Tag Archives: outdoors

Blackwater Falls State Park

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When we discovered the road closure that kept us out of Dolly Sods, we were just a few miles from Davis, West Virginia and Blackwater Falls State Park.

I had been there before and really loved it so returning was not a sacrifice at all. In fact, I was excited to find the parking lot at the Falls trailhead completely empty.

It was just the three of us as we made our way down the hill and down the large system of steps and boardwalks to view the falls.

Lack of rain meant that it wasn’t raging but the falls were powerful enough and just as pretty as I remembered.

We took our time, posing for selfies, making some videos and drinking in the peaceful September morning. Just a couple of hours later, the place would swarm with tourists but we had a lovely private screening.

Our next stop at this park was a fishing area where there’s a rustic trail through the woods that gives you access to the river as it meanders under a bridge.

I stumbled upon it by accident a few years ago and it’s a special place that I always visit when there.

It was still early and the sky was white as the sun fought to burn through the clouds. All the same, it was a soft, quiet moment where we could appreciate the rocks and water and the aroma of fall.

Come back for another special memory from this place.

Change Of Plans

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My friend invited me to go hiking with her at Dolly Sods in West Virginia. We set a date, gathered a third friend and anticipated a fun hike that is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in West Virginia.

That was the plan anyway. Then life got in the way.

We never actually made it to Dolly Sods. Technically, we made it to the road to Dolly Sods before being turned away by a road closed sign. Before you stop reading to tell me that we should have done our research, my friend had been there two weeks before and the road was open.

In Ohio, we post detours. On the backroads to a wilderness area, they evidently assume you can fend for yourself and simply tell you to take an alternate route.

The alternate route we found would have meant a lot of extra driving and none of us were thrilled with that idea. After all, we came to be outside and we were surrounded by lots of nearby opportunities to do just that.

Plus, we all subscribe to the belief that things happen for a reason and that this detour may have prevented us from having an accident or getting eaten by bears.

Instead of forcing the matter, we agreed to return another time when either the road is open or we can plan better. We spent our day exploring Blackwater Falls State Park and Seneca Rocks.

Neither provided the long hikes that we all had anticipated but both provided much beauty and opportunity for short bits of exploration.

We ate outside twice that day – a sure sign of a good day. Plus, I got to show my friends what is probably my favorite covered bridge in the world.

The fresh air, gorgeous surroundings and camaraderie more than made up for the road closure and the change of plans. We’ll do that another time.

Best of all, we chose to live in the moment and be happy. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Durango

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Of all the places we visited in Colorado this summer, Durango is the one I truly hated to leave.

The climate was pleasant and the town is the rare combination of charming AND prepared for guests. There’s a ton of opportunity to get outside and plenty of places to be entertained and engaged.

This southwest Colorado town was founded in 1880. It has a rich railroad history and is near Mesa Verde National Park which I enjoyed immensely (aside from the snake).

The Animas River cuts through town and there’s a River Walk that gives you a beautiful place to view the water while getting some exercise.

The historic downtown district has a host of restaurants and cute shops including some great used bookstores. We had a few delicious meals here too.

My friend was especially thrilled to find that the local humane society runs a thrift store. It was a nice one too, arranged more like a boutique than a traditional thrift store which always seem a little too messy.

This area is blessed with charm, beauty and so much opportunity for exploration I regretted not scheduling more time to enjoy it.

I’m already plotting a return trip next year. This time, I’ll be with two friends and I’m hoping to find a good Airbnb in Durango to use as home base while we adventure.

Isn’t it wonderful having a place to look forward to exploring?

Squeezing In And Looking Down

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Sometimes you have to squeeze in what you need around the stuff you have to do. Whether it’s rest or adventure, odds are other people in your life aren’t going to make sure you get what you need. It’s up to you to find time.

Yesterday didn’t go as planned so, when my commitments were finally done, it was time for some badly needed exercise and fresh air.

I detoured to Lake Hope State Park where I hiked in my dress pants. You see, I had hiking shoes but no change of clothes. That didn’t matter at all since I was there for my sanity rather than a fashion show.

My focus this time was on the ground and all the fascinating things Mother Nature leaves lying around.

Red and orange scream fall to me.

This acorn caught my eye.

Oh, and the fungi were fabulous!

Incidentally, fungi always remind me of British writer Beatrix Potter. You probably know her for children’s storybook characters like Peter Rabbit. Did you know that her fascination with nature and drawings of outdoor subjects actually began with mushrooms?

She was a prolific and talented painter of mushrooms, mosses and spores before ever imagining the incredible world of the delightful Peter Rabbit.

Stick around, friends. I’m the keeper of all kinds of useless information!

If you’re out and about today – whether it be on the trail or wandering around your hometown, be sure to look down occasionally and study the ground for interesting things. You may be surprised at the beauty you find!

Clarion River

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After a long day of exploration, my friend and I came off the trail at Cook Forest State Park still not ready to head home. So we took a little drive and found a gorgeous area to pull over and admire the water.

Clarion River is a popular spot for kayaks, canoes, inner tubes and all manner of things that float. I searched the shore for pretty rocks and made friends with some ducks while my friend waded out for a little river yoga.

Her yoga.

My duck.

To each her own. We both were happy in the moment.

There’s a place where you can rent your equipment or just take your own. There’s also a place where you can get ice cream – in case you need to know!

Read about our hike at Cook Forest State Park here!

Trail Rooster

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About an hour east of Durango, there’s a pull off for a waterfall called Treasure Falls. There’s a hiking trail that leads up the mountain and an infirmary sign that lets you know you’re in the San Juan Mountains. Otherwise, there’s not a lot here or anywhere nearby for that matter.

We weren’t on a strict schedule so we swung in to stretch our legs and have a look. We spent a lot of time in the car this trip so we valued these unscheduled stops where we could see something interesting and unexpected.

Turns out, unexpected is the key word here. I hopped out of the car and headed for the sign only to see this.

It’s a man snapping photos of a rooster.

There appeared to be no homes nearby so I don’t think the rooster had just strayed away from his yard. He was remarkably calm and friendly, following us around, probably in hopes of a snack.

Whether he was lost, dumped or a runaway, he didn’t belong here.

I will be honest with you – we met Mr Rooster on day five of this adventure and I was starting to question my sanity at this point. We had already endured a number of odd experiences and I was sure the altitude had finally gotten to my brain.

I waited for Johnna’s reaction and was somewhat relieved when she saw it too!

I still feel guilty for just leaving the poor guy alone there. I’m hoping he either makes his way home or that someone helps him find a better place to live than in the woods near a waterfall.

But the way, the rooster is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Perhaps crossing paths will bring good fortune my way!!