I traveled to eastern Mahoning County this morning, to the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve. It was lovely, but not exceptional, as far as nature preserves in this part of the world. Pretty small. Mostly meadows, with a few sections of thin … Continue reading
It’s that time of the year for retrospection. I’ve posted my Top Ten Songs of 2022. I’ve posted my Top Ten Books of 2022. And now, I’m following the pattern that I established in previous years: turning my attention to hikes that … Continue reading
I recently got some extended time with God in the Wick Recreation Area of Youngstown’s Mill Creek Park. It felt uncomfortably cold, and gray, and dead when I started out. But gradually, I started to notice the beauty of the … Continue reading
I took my parents to the Lucia S. Nash Nature Preserve today. We wanted to crunch our way through the fallen leaves… to bask in the golden sunlight filtered through the thinning fall foliage… and to feel the wind on … Continue reading
It’s the beginning of the best month of the year: mid-September to mid-October! I finally decided to join the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree (“the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation”), and I always feel … Continue reading
I’m so happy that I was able to hike to Chiefs Head Peak. Especially considering the fact that it was just two days before our family’s departure from Colorado. And especially considering the fact that I got to do it … Continue reading
I’ve made it a point to seek out the “Deep Cuts” from the Rocky Mountain National Park “Discography” this summer. Getting beyond the well-known, ”Greatest Hits of the Rocky Mountain National Park” tracks like Sky Pond and Long’s Peak. I’m … Continue reading
The setting was strangely familiar. We parked at Bear Lake, turned on our head lamps, and started hiking up the dark forest trails of Tyndall Gorge. We gasped when we came to clearings that revealed a dramatically brightening sky. Small … Continue reading
I wanted to spend the morning walking with God. Like, literally: walking from our cabin at the YMCA of the Rockies to a site on the map called Cub Lake, with a heart to worship and connect with God. I … Continue reading
There were supposed to be six of us. We planned to meet at 3AM and hike to the summit of Estes Cone. Honestly, it’s not a top destination in the Rocky Mountain National Park — a little steep and scrubby … Continue reading