In Pursuit of a Hike

The boys and I went on a hike a couple of days ago. We're on spring break, and have enjoyed every minute of being home. We have done yard work, spring cleaning, spring cooking, spring clothes shopping, gardening, reading, tv watching, and sleeping in. But that day was the warmest day of the year so far, and there was no chance that we were staying inside. Off on a hike we went. We did 2 trails on the  Rock Bridge State Park  trail system. We started with the Grassland trails, and then hit the Sinkhole trail on the other side of the road. My goal is to eventually walk every mile of this trail system. We're getting closer! The last time we went to the Grassland Trails, the boys were so little.  That hike was also in spring, which in my opinion, is the best time to do the Grassland Trail. Unfortunately, there wasn't much wildlife out yet. I guess the animal kingdom is taking its time waking from winter. The boys broke from the car in a full run. Apparently, we needed ...

Finally, fall! I savored every day of summer, believe me, I did. This summer was one for the books for sure. But now that we've been teased with some days of fall weather, followed by days that feel like summer again, I am ready for full on fall. Fall temperatures, fall food, fall scents, and fall HIKING! And a couple of weekends ago, I got my fix. On the first weekend of fall, the weather settled nicely into the 70's with beautiful blue skies and a breeze. Absolutely perfect for a weekend outdoors. It has been years since we hiked to the Devil's Icebox at Rock Bridge State Park. We've hiked probably every other trail around the area, but we've steered clear of that one simply because there are always so. many. people.  And we just don't like hiking in really crowded places. For one thing, our boys are loud. Just naturally loud. So every conversation we had on the trail was in earshot of a dozen other people. Also, on narrow paths, you always have to...