Summer’s here, and in Michigan, we #optoutside and I’m happy to report that in the week or so since summer’s kick-off, my hiking boots have already gone to good use.
As chance would have it, I finally got the opportunity to meet one of my remote work friends and we hit it off with a bang! Turns out, we both love the outdoors and hiking and pushing ourselves to just past the limits of good sense. So when she found herself in Ohio a short drive away, I took the chance to meet up and join her in her quest to hike all the National Parks.
Cayahoga Valley, here I come.
Cowabunga, Dude.
Cayahoga is a pretty unique in that it’s a national park that is essentially surrounded by Cleveland. About thirty minutes from downtown, you can find yourself bonding with Mother Nature in no time.
Walking through winding wooden walkways
with waterfall views.
There are so many trail options of all lengths and difficulties to choose from, and we opted for a hodgepodge that got us about 15 miles of good road.
And ample opportunities for catching THE shot.
Travel-buddy must have? Willingness to pose for silly pictures.
After all those steps, we sure worked up an appetite, so food was definitely in order.
Sweet potato skins with pork belly, jicama pico and togarashi aioli
Another travel buddy must-have? Willingness to eat. And share food!
We wrapped up the mini-break with one last stroll. with a pretty decent view.
And set the scene for last Saturday’s 17.5 mile hike and many more miles to come.
