Poeaxtry's Prism

Spell. Stone. & Sparks that Ignite Change

Category: hiking journal

Journals of recent hikes, including accessibility, who went, kid- and dog-friendliness, weather, and nearby trails or other nearby cool spots. Posts layer photos with trip-specific moments, reflections, and thoughts. Other journals show past adventures and past nature spot reflected on based on a prompt or thought, some photos maybe added when available.

  • The September Trip: I forgot Falls & Castles in Ohio

    The September Trip: I forgot Falls & Castles in Ohio

    She was almost dry but still worth it!

    Bat village, Ohio, Colombia waterfall into Lake Erie
    Seriously though I love it!

    I just realized I never shared this mid‑September adventure. Which surprised me because it was such a perfect day. If those were possible. Luna and I explored Columbia Beach Falls. Which had been on my list simply forever. Honestly just because it’s a waterfall into a lake. I LOVE lake waterfalls. Then we were off to Squire’s Castle, though snippets from the castle did make it to TikTok. Finally it has made its way to the hiking journal! I for one am ready to relive the day with you.

    I rolled into a new morning after working a twelve-hour night shift. The kind of quiet that feels scarce unless you’re used to night shift. Luna was wide awake as usual. This time she didn’t realize she had a reason to be. We both needed a trip. A break for me a breath for her, both deserved. We loaded into the car, leaving our house around 7:45am. We made our way toward two places that I’d been thinking about for sometime now. On the agenda: a waterfall that meets Lake Erie, and a castle perched in the woods, quiet yet majestic. First, we stopped for something even more meaningful: handmade pieces from a friend.

    natural brick type stones stuck on a bar

    Supporting Handmade Creativity

    Before the exploration and photo ops, we pulled into Cleveland. My friend recently broke his elbow, so his wife was selling handmade items and making art. I picked up a black, yellow, and blue Baphomet stuffy, handmade. Then came the surprise: a pink-and-purple giraffe for “the baby”. These pieces weren’t just gifts. I love supporting the people making the art. Taking the trip wasn’t just about the view; it was about connection.

    Waterfall Moment: Columbia Beach Falls

    Our second stop was Columbia Beach Falls in Bay Village, Ohio. The waterfall spills directly into Lake Erie. There’s a viewing platform that hugs the cliffside. You can see the water plunge down in soft thundering whispers. From there, a flight of about 67 steps (per the official coastal-access documents) takes you directly to the base. Luna splashed in the shallow pool. I giggled as the lake breeze kissed her skin.

    Luna and her name written in chalk

    At the top, we found a concrete patio and some picnic tables. There were buckets of chalk! Luna sat there, looking so pretty like a good girl. I scribbled her name in one place. I wrote Poeaxtry across the way. I leaned into the moment with my camera in hand. I captured her tiny backlit silhouette (many times), the stones, the water, and that horizon. It looks like it should be salty. It was pure, spontaneous, and perfect.

    Transition to Squire’s Castle

    We soaked in the energy at the falls. Then we headed east, toward North Chagrin Reservation. Another kind of magic awaited there. I expected to sweat and hike for miles. I was prepared af too. Needless to say I was a bit let down when we got there, I discovered something different.

    Squire’s Castle: Ruin, Stone & Easy Access

    Squire’s Castle, in Willoughby Hills, is part of Cleveland Metroparks. Built in the 1890s by Feargus B. Squire, this “castle” was never completed as a full estate. It was meant to be a gatehouse for a grander design. That grander design never came together. The structure is made from Euclid bluestone, with thick, powerful walls and elegant, albeit empty, rooms. Today, it stands as a stone shell surrounded by trees, stories, and moss.

    Squire's "castle" in all her glory

    Contrary to what some online guides and bloggers suggest, you don’t need to hike forever to get there. We parked easily in the castle’s own lot. So no three-mile trek required. Trails do wind around the castle, though: there’s a loop (the “Squire’s Castle Loop”) of about 2.6 miles, depending on your path, and scenic walking paths if you want to explore.

    We walked the grounds, listened to the rustling leaves, and watched sunlight flicker across the stones. There’s a swampy marsh area nearby. It’s part of the reservation’s wetlands. Even from the base, the architecture felt like a fairy tale made by a dreamer. The ruins were beautiful, powerful, and surprisingly accessible — more welcoming than intimidating.

    Reflections on the Day

    That day felt like reclaiming something. There was the roar and calm of a waterfall. The quiet strength of a castle ruin stood strong. I felt the warmth of handmade gifts made by a friend. Luna’s laughter echoed across stone and water. Chalk dust smeared her hands; her hair caught the breeze. I carried all of this with me. I cherished the joy in small things. I felt the weight of creativity. Places felt like stories I was writing with my feet.

    huge heart shaped stone i found on the lake erioe shore

    I didn’t just visit two destinations. I recorded two chapters of a living story: art, nature, history, and heart.

    Tips If You Want to Go

    When to Visit: Mid‑August or early fall feel magical. The light is gentle, and the paths are warm underfoot. Parking: At Squire’s Castle: There is a designated parking area at the base. At Columbia Beach Falls: There’s parking at the bluff. Be ready to walk down the steps, about 67 of them, for the best view and photos. Trail Notes: Castle Area: Optional back‑trail loop ~2.6–3.1 miles, depending on which paths you choose. Falls Area: Bring good shoes if you plan to navigate the steps to the base; the overlook is easy. Gear: Chalk for spontaneous art, camera for quiet moments, and a smaller water‑friendly bag if you want to dip in.

    Why This Trip Mattered to Me

    There’s power in unplanned moments. This includes supporting a friend’s handmade hustle. It also involves experiencing the rough stone of a ruin and the rush of water where lake and waterfall meet. I think the world feels smaller and more kind when you give attention to places and people. It happens when you step off the beaten path and into your own story.

    If you’re craving a day trip in Ohio that holds both wild and calm, this route is for you. It offers artistry and timeworn stone. Columbia Beach Falls and Squire’s Castle exist in memory. They are found in surprise and quiet joy. Bring someone you love, bring your sense of wonder, and take the steps.

  • Beaches or Mountains: Why I Love Them Both

    Beaches or Mountains: Why I Love Them Both

    Black and White photo I took in 2016 of the Santa Monica Pier!

    Well, I’m finally feeling like answering the a daily Prompt again. Today’s prompt is… Beaches or mountains, and tell us why. And you know me, I ain’t picking. I love them both, but for very different reasons, and at different times.

    I’m a mountain man. I like to hike. I like to find destinations that don’t have destinations. If nobody was around to stop me, I’d probably hike farther than I do, just to see a lot less than I do. Ohio is sacred there’s something sacred in the quiet, in the moments between one peak and the next. Being out in nature, away from people, away from screens, schedules, and most important to me no one’s bothering me about being trans. I just exist. Seeing and feeling things sometimes that’s everything. Sometimes I touch a tree, just to touch it, and whisper “thank you,” like it’s listening.

    I’m also not always trying to disappear into the woods. Sometimes I want to feel the sand between my toes, sip a mojito by the ocean, let the sun hang on my skin. And yet… even then, there’s that itch to pick up my tent, walk farther than anyone else, and not see a soul for a day or two. I’m the one who goes out over their head in the ocean when swimming, just because I can. The water is alive, and I want to be alive in it too.

    I’ve been chasing both my whole life. When I lived in Vegas, every other weekend we’d drive through the mountains just to get to LA. The mountains, the hills, the twists and turns they made the journey alive. Nature isn’t one thing to me. Clearly the ocean is nature. The woods are nature. The mountains are nature. Unless it’s Florida. I ain’t never been, and I don’t plan on it either.

    So which do I love more? I don’t. I love them both, for different reasons, at different times. The mountains feed my soul with quiet and effort. The beaches feed my soul with freedom and motion. Sometimes it’s the smell of pine. Sometimes it’s the taste of salt water on my lips or smelling it hanging in the air. Sometimes it’s just sitting still, sometimes I know it’s walking farther than I’ve ever walked before. Both remind me why I need nature at all, and both remind me why I’ll keep chasing it, wherever it is.

    Oh look it’s Sky, The Baby, and Luna!
  • Hiking Salt Fork: A Cave, A Summit, And a Quiet Mind

    Hiking Salt Fork: A Cave, A Summit, And a Quiet Mind

    Planning the hike:

    Man in jeans a hat and a green shirt and his red nosed American pitbull terrier dog onto of a rock in Hosak’s cave.
    Luna and I in Hosak’s Cave

    We set out pretty early considering we got off work at 6am. I left my house and headed to pick up Sky and The baby shortly after 12 noon. We had been planning three hikes. The Hosak’s Cave Trail to warm up. Then Morgan’s Knob Loop for waterfalls and a summit. Finally finishing up with Stone House Loop to walk through history. By the time we came down from Knob loop, though, the sky was reaching beyond dusk. The pine trees formed a tunnel of shadows, and there was no way we could safely complete the third trail. Considering our lack of headlamps and the baby in tow.. we left it. But what we did finish the cave, the climb, and the peace felt like more than enough.

    Exploring the Cave

    Climbing into Hosak’s Cave was like slipping into another world. We ignored the “trail ends here” signs. Well Luna and I did at least. We then pushed past rough sandstone walls, slipped on loose dirt way to high up, and then found a seat up there too tucked just under the cave’s roof. I sat there for a long moment. I felt the rock beneath me, the forest breathing just beyond the cave’s mouth, and the drip of water somewhere i couldn’t quite see. It felt sacred, strong, feral. It was like the stone held stories just for me. It reminded me of Red River Gorge, but quieter, deeper, soaked in stillness.

    The mouth of Hosak’s Cave in Salt Fork State Park Ohio November 2025
    Hosak’s cave

    Morgan’s Knob Loop

    Then came Morgan’s Knob. The trail wound through rooted forest, climbing gently, until it opened up into rocky outcroppings. At the top, the wind and the stone told me a few import things. The fists was that this land was older than all of us. It reminded me time does not rush here the way people do. Before I left thought it added that no matter what people who are different belong.

    Morgan’s Knob Loop trail. trail head sign
    Morgan’s Knob Loop Trail

    Salt Fork State Park: Geology and Geography

    All around us, Salt Fork State Park stretched wide. It’s the largest state park in Ohio. This park covers a massive 20,181 acres roughly of rugged hills, ravines, and ridges.  Its terrain belongs to the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. Simply put that means the hills and valleys were never flattened by ice. This gives the park its wild, carved feel.  The rock underfoot is sandstone, shale, and siltstone. These formed in ancient layers of Pennsylvanian-age geology.  They eventually erode unevenly over time, forming caves like Hosak’s, cliffs, and even blocks of sandstone that break off and slump down. 

    Salt Licks and Human Use

    The name “Salt Fork” comes from mineral salt springs. The natural licks where animals once gathered.

    Native Americans, including the Wyandot, harvested the salt for food and trade. In the 1800s, settlers drilled wells nearly 450 feet deep to extract brine, which was boiled down into salt for commercial use.

      These salt licks helped shape how the land was used, how people lived, and what wildlife visited.

    History and Local Lore

    Speaking of people, history runs deep here. Kennedy Stone House, built in 1837 from sandstone quarried nearby. Is still standing in the park.  It was built by Benjamin Kennedy, whose family lived there for more than a century.  The house eventually became a museum, preserved by a volunteer group that revived it in the early 2000s.  Local lore suggests Hosak’s Cave was used as a hide-out during the Civil War.  This rocky overhang, as creaky as it looks, has seen more than just hikers.

    Legends and Bigfoot

    If you hike Salt Fork, you’ll find places you wouldn’t expect: meadows, deep forest, ridges, and stream valleys. But there’s also a weird, beautiful piece of legend here. Bigfoot tales swirl through these hills.  According to local reports, more than 36 Bigfoot sightings have been claimed here since the mid‑1980s.  The park even hosts Bigfoot Night Hikes. These hikes are where people walk in the dark, listening, eyes open, hoping for something monstrous and mysterious.  One of the wildest things the park was ranked by USA Today as one of the top “Squatchiest” places in the U.S. 

    The upcoming Eco‑Discovery Center includes a Bigfoot character for environmental education. 

    I for one am totally down for a Bigfoot night hike!

    Native American Stories

    Native American stories, too, speak of the place. According to a geological survey, the Wyandot people used the caves for shelter. They may have harvested salt from the licks.  In certain remote caves, “hominy holes” or pits in the stone used as ovens served as places to bake cornbread.  It’s hard not to feel their presence when you touch those walls.

    Modern Park Activities

    Autumn bars trees, grass covered in fallen leaves, and a lake view
    Salt Fork Lake

    Today, Salt Fork is alive for modern adventurers. There are 14 scenic hiking trails and six bridle paths.  The lake, made when the Salt Fork Dam was built (completed in the late 1960s), spans thousands of acres. The lake offers boating, fishing, and quiet reflection as common in Ohio lake life.  There’s also a nature center, archery range, miniature golf, and a lodge nestled in the woods.  For families, the park runs a gem‑mining station, where kids sift for semi‑precious rocks and fossils. Which we all know kid or not is RIGHT UP MY ALLEY! Geologically, this place is a gem. 

    Personal Reflection

    Walking Salt Fork felt like walking through time. The cave and rocks held ancient stories. The summit whispered of wind, motivation, moss, and manifestation . The forest pulsed with leaves, legends, salt, and shadow. By the time we left, I carried something soft and heavy. As well as a piece of earth, memory, and wonder.o

    A man in jeans, a green shirt, and a backwards hat sits with his American Pitbull Terrier near a stick fort on a Morgan’s Knob loop.
    Luna and I near a stick fort on Morgan’s Knob loop.

    Nature as Meditation

    This hike felt different… refreshing, soul‑cleansing still but different. I didn’t think about deadlines or noise. For once my head was full of only leaves and rocks, trees and quiet hours, quality time with nature instead of running amuck. This hike wasn’t about conquering anything. Today was about listening, slowing, and sitting in spirit. Nature held still for us, and we held still for nature.

    Hiking today felt different for me. I wasn’t pushing for a peak, checking my watch, or rushing to do do do. I was quiet. Listening. Letting rock and leaf and shadow hold me steady for a few hours.When we left, I felt lighter but not less.

    Evergreen trees and Bare fall trees line the entrance and exit to Morgan’s Knob Loop trail
    The Line of trees guarding the trail

    Fracking and Controversy

    Near the edges of Salt Fork State Park, fracking is no longer just a rumor. This is happening and in a way that worries a lot of people. According to WOSU, the first well pad was built just outside the park boundary, and from there, the wells will go deep underground and then horizontally beneath the park’s terrain.  The process involves pumping millions of gallons of water mixed with sand and chemicals into the rock layers to break them apart and release gas. 

    Environmental groups like Save Ohio Parks argue this isn’t compatible with natural, protected land.  These forests are dense, biodiverse, and some experts say they’re second only to the Amazon for ecological richness. The fracking infrastructure could permanently harm the ecosystem. 

    Water is a major concern. Each frack well could use 4 to 10 million gallons of fresh water, according to the advocacy group.  Some of that water could come from local lakes and streams. Yes, even the waters that feed Salt Fork Lake. Which will then return as toxic wastewater.  That wastewater is often radioactive and must be injected deep underground. Thus raising long-term risks. 

    There have also been safety incidents: in January 2025, a well pad roughly five miles from the park had an explosion.  While no injuries or water contamination were reported, the accident only increased community fears.

    On top of that, dozens of environmental and public‑land groups are calling for a moratorium on fracking in Ohio’s parks.  They argue the dangers are not just theoretical. Let’s be real… the land, water, and wildlife here deserve better than industrial extraction.

    From forest fragmentation, constant truck traffic, night‑lighting, and the risk of chemical or wastewater leaks. The opponents say fracking could permanently change the character of Salt Fork.  

    It’s like an addict injecting poison deep into their veins. They continue hoping it stays contained… yet their body, or the earth, doesn’t always cooperate. Pressure builds, tremors come, and what you inject may seep into places you never intended, or imagined.

    Yet here, in the wild heart of Salt Fork, that reckless injection threatens not just the rocks and streams, but the quiet sanctuary that has lasted for millennia.

    All hiking raw media

    Links. Portfolio. Ko-fi. Twitch.

    One hike. Another hike. A different hike?

  • A Saturday on the Upper Rim at Conkle’s Hollow: Celebrating Her Life, Finding New Peaks

    A Saturday on the Upper Rim at Conkle’s Hollow: Celebrating Her Life, Finding New Peaks

    Setting the Day

    Saturday afternoon found me passenger-seat riding into southern Ohio, the deep autumn colors folded into Hocking Hills. I was there with my buddy Kylie. I was only one hike off a two‑week hiatus from hiking… depression is weird. Today was important to me, though. It was the anniversary of my mom’s passing. I wanted to celebrate her life in motion, in elevation, on trail, and somewhere I know she would have loved. Obviously, the chosen Rim at Conkle’s Hollow for just that. She boasts wide views, edge‑of‑cliff moments, autumn colors, and air that makes you feel alive.

    We parked at the trail head of Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. The location is 24858 Big Pine Road, Rockbridge, Ohio. That’s started up the Upper Rim loop. The Rim Trail is about 2 miles (3.22 km) long and one-way, though per Hocking Hills hikers normal lack of etiquette it seems seldom followed. The terrain is moderate to steep with exposed roots and edge of cliff drop-offs. Some of the hike kept us on the literal edge. It was not a casual stroll. It should be noted that the preserve warns it may be strenuous for those who don’t hike regularly. Kylie and I both were surprised by our over-all lack of feeling worn from this.

    From the moment we climbed the wooden stairs leading up from the valley floor, the energy shifted. Our joking started almost immediately. We joked about cliff edges and how you can’t bring your friend to celebrate his mom’s death at a cliff. He might jump off himself to re‑join her. Yes, dark jokes, but we were healing. Ahead of us were hikers, who were being cautious and speaking about a friend lost to a cliff fall. Though they didn’t stay to close to us much longer…. So, laughter came louder and less infrequent because sometimes that’s what you choose instead of tears.

    The Upper Rim Views & Trail Reality

    Once you crest the valley floor, you step onto the Rim Trail. You are walking a loop that literally hugs the top of sandstone cliffs. The cliffs at Conkle’s Hollow rise nearly 200 feet above the gorge below. The geology is impressive: Black Hand sandstone, deeply eroded over millennia into steep walls, narrow gorges, and dramatic rock formations. 

    As you walk the Rim, you gaze down into a gorge. In places, it is only 100 feet (30.48 m) wide. From the bottom yet still undiscovered by me are towering walls that rise straight up on either side. The breeze along the rim felt different. You could hear the echo of the gorge. As we paused at lookout points, the view unfolded in layers of tree‑topped ridges and stone.

    We reached vantage points where the bottom of the gorge revealed the valley floor farther away than I expected. The trail views were unbelievable. Streams, waterfalls, and giant rock formations were highlighted. Caution was advised for the steep cliffs.  Because of that height, you’re part of the scene and above it at the same damn time. For me, there was something cathartic in that duality.

    Overlook on Rim Trail At Conkle's Hollow Showing Cliffs, Autumn leaves, and a clear blue sky

    Memory, Laughter, and Ladybugs

    What made this hike stand out wasn’t just the rock and the view, though those were stellar. It was celebrating her life. It was doing something visceral, physical. Likewise, it was high enough so I felt like I was reaching. Kylie, laughed as ladybugs literally attacked us. In one pause, I felt a swarm of red‑speckled wings in my ear. We both jumped and giggled because yes, nature doesn’t pause for solemnity.

    Yes, this is the second hike of the week for me—but it already ranks among my top three ever. Why? Because it was layered: terrain challenge, emotional depth, natural beauty, story. I’m going back this week to do the Gorge Trail of the Conkle’s Hollow Preserve. This isn’t just a day on a trail. It’s part of what hinges my entire rhythm.

    The Bottom Trail Awaited

    I’m headed back to the bottom part of Conkle’s Hollow this Wednesday after work. The preserve has two major trail systems. One is the Rim Trail, a two‑mile one‑way loop. The other is the Lower Trail or Gorge Trail. It is wheelchair accessible for a part. Then it becomes a natural path that leads into the gorge floor. Some adventure‑seekers combine both for a full day.

    On the gorge floor, we will be surrounded by the walls of sandstone instead of on them. Hemlock and fern canopies stretch above us. We will walk between cliffs that feel alive. According to one site, I consulted during trip planning, this trail concludes in a bowl of massive sandstone walls. Waterfalls cascade over these walls, though they do tend to be dry in summer.  When I go back, Thursday, I’ll see the other side of things.

    Practical Tips & Details

    Trail head & Location: Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, Ohio 43149.
    GPS coordinates: approx 39.4529, ‑82.5721. 
    Trail Info: The Rim is approx 2 miles (3.22 km) long, moderate to strenuous, one‑way loop with cliff edges and steep terrain. No pets allowed. 
    Views & Terrain: Sheer cliffs of nearly 200 feet (60.96 m), extremely narrow gorge in places, rich plant life at the base including hemlock and fern communities. 
    Note: The preserve was designated a State Nature Preserve (1977) to protect its rugged geology and ecosystems. 
    When to Go: Weekdays or early mornings avoid lots of visitors; parking fills quickly, especially on weekends. Though, I have heard that The Rim trail offers more solitude than the paved Lower Trail. 

    Why This Was One of My Top Three

    Because it met multiple layers: challenge, scenery, emotion. Because I wasn’t just escaping—I was celebrating. The jokes with Kylie, the memory of my mom, and the ladybugs. They’re the good part of different. Trails and places like this don’t ask for perfection, they ask for presence.

    And because I’ll be back this week. Because doing the bottom part means continuity. Because in the business of indie publishing, rockhounding, nature‑crafting, life intervals like this matter.

    A Note of Nostalgia

    A man sits with his feet over the edge of a cliff. He wears a black hat, a black shirt, tan pants, and Friday the 13th Vans.

    The ladybugs dive bombed us at every overlook like tiny kamikaze pilots in polka‑dot suits. I joked about one hitting me in the throat as I sat on the edge of a cliff. Claiming that I’d yeet myself right off the ledge, because one hit my throat and scared me. Then one clipped my neck mid‑sentence & mid-throat. The air smelled of ladybugs, nostalgic… oddly. When I was a kid, I once got seconds of mashed potatoes, took a bite, and crunched a ladybug. It tasted exactly how they smell. I spat it out and sprinted to my mom, screaming, while she tried not to laugh. Some memories never leave, they just follow you up mountains in red shells.

    Conkle’s Hollow Photo/Video Album

    Links Coffee Wattpad

  • Top O’ the World Hike And Accidental Rock Finding Adventure

    Top O’ the World Hike And Accidental Rock Finding Adventure

    Top O’ the World Hike

    This week, I finally got back outside. I went for a hike at none other than Top O’ the World in Summit Metro Parks. We followed Adam Run Trail with Luna, Sky, and The Baby. After taking a couple of weeks off from hiking, depression sucks. It was a relief to get back into the rhythm, or at least try to. This was a bigger challenge than I anticipated. The day didn’t go as planned. Yet, it turned into a memorable adventure. That was full of colorful rocks, fall foliage, and small, meaningful moments.

    Planning vs. Reality

    Originally, we planned to visit the Arc of Appalachia. I wanted to check out the Seven Caves area as well. This spot is known for its ecological protections, particularly for bats during mating season. Bats are carefully monitored there. The mating caves are fenced off to protect them. This allows visitors to see the cave entrances and surrounding wildlife. I love that type of balance between nature protection and exploration. Unfortunately, Luna couldn’t go to either of those places. The drives were both over two hours from my house. So, Top O’ the World became the best choice. I have wanted to see both, but not yet fully planned this one out. It was still rich with sights. It was full of discoveries.

    History & Trail Background

    Top O’ the World was once the Top O’ the World Farm. The Adam family donated it to Summit Metro Parks in 1966. The “Top of the World” name comes from its elevated position above surrounding valleys. These area offers sweeping views that make the hike feel more expansive than it actually is. Adams Trail winds through glacial-formed terrain. Then it is mixed with forests, open meadows, rocks, and fallen leaves were all over the path. Though I hadn’t fully planned for this exact trail, the natural beauty quickly made me forget the original plan.

    Weather, Layers & Hiking Challenges

    The morning started cold, and I hadn’t charged my heated jacket yet. Layering was the only fix. I found myself shedding and readjusting layers as the sun warmed the trail in the afternoon. Forgetting my water added a small scramble. I had to be mindful of Luna’s pace as well as my own. Coming back from a hiking hiatus was challenging. It was hard to keep a steady rhythm without feeling exhausted. I also wanted to avoid skipping too many moments to take it all in. I experienced two near-asthma flares. Of course, I brought my empty inhaler! This reminded me that even though I hike regularly, coming back after a break can be physically demanding.

    Dogs & Trail Etiquette

    Luna, now eight, still carries the energy of a younger dog. She did surprisingly well with the sheer number of other dogs on the trail. She responded to my cues with fewer corrections than I expected. Hiking with dogs requires constant awareness of others on the trail. I try to preemptively move Luna away from situations that cause stress to her or other dogs. Seeing her react more positively to the environment without constant tension felt like a big win.

    Red Pitbull Sitting on trail with Blue collar black leash & autmn leaves all around

    The Rock Haul

    The rocks at Top‑O the World were the real highlight for me. I found stones in shades of blue, green, red, orange, and other colors. The way the sunlight hit them made each one feel unique. Rockhounding in Ohio is always full of hidden treasures. Today reminded me why my eyes are always scanning the ground. Even leaves that had fallen from the trees seemed to complement the colors of the rocks. This made the entire trail a canvas of autumn hues.

    Shared Moments & Joy

    One of the best moments of the hike was seeing Skylar’s daughter light up. She was excited when she spotted me in my car. Those small expressions of joy reminded me why these outdoor moments matter. Hiking isn’t just about the views or the physical activity. It’s about connection. You connect with nature and with the people and animals around you. The shared excitement of discovery makes the experience richer. Each discovery adds joy. A colorful rock, a squirrel darting across the trail, or a fall leaf floating by all add to the charm.

    Why Hiking Matters

    Hiking has always been a way to reset, to give my thoughts space to breathe, and to feel grounded. Today, even though I hadn’t planned this exact trail, it worked. Sometimes hiking to process emotions, especially after difficult times, doesn’t always feel successful, and today it didn’t. Showing up made it worth it. Walking the trail and paying attention to details also contributed, despite small inconveniences like missing water or cold mornings.

    Visitor Tips & Rock hound Notes

    Best time to go: Fall, for peak foliage and cooler temps. Dress in layers. Dog-friendly trail: Summit Metro Parks allows dogs on leash; bring control skills and patience for reactive dogs. Rock hounding tips: Keep eyes on the ground for stones in blue, green, red, and orange shades. Check sun angles for sparkling highlights. Be prepared: Even moderate trails feel longer after a hiatus. Bring water, snacks, and a camera. Leave no trace: Always pack out what you pack in. Avoid littering, even food scraps like orange peels, to protect the ecosystem.

    Reflections & Final Thoughts

    Top O’ the World reminded me that even when plans shift, there is value in showing up. I found new rocks to turn into art, spent time with Luna, and saw genuine joy from someone else’s excitement. While the trail was unplanned compared to my original Arc of Appalachia plan, it delivered its own treasures. Hiking isn’t about perfect execution; it’s about engagement, discovery, and moments that make the day worth it.

    Summit Metro Parks offers something for everyone. Whether you’re in the park for nature, rocks, or fall colors, you’ll find what you seek. If dog-friendly trails are your interest, Adams Trail at Top O’ the World delivers. Expect the unexpected, and enjoy each small reward along the way.

    AND Don’t Forget:
    Leave NO Trace
    Pack out what you bring in
    And know that food scraps are not SAFE.

    Links Coffee Portfolio

    View all Adam Run photos

  • Buzzard Roost Hike & Serpent Mound: Southern Ohio Day Trip

    Last night I excitedly set my alarms for 7:00am, 7:05am, and 7:10am. I was awake and in the shower by 6:15 am. I set my clothes out and had my hiking sack packed all up before bed as well. Three different charger types, two battery packs, a selfie stick/ tripod, a notebook, sharpie, pens, first aid kit, multiple waters, grinder, cones, jar of weed, flash light, hand sanitizer, and sunglasses in tow. I made it to Starbucks by 7:11am. I typically don’t go there but Sky chose the beverages this morning.

    The Trek Into Edge of Appalachia

    It was a drive of roughly 2 hours and 17 minutes when Skyler, her new friend, the baby, and I hit the road from Sky’s place. Our destination: Buzzardroost Rock Trail, part of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County, Ohio. Though many sources list the trail as 4.4 miles round trip with a moderate difficulty, my watch clocked about 6 miles. It maybe the side loops, pauses, and a bit of wandering.

    We arrived to near silence. And only one other car joined us at the lot. The trailhead hosts a small booth run by two men who asked visitors to leave reviews via QR code or by filling a hand questionnaire. I liked that dual option… inclusive, versatile. They are from some organization forgive me for allowing the name to slip.

    The trail winds through mixed woodlands and prairie remnants. You cross several geologic layers: including Estill shale, Lily/Bisher/Peebles dolomites, and Ohio Shale. The preserve’s management protects rare plant communities by asking hikers to stay on boardwalks and overlook platforms. Which we did when I mention wondering around I mean on clearly marked trails to small lookouts and cliffs.

    Elevation gain is moderate, footing can be rooty or slippery, especially after rain . The payoff: when you crest to the overlook, the vista opens wide over Ohio Brush Creek Valley. From that cliff you may spot turkey vultures (buzzards) gliding the namesake of the place. Though I thought it might be have been named because they doo poo on the hand rail at the look out so don’t touch!

    I found a painted rock tucked near the overlook trailhead, with a floral front and a Bible verse on the back (John 3:17). I’m not religious, but the message: “you don’t know what is planned for you.” Was like an echo in that wild place. Yesterday, at Glenford Fort Preserve, I picked up two other painted rocks; I keep them as small tokens of the journey.

    We finished in about three hours including breaks. The trail was clean, the signs clear, and the natural diversity compelling.

    Lunchtime & The Serpent Mound detour

    After the hike we grabbed a quick lunch at McDonald’s not glamorous, but practical. We then drove roughly 35 minutes to Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio. This was a perfect mid-return detour. The museum was closed, and the fire tower is under reconstruction, so our visit was limited to the outside paths and overlook.

    Serpent Mound is a prehistoric effigy earthwork shaped like a serpent, extending about 1,300–1,376 feet in length and varying from 1 to 3 feet in height.  Archaeologists have long debated its builders. Early theory favored the Adena culture (~300 BCE) but more recent work suggests possible later reconstruction by the Fort Ancient culture (~A.D. 1000).

    The serpent’s head faces east, often aligning with solar events. And some people believe it marks the summer solstice sunset.  Beneath it lies the Serpent Mound Impact Crater (aka Serpent Mound Disturbance), an eroded meteorite impact structure estimated at ~8 km diameter (5 mi) with an age younger than 320 million years. The unusual geology here likely influenced indigenous peoples’ decision to locate the effigy along the rim. 

    Walking around the coils, tail, and head is haunting. It feels like walking along a living myth, tracing the centuries in soil and stones.

    House of Phacops Rock Shop: Hidden Gem

    A short drive from the mound sits House of Phacops (Alternate Universe Rock Shop) in Peebles, Ohio (29894 State Route 41)  . This shop doubles as a Trilobite Gallery and fossil/mineral store. It’s about 3 miles from Serpent Mound. 

    Tom Johnson, the owner, is well known in fossil circles. The shop features specimens, handmade crystal jewelry, carved items, art, and more. It sits on the southeastern edge of the same impact crater and above a deep fault zone. Some believe this location emits a “positive energy” because of its geology.

    Inside, I scored:

    A small meteor piece which was a free gift. I bought a u.v. glowing chunk of the meteor that struck the mound and a malachite necklace for my sister. I had a Conversation with Ton about his recent trip to mine Herkimer diamonds in New York.

    Seeing that orangutan statue deck to climb was whimsical; it gave a fun, quirky moment in an otherwise earth-heavy day.

    The deck at the rock and mineral gallery in Peebles, Ohio
    I love this awesome find

    Notes on Herkimer Diamonds (for future trips)

    Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated quartz crystals found in Herkimer County, NY. They’re prized for clarity, natural facets, and their “diamond-like” aesthetics. Many rockhounds plan overnight or multi-day trips to harvest them.

    This was one of those travel days that blends the wild, the ancient, and the quirky. Hiking along biodiversity-rich slopes, peering out over hills from high rock, then stepping into time at Serpent Mound, and finally touching pieces of skystone in a curious shop. It all felt like a grounding experience.

    If I go back, I’ll time better: visit the museum at Serpent Mound, climb the reconstructed tower, join a crater geology tour from Phacops, and maybe sneak in an early morning hike to avoid crowds. And yes! I’ll chase those Herkimers next summer.

    If not before then!

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  • Four-Year First Date Anniversary, Autumn Adventures, & cute creations

    Four-Year First Date Anniversary, Autumn Adventures, & cute creations

    A Heartfelt Tradition: Crafting the Spooky Anniversary Basket

    Each year, I commemorate our first date by creating a unique, spooky-themed flower arrangement for Kelsey. This tradition began four years ago and has since become a cherished ritual. For this anniversary, I curated a book basket of items that blend our shared love for Halloween.

    Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Set: A cozy nod to one of their favorite films A Matching Socks and Slippers: To keep their feet warm during the chilly autumn nights. Sensory Squishies: Including squishy eyeballs, cats, and pumpkins, adding a playful touch to the flowers and boo basket. Handcrafted Basket for flowers: Painted with red spray dye to mimic dripping blood, adorned with roses, sunflowers, and strategically placed squishies, all draped in faux spiderwebs.

    This basket isn’t just a gift; it’s a manifestation of my love, a tangible expression of our journey together.

    Axton and kelso making shadow trail hearts on a walk they shared for their 4 year anniversary
    Shadow trail hearts

    A Scenic Hike: Exploring the Ohio Canal Greenway

    After kelso went through the basket, we embarked on a hike along the Ohio Canal Greenway in Hebron. This 3.0-mile trail, starting at Canal Park and extending to State Route 79, offers a serene walk through shaded paths bordered by farm fields and remnants of the historic Ohio and Erie Canal  .

    Our walk led us to a picturesque covered bridge, a highlight of the trail, where we paused to reflect and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The hike was not just a physical journey but a metaphor for our relationship: steady, enduring, and beautiful.

    Autumn Traditions: Dupler’s Pumpkin Land

    No anniversary celebration is complete without a visit to Dupler’s Pumpkin Land in Newark. This local gem, located at 5766 Jacksontown Road, has been a part of our fall traditions for the past four years  .

    At Dupler’s, we handpicked a variety of pumpkins and gourds, including one unique pink and blue one, and gathered squash to decorate our home. The farm also boasts attractions like a corn maze, wagon rides, and a haunted room, making it a fun-filled experience for all ages  .

    They also have emus! You can hand feed them! Each year Kelso and I giggle and squeal as we try to hand feed the dinosaurs with feathers and get scared. But this year I fed both! They both bit me! And it doesn’t even hurt! Plus I got it all on video!

    Crafting Memories: Handmade Jewelry and Reflective Moments

    Returning home, I channeled the day’s inspiration into creating handmade necklaces. These pieces, crafted from the rocks I just finished polishing from Lake Erie include polished fossils, granites, quartz, and more!

    As I worked, I reflected on the journey we’ve share. All the challenges, the growth, and the unwavering support. Each necklace will be available on Etsy shortly!

    A Day to Remember

    This anniversary wasn’t just about celebrating the past; it was about cherishing the present and looking forward to the future. From the thoughtful basket to the scenic hike, the pumpkin patch adventures, and the creative endeavors, every moment was a testament to our love and shared passions.

    As we continue to build our life together, I am reminded of the importance of tradition, creativity, and the simple joys that make our relationship unique. What is a tradition you love doing in your relationship? Tell me about it in the comments here or write a post on your blog and tag me!

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  • Third Time’s the Charm at Sylvania Rock Park: Dolostone Finds and a Climb to the Top

    Third Time’s the Charm at Sylvania Rock Park: Dolostone Finds and a Climb to the Top

    Third Time’s the Charm at Sylvania Rock Park

    A Familiar Stop with New Surprises:

    This was my third visit to Sylvania Rock Park since summer began. Yet, this one wasn’t planned for fossils like the previous two trips. On the way back from Michigan, we decided to stretch our legs and wander the quarry loop. I’d been here before (as noted) and my garage shop shelves are already full of enough fossils to tell those stories. This trip wasn’t about searching. It was about being out there again, surrounded by the sound of gravel underfoot and the steady hum of October wind. It was also about sharing the quarry and the experience with others.

    The Quarry Trail:

    The quarry trail still winds around that broad, open heart of the park. With stone ledges, soft forest edges, and a quiet reminder that this whole place was carved by work. Many many years before it was reclaimed by stillness. The light filtered just right that afternoon, the kind that makes you look down and notice every sparkle.

    That’s when it happened. A glint off a rock caught my eye. Not a fossil this time. This was something smoother, paler. Dolostone. The sunlight hit one piece just right, and before long, we had pockets full of them. It wasn’t a hunt; it was a stumble into beauty. Dolostone, also known as dolomite, has this quiet sheen to it, like limestone that learned how to catch light instead of reflect it. Some were pretty flashy, and they felt like a reward.

    The Climb

    At the park’s entrance, there are two man-made climbing boulders. You know the multi-sided, textured, meant for anyone brave enough to try. Did I mention no tether? We decided to test ourselves, each of us picking a spot to climb. Out of the four of us, I was the only one who made it all the way to the top. It wasn’t about proving anything, but standing there heart racing a little… I couldn’t help but grin. That small victory felt earned, like the kind of win that sneaks up on you the same way those dolostones did.

    Sometimes the Best Finds Aren’t Searched For:

    That’s what this trip was. No plan, no checklist. Just a stop on the way home that turned into a pocket full of stones and a memory worth keeping. Sylvania Rock Park keeps surprising me. And even after three visits, there’s always something different waiting, if you slow down enough to see it.

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  • Not Escaping—Just Living: Why Hiking Isn’t About Running Away

    Not Escaping—Just Living: Why Hiking Isn’t About Running Away

    Hiking journal prompt : What are you running away from out here?

    There’s something about stepping onto a trail that feels like coming home. The air changes. The noise quiets. The mind unclenches. Hiking, for me, isn’t about escaping. And it’s about belonging somewhere the rest of the world seems to have forgotten. When I head into the woods, I’m not running from life; I’m walking straight into it. Every sound, every smell, every touch of sunlight through the trees reminds me what it means to be here.

    The Misunderstood Prompt

    I’ve seen the prompt a dozen times:

    “What are you running away from?”

    And every time, I roll my eyes.

    Because I’m not running.

    I’m walking and it is done intentionally, deliberately into something better.

    People seem to think hiking or wandering into the woods must be about escape. About running from stress, pain, or responsibility. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of us aren’t escaping; we’re returning.

    Hiking as Connection, Not Escape

    Nature has never been about avoidance for me. It’s about connection. It’s where I can breathe air that doesn’t taste like electricity and exhaust. It’s where I can hear my thoughts echo off canyon walls instead of drowning in noise. It’s where I process. And not because I’m hiding, but because I can.

    Why I Hike

    There’s something about standing at the base of a waterfall, water roaring louder than any voice in your head, that reminds you how small and infinite you are all at once.

    Or the way a rock formation curves like Earth sculpted itself out of curiosity.

    The clear streams, the swimming holes nobody’s touched but the wind, the silence that hums with life. It all of it feels like beauty that demands presence, not avoidance.

    The Joy of Simplicity

    And you know what else? It’s inexpensive joy.

    It doesn’t always require subscriptions, equipment, or luxury.

    It typically asks only for time and attention: two things society has taught us to ration like currency.

    We live in a world that keeps us glued to screens, boxed inside jobs that drain more than they fill. Hiking is rebellion in motion. It’s choosing to step out of that cycle. And not to run from it, but to remember what living actually feels like.

    Not Running Away—Running With It

    So no, I’m not trying to escape anything.

    I’m not running from the world.

    I’m running with it.

    Every step on a trail, every rock I turn over, every scent of pine or honeysuckle that stops me in my tracks, is a reminder that I belong here. That we all do.

    So next time you see someone wandering deep into the trees, don’t assume they’re lost or running away. Maybe they just know something you’ve forgotten:

    The wilderness doesn’t demand reasons.

    It only asks that you show up.

    Walking beside memory

    It’s also something that connects me deeply to my mother. Hiking was something we both loved, together and apart. Some of my favorite memories are of us out on trails, discovering wildflowers, or stopping just to listen to birds we couldn’t name. Now that she’s gone, hiking has become something sacred. It’s how I reach for her when I can’t call her. It’s how I feel closest to her… on those quiet trails where the world slows down enough for me to remember her laughter, her patience, and the way she always pointed out the smallest, most beautiful things I might have missed.

    Hiking isn’t about distance, it’s about depth.

    It’s not an act of escape; it’s an act of return. Out there, I remember who I am and where I came from. I find my mother in the wind, my peace in the rivers, and my purpose in the rhythm of my own steps. So no, I’m not running away. I’m finding my way home, over and over again.

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  • Golden Light on the Trails: An Evening at Infirmary Mound Park

    Golden Light on the Trails: An Evening at Infirmary Mound Park

    Fleabane Axton N.O. Mitchell photographed at Glenford Ft preserve near Somerset, Ohio
    Fleabane

    Tonight, the woods whispered. At about 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the air soft and mild. At 65°F. I wandered Infirmary Mound Park with Skyler, her daughter, and a friend. We strolled slowly (about 1.58 miles total), savoring every curve of the Fairy Trail and the Mirror Lake Overlook Loop. We paused. We watched the sun drape itself in gold over quiet water and tree silhouettes. We listened.

    Nestled just south of Granville, Ohio, Infirmary Mound Park spans roughly 316 acres under the care of the Licking Park District. 

    It offers seven miles of mixed-use trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. 

    One of the park’s quiet claims to ancient mystery is its namesake: the Infirmary Mound. Which is a prehistoric earthwork now reduced by centuries of cultivation. It’s subtle, almost hidden in the slope of the land, but carries a weight of past human presence. 

    Mirror Lake sits at the heart of the park and is a favored spot for still-water reflections and gentle paddling (kayaks, canoes, SUP are allowed)  .

    Near the lake is also the Wildflower / Fairy Trail, a whimsical loop (¼ mile) populated with “fairy houses,” wildflowers, and shaded woodland paths. 

    The Licking Park District has also invested in play and nature engagement: there’s a Nature Playscape honoring both hill and streamside ecology and the cultural history of the site. 

    Recent upgrades have added more inclusive play structures.

    If you want to explore more maps and layout: the park’s trail map shows color-coded segments like Blue (1.45 mi), White (0.85 mi), Green, Yellow, Red connectors, etc. 

    The mirror lake overlook trail during sunset at Infirmary Mound Park in Granville, Ohio

    Our Evening Walk

    We entered just before golden hour, the sun low but still lofty enough to pierce through the trees. Because we walked slow, the forest revealed itself more fully: a small mushrooms near roots, delicate wildflowers bowing, mossy trunks, occasional birds calling in the distances.

    Fungi spotted off the side of the trail in Granville, Ohio
    What a fun guy (fungi)

    On the fair trail (one of our chosen paths), the walk felt intimate: wood chips underfoot, soft shadows stretching, that shade-light dance you can only get just before dusk. The trail meandered, curling us through trees lined by tiny fairy homes.

    When we reached the Mirror Lake Overlook Loop, the moment struck. The lake’s surface was almost glass: silver, then gold, then purple as the sun leaned back. The overlook bench gave us a moment to pause. Smoke filled our lungs as we took in the views of: tree crowns, water reflections, and the slow breathing of evening.

    We paused often… to point out a flower, to watch a fish skim the surface, to listen to wind sift through oak leaves. No rush.

    By the time we looped back, dusk was already here, and colors folded into soft but darkened blues . Our pace carried us gently home.

    Reflections & Notes to Remember

    That 1.58 mi may have felt small, but we got far more in return: quiet conversation, time, softness. Even though Infirmary Mound is reduced in form, knowing people once shaped this land adds a haunting echo.  The park is open dawn to dusk.  Restroom facilities are vault-style, and the park welcomes pets (on leash).  Want to try the fairy trail? It’s short and enchanting. Remember it is only May through October. 

    Sunset reflecting off of mirror lake in Granville, ohio
    pre-sunset reflections on mirror lake