ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM

 Social distancing was introduced into the mainstream vocabulary over  the past ten months...but concept has been actively pursued and enjoyed by people who love to hike for as long as there have been trails to explore.  In 2020, my hiking boots traversed more trail than in any other year...just about 200 miles in total.  Those hiking miles due, in one part, to a pandemic and the want (and need) to be out in nature and, in another part, a personal goal that I had set for myself.   According to my Garmin stats, I have (up to this point in 2020) logged 40 hiking activities.  Math isn't my strong point...but that averages about 5 miles per hike. I'm pretty proud of that.  Looking back on the past year...I'm also pretty proud of these ten particular hikes.  Thank you to my friends and family who accompanied me on these adventures.  I hope that we continue to make some foot traffic together in the new year.  Enjoy. FAMILY AND FRIENDS HIK...

My son was nine years old the first time I took him hiking.  Mark Lentz led us up Tumbling Run in Michaux State Forest.  I wasn't just hooked...Alex was too.  That hike has...over the years...become Alex's favorite.  Why wouldn't it be?  That particular trail has all you could ask for:  waterfalls, obstacles, rocks, and a spectacular view at the top!  Over the past ten years, Alex and I have hiked many other places...but Tumbling Run is still his favorite.  Usually, as we did last week, we combine a hike up Tumbling Run with a second amazing hike up to the top of Pole Steeple.  This, along with a picnic at one of the numerous state parks in the area, makes for an adventurous day.  For me, the best part of the day isn't the hikes or the food.  What I look forward to the most is sharing the day and the experiences with my son. Thank you to YOUR TRUE NATURE for the super cool bookmarks and magnets.  Your gift and your inspir...