Tag Archives: buzzards Roost nature preserve

Seasons

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Ohioans are fortunate because we have four distinct seasons. Of these, spring is gentle and delicate. Winter is a harsh time of hibernation. Summer’s humidity and heat are brutally oppressive. I hibernate a lot then too.

But fall, oh fall! It’s deliciously beautiful. It’s cinnamon rolls, wood smoke, denim jackets and fresh apples. It’s pumpkin carving, long hikes and picnics under the maple trees.

Fresh air, blue skies and vibrant leaves in unexpected colors are hallmarks of this amazing season.

It’s the best season. It’s also ridiculously short.

Since it will soon be dark at 4:30 p.m. and the cold will soon move in, I have decided to make hay while the sun shines. I have been out for hikes and quick walks as much as possible this month and am grateful for each and every day this was possible.

Soon, I’ll have to work a little harder to be outdoors and keep thinking I need to buy better hiking clothes to make winter adventures more comfortable.

Fall is fleeting but so is life. As in nature, we all experience seasons in life. They aren’t always happy or beautiful times. It often feels like the happy moments pass in the blink of an eye while challenging periods seem to drag on forever.

Enjoy those beautiful, happy days to their fullest. Take the hike, pick the apples, breathe that crisp autumn air. And when the skies turn dark as winter settles in, look for ways to enjoy those days too.

These pictures are from my hike at Buzzard’s Roost after work last night. It was a quick 2.25 miles for exercise rather than for the near spiritual outdoor experience I described earlier this week.

Yet, I found myself occasionally coming around a bend to stop dead in my tracks. It was just that beautiful.

Someday, I’m going to pack a picnic and a book and linger on this bench. doesn’t that sound like a great way to enjoy a season?

Today is supposed to be gorgeous here in southern Ohio and I intend to enjoy every minute. Wherever you are, please go do the same.

Homestead At Buzzard’s Roost

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The last time I hiked at Buzzard’s Roost, I noticed a small short path to a primitive home.

There’s a small house, an outhouse and several farm implements outside. Here are a few iPhone snaps that I converted to black and white. I like the effect.

Here’s the outhouse and a great fence.

The iconic moon on the outhouse door.

The home is one room.

I especially like this nice counter with a pump and storage shelves.

And, of course, a horseshoe. Hanging a horseshoe facing up is supposed to bring good luck to a home and to keep out evil.

Thinking about visiting Buzzard’s Roost? You should! I rank it among my top three places to hike in southern Ohio. Read more about it here.

Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve

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Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve did not disappoint. I have been meaning to go there for a long time and finally made it out yesterday morning.

They have about five miles of trails through 1,200 mostly wooded acres. I chose the South Point Lookout Trail which is a two mile loop from the parking lot. But when I finished, I turned around and walked it in reverse.

It was beautiful both ways.

This is a Ross County Parks District property. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Chillicothe’s Western Avenue, it’s an oasis close to the city.

This trail is wide in most places and it’s one of the best maintained trails I’ve been on in southern Ohio. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at trail conditions after the stormy weather we’ve had lately.

I found many new favorite trees including this one.

And this one.

Trees reflected in water are one of life’s gifts.

This trail meanders through woods, past cliffs, and along rocks over streams. The soundtrack of the forest features dripping water, tree frogs and an orchestra of birds.

As I stood with my face turned toward the sun, I closed my eyes and felt the breeze ruffle my hair. I breathed deeply the aroma of pine needles while listening to songbirds all around. It was the ultimate surround sound.

Everything about this place is perfection.

If you go, be prepared for an extremely sharp turn onto the narrow road called Red Bird Lane. Isn’t that a charming name for a road to the forest? Maybe I’ll try another trail next time.

Want to know more? Click here to visit the Ross County Park District’s website. Here you’ll find events, trail maps and directions.