Patiently Waiting

Well I just couldn't wait any longer. I'll be taking the kayak out tomorrow to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park for her first launch! I'm hoping to get some pictures, but tomorrow is basically to test it out and make sure everything is in good shape. I've been cooped up so much this winter, I just know I'll be feeling good tomorrow! If nothing else, expect a post tomorrow to tell you how it went!

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (2010) Pre-Season Winter View

Well a couple of days ago I went up to the park to see some friends and take a walk around the park. As much as I love seeing my friends in the summer and all the music and good times, seeing the park in the winter is absolutely wonderful. There was a light snow falling, and not a single sound could be heard. It was completely quiet and still. As cold and uncomfortable as it is this time of year, it is still simply beautiful.

I saw Dave, Bones, Freddy, and even Mechanic Mike. Everyone seems to be doing well, just waiting for the spring much like I am. Dave was playing Medal of Honor on PS2, and it reminded me of when I used to live there. Evan and I would have daily Halo sessions in the winter, passing the time until all the crazies would be back.

I'm really looking forward to this season. Things haven't been too good this winter, and I really feel like things could be changing. I'm ramping up for something big. I just don't know what it is yet.

Fontana Lake Preview

So in this post I really just wanted to point some light towards Fontana Lake in Bryson City, North Carolina. For many years growing up, my family would go to Fontana for a week long camping trip every summer. It was real camping. like, we put our boat in at this little hilljack boat dock and took the boat miles into the lake and picked a spot to camp in the wilderness. Those trips are probably the best memories I have of being a kid. They are definitely the clearest. Lately I have been mulling around the idea of heading down there this summer for a weekend trip. Take the kayak down and paddle out to the old camp spot. So far I think I'd like to go June 9th - 12th or so. I want to try to do a birthday thing, lol. To me, Fontana Lake really is the most beautiful place on Earth, and I can't wait to go back.

For more information on Fontana Lake and Bryson City: Click Here

Towner's Woods 2-4-2010 Pt. 1

So, I checked out Towner's Woods last week, but I am just now getting to post about it. It is another park right down the road from me, and it offers a number of interesting sights. Holly, a friend of mine and one of my roommates joined me this time. We also took her dog, Luke. The way it is set up, is there is a main bike\ski trail around the borders of the woods, and multiple hike trails throughout the interior. All trails are in the woods though, so you will not hear any traffic, or see anything of the outside world. A separate two mile trail follows along side the railroad tracks. Towner's Woods itself is compromised of four miles of trails, for a total of six.

The path into the woods was nice and wide, offering plenty of room. I imagine there are a number of people here at any given time during warmer weather, but we were alone in the park on this day. I was definitely grateful though, as the paths had been trampled and patted down already, telling me it is still popular in winter. I could tell it would be a ton of fun to explore off the trail, but there was too much snow for that.

The first thing that really stuck out was the giant lake right in the middle of the park. It's a shame you are not allowed to swim or fish there. Apparently it is the main source of water for the city of Akron. However, there is a section of fence missing, and as you can see, we re able to get to the lakeside right near the island. The lake ice looked solid enough and we saw fresh tracks to and from the shore. It was also only about thirty-five to forty yards away, so we decided to try and cross. I could see some places where the ice had split the week before and re-froze, but it was more than solid enough for us to walk across. The only thing I got nervous about was when the dog kept running passed me. I figured it was just another fifty pounds everytime he came close to me on the ice, lol.

The island was a lot of fun to explore and photograph. It was surprising how little snow was on it. It kept running through my mind that this island is only walked on during the winter, and therefor virtually untouched. There was naturally rotting wood, brush, and trees obviously cut down and half eaten by beavers. We did however find a small stone fire ring at the opposite end.

Directly across from the opposite end of the island is the Indian Mound. Between 300 BC and 600 AD, Ohio was home to the Hopewell Indians. In 1932 eleven bodies were unearthed, along with many artifacts. I stared out across the lake for a few minutes contemplating whether or not I should try to walk across there, but I figured the other way was shorter, and I already knew it was safe. So, we turned around and went back to the trail.

Overall it was a great time and quite relaxing. Once all this snow lets up I plan to return and check out some more of the many trails at Towner's Woods. To see the rest of the pictures from this trip: Click Here.

Video: The Mahoning River, Youngstown, Ohio

This is a short video on the Mahoning River with a friend of mine, Travus Dusz.

Click Here for the video.

Kent to Cuyahoga Falls River Trip Plan

So, today, all of a sudden, it popped into my head to try out Google Earth to find spots to put in and take out on rivers I visit this season. I went straight to the Middle Cuyahoga section from Kent to Cuyahoga Falls since that's right in my backyard basically. I fiddled around with it for a little bit and I'm loving it. I can zoom in and check out how many rapid sections, dams, and other things along the river there are. I can also see about how long the trip is as well. Seems like it will be a pretty handy tool.

So I have a bunch of pictures from my hike at Towner's Woods, but I haven't felt compelled to write about it yet. I want to go back maybe Monday or Tuesday to take more pictures and check out the rest of the park. Then, I think I will have enough to write about and post.

Kent Bog State Nature Preserve 2-2-2010

A while ago I had it in mind to get an "Odd Ohio" book and go to the different strange attractions throughout Ohio. Well, recently over the past month I have decided and committed to being more active and more of the outdoorsy guy I was so many years ago. I got myself a great kayak to take out this spring and any time I have the inkling to go out and weather permits. Then, a few days ago I picked up "Canoeing and Kayaking Ohio's Streams". Today, I got "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles" for our area. Kent Bog State Nature Preserve was my first trip.

(click the image to see a high res image explaining the origins of the bog)The preserve is on Meloy Road, just off of State Route 43 in Kent, Ohio. The are is somewhat close to Route

43 in some parts, and for the first fifty yards or so, you can still hear the noise of the traffic passing by. There is plenty of parking space in the park, and also on the outside of the gate. The official open time is thirty minutes before dawn, and closing is thirty minutes prior to dusk. However, you may utilize the extra parking on the outskirts and walk the trail after dark, and it is allowed. Since it is only the second of February, I was somewhat happy to see the boardwalk. I didn't have on boots, and luckily most of the snow was melted on the designated trail. As you can see, the trail starts either going left or right. I chose to follow in the counterclockwise direction.

I could immediately tell that the paths were going to be narrow. Normally I like something that feels more open and gives a sense of adventure. A narrow path like this is really only good for a short sightseeing or exercising walk or jog, and with a total distance of one half mile, this little park is perfect for just that. I can see from icy wet spots on the inside of the path that it will be quite marshy come spring time. I was tempted to try and walk out on the ice, as it can't be too deep, but I think I knew better. Something I found very interesting were the many signs describing the various foliage along the path.

There is a very unique mix of plant life here, but perhaps the most oddly interesting fact about it, is that it contains the largest area of tamarak trees in Ohio, and is the southernmost grouping in the

entire United States. Another interesting fact about the Kent Bog, is that it is one of only three places in Ohio where you can find the "small cranberry".





Something that really stood out to me were the gray ash trees. With all the reds, browns, and the white snow, these trees were a nice highlight throughout the landscape. Lastly, as I ran back into the path to take one picture I forgot to take the first time around, I even spotted a little live green action going on. Next to a large tree, and a fallen and rotten stump that could have been confused for a door to Hobbiton, there was a large bunch of green thorns. I have to say that was possibly my favorite part of the whole walk. A little glimmer of hope and something to keep the spirits up. Not too much longer to spring, and I will certainly be counting down.
Thank you for reading my blog. This is my first post and I intend to update it as often as possible. Aside from simply finding and exploring these trails and streams throughout Ohio, one thing I am most looking forward to is going to a set few locations seasonally and taking pictures to show the transition of the seasons. Stay tuned for my next post which will follow along the trail between Munroe Falls and Kent along the Cuyahoga River. It's an out-and-back type trail, and at a length of eight miles, I'll be walking a total of sixteen miles! I suppose it should make for plenty of photo opportunities ;)


Follow the link to view all pictures from this trip: Click Here