I am fortunate to live close to several Ohio State Parks but have struggled to get outside this winter. Rain, cold, early darkness, my busy life and occasional laziness have largely kept me inside.
This week I’ve been dying to breathe some fresh air and stretch my legs. There’s nothing like a hike to clear the mind and help reframe troubles into something better.
So I headed out to Old Mans Cave in the famed Hocking Hills yesterday. There were flurries in the air and it wasn’t quite thirty degrees but proper layers kept me warm enough. Unfortunately, the entire park was basically a sheet of ice. There’s no preparing for that.
I hiked about 2.25 miles and didn’t fall despite the fact I was wishing for ice skates most of the way.
It was a short hike but quite challenging and indescribably beautiful. I’m glad I went and was equally glad to get out safely.
People often say they don’t like winter hiking because of the cold and I’ll never understand that. Despite the cold and ice, yesterday’s hike was far more pleasant than the hot, humid ones of summer in Ohio.
If you’ve never done it, my advice is to layer up and plan to reward yourself with some pancakes afterward like I did!
Another advantage is the lack of bugs.
This is true!
I’ll take the freezing cold over hot and humid any day. That’s beautiful!!! And yes! No bugs! Hate bugs.
Bugs are the worst!
There’s never a bad time to go hiking…. except during a storm lol!
Well, I’ve done that before! I won’t hike when the air feels damp because I’m so prone to sinus infections and damp, cold air seems to prompt the onset. 🙁
I went on a hike to a waterfall once and the day was gorgeous. Typically by the time I got down to the waterfall, the bottom fell out and I got soaked. I managed to find a rock overhang and waited… by the time I got back up top I looked like I got back from a survival situation and got looks like I was crazy lol…
Haha. Been there! We usually have some warning before a storm here but not always. I’ve been caught in a pop up a few times.
I learned I should always be prepared…
That’s the way to do it. Lol. Either that or be prepared to look like a war refugee at the end.
I did lol!!! Textbook example of the guy that didn’t get the memo
Lol. Experience is the best teacher!
It sure was lol!