In Pursuit of a Hike

We could not wait to get out of the house yesterday - the first day this winter that the temperature reached over the 60 degree mark. We've watched the weather forecast all week, and after last weekend with the ice storm that wasn't actually an ice storm at all, we could not wait to get outdoors and breathe some fresh air. There was no doubt in our minds that we would spend the day hiking. We waited until the temperature peaked around noon, and then packed up for an adventure at  the Pinnacles.  The Pinnacles are a located just north of Columbia, Missouri in a private park that is open to the public. Exploration and climbing is encouraged. Since it is private property, thus privately funded, there are no trail maps. There are, however, acres of trails to explore. The main feature of the property, the pinnacles, are the main attraction and the back acres of the property are not as traveled as the area around the creek. When we first pulled up, I was completely bummed. T

Happy New Year! I am so excited to see what 2017 brings for my family. We had a case of cabin fever after a long winter break filled with family activities, traditions, and way too much screen time. So out to the trails we went, a perfect cure for cabin fever and a refreshing way to start the year. It's been a couple of months since we hiked, which made this venture not only fulfilling, but also a good workout. We headed to Three Creeks Conservation Area. While it's our favorite hiking spot, we haven't been there in over year, because we've been exploring new territories. We did use the trail head at Three Creeks for a winter solstice celebration for the last 2 years, where we decorated the trees with animal food, and welcomed longer days with a night picnic and hot beverages by a campfire. Eli and I also recently went just a ways into the woods to forage for craft supplies (more on that later). But it's been far too long since we've gone down to the cree