Fresh Eyes At Cedar Falls

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.

The Longest Day

It’s a pity that the longest day of the year is also usually one of the hottest. I spent my work day worshiping the central air but ultimately decided to brave the elements and enjoy an early evening hike.

John Muir said “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”

It was that kind of day.

I donned my best sun hat and headed to my closest trail for a four mile trek along a mostly shaded path. I walked alone but was never lonely as I was in the company of dragonflies, squirrels and birds.

It was somewhere along this trail that I managed to shut off the work day and allow my mind to wander to my surroundings. Sometimes I wonder if I didn’t miss my calling. I once had a chance to be a park ranger but passed on the opportunity in favor of clinging to the known and comfortable.

Maybe that was a mistake. Then again, maybe not. That’s one of those questions that cannot be answered but I trust that things have worked out for the best.

Here’s another question that cannot be answered. Do we think fairies live in this tree? I’m leaning toward yes!

Whether or not I chose the right career path is irrelevant. The good news is I can still enjoy an evening on a different kind of path and marvel in the freedom of feet on the trail and head in the clouds.

Isn’t that one of the things that make life great?

Vintage en Vogue

There’s a great new vintage shop in downtown Logan, Ohio. Vintage en Vogue is a neat boutique packed with antiques, vintage items, art, decor and even some clothes and accessories.

Everything seems to be good quality and the prices are fair.

It’s also staged so beautifully that I wanted to linger a while. I’m saving for some upcoming adventures but wanted to support them so I bought a cute sunflower T-shirt with the promise to go back again soon.

The owner was delightful and so very welcoming that I imagine there will be a return trip in my near future. You should check them out too!

Find Vintage en Vogue at 45 West Main Street in Logan and be sure to follow them on Facebook too. While you’re in town, check out the other downtown shops as well as the Logan Antique Mall on Rt. 664.

Inn Towner

If you ever find yourself in the Hocking Hills and have a thing for vintage signage, be sure to look up the Inn Towner Motel in Logan, Ohio. I was driving by last night and circled back to grab this photo because it looked so pretty all lit up in its midcentury glory.

Remember friends, never be afraid to circle back for a closer look at something when you have a chance. That’s what exploring this world is all about!

Fall Foliage

The fall foliage in Ohio has been disappointing so far this year. Experts say our peak will be a little later than normal but I suspect it won’t be grand. It has been hot and dry this fall and the leaves seem to be turning brown and dropping before they have a chance to turn pretty.

The best color I have seen in Ohio so far is at this lovely country church in the Hocking Hills.

I’ll swing by again next week to see how the colors progress. Meanwhile I keep thinking back on the foliage I saw in the mountains in West Virginia earlier this month. It wasn’t nearly as vibrant as it was last year but still quite pretty.

In fact, it was so pretty I hated to leave.

Sunflowers In The Hocking Hills

Let’s talk about sunflowers.

To be completely transparent, I had never paid that much attention to sunflowers until a couple of weeks ago when I wandered through a sunflower field near Urbana, Ohio.

I was immediately transfixed by the textures, shapes, colors and variety of these large, sunny flowers. It was great fun to lose myself among endless rows of the different varieties they had.

It was an unexpectedly joyful morning.

Imagine my glee when I learned that a sunflower field had opened close to home this weekend. Walker Farm is on St Rt. 180 near Logan, Ohio and they now have a patch for locals and Hocking Hills region visitors to enjoy.

They have a handful of varieties as well as props for photos and there’s plenty of room to roam away from other people.

Sunflowers have significance in some cultures. It’s the national flower of both Russia and Ukraine. In Chinese culture, sunflowers represent good luck and lasting happiness. In other cultures, these magnificent flowers represent positivity, admiration and strength.

With over eighty worldwide varieties, there are a ton of different colors and sizes. Regardless of the variety, the bees love them and that’s good for the environment. I also saw some hummingbirds in the field on Saturday.

At $5 per person or $20 for a family of four or more, this one is a bargain compared to most I have read about. Your admission includes one cut flower to take home and you can buy additional flowers for a buck apiece. Five and under get in free. You can visit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 8 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. This same farm offers a pick your own pumpkin patch and corn maze starting mid September.

It’s well worth your time and a memorable experience. Like the other sunflower fields I have seen advertised in Ohio, it’s locally owned by a farm family and I’m sure your support means the world during these challenging economic times.

Check out my story from the Urbana field here and follow Walker Farm by searching them on Facebook.