Poeaxtry's Poetry Prism

Spell. Stone. & Sparks that Ignite Change

Tag: hiking

  • A Perfect Day of Falls, Fossils, and Fun: Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek Adventure

    A Perfect Day of Falls, Fossils, and Fun: Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek Adventure

    Sometimes the best hiking days aren’t about conquering peaks, they’re about good company, unexpected discoveries, and those little moments that make you remember why you love being outdoors.

    The Squad: Four Legs, Little Hands, and Big Adventures


    Wednesday’s hiking crew was pretty special. My friend finally took the wheel for once (hallelujah!), bringing along her kiddo who’s quickly becoming our favorite trail buddy. My four-legged co-pilot was practically vibrating with excitement in the backseat! I know you know that dog energy when they sense an adventure is coming. There’s something magical about multi-generational hiking days where everyone brings their own sense of wonder to the trail.


    Stop One: Amphitheater Falls Loop Trail, Yellow Springs (3.5 Miles of Pure Ohio Magic):

    Amphitheater Falls, Yellowsprings Ohio all dried up rock head and a rainbow without rain
    Amphitheater Falls & A rainbow


    The Vibe: Yellow Springs never disappoints. This 3.5-mile loop had everything we were craving – that perfect mix of forest therapy and water features that makes Ohio hiking so underrated.


    The Highlights:
    • Multiple waterfall encounters (because who doesn’t love the sound of rushing water?)


    • Stream crossings that had my dog absolutely losing her mind with joy
    • Creek walking opportunities that the kiddo couldn’t resist

    Brown and earth toned river rocks in the creek bed.
    The creek crossing where Luna lost her mind!


    • That satisfying loop format – no backtracking, just pure forward momentum toward the Little Miami River.
    The Amphitheater Falls area is one of those spots that makes you pause and actually listen. Water cascading over limestone ledges, kids laughing as they hop from rock to rock, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot. My friend and I found ourselves in that perfect hiking rhythm : no need for deep conversation just silence punctuated by “Look at that!” moments.


    Trail Notes: The path winds through some gorgeous creek beds, and we definitely took advantage of the water features. Fair warning: shoes will get wet, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

    wooden walking bridge over river with Forrest view of green trees
    Bridge over Little Miami river


    Stop Two: Caesar Creek State Park – Fossil Hunting & Waterfall Chasing:

    Fossil collection area view of ancient sea bed and cliffs
    Little Caesar Creek State Park Fossil area!


    The Setup: About 45 minutes down the road from Yellow Springs lies Caesar Creek State Park, and let me tell you: this place is fossil hunter’s paradise. We added another 2 miles to our day, chasing down a waterfall that shall remain nameless (because honestly, i do not remember the name and it was bone dry anyway).


    The Real Magic: Here’s where the day got interesting. While the waterfall was more of a “seasonal suggestion,” the fossil hunting was absolutely incredible. The creek bed was like nature’s treasure chest: everywhere you looked, there were remnants of Ohio’s ancient sea just waiting to be discovered.


    The Soundtrack: Could definitely hear some activity in the creek bed from other fossil enthusiasts making the most of the low water levels. There’s something so primal about hunting for 450-million-year-old treasures with your hands in the dirt. The kiddo was absolutely in her element, having no issue filling up my pockets with “specimens.”


    Why This Day Worked:


    Variety is the Spice: Two completely different experiences in one day trip. Waterfalls and forest therapy in Yellow Springs, then switching gears to become amateur paleontologists at Caesar Creek.


    The Company Factor: Sometimes the trail is secondary to who you’re sharing it with. Watching a kid discover a fossil, seeing my dog’s pure joy at every stream crossing, having a friend who finally volunteered to drive: these are the details that turn a good hike into a great memory.


    Ohio’s Hidden Gems: Both spots remind you that you don’t need to travel far for incredible outdoor experiences. Yellow Springs and Caesar Creek are perfect examples of Ohio’s understated natural beauty.


    Planning Your Own Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek Adventure:


    Distance: Expect about 5.5 total miles of hiking if you do both locations and only if you just do the trails we did.


    Drive Time: 45 minutes between locations


    Best For: Friend groups, dog owners, water lovers, and amateur geologists


    Season Notes: Spring and fall offer the best waterfall action; late summer/early fall is prime fossil hunting season when water levels are lower.


    Pack: Water shoes or boots you don’t mind getting muddy, fossil collection bags, snacks for energy between locations, and a sense of adventure.

    The Bottom Line:


    Some hiking days are about personal records and summit selfies. Others are about slowing down, collecting ancient treasures, and remembering that the best adventures often happen close to home with some of your favorite people (and pups).

    Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek delivered exactly what we didn’t know we needed :

    variety, discovery, and those simple moments that make you grateful to live in a state with this much natural beauty hiding in plain sight.


    What’s your favorite Ohio hiking combo? Drop a comment below. I am always looking for our next local adventure!

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  • Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Nelson’s Ledges

    Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Nelson’s Ledges

    3 people sit outside devils ice box
    The whole gangs here outside Devils ice box

    Hiking Journal: Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Nelson’s Ledges State Park. Rocks, Trails, Laughs, and a Sunset Swim

    Today I hiked Cuyahoga Valley National Park… starting with the shorter trail to Brandywine Falls. The waterfall had a lot less water than typical I think but it was still a pleasure to see… The trail was lined with a boat load of fossils as a lot in Ohio are.

    Brandywine falls CVNP Ohio
    Brandywine falls

    Next, I explored the ledges area inside Cuyahoga Valley, where massive, moss-draped rock formations rose like ancient towers around us. I ran my hands over the rough stone… feeling the weight of time pressed into every crack and crevice

    .

    Ghost pipe white pipes in my hand
    Ghost pipe

    I yelled the classic line “Jack, paint me like your French girls” at my buddy Jack… exactly like in Titanic… sprawled out on a rock under a ledge. It was ridiculous and hilarious… so I did it again… on a tree limb at Nelson’s Ledges State Park. My friends Jack Trisha and I laughed so hard at those moments… pure, wild fun that cut through the whole day.

    We drove to Nelson’s Ledges State Park next and took the loop trail… exploring Devil’s Hole and Devil’s Icebox. The cave was cold and dark… a welcome break from the sun. Moss covered the giant rocks thickly here as well … and webs sliced across the surfaces like delicate art. One web even contained a mushroom it was too cute. Oh yea I spotted a frog in Devil’s Icebox… well it actually scared the shit out of me diving into the water in the dark. I

    The waterfall there was anticlimactic… we ended up on the top and we walked across it, which i had gotten amped about the sound must have echoed through the rocks. When we got to the bottom I was searching for a view or the bottom everywhere but all I found was a giant rock to perch on. Far above, I spotted a tiny trickle of water… so small it felt like nature was trolling me.

    After the hike, we ended up driving to Euclid beach to rockhound and finish the day swimming in Erie… the water cool and cleansing after the long day on the trails. We watched the sunset paint the sky in fiery colors… a perfect close to an intense day of exploration and laughter.

    A man laying on rocks at the ledges
    Paint me like one of your French girls

    All day long I kept filling my pockets with rocks… smooth ones, jagged ones, colorful ones… little trophies from the wild. I even twerked on a ledge because sometimes you just have to own your weirdness in the woods.

    Honestly the whole day felt like natural therapy for body and soul.

    Twerk twerk twerk a man twerks on the rocks
    Twerking

    The day started with wild joy. You know the kind that fills your lungs and makes your chest ache with laughter. I was yelling and joking with Jack, doing dumb poses like my usual goofy self sprawling out on rocks and trees. Those moments were pure freedom… a break from everything weighing on me. The trails, the waterfalls, the smoke drifting through my lungs… all felt like a balm. For a while, I was untouchable… fully alive in the moment.

    But living with BPD means the pendulum swings fast and hard. Just as I felt that raw joy, a wave of grief would crash in without warning as usual. On the drive home, the joy shattered. I cried for nearly half the trip. I wanted so badly to tell my mom about the day… about every rock I picked up, every waterfall I saw, every ridiculous pose I pulled. She’s been gone almost four years. She loved the outdoors as fiercely as I do. I could almost feel her walking beside me on those trails, but I couldn’t tell her any of it. That silence hit harder than any fall.

    The grief wasn’t just sadness… it was a stabbing loneliness wrapped in frustration and helplessness. It tangled with memories of her voice, her laughter, her love for nature. I replayed moments in my head, wishing I could share the day’s wildness with her, the funny moments, the stunning views, the tiny frog in the Devil’s Icebox. Instead, I had to carry it all alone.

    That’s the cruel edge of BPD… the intensity of feeling everything all at once. The joy and pain live side by side, sometimes so close you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. I laugh out loud and then dissolve into tears minutes later. It’s exhausting and relentless but also part of what makes me who I am. I just know she would have ate the ledges up. And that makes me feel as if I’m losing her all over again each time. Instead of just whatever grief is I feel the entire weight repeating itself again and again each time I go through these “waves.”

    Even with the crushing grief, there’s a stubborn hope. Hiking those trails, swimming in Erie’s water, watching the sunset… it all grounded me. It reminded me that life keeps moving… that moments of wild joy and deep sorrow can coexist. That I can survive the rollercoaster, even when it feels like I’m drowning.

    I carry my mom with me on every hike… in every rock, every ledge, every waterfall. She’s the silent witness to my wildness and my pain. Not being able to tell her feels like a wound that never will heal. But maybe that’s why I keep going back to the trails… to feel close to her again, to live out loud, to be unapologetically myself.

    This day was everything. It was loud laughter, sharp grief, and a fierce refusal to stop moving forward. That’s the truth of living with BPD and loss. It’s messy and raw and brutally beautiful.

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  • Hocking Hills permit-only areas

    Hocking Hills permit-only areas

    Permits, Towers, and Thorns – Hiking Boch Hollow, Little Rocky Hollow, Ash Cave Fire Tower, and Saltpetre Cave in Hocking Hills

    Man wearing sunglasses and a hat, with blue hair, and a ginger bear takes a selfie on Ash Cave fire tower.

    Hocking Hills is more than its famous trails. The big three most people favor are Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, and Rock House. Hidden across the region are secluded preserves and secret waterfalls. There are also caves that are a little more remote and harder to reach. Yesterday, my bestie, the baby, and I set out to explore three of these off-the-beaten-path gems. We visited Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, which is home of Corkscrew Falls. We also explored Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve and Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve. And a fire tower to add to my list of climbed and conquered.

    Luna, my usual hiking companion, stayed home since our three of the stops were strictly no pets allowed. I promised her I’d bring home plenty of pictures (and maybe some trail snacks).

    Stop 1: Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve – Corkscrew Falls (Permit Only)

    Corkscrew Falls is one of Hocking Hills’ most striking hidden waterfalls. Located inside Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, it’s only accessible with a free ODNR permit.

    The short 0.2-mile trail delivers instantly. A spiraling cascade drops into a jade-green pool. It is framed by mossy sandstone and shaded by a dense forest canopy. The quiet here is unmatched, thanks to the limited access. Though I definitely spotted 4 human footprints in the stream. It is good to point out that we should stay out of the water and on trail as directed. So we don’t ruin it for the rest of the population.

    Permit only Corkscrew Falls in Hocking Hills, Ohio
    Boch hollow corkscrew falls

    Stop 2: Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve (Permit Only)

    A one-mile entrance trail leads to this remote preserve. The last stretch drops steeply into the hollow. Cool air and dense greenery make the hike feel like stepping back in time.

    This is one of those Hocking Hills hikes where you won’t hear much beyond your own footsteps. The terrain is rugged but rewarding.

    Stop 3: Ash Cave Fire Tower – Tower #5

    Fire Tower Ash Cave Hocking Hills, Ohio

    My fifth tower climb brought in sweeping views of the Hocking Hills region. From the top, green ridges roll endlessly into the distance, broken only by patches of sunlight. The climb was steady, the breeze constant, and the view was worth every step. 3 fire towers done in Ohio, 1 in North Carolina, and a smoke stack climbed in Mount Vernon.

    Green trees and blue caves sweep out in the view from the fire tower in Hocking Hills, Ohio
    Ash cave fire tower view

    Stop 4 – Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve (Permit Only, Attempted)

    We ended the day attempting to reach the Saltpetre Caves, but the trail was choked with thorny vegetation. Every route seemed blocked, and after enough scratches and laughter, we turned back.

    Even without seeing the caves, this stop added to the day’s adventure. It also added to the list of places I’ll return to better prepared.

    This hike was a mix of hidden waterfalls, quiet preserves, and challenging climbs. The day started at the secluded Corkscrew Falls. It continued with the sweeping views of Ash Cave Fire Tower. This journey proved Hocking Hills’ beauty extends far beyond its most famous trails.

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  • Future Travel Plans: Permit Hikes, Rockhounding, and Yearly Return to WNC

    Future Travel Plans: Permit Hikes, Rockhounding, and Yearly Return to WNC

    What are your future travel plans?

    Every year, without fail, I make a point to return to western North Carolina, usually in January (before this year). To see my sister It was a personal promise, to my mom. Now it is a form of spiritual maintenance, and something I know will never change unless my sister moves. The Blue Ridge Mountains are already calling me back, and I’ve been home less than a week. Yet I already know I will answer. Still, before WNC see’s me, I have several other trips locked in that I’m really excited about.

    Trip one:

    On August 7th, 2025, I’ll be exploring permit only hikes in and around Hocking Hills, Ohio. This will consist of us completing three out of four of the permit-only areas. I’ve been approved already, and the sign-up is free on the Ohio DNR website. My buddy and her little kiddo will be joining me. We’ll be exploring Boch Hollow specifically Laurel Falls, Little Rocky Hollow, and the Saltpetre Cave State Nature Preserve. These aren’t your typical walk-in hikes. They’re protected, limited-access preserves that need permits to guarantee the safety of the biodiverse natural areas. I’m incredibly grateful to understand and respect the importance of maintaining the natural ecosystem’s integrity. Permits in Ohio are mainly for monitoring foot traffic. They help preserve these specific biodiversity areas and preserves.

    Trip Two

    Just a few days later, on August 12th, I’ll be heading up to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) in Cleveland. I’m meeting up with a friend to explore for the day. The Ledges Trail is already on the itinerary. We plan to fill the day with more stops inside CVNP. Then we’ll explore along Lake Erie afterward. There’s potential to do rock hounding. I’m hoping to discover some lake-worn treasures. I even find fossils during the visit. As well as definitely chasing some waterfalls and Ohio ledges.

    Future plans

    Before September, or in early September, my pal and I hope to go backwoods camping in Virginia. Maybe her kiddo will join too. The spot is close to the Devil’s Bathtub area. It will be at minimum 200 units (I can’t recall if it was meters or feet) from the water. The area is known for its beauty. It boasts a waterfall into a clear, freezing swimming hole. If you didn’t know, legend states this is the only water source cold enough to bathe the devil. Sadly, this plan isn’t locked in just yet. Though, it’s something I hope comes together fully.

    Beyond those specific date or places, I’ve been collecting a list of nearby destinations. These places are across Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. They all are less than or equal to 5 hours from home each way. These include hidden waterfalls, scenic overlooks, historical fossil sites, quirky statues, and other neat things. I like to travel spontaneously, so this is probably as “planned” in the future as I get. If you exclude my annual western North Carolina trip to see my sister.

    Port Huron

    I’ve also had Port Huron and Petoskey, Michigan on my mind. The idea of finding real Petoskey stones excites me. I do not want to barter for them, which is enough to almost make me head there now. I find the idea of exploring the Lake Huron shoreline to be incredibly appealing. Between the lake stones, fossils, and the open water, it feels like the perfect mix of grounding and adventure.

    Nature, movement, and discovery are always part of my year. I make space for new trails, new stones, and new memories. Whether it’s a permitted hike in Ohio or a spontaneous camping trip in Virginia, I embrace new adventures. Even if my travel plans shift along the way, my commitment to exploration never fades. I have a deep lust for wonder.

  • Coming Home from Asheville: Adventures at New River Gorge, Hawk’s Nest, and Waterfalls in the Rain

    Coming Home from Asheville: Adventures at New River Gorge, Hawk’s Nest, and Waterfalls in the Rain

    I left Asheville later than I planned. Originally I wanted to be on the road by 6 AM but, sleep had other plans for me. I didn’t hit the road until 9. Honestly, I didn’t really want to leave. I was already missing Kelsey and Luna like crazy. If it weren’t for them, the drive home wouldn’t be calling.

    Hawk Nest State Park Signage at the overlook
    The New River Gorge Bridge and the Newest WV National Park

    The trip back was full of beautiful views. They motivated me to push my ass home. These views ended up being little adventures in themselves. First on the list was New River Gorge, where the air smelled like fresh pine. I noticed I could smell the rain coming for the first time in years. The Appalachian hardwoods were thick with oak and hickory trees as far as I was able to see. Man, the views over the gorge were breathtaking! The river winding through deep cliffs. I grabbed some stickers to remember the place. Though, the real prize was the silence, and also the mossy rocks laying beneath the towering trees. I visited this place often as a kid. I expected to find it less breathtaking. It was actually more stunning than I recall.

    Axton in the rain at Lover's Leap overlook in a blue t-shirt
    Lovers leap overlook

    Hawk’s Nest was next, and man, the mushroom show there was something else. Orange mushrooms popped like little bursts of flame against the forest floor. I spotted turkey tails layered in their colorful rings, and the chicken of the woods clung to fallen logs. The trees shifted here to include more maples and sycamores, their leaves a full display of green. I wandered some overlooks, feeling the wind and watching clouds dance over the valleys. Lover’s leap is definitely a must-see! I wonder if there’s significance in the name? I got caught in a sudden downpour. It drenched me to the bone as soon as I made it to the leap’s overlook. I love the rain, and I find it refreshing, especially spiritually. The wet rocks and leaves glistened under the gray sky. The sound of water everywhere made it feel like the forest was alive. It was whispering sweet nothings to me.

    Cathedral Falls Gauley Bridge WV mid summer
    Cathedral falls

    Cathedral Falls was the third stop. It’s the kind of hidden gem you hope for. The water was cascading down carved stone surrounded by ferns and moss thick enough to hide a whole world beneath. The cool mist from the falls was a perfect refresher. It was by far the most crowded place I stopped by size. There may have been fewer people in number. However, 15-20 people in that area made me more uncomfortable than usual.

    The fall known only as little roadside falls less than a mile from Cathedral Falls
    Little roadside wv falls

    The “little roadside fall” right down from Cathedral falls was the perfect punctuation mark on my journey home. The little cascade served as a reminder that nature always has a story to tell. Even if you’re the only one driving past to notice it. Which is what kept me at my last stop for so long. I was the only one there, and it felt meant for me.I’m back now, tired but full, carrying all these moments with me. The plants, the fungi, the waterfalls, the memories all make this place more than just a spot on the map. They’re the pulse of the mountains, the wild heart of Appalachia. They remind me of home, and that I am pure Wild and Wonderful to the bone.

  • The Spill Volume 7: Poems, Vacation Adventures, Hidden Freebies, and What’s Next with Poeaxtry_

    The Spill Volume 7: Poems, Vacation Adventures, Hidden Freebies, and What’s Next with Poeaxtry_

    Vacation

    It’s been one hell of a few weeks. I picked up extra days at work to prepare for vacation. All while I am still trying to deal with some kind of collarbone or shoulder injury. I hope to eventually figure out which one. I just got back from a great vacation filled with hiking, climbing, and chasing waterfalls. We also swam a lot. Those steps at Frying Pan Tower are still burning my thighs. Of course, I am already missing my sister and all the good times we had. It definitely ended way too soon.

    My drive home wasn’t boring, either. I stopped at New River Gorge and Hawk’s Nest. I checked out Lover’s leap and Cathedral Falls. I was drenched by rain, but it was worth every damn drop. The photos and videos say it all. Damn, I love those views!


    Creativity

    On the creative side, I have a bunch of new poems. They include: “This Part of Me Is Sick,” “Not the Sun,” and “A Reminder.” I’m thinking about dropping some of those soon, so keep your damn eyes peeled. I honestly have loads more that haven’t made it here yet. If you know what’s up, you’ll stay tuned for more Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism madness.

    Oh, yea! I’m hiding interactive extras in my E-zines to differentiate them from an E-book! Some things will even be collectible from zine to zine! You’ll have to check them out to see!

    Around where I hike and roam, I’ll be hiding bookmarks that link to free digital downloads. One batch sends you to PayHip, the other to Gumroad. They will each have a one time use code! It’s just my way of keeping the community connected, offering freebies, and getting my work out there! Check hiking trails and free libraries near you!

    Speaking of zines, Tethered Fury is out now on Gumroad and PayHip for $9.99. I haven’t put it on Etsy. I am mostly trying to continue moving away from Etsy completely after the Alligator Alcatraz fiasco. Right now, I’m focusing on PayHip, Gumroad, and maybe Ko-fi for digital sales and freebies. What do you think? Are the cool kids still on Etsy? Has anything really changed? Let me know where you think I should be selling my physical products next.

    Free Zines?

    If you want to connect, or if you need a free copy of Tethered Fury, check out my Connections page. This is especially for those with BPD or another mental illness. You can also email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com. Just ask for the BPD Free Zine code. I’m also always happy to hook you up with freebies in exchange for honest reviews or other indie creations. DM me for details.

    Thanks for sticking with me through the mess. I’m back on the grind and keeping things moving on time, or at least closer to on time!

    Don’t forget my two community collaborations projects. They will feature art, essays, poems, and prose from minority voices. Check my projects page or email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com if you want in or want more info.

    Much love,

    Axton N.O. Mitchell

    @Poeaxtry_

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  • Rest and Rock Hounding Hesitation in Appalachia— Day 6

    Rest and Rock Hounding Hesitation in Appalachia— Day 6

    After an epic week packed with hiking, climbing, swimming in fresh water and the swimming pool at my sisters. We were running all over hell’s half acre, exploring the hills of Appalachia. Today was a day for much-needed rest. I slept all night long and then slept in until after my sister got off work. She worked the 9 AM to 5 PM shift (yuck). I had the place all to myself during that time.

    Even though I planned to go rock hounding, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it alone. It wasn’t that I was confused about which trail to take. I had that mapped out, but, the real problem was what happens after the trail ends. Once I got off the trail, there would be no service for my GPS. I’ve already experienced that all week. The idea of wandering through those hills, and getting lost, was honestly scary. Since at least my sister knew how to get us back towards her house and service to load the map.

    I mean, what if I took a wrong turn in the woods and got kidnapped by feral mountain creatures? Or worse… what if I found myself stuck in some endless loop of forest and couldn’t find my car? If I managed to get to my car, would I remember the way back to the apartment? I know I can’t navigate without GPS? Yeah, my mind goes there.

    I stayed put. I didn’t want to leave my sister’s door unlocked while she was at work. Also, I wasn’t about to wander around the woods with zero signal or company. The spots we saved on the map will still be there next time. Then I won’t be alone and she can come with me.

    Honestly, after a week full of adventure, I was wiped out and needed the rest more than anything. I had to prepare for the long drive home, too, which was still ahead. I woke up when my sister got home from work. She had another shift the next morning, so the house was quiet. I finally left late the next morning after sleeping until about 8 am. It was my own slow, reluctant goodbye to the mountains. The temper tantrum internally because GOD DAMN! I really have to go back to OHIO!

    The best part of adventure is knowing when to pause, rest, and prepare for the next one. So you don’t over do it and have to postpone the next one or more.

    Much love,

    Axton N.O. Mitchell

    My trip home was a little different than announced. You know as usual. If you didn’t notice I post these the day after so I’m technically home right now. And I also didn’t make a day one post for the real day one because I drove the entire night before so we all just hung out,

  • The Things That Make Me Lose Track of Time-in The Best Way!

    The Things That Make Me Lose Track of Time-in The Best Way!

    Which activities make you lose track of time?

    Some things just pull me into a rhythm so deep that I don’t notice the hours passing. I’ll forget to eat. I’ll forget to check my phone. When I finally look up, and it’s dark outside or way later than I thought it was. That timeless focus doesn’t happen with most things, but it happens to me in very specific moments.

    Hiking is one of the first thing I found. There’s something about being on a trail where I don’t know exactly where it ends or what I’ll find. When the sounds of the world disappear, I only hear the crunch of my steps. I also hear the rush of water, wind, or leaves. Then I settle into my body in a way that makes everything else fade out. Whether it’s a steep climb or a gentle creek side path, I lose track of time. I become one with the woods.

    Rock hounding is something I love. I will spend hours hunched over riverbanks, dry creeks, or piles of rock debris. I’m always searching for a glimmer of something hidden. The longer I stay, the more I see, and the more I see, the more I want to keep going. It’s never really about the end result. It’s about the process of looking. Honestly, it really is about the small discoveries. It’s about that quiet rush when I find something beautiful that the earth tucked away for me to notice.

    Exploring towns pulls me in. Forgotten roadside stops capture my interest. Waterfalls are equally compelling. Just wandering through places with history or color captivates me in the same way. I like stumbling into things I didn’t plan on. Murals, statues, old buildings, chalk art, or just a view I didn’t expect. When I’m on foot in an unfamiliar place, I usually don’t check the time. I only do so if it’s necessary.

    Then there’s the creative side of me that gets lost too. Writing poetry, making zines, laying out pages or trying to pull together themes for a collection. This takes me out of everything. I blink, and four hours have passed. I’ll go back and read something I don’t even remember writing. That space of creating is one of the few places I feel like I can just exist without pressure. It’s just me and the page. Me and the words. And that feels safe.

    When I lose track of time, it typically means I’m doing something I actually care about. Something that connects me to myself or the world in a way that feels grounding or real. I don’t think losing track of time is a bad thing. I think it’s one of the few times I’m fully here.

    And I need that.

    I think we all do.

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  • Letter to the Sun, A Summer Gratitude and Request for Growth

    Letter to the Sun, A Summer Gratitude and Request for Growth

    Dear Sun,

    Light

    Thank you for the light you pour over me. Oh and everything else that needs to grow. Whether it is the food we eat or the magic some call upon. You lift life from the soil and charge the air with energy. I can feel it while you warm me to my core. I do not take for granted the way you coax the herbs from the earth. Nor, the way your warmth settles on my skin while hiking lost in the quiet wildness.

    Time

    Thank you for the long days we spend together. When I wander trails as I breathe in the sunlit air and feel myself expand. You give me the freedom to be wild and alive in a way only you can. But I also thank you for the days when you step back. You let the rain move in. The clouds soften the light. The earth drinks deep. I know growth needs balance.

    Strength

    This season, I ask for your continued strength to fuel my journey. Help me carry your fire when the days get heavy. Help me remember that even in the heat, there is rest. Let your light inspire my spells, my words, and my heart. Keep me connected to the land and to myself as I move through the longest days.

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  • When Do I Feel the Most Radiant?

    When Do I Feel the Most Radiant?

    Water

    There’s something about the water that makes me feel alive. I could be kayaking over a calm lake or swimming in the cool depths. Either way my skin tingles and my spirit lights up. Being in natural bodies of water strips away noise and lets me simply be radiant and free.

    Trees

    I feel that same glow in the trees. Sunlight filters through leaves. I breathe the forest air deep into my lungs. The mountains bring another kind of light. This light comes with each step on the trail. Sweat on my shirt and the ache of muscles pushing forward contribute to it.

    Camping

    The campsite, the crackling fire calling to something wild in me. Setting up the tent just right brings a quiet satisfaction, a small victory no matter how long it takes. When the day settles into night, holding a cup of hot tea and writing but, on my phone. Such a sacred moment. Here my thoughts shine brightest.

    These are the places and moments where I let my glow be seen. It’s not always sunshine and sparkle. Often, it’s the wildness of sweat and dirt. Sometimes, it’s the warmth of a fire. Other times, it’s the quiet of ink (digital ink) and tea. This is where I feel radiant, whole, and actually me.

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