April 25, 2016 by Kylena

Yankauer Nature Preserve Shepherdstown, WV

An hour. Not much, but a great respite in the middle of a day that left me feeling like yesterday’s recycled paper towel.

Yankauer Nature Preserve is just north of Shepherdstown, WV off Scrabble Road. I arrived following Google directions which brought me through Hagerstown, MD, then down I-81. I’ll go through Sharpsburg, MD, and Shepherdstown, WV, next time…more scenic. After it was all done, I came back to Frederick that way.

Stepping onto the trail at Yankauer, my senses were overcome. Cedar permeated and the quietness invited me in. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes. The woods said “hello, we are happy you are here.” I answered, “thank you, thank you for being here.”

The path wound through the brightest of green grass. New spring grass, still fresh and untrampled. Later, after spring goes and summer marches in, the grass will become hard and brittle in the intense MidAtlantic heat.

But for now, it’s new and inviting, begging for bare feet, picnics, laughter, and, possibly, a glass of wine and holding hands. I was in love with this moment. A kodachrome blip on my day of black and white.

Here’s to living in color. Raising my glass…Hike on.

April 17, 2016 by Kylena

BoobOnARock & Queen V do Flip Flop Festival 2016

Walking to the Flip Flop Festival from Weverton, I was going against the traffic of several hikers that looked like they were out to do something serious. My mind wandered to something my hiking friend Google told me a few years ago (when I was hiking through Georgia). “You oughta be here in the Spring” she told me, “hiking south through Georgia is…interesting.”

Here in Maryland, the thruhikers I usually see are lean, determined, and move very fast! They have 1000 miles under their belts and have settled in for the ride. Today, as I strode quickly down the canal to meet Queen V, I passed several clean, not lean, well, okay, some were lean…but not in that “I’ve been beating the trail and the trail’s been beating me” kind of lean. The backpacks were flashy…can I say that? I felt like I was walking through the REI website…oh yes, and I’ll take one of those…two of these…oh, and how cute is that, he is dragging his pack behind him on a wheelie thingy! Oh, I wanted to see that guy drag the wheelie thing with his pack up Weverton. 🙂 A little sadistic, yes, I am.

“You’ve got to give a little, take a little,
and let your poor heart break a little.
That’s the story of, that’s the glory of …” What the hell, Bette Midler’s song from Beaches? Where did that come from?!! Walk faster, Bette must be left behind! These hikers would deal or not. I had to get to Harper’s Ferry…it was now 9:24 am and I was supposed to meet Queen V at 10 am. I had my phone on airplane mode and was blissfully not getting any of her texts…

Tramped over the railroad bridge to Harper’s Ferry at 9:50! Quick stop at the train station, then up the hill to the ATC. It was getting hot! By the time I met up with Queen V I was ready to shed one of my layers. Then it was time for some exploring.

First stop, of course, is to get someone to take our picture in front of the ATC. Yeah, I have like fifteen pictures in front of the ATC…but you know…it’s my Alamo. So there.

We went around back to check out the vendors, and most importantly, scope out the food situation. The food truck looked mighty promising with its sweet potato and black bean burrito (it was freakin delicious!).

Queen V, as usual, being the diva that she is ~~demanded~~ requested sweetly to have her picture taken in various locals…(she is now hounding me to get this post done as quickly as possible). I did mention that “narcissism becomes her”! 😉

There was a workshop at 11:30 am we were going to attend. I knew the presenter by name only here in blogland…but I am happy to say I have now met Sisu face to face and a nicer guy he could not be! 🙂 He did a great presentation and it was just so neat to meet someone I had only known through comments on this blog. Here’s to meeting up again sometime, Sisu! 🙂 🙂

Oh, and by the way, the weather for this event was just the best! However, that did not stop me from hitching a ride back to my car (Thanks Queen V!). Yeah, after that sweet potato & black bean burrito…and a creamsicle…I kinda lost my mojo for huffing it back down the canal to my car.

So good luck flip floppers! and all thruhikers! And even if Maine eludes you, the adventure of the dream did not! Hike on! 🙂

March 9, 2016 by lrdc9

Guest Post: A Slice of Central Indiana at Elliot Woods State Nature Preserve

I’ll start by introducing myself here: I’m Logan, Girl Gone Hiking’s child. This past weekend offered a very much welcome respite from the cold, and the roommates and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather. We couldn’t get going until almost 3:00p, so the destination would have to be close. From our home in (scenic) Terre Haute, IN, that doesn’t leave many choices. Even Turkey Run is an hour away, so the search was on to find some unexplored options. That’s when I stumbled upon the Elliot Woods Nature Preserve, less than 15 miles away from us. There was very little about the preserve online, but it seemed there was at least one loop trail, and I’ve had good luck with relatively unknown nature preserves before (check out Green’s Bluff near Spencer, IN for a short and very out of the way hike). If you’re slightly challenged on the geography on Indiana, I don’t blame you … in fact you’re probably better for it, so I’ve gotten you this handy map to help you get a hold of the park’s location.

Still lost?

Any how, after a lovely and brief drive through the Indiana countryside, and past everybody’s favorite federal penitentiary, USP Terre Haute, located conveniently along IN 63, we arrived at Prairie Creek Park. Prairie Creek Park is part of the Vigo County Parks Dept., and is located directly across a small road from the Nature Preserve. This is where we parked to access the preserve, and as it turned out there is also a short loop trail in this park as well, along with lots of maple trees and a large camping area. Prairie Creek Park , in addition to camping, features some quite nice pavilions and tables for gatherings, and picnics, as well as several playground areas and fairly new looking basketball courts.

From the parking lot, we headed to the trail.

But not before I made them pose for a group photo – Hey Luke, Hey Nick.

One of those rumored pavilions. I don’t think Luke was ready. That’s okay.

Aforementioned small road, and I sign confirming all of my suspicions that I had in fact found the nature area.

The loop trail is just shy of two miles long, and is actually quite well maintained. It is wide and meandering. While it passes up and down several hills none of them are worth mentioning. I’m sure that this would a really gorgeous fall hike. And while I’m hoping I won’t still be here in the fall to find out, we shall see.

A brief background on the Elliot Woods property, it was only acquired by the county earlier this decade from the Elliot family, which had owned the property since the mid-1800’s. According to the Indiana DNR, the property “contains a high quality mesic and dry-mesic upland forest with at least 26 species of trees and a small prairie restoration.” The property also enjoys permanent protection from future development or logging thanks to a state conservancy easement.

We start in what presumably used to be a field before splitting in two directions for the loop.

There’s a ton of these bridges, which I found pretty surprising.

And everything is graveled!

THIS ONE EVEN HAS FREAKING GRIP STRIPS ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Plus if you want to you can even sit on them and look pensive for a while.

The consensus at this point was that this was really nice place to be able to just go out nearby and get outside when you don’t have all day to make an event out it.

They look so very engaged.

Eventually the trail comes out into another clearing, and there’s a signpost with two arrows, one pointing each direction. No words, no further guidance. To be clear this isn’t where the loop closes, so see a split in the path was really kind of unexpected. We took a guess and went left, and everything worked out. Going to the right might just join up with the trail again, but we didn’t try following it to find out.

Lest you thought you would get away from the crap rotting in random fields (a hallmark of Indiana), let go of that thought now. Also featured along the way was a long ago abandoned washing machine.

We may have ventured ever so slightly off the trail to take this picture. Don’t worry about it. But it’s nice right?

Don’t worry, we safely returned to the trail. I could feel everybody’s anxiety levels rising, so I just wanted to address that concern real quick.

I made art!

Back in the field.

Having walked for nearly 45 minutes, we decided that somehow we could handle another short trail, so off to the little pond we went. Not quite as well maintained, but there were still lots of bridges for stream crossings and the likes. The pond itself was quite sad looking, but you can’t win ’em all I guess.

That isn’t Little Pond. Big Pond maybe?

Seriously, this park would be a really nice place to hang out on a summer day, even if you weren’t into walking.

There it is! Little Pond! The roommates aren’t so sure about it.

More little bridges, as promised.

Sorry ladies, he’s not single.

I told you that would be a short walk to Little Pond! Back already.

We really enjoyed getting out for a little bit, and Elliot Woods fit the bill. Close, not crowded at all, and generally very pleasant for a low-effort walk. We plan to come back. Maybe when there are leaves. That would really spice things up here in central Indiana.

March 8, 2016 by Kylena

Not Quite Spring, Not Quite Winter! A Stroll in Shenandoah NP

Cruising along Skyline Drive it occurred to me that maybe this hike wasn’t going to be the hike I had conjured up in my mind yesterday. At that time, I sat on the edge of my bed, maps spread out around me and Sidekick Pauli sprawled beside me catching rays from the afternoon sun.

Now I found myself facing mountains that still showed vestiges of winter. I pulled over no less than three times along the drive just to look, gaze in wonderment, lost in the beauty of Shenandoah. I decided we would hike where the snow still lingered.

I want to go there! Right there, on top of that snowy mountain!

I had been headed to Elkwallow Wayside, but stopped short when I got to Overall Run Falls trail head. Yes! We ARE STOPPING RIGHT HERE!!! The trees were all sporting a fresh layer of rime and the trail was perfect with about an inch and a half of dry snow. Oh, it was gorgeous! Like *gasp* gorgeous!

Not the best pic…but the only good pic of the rime on the trees!

I took a look at the map and started down the AT to Elkwallow, I would decide whether to backtrack or loop once I got there. Sidekick Pauli was hiking with me today and is still sporting a pretty good scar down her neck…so it just depended on how she was doing when we got to Elkwallow.

Oh boy! Into the woods!

The AT to Elkwallow Wayside is a fairly moderate hike with a view that was nice! Sidekick Pauli scrambled up the rocks and stared into the distance with satisfaction. Oh, she was definitely happy to be back on the trail! This was our only overlook, although, there were nice forest views along the way. We passed over Skyline Drive on the AT, then headed slightly up before passing the PATC Range View cabin and descending to Elkwallow Wayside.

At Elkwallow, we took a detour down to the picnic area…for a pit stop. While I was, um, otherwise engaged a family had driven up to also use the bathroom. Apparently, this was the only bathroom open in the area. When Sidekick Pauli and I exited the bathroom they just lost it. They were gabbing away in a language not understood by me. They were simply in fits!! I didn’t get it, what the heck, haven’t they seen something like this before??? I heard their laughter and felt their pointing until we disappeared into the woods. Haha! Glad I could add something to their Shenandoah memory!! 😀

Sidekick Pauli was loving it! I decided to loop down to Matthews Arm campground, then climb back up to the AT via the Traces & Tuscarora Overall Run Trails. The weather had warmed a bit and there was no snow on the Elkwallow Trail down to the campground. A nice picnic on a damp log awaited us! Sidekick Pauli gobbled down several of Queen V’s home made doggie treats!! I made do with a PB&J. 🙂

I didn’t make it … but I didn’t destroy it either. I enjoyed the oddity of it as I made my way down the Elkwallow Trail.

The birds were rocking out while we sat there in the middle of the otherwise quiet woods. Lovely to listen to but my butt was getting wet…time to move!

YAY! we don’t have to rock hop across the creek. 🙂 I think Sidekick Pauli is disappointed…

Soon after crossing the bridge we reached Matthews Arm campground. We found the Traces Trail after crossing the parking lot. This trail starts to climb, and the climb goes on, and on. Maybe it was because I left this piece of trail for last…but man, oh man, that climb! Between 800 and 1000 feet! To say I was happy to reach the snow line would be an understatement! Whew!!

Ahhh, yes! Finally! Jees…why did that hill feel so long? Oh, 800 feet of slippy, slippy…got it!

I reached the car and began getting ready for the drive home. Took off the layers, traded out the hiking boots for sandals, did a few not helpful stretches, grabbed the cheezits…

While storing my bag, boots, and clothes in the back of the car, a ranger pulled up. “Hey, just wanted to let you know there is some weather coming in overnight so we are going to be closing Skyline Drive.”

No problem, ranger! We are ready to go! Hike on!

February 29, 2016 by Kylena

C&Ohhhhh Crap! My Feet Hurt! Canal

A couple of years ago I was hiking on the C&O Canal up by Shepherdstown, WV when I crossed paths with a woman who had hiked up from Harper’s Ferry. I had never thought about hiking to Shepherdstown from Harper’s Ferry. Since then I hadn’t really ever stopped thinking about it. I mean, it would be really neat to walk to Shepherdstown and have a great lunch, wouldn’t it? Well, wouldn’t it??? I finally got the chance to find out! And a few hiking pals willingly agreed to come along. 🙂

We met at the C&O Canal across the river from Shepherdstown, then shuttled to Harper’s Ferry. Thanks to hiker pal Thelma we were sporting a national park pass and did not have to pay to park at the train station in Harper’s Ferry! This was a good sign, as were the sunny skies, warm sun and bathrooms in the train station. 🙂

We left our hiking poles in the car, joking about how tough this flat hike would be. Queen V commented on the “strenuous” elevation gain as we walked up the ramp to the railroad bridge that crosses the river to the canal. Crossing the railroad bridge, we descended the spiral staircase down to the canal and headed north to Shepherdstown.

Chatting lightheartedly, we walked briskly and the miles flew by. At the first campground hiker pal L promptly tried out a “chair” she found. Dargans Bend at mile 64.9 called us in for a quick break and stretch, then we were off again! Still all smiles!

The Potomac River was moving fast in the other direction. Small white capped waves bullied their way south, made ever stronger by the recent heavy rains and melting snow. As beautiful as the river was, after so many miles, it made me feel as if on a treadmill. Walking, ever walking, were we getting closer? Except for the small brown mile markers that counted down the miles, there was no way of knowing.

Thanks to Thelma for this pic!

Near mile marker 65 Queen V and I explored some old limestone kilns and soon after I was pulled off the towpath once again to explore a cave with Anna Marie!

Then we stomped on to Antietam Creek campground. Arriving at the campground, it was time to sit down and get off our feet! That flat walking was taking its toll on all of us. While we sat there at the campground I kind of drifted off into thoughts like, “I should’ve brought another pair of socks…I hope these sore spots on my feet aren’t blisters…shin splints? No not even thinking about that.” then I looked to the blue, blue sky and caught a glimpse of … is that a…yes, oh, then out loud I exclaimed “hey look!!! an Eagle!!”

It soared majestically overhead, circling higher and higher, then moved on regardless of how hard we willed it to come and roost in the trees nearby.

It was now time for us to move on as well, not too much more now! We can do this! We passed mile marker 71, then 72. Wait, wasn’t that supposed to be the last one! We had come almost 13 miles. My steps were slow now. Just one foot in front of the other. It was getting harder. My legs were stiff, and the threat of shin splints was ever greater. No, no, no! That will not happen! I took my head out of the pain and focused on the cold beer and taco salad that would be waiting for me in Shepherdstown.

It worked…I slogged that last mile with dignity (as excruciating as it was to lift each foot and put it down on that blasted hard packed gravel covered canal). Arriving at the car I was definitely ready for comfort and cursed my lack of forethought in leaving my flip flops back in Harper’s Ferry. I fell into Queen V’s brand new car, feeling slightly guilty at leaving mud on the passenger side floor mat. But then we were moving. Oh the pleasure of a car after a long, long, walk!

Hike on!

February 24, 2016 by Kylena

Breaking Out of the February Funk!

Even though February is the shortest month, it certainly seems to last forever. As I wait for the daffodils to arrive, however, a gift arrived! A gift only Mother Nature could give to us winter weary Marylanders. (seriously, our winter has been incredibly mild except for that outburst of sheer crazy a few weeks ago, so I don’t really know why it feels like we need to rush on to Spring …but it does!!) Anyway, a gift! A weekend that tempted us with delightfully spring like weather. The birds were singing, the ice was melting, rivers flooding, and I ran for the hills.

I jumped the gun a bit and headed out on Friday when the weather only hinted at warmth that would not come until Saturday. The smell of fresh mud permeated my nostrils as soon as Sidekick Pauli and I exited the car at Worthington Farm, part of Monocacy National Battlefield. However, heading up Brooks Hill we found snow and ice. Not enough for traction devices on my boots, but enough to require picking our way along at a snail’s pace until we got about half way up the hill. Then the trail was dry!

View of Baker Valley from Brooks Hill

Bottom of the Hill…Again with the snow!

Of course, we again encountered the tricky stuff on the way down, but the day was just gorgeous. You know when the breezes are not quite as chilling and almost feel warm? That is how it was! We would be chilly, then rounding a bend in the trail meet with a warmish puff of air. Very exciting! After coming down Brooks Hill, we rounded Ford’s Loop by the Monocacy river. Super gooey, suck your boots off muddy! The river had just recently receded into its proper banks and left debris and mud on the trail. A sure sign of Spring!!!

Sidekick Pauli surveying the flood plain

Still high water! Sidekick Pauli was not pleased…this is where her beach usually is!

So that was fun. Saturday came the real delight though! 65 degrees!!!!!! Wazooo! Oh my gawd, let’s all go hiking!!! I had errands in the morning, so I set off for Cunningham Falls State Park at about 2:30 pm. Parking my car at the Catoctin Furnace on the east side of route 15, Sidekick Pauli and I followed the Catoctin Furnace Trail through the woods and over the pedestrian bridge to pick up the Catoctin Trail up to Bob’s Hill overlook.

Glad I didn’t have to cross Little Hunting Creek today!

This is not a long hike, but a steep one! After crossing the pedestrian bridge follow the creek to the Catoctin Trail. It is a right turn up the hill and steep right from the get go! The trail was slushy, but not terribly difficult to maneuver. The trail gives hikers nice breaks between the steep sections, leveling out for awhile where one can meander along as if no effort was needed at all to climb to such a height. Then, of course, just as you get comfortable, the trail heads back up again!

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This was the perfect place to hike on this Spring preview day! I only saw a handful of other hikers (and I bet Shenandoah NP was packed!)

But was I done with this weekend???? NOOOOOOOO! Even though it rained off and on come Sunday, I was not going to stay inside. Okay, well, I was…but then as I came out of Joanne’s Fabrics down on 40, I glanced at the mountains. Their summits were so beautifully draped in fog that I could not resist! I turned down 40 headed for Gambrill State Park hoping to walk through the woods with the mist swirling about me.

CCC Memorial in Gambrill State Park

I was ecstatic, just magical.

What an absolute wonderful gift this weekend has been. Almost March! Hike on!

February 15, 2016 by Kylena

Blockhouse Point Conservation Area

Blockhouse Point is a great little park in Montgomery County, Maryland. Sidekick Pauli helped me scout this hike so I could lead a group here. By the way, those of you who read the last post of mine know that Sidekick Pauli went in for surgery for a lump that grew rather quickly on her neck. Her surgery went great and they were able to get all cancerous tissue out!! So it was cancerous, but prognosis is fantastic! She will probably be scouting hikes with me for a long time to come! 🙂 🙂

I visited Blockhouse Point on three different occasions to get the feel of the place since it was brand new to me. The first time my son and niece tagged along. Of course, we were caught up in conversation and got off on the wrong trail. We had wanted to loop, but this trail did not do that. Turns out we had gotten on the last leg of the Muddy Branch Trail! Made a note to look this trail up later for future adventures in MoCo!

The second time was better planned out and Sidekick Pauli was in tow! We headed down the Canyon Trail, crossed over to Blockhouse Point Trail, then out to Blockhouse Point. This was before Sidekick Pauli’s surgery and she was delighted to pull me along the trail smelling all things new and exciting. I was expecting a little more of an overlook, but the views of the river were tremendously satisfying! Pauli was a little antsy, so I let her lead us back to the car instead of heading out to the second overlook on the Paw Paw trail. It looked a bit cloudy and felt like a storm was moving in. Sure enough as soon as we got to the car, the skies opened up! Thank you, Sidekick Pauli, for keeping me dry!!!

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The third visit I practically ran down the trails. I wanted to scout out the Paw Paw overlook. I am so glad I did. It is definitely the nicer overlook. Expansive views of the river to the northwest. Very understandable why this point was used in the Civil War. Another neat feature is the C&O Canal is just below the bluffs, so you can “spy” bicyclists, walkers, and horse riders all day if you like while you sit high above on the rocks. haha!

I do need to advise that the Turkey Fan Trail has been rerouted. This caused me a little confusion the first time out there… not hard to figure out…just weird trying to put together where exactly you are on the Blockhouse Point Trail if you have never been to the area. So a heads up!

Also, I’ve heard there is a way to do a big loop by following an unmarked trail behind Calithea Horse Farm, then pick up the C&O Canal. Walking south on the canal to Pennyfield Lock, then up the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail. Hmmm…more trails to explore!

And while I do like winter…I think I will wait for Spring! Hike on!

January 13, 2016 by Kylena

How Quickly the Clouds Change the Sky

I started walking in the gray cold rawness that comes with winter. No snow on the ground, just last fall’s display littered upon the ground. Today I walk because I am sad, and worried, and feel like my stomach has been punched. It is with no real purpose as I fly down the trail except to outrun my thoughts.

My Sidekick Pauli has a lump. A lump that is concerning. A lump that sidles up to her carotid artery. A lump that grew in a matter of two weeks. She goes in for surgery tomorrow morning.

This is my hiking companion we are talking about. My eyes are filling…just stop thinking. There is no need for “what ifs”! Get it together!

The stiff wind blew down my collar and I pulled my coat a little closer. I wasn’t even dressed particularly well for this hike. Whatever. I stopped to look out over the Potomac River noticing a sliver of blue on the horizon. What a beautiful winter sky. I tucked my head down and kept forward on the C&O Canal headed for the Catoctin Creek Aqueduct. Fifteen minutes before I had no idea that was where I was headed, but it was good to have made a decision; to have a focus.

I can’t think about this right now. I noticed a guy and his puppy coming towards me. As he passed, the puppy leaped towards me. I heard him say “C’mon Sally”. Sally?? I knew it before I inquired with excitement “Sally? Is that Sally Pretzel? !!!”…IT WAS!!!!!!!! Sally Pretzel is the puppy of one of my hiking friends! Her husband just happened to be walking her out on the canal today. It helped me to meet Sally Pretzel. She reminds me of Sidekick Pauli when she was a puppy! Little Sally made me laugh! 🙂 🙂

Heading on I notice the clouds had changed. There was more blue now. As I passed the Catoctin Tunnel it felt warmer and I loosened my coat for the last mile to the aqueduct. Down the path that overlooks the aqueduct to stretch a little before heading back to Point of Rocks.

On the way back the clouds behind me were dark gray, but bright blue skies were in front of me. I knew those blue skies weren’t going to last, but never mind…I was now hoping to see snow. A few flakes flew as a train rounded the rocks and clickity-clacked by me. The passing train made me feel I was walking a million miles an hour.

As the gray pushed over the sun once again, snowflakes fell more rapidly, then just like that…poof…they were gone, and I was left to walk the final mile in the gray cold rawness that comes with winter.

Hike on.

January 8, 2016 by Kylena

Living it Up on the Loudoun Heights Trail

Mid-Week hikes are a luxury. While the rest of the world shuffles off to work, the Maryland Trail Dames were getting ready to cross the 340 bridge by pulling our gloves, hats, and layers into place. The crossing of the bridge would be the killer with traffic whizzing past blasting us with cold air and fumes. A necessary evil in order to start climbing Loudoun Heights on the other side of the Shenandoah River. At 10 am Wednesday morning it was bitter cold, yet bright and sunny, so we anticipated shedding some of those layers as we climbed almost 1000 feet to ridge!

The parking lot is a fee area, so pay the $10 bucks to support the NPS. The pass is good for three days, so after I finish this post I might head back for another hike in the area! 🙂

340 Bridge over the Shenandoah River looking towards West Virginia side

Once we crossed the bridge, we climbed the AT up, up, and up and as AnnaMarie would say “Suck it up, Buttercup”! As expected a few layers came off! Thelma, a fellow Trail Dame, suggested we take the orange trail first, then loop back on the blue trail. Great suggestion! The orange trail was extremely pleasant! It was a nice change from constantly going up. It is level and well marked which allowed us to make good time with little effort!

In the summer, this hike would have only the views marked on the map…two at power lines, then another at Split Rock. But in winter? Ahhhh…all the views you could want! No leaves make mountain hikes even more glorious.

Holy crap! I think my lips are purple! 🙂

The path became more rolling once we met up with the blue trail. We went to the left, headed for Split Rock. It all seems so easy…because the trail is going down to Split Rock. The view here though is worth it! and the women on the trail with me were so funny!

“Suck it up, Buttercup!” became a repeated joke as we met each hill with gusto. At each overlook we had a micromanager or two when it came to picture time…after being asked to tilt the camera this way and that way, and move to the right, then to the left I busted out laughing…”What is your job anyway???” Snorts of laughter permeated the air. 🙂 and don’t even let me start with the selfie stick…oh jees’…It was a good thing no one else was on the trail!

Looking across at Maryland Heights

View of Harper’s Ferry from Split Rock

Like a Model Train Set!

After lunch at Split Rock, we climbed up to the ridge once more. There were some sweaty faces in that last push to the ridge! Then it was easy, a little rocky, but easy sailing on the blue trail and a quick trip down the AT back to the 340 bridge.

Looking calm, cool, and collected…like they hadn’t even exerted themselves. 🙂

In the whole time we were on the mountain, we did not see any other hikers! So if one is looking for solitude on this hike, go on a weekday. I have heard that on the weekends it can be crowded at Split Rock. I totally get that because it is such a great place!

We finished at 2:30 and the sun never really made it over the ridge. Still seemed like morning with the long shadows filling the valley.

Off to more chilly adventures! Hike On!

January 7, 2016 by Kylena

Holiday in Hoosierland

Hoosierland is always a fun time visiting with family! This year, amid the craziness of Christmas preparations I was able to take a hike the Milwaukee Rail Trail with my son, Logan, who is finishing his senior year at Indiana State, and my niece, Isa, who is dreaming about life after grad school.

Headed east to Bedford!

I was staying at the Sheriff’s House B&B owned by none other than host extraordinaire, Rowena Cross-Najafi, my sister! If you are interested in checking out the rail trail or hiking in the Hoosier National Forest, then this is a perfect spot to go glamping! I stayed in the “World Traveler Room” this time, but the “Princess Room” is just as fun…and no one should be staying at a chain hotel when this costs $75 a night with an awesome home cooked breakfast in a beautiful setting. Who knows…she might even give you a ride to the trail. 🙂

Sheriff’s House B&B…my sister will treat you well!

After Rowena dropped us at the Coxton Road trail head, we walked east on the Milwaukee Trail along the White River. It was full and flowing fast from recent storms. Storms that produced a few tornadoes. In December. While we were out on the road. Yep. Thought I was gonna die. HOOSIERLAND! But the storms had moved south taking the drama with them into Mississippi and Alabama. This day, Christmas Eve, was absolutely gorgeous.

Logan and I on the trail!

The White? River

The Milwaukee Rail Trail will eventually extend further west, but for today we were happy to stroll a relaxing five miles back to town along the river and through some pretty interesting geological formations. Isa is a geology major and was happy to give us the geological tour through centuries of limestone. Very cool stuff!

Isa and Logan and LIMESTONE!

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It was a beautiful walk. We stumbled upon an abandoned river cabin and poked around a little before continuing our way east. We all wondered about the family who came to hang out at the river. What a nice life!

There wasn’t much left…a torn lawn chair complete with discarded old beer can, a dilapidated swing set frame, and a house that was partially collapsing…but it sparked the imagination none the less. I probably could have sat there for hours just writing in a journal…and it would have all been depressing (because abandoned houses just bring out the sad in me). So I am glad I wasn’t by myself, because this was a day to rejoice!

Wilson Park Trail

We exited the trail at Wilson Park and walked through Bedford on our way back to the Sheriff’s B&B. Thankful to have such a wonderful Christmas Eve! Hike on!

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