Trail Rooster

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!!

Blackwater Falls State Park

The highest state park in West Virginia is Blackwater Falls State Park. It’s situated between Thomas and Davis and is worth the drive. In fact, I have found a new favorite place.

With miles of trails for hiking, there’s much opportunity to get your boots muddy. There are year round activities including boating, geocaching , fishing and plenty of snow sports. Plus there are cabins and lodge rooms to extend your stay.

The lodge is being renovated now and I am dying to go stay there. It appears to be a massive overhaul of the mid century facility. They call it “The Lodge In The Sky” because of the elevation and I think that’s the best name for it.

I spent an afternoon wandering around on foot and in the car, exploring the park. The views are stupendous, the trails are in great condition and the place is easy to navigate. While there is picturesque beauty everywhere you go, the star of the show here is a 57 foot waterfall.

It reminded me a little of the Hocking Hills State Park near my home. The rock outcroppings, foliage and trails attracts large crowds of sightseers every year as well.

At Blackwater, the amount of visitors caused them to build a system of wooden steps and landings, presumably to protect the ecosystem from so much foot traffic and to make it easier for people who don’t really hike to access the views.

It isn’t exactly a hike but it would be challenging if you aren’t typically active or in good shape. Round trip it isn’t even a half mile but it’s important to remember that what goes down must come up in this instance. You’ll walk down a wide trail and a bunch of steps on the way to the view. Then you have to walk back up.

It’s a gorgeous view but there are many other pretty views in the park and I would like to see more of them.

Want to learn more? Visit their website here!

Saturday Meanderings

The forecasted rain held off Saturday so I was able to get in a morning hike. When I hit the trail, I swore that I’d hike four or five miles and then go straight home to clean house. That’s not how it worked. My house still needs cleaned because I did about 4.5 miles but then went into Logan for some antiquing.

I meandered home, stopping a few times along the way for an old cemetery, a church  and some nice barns. For those of you who were interested in the octagon barn that’s in my community,  I swung by there and grabbed a few pictures.

It was gloomy and everything here is still dormant as we anxiously await spring so that made for discouraging pictures but sometimes we just have to happy that it’s not raining. I’m dying for the grass to green up and for flowers to come in bloom. When that happens I’ll get better pictures of the octagon barn.

Meanwhile, have a look!