ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM

I stumbled upon Cunningham Falls State Park by accident.  Years ago, I needed to head south into Virginia on Interstate 81 and I desperately wanted to avoid the traffic in Gettysburg and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  So...before I hit either town...I turned south onto Route 15.  After crossing the Mason-Dixon Line, I began looking for a side road to take me west and connect onto I-81.  The road my very first GPS hooked me onto was Route 77.  Making my way up the hollow I was stunned by how visually stunning the landscape was all around me.  On either side there were streams, dense forests, trails, and eventually a sign for Cunningham Falls State Park. Robin and David Raymond at Cunningham Falls State Park, Maryland. -- September 17, 2017 Nearly three years ago, Robin and I...looking for somewhere different to hike...decided to pack a picnic lunch and head to Cunningham Falls.  I really had no idea what to expect...I had only driven through ...

As we made our way out of the parking lot at the Lakes on Tuesday, Mark turned to me and asked, "Which way do you want to ride this?"  I instinctfully nodded up the hill to the right.  Afterall, it's the way we always ride it.  That's the way the trail is "suppose to be ridden."  But why?  Somewhere along the line, we decided that riding that particular trail counter clockwise was more difficult.  So...ride after ride, year after year, I've ridden trails 4 and 2 at the Lakes clockwise.  So much so, I could probably navigate the trails in my sleep.   Taking a break at Rocky Ridge County Park .  All by myself on a solo ride...I thought I'd challenge myself and climb clockwise out of trails 8 and 9.  Super tough...but super cool! -- September 1, 2017 Coming down an off-shoot of Trail 4 at the Lakes .  I hardly ever ride this direction...made for a great afternoon. -- August 24, 2017 David Raymond and Chris Keller. ...

A few months ago I was mountain biking at the Lakes with Mark, Glenn, and Mikey.  I was riding in front of the group and then, a quarter of a mile into the ride, I suddenly stopped.  When Glenn asked me what was wrong I told him that I was skittish.  I wasn't riding...I was looking for snakes.  Only three weeks into my summer and I had already seen four snakes along the trail (Mark and I would encounter the fifth...and largest snake of the summer...a couple weeks later in Tuscarora State Forest).  It's surprising to some people that, as much time as I spend in the woods, I'm seriously afraid of snakes.  When I see one I tend to do that "Scooby jumping into Shaggy's arms" thing.  For the rest of that particular ride I let Mark (the man who fears no animal) take the lead. My good friend, Mark Lentz, admiring a rattlesnake.   WHAT A DAY WE HAD in Tuscarora State Forest! -- July 6, 2017 Rattlesnake in Tuscarora State Forest. -- July 6...

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...