I will post more on Monday!

I had an awesome day out at Germantown MetroPark and knocked out a solid 7.5‑mile hike. After weeks of nonstop weather chaos, it was nice to finally get a weekend that wasn’t trying to wash me off the map. The trails were busy with runners and hikers, but the energy was great and the park looked incredible. Exactly the kind of reset I needed.

This was my first attempt at using my water purification gear

I have a lot of footage from the trail that I will be posting later today. What a great trail system. I did it as a loop to include a day hike route and a portion of the North backpacking loop.

All spotted in Mill Creek park near lake Newport and lake cohasset 🙂

Wanted to share this pic from the metro park I got after the storm last week. The water is normally a couple of yards lower

forest alongside the OSU Wetlands Research Park

As a kid I had a friend who would find these awesome, off path, unknown trails through Brandywine and Penninsula in NE OH. It would often start on the side of the road, venture into the woods, cross waterfalls, the ski lifts, caves, and end at that parking lot. Does anyone know what I’m talking about in Penninsula? Or have anything remotely similar in NE OH?

I have three nephews who hate the flat paths, want to climb, jump into water, and be adventurous. Any suggestions?

Had a nice day out in the woods yesterday (8/19/26). I cannot believe I found a pawpaw ready to go. First of the season for me 😁

Another walking day to prep for my upcoming Buckeye Trail section hike. Went to Three Creeks Metro Park and walked about 4 miles on the Blacklick Trail. Got to see this doe and her babies. The second fawn jumped past after I put my phone away. Penny was excited and wanted to make chase but of course I said no, like any mother who doesn’t want their kid causing trouble. I also saw this incredible puffball mushroom. It was much larger than a softball, like 3 times bigger. The trail is paved but in a couple low spots the water hadn’t drained. I actually was ankle deep at one point. Oh well.

Yesterday I got in 4 miles on a section of the Alum Creek Trail and then 2 miles in my own hood.

We are doing the Xenia to Yellow Springs (camp at John Bryon SP) to Troy station next week. I need to be able to do 10 miles in a day. That’s a big goal but I can do it. Let’s just hope the knees and feet can agree. 😁

Another walking day to prep for my upcoming Buckeye Trail section hike. Went to Three Creeks Metro Park and walked about 4 miles on the Blacklick Trail. Got to see this doe and her babies. The second fawn jumped past after I put my phone away. Penny was excited and wanted to make chase but of course I said no, like any mother who doesn’t want their kid causing trouble. I also saw this incredible puffball mushroom. It was much larger than a softball, like 3 times bigger. The trail is paved but in a couple low spots the water hadn’t drained. I actually was ankle deep at one point. Oh well.

Yesterday I got in 4 miles on a section of the Alum Creek Trail and then 2 miles in my own hood.

We are doing the Xenia to Yellow Springs (camp at John Bryon SP) to Troy station next week. I need to be able to do 10 miles in a day. That’s a big goal but I can do it. Let’s just hope the knees and feet can agree. 😁

It looks like ODNR is planning to log near the Zaleski backpack trail and move camp 1. The forest plan says this on page 8: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/odnr/forestry/State%20Forests/Work%20Plans/DRAFT_Annual_Work_Plan_2026-27.pdf

Love hiking ohio

Brandywine Creek Gorge in the Winter. I did not get close to the falls at all because of the log lams and my carbide boots only can do so much.

I applied on the website and paid $38 membership fee and was told I would be contacted in three weeks. That was 2 months ago so I called three times over the last week and haven’t been able to get anybody.

If anybody is a member and can direct me I would appreciate it! Thank you🙂