Tag Archives: cedar falls

Outdoor Inspiration From Durango

Posted on by
6

One of the things I like best about visiting Colorado is seeing how active people tend to be. Everywhere you look in towns and cities there are people out walking their dogs or jogging. They are kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and on horses.

They seem to just accept that the weather will do what it wishes and they will simply dress for comfort.

It helps that there are so many bike paths, state parks and well maintained sidewalks.

Fast food doesn’t appear as readily available as it is in Ohio so people seem more likely to sit and eat real food and their waistlines show it.

Visiting here always makes me want to do better at getting outdoors and eating my vegetables. I have high hopes for better habits based on inspiration gathered on this trip.

We hiked one morning at Horse Gulch Trail System on the outskirts of Durango. The parking lot is paved and then you hike or bike to the top of a hill to access several miles of trails.

The trail we chose had some old telegraph poles, wildflowers and gorgeous mountain views. There’s little shade but it was still a fun experience.

It reminded me that discomfort, like the harsh sun, isn’t a good excuse to skip out on outdoor time. Ohio’s ridiculous humidity is a better excuse but I eagerly hit the trail last night and thoroughly enjoyed that experience too. Even in the humidity.

I hiked about two miles at Cedar Falls- not a long hike but enough to relax my mind and work up my heart rate.

Time in nature is vital to physical health and mental well-being. I felt better after our hike at Horse Gulch and feel even better after my hike last night despite my sore muscles.

Time in nature can calm the soul and can heal old wounds. It can relax the body and quiet the mind. It can make sleep easier. It can make everything better.

Wherever you are, regardless of weather and all the other excuses, I highly recommend a walk outside. You can thank me later.

Fresh Eyes At Cedar Falls

Posted on by
6

Last night, I revisited a trail I’ve hiked countless times. While it’s a heavily populated tourist area here in the Hocking Hills, most of the visitors were gone by the time I arrived after work. It was blissfully quiet.

I did encounter a woman who stopped for a moment to gush about the magnificence of the area. She had studied at nearby Ohio University but hadn’t been back since graduation fifteen years ago. I envied her fresh perspective and told her so. Everything was new and beautiful for her while it’s just another walk in the woods for me some days.

This particular trail is one of my favorites because there are areas where the dirt path turns to boulders that you must scurry over or through.

This trail parallels a beautiful stream.

A chipmunk stopped to say hi. This photo is not sharp but it was the best I could do with my unreliable phone.

This is a favorite spot on the trail. It’s a little steep for a short chick but I make do.

The views really are magnificent.

There’s a waterfall too.

I’m grateful to have these park trails so close to home and should probably try harder to appreciate them. But isn’t that human nature? We often don’t appreciate what we have and too often take for granted the things we value most.

I’ll try to do better.

Spring Flowers!

Posted on by
Reply

Look what I found on my hike last night!

Isn’t it pretty? Now I can honestly say that Spring has arrived.

No Boys Allowed

Posted on by
6

I found this on my hike the other day. It was pretty close to the middle of nowhere so it was hard to pass by – especially given that it made me giggle.

Plus, it suits my recent mood as I’ve all but given up on the idea of dating. I met someone kind of recently who I thought had potential but I was wrong. So back to my solitary life I go, wandering the backroads and trails and making pictures of all the stuff I see.

It’s a pretty good life I have and I’m frequently reminded of this by couples arguing in public and parents struggling to manage their difficult kids.

I can go anywhere I please, whenever I like and there’s no one along to say “I don’t know… where do you want to eat?” every time you have to choose a restaurant.

Here’s another fun image from that hike. In case you’re wondering, I was on the Buckeye Trail between Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. It’s an easy hike where you’ll see some wildlife and hear a lot of birds.

Welcome, Spring

Posted on by
Reply

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.” –Sitting Bull

This image is from my four mile hike in the Hocking Hills last night. It was perfect hiking weather and a glorious day to celebrate the beginning of spring.

The Hocking Hills region is close to where I live and I know it reasonably well. I reference hiking here a good bit but wonder if anyone is interested in knowing more about the area and things to do here. If so, I’ll work on some observations to share here.