Moses Wright Nature Area: Worthington, Ohio

On the 30th of May while waiting between doctor's appointments I finally stopped at a park in Worthington I'd seen several times.  It is a relatively small park, but driving past I had thought it was rather cute.  It has a nice nature trail and a nice little playground.  I took several pictures and here they are, finally!  Hope you enjoy them!  Have a great Sunday.

Inniswood Metro Garden: Sneak Peak

Okay, I couldn't help myself.  I took so many incredible pictures (vain, right?), that I couldn't wait to post a sneak peak to what would be coming soon.  I still need to do the second set from the Ridges hike, and my 2 sets from my Sunday hike at Strouds Run (which promises to have some great rock formations.)  Then I'll get the chance to start on Inniswood for real.  There will be at least 3 sets for Inniswood, possibly 4.  We'll have to see. 

In the meanwhile, I hope this whets your appetite.  I loved this park and encourage you to check it out if you live in the Columbus area or ever get through there.  It is beautiful.  Enjoy the preview!

Burr Oak State Park

Yesterday was a lovely day.  My parents came down on Friday evening to Athens to bring me a dresser and spent the night.  In the early afternoon we went shopping and then they headed home.  I was also headed in that direction, but...well, I changed my mind.

Instead (despite not feeling great ;) ) I decided to go on a short hike.  The weather wasn't too bad after all and I wanted to be outside.  So, while driving through Nelsonville I saw the sign for Burr Oak State Park and took the turn.  I've never been to this park before and I will be back.

I was only able to explore a VERY small section of the park but it was so worth it!  The area I discovered was the Tom Jenkins Dam.  The Dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  The lake is lovely and has hiking trails around it.  I went on a short hike/walk, but with muddy conditions; not feeling well; and my stupid bum knee; I really wasn't up for a long journey.  However, I did get a few (60 total) shots around the area and had to share them.  After a  little editing, here they are!

In my estimation, this was the perfect ending to 2011.  It has not been a great year.  No, that's not true.  It has been another TERRIBLE year, but I am determined to make 2012 a great year.  So, ending 2011 with a bit of my favorite things: family, photos and NATURE (thanks God!) was a wonderful send off. 

Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely New Year's Eve!  Most importantly though, I hope 2012 is filled with adventure, excitement, and Love.  I know I'm excited for it.  A new baby in May (Logan Max, my newest nephew!!!!!) and so much more to look forward to.  I will strive to be positive, keep growing in the things I love and put the old aside.  Most of all I will pray not for the same old, same old of healing (that's not working anyway) but just for an answer.  God's Blessings to all in this new venture!

Enjoy!!!!!

A walk...finally

Tonight after work I went on a walk.  It has been months, literally, since I went on a real walk.  I actually used my Endomondo on my Blackberry to track my time, mileage, laps, etc.  It was great.  I loved being out in the fresh air, taking photos as I went, getting some real exercise and just being in nature.  Of course for my first venture back into the world of exercise and walking I had to trek to West State Park to the Bike Path.  I went a little over 2 miles in 45 minutes.  Yes, I know, that is really slow.  But, in my defense: a. I was taking pictures the whole time, b. it was really cold, and c. I do still have that stress fracture to contend with and bursitis in my knee. 

All-in-all it was great to be back out and I hope to make this a regular habit again.  I won't say I was particularly 'cleared' to start back but, I think its time.  I've gained way to much weight and I must start back.  It was cold, but I'm from Ohio and must be made of sterner stuff.  38 degrees is not that bad and I hope to keep walking outside all winter as long as I'm able at least every other day.  My plan at this point is to go back and forth with the exercise bike and walking.  So, tomorrow I'll do the bike at the Community Center for 1/2 hour or 45 minutes; then back to the bike path (or maybe Strouds Run State Park) on Friday.  Yippee! 

Another benefit to increasing my walking outdoors should be my photos.  Here are some from tonight.  Hope you like!  Enjoy!