, or possibly just never took notice of them.

Allen had an app and could look up what they were. I need to get this on my phone soon. I kept asking him to tell me what something was. But the funny thing was after about 15 minutes it completely erased from my memory. Like someone explaining IT to me….just in one ear and out the other.

Again with the textures. The feathery leaves vs the defined ones. The fallen leaves on the pebbles. I certainly could never be this creative. Nature certainly makes me appreciate Mother Earth 🌍

Absolutely serene. It was a perfect day for a hike. No humidity. No people. Just us and the forest.

Always fallen timber adding angles to the usually linear views.

I had to step over this and try to show Allen how I knew he could do it. And of course he did. I told him I wasn’t going to carry him out if he fell and injured himself, but he assured me that’s why God gave him two legs 🙂

We crept down to get a glance of the murky lake.

Allen showing off his strength, which, in all honesty, IS impressive. He was so encouraging for me to just start somewhere. With just one. But I assured him I could not even do them on my knees.

Glad we chose the hiking trails instead of pavement. Maybe when I’m 90 I’ll have to stick to the easy sidewalks, but until then, I choose the roots and rocks.

The bark of this short needle pine tree is cool. Not sure why I like it so much but I do.

Never forgetting to look up to notice my place in this grand natural world.

As if my legs weren’t still aching from the walk Nancy took me on up Sycamore Hill, now there were steps to challenge me.

Bridges to cross. Appreciating those who built them, making it easier on us.

This bad boy was screaming at us to say hello.

People placed rocks on this tree’s tumor. Or at least that’s how I see it. Like as if saying, we see you. You got this.

My friend Debbie and I have a thing, whenever we see red berries we say it looks like Christmas. So if either of us see this, we text each other with “Christmas in September”, or whatever month it may be. Guess December won’t be so funny.

Gotta love the new portrait option on the IPhones eh?

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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. ✌🏼

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.