walkin' in the woods

The hour and a half drive to meet gal pal blogger Val at Kickapoo Valley Reserve takes me through small sleepy towns and expansive rolling country vistas.

Much to my surprise, I watched a pair of swans fly up and land softly in a farm pond. I thought swans had migrated. They are more elegant than the pair of loud squawkers that have been hanging around fields at home for several weeks. Perhaps the swans are waiting until after our last wave of Summer weather to migrate south.

I enjoyed an amish woman's friendly wave, as she intently drove her two children to the sounds of a clickity-clack fast paced horse. 

Sights, I don't frequently see.

News flash: I arrived 15 minutes early! 

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We hiked a new to me Wintergreen Trail. 

Unfortunately, I forgot my foot brace. Big mistake with such hilly terrain. I knew it would be hard to see footing underneath the crunchy Fall leaves that blanketed the trails. I had to slow my roll. I managed the uneven ground that is full of exposed tree roots without incident. Two days later I am still feeling it, but it was worth it. 

sun lit hillside, high above the trail

Somewhere along the way, Val pulled out her lego toys to photograph. I wandered nearby with my head in the trees. Soaking up the vast woods.

Val and Charlie heading towards a river lookout

quiet river

depth in the woods

I love being in nature, especially the woods. Always nice to share it with a friend. Thanks for hiking with me Val!

twenty two

I went to Kickapoo Valley Reserve for a Spring hike and met gal pal Blogger Val (say that 22 times really fast!) before the record setting heat wave. Guess what?? I was 22 minutes EARLY and didn't get detoured or lost. Like I did last year. I also wasn't struggling with such a heavy heart.

What a difference being on time makes!

Val planned a wonderful hike for us. With all the right stuff. Rolling hills, unexpected discoveries and wildflowers. There was instant camaraderie.

Flowers were just emerging. They were so delicate, yet commanding attention with their stunning shades of color and tenacity. 

Ferns were just emerging

We immersed ourselves in nature and caught up with each others lives.

Val's dog Charlie provided cuteness and was a good patient trail boss. Tank stayed home. I wanted to relax and as awesome as he is, Tank has endless energy on the trail. I knew I made the right decision when I found out dogs should be leashed on KVR trails in Spring. Tank is rarely leashed. My arm would have been at least a few inches longer.

Part of Vals master hiking plan was for us to hike a path near an old stone foundation. You might not know this about me, but I LOVE rocks!!! Big ones, little ones, old ones, new ones, you name it. I have always loved looking for rocks! They fascinate me. I still tumble rocks, have them everywhere in my gardens and place them along our house ledges. 

the stone foundation looked so far away

We walked up and around the trail a short distance, and much to my surprise there it was. SO cool!! We both lost track of time exploring all it's wonder. Like two kids in a playhouse.

looking down, into the old structure

 

Anyone know what the metal thingee across the entrance is???

close-up of the end of the metal bar

There were cool things inside the stone foundation. Some of them growing, others were glowing.

a colorful cove

(lookee at the shades in the rock!) 

There were many funny memorable moments throughout the hike that made us laugh out loud.

Laughter is good for the soul.

Perhaps the funniest moment happened at the stone foundation.

I was so excited to explore the stone structure. Without giving it a thought, I scrambled down to get a closer look inside. Ducking under a very low down tree, while carrying my heavy long lens/camera. My big travel camera backpack got stuck and I had to get on my knees to crawl through. I said a few choice words. I did not notice how Val got down to the stone foundation entrance.

You think I would have chosen a different way back up to the trail.

Nope. It was a repeat scene in reverse. Once again I ducked under the tree branch, and had to crawl on my knees. I stood and looked up to my left. There was Val. Standing above me, up on a dirt bank. Grinning from ear to ear "you know you could have just taken this way" LOL!! 

Guess you had to be there. Apparently I have to do everything the difficult way. 

photo (by Val) of me getting off the ground

Throughout our hike, Val took mini Lego/Squatch photos at key locations. I am always amazed at how fast that woman moves!! Blink and you'll miss your opportunity to get a shot of her setting up her masterful mini scenes. I managed a couple shots of her in action. You can view them on her blog (link above).

low growing colorful fungi

(Val instantly knew the name, me ummmm...)

so pretty!

You didn't think our walk in the woods would be without finding faces, did you?

Val was looking for a tree she saw on a prior hike, that reminded her of me. Here it is: 

squooshy face

I wasn't sure if I saw the face on the tree at first. I don't usually look for them. If only I had a photo of Val making a squooshy face. Confirming what I saw.

There were a couple down trees off the trail that caught my eye. I couldn't get a good vantage point of the first one, but this tree bump made me smile:

See the parrot face?

After our hikes, I always wonder why I did not take more photos ~ and then I remember. I was too busy enjoying myself. Soaking up nature in realtime. Not through a lens.

We both had a really good time!!

My favorite photo of the day. A big smile, that you don't have to see. During another funny moment at the stone foundation. It says it all...

Val

river & memory banks

You know when your dog takes to someone, they must be a good person. Animals know. That is what Tank revealed a few weeks ago, when he met blogger Val. I already knew she was a good person, but it was fun for me to watch him become trusting. 

The three of us enjoyed a memorable mid October hike at Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR). Val planned an easier route for us to enjoy, that follows the river. It was a good choice for Tanks first KVR hike. He has only gone hiking off of our property once. It didn't take long for Tank to keep a watchful eye on his new friend.

happy boy

I tried not to be overly protective of Tank, but it is who I am. I didn't want anything to happen to my sweet boy!! Tank listens well, and doesn't stray far. He runs ahead, then checks back. However, Tank has an inexperienced young mind and is very active. He could easily get himself in a bind.

I was extra cautious when we were closer to the river. I didn't want to take a chance of him getting swept down the river. That would have been traumatic to put it mildly. The Kickapoo is calm and beautiful, until it isn't. 

You may recall years ago, when I was crossing the river with Koda and almost got swept under/down stream. Different part of the river and scenario. However, I am not familiar with KVR waters and wouldn't even let the poor guy swim or drink from the ponds.

Tank did get to enjoy a fresh drink. KVR has artisan wells. Really nice, if you know where they are located. I don't, but Val does. 

drinking from an artisan well
with a little help from a friend

Much to Tanks dismay, we did not slide go down to the river bank. He is a December baby and has still not had a chance to develop his swimming skills. During his first young adult swim season, all swimmable bodies of water in our area were closed due to high algae. Many do not have graduated entrances. Ideal for a dog to learn how to swim. Tank needs to learn to use his back legs, before I will let him swim in moving water.

Val taking photos of the river at eye level

the view from above

On our walk back to the main path, Tank did what Tank always does (and I mean always) he found a stick. I heard a hardy laugh from behind me, as Tank came running towards us with a sizable long stick branch. He really tries not to bonk people, but it is inevitable when running with small trees on narrow paths.

let's play!

We came upon the first of two ponds, with beautiful reflections! The cattails caught my eye. I miss our ponds cattails. 

the pond is waaay more interesting than my phone

more pond reflections
 


northern flicker (yellow)

This was a nice place to take break. The large stone has history of the reserve. We enjoyed good conversation and played with more sticks. This time tiny ones. 

We ventured off the main trail, so Val could show me a cool multi purpose water fowl blind. I never would have known it was there. I want to go back and shoot through it with my camera!!

each board lifts & secures open for viewing etc

We had a fun day exploring. Another one for the memory banks. I learned more things about KVR & hiking with Tank. I am fortunate to have a friend that shares common interests. Thanks Val!

tired boy on the way home

where like minds meet

I planned my travel route, printed a hard copy map and even reviewed it with my doesn't need GPS savvy husband. I thought I chose the best travel route to a highly anticipated Fall hike-a-bout in the woods. Much to my dismay, the route I chose to take to meet blogger Val at Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) was a total bust. I will never take that route to get there again, unless it's for a slooow Sunday type scenic drive.

The mapped route apparently didn't take into consideration the hilly curvy roads and multiple Amish buggies one has to patiently coast behind. What really threw me for a loop, was the closer I got to KVR the less signage there was. At times I had no idea what the speed limit was (changes willy nilly) OH that is right. No worries, I was moving at the speed of a Morgan pulling a cart!

I really thought I was doing good on time. Until I wasn't. I ended up being very (very) late and completely frustrated by the time I happened upon KVR. With little road signage I wasn't sure which direction was shorter around the 8,600 acre park, to get to where I needed to be. I pulled over to text Val and let her know where I was. Our phones didn't connect more than they did. After finally connecting and turning around, she found me. I must have looked really overwhelmed (I was) because Val was very understanding. Not remotely mad. Now that's a good friend!! Whew, what a rough way to start a beautiful day.

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Our hike started by walking UP to a lookout. I needed to catch my breath more than once. WOW, I am out of shape!! That was humbling, and a clear sign I need to start working out again. The climb really wasn't that steep, unless you don't hike elevations. I do walk the dogs almost every day, but our property is mostly flat. I am more about taking in my surroundings, and walk at a stroll.

The lookout was beautiful!! We sat, and chatted. Val took more photos than I did up/along the way, including one of us. You can view them on her blogpost about this adventure. I think in part because my mind was still preoccupied, trying to let go of my heavy thoughts.

It is always interesting to see what captures another photographer's attention. 

Val

I didn't want to interrupt our conversation, and took a quick phone photo as we hiked past this:

serious rock face peeking around the tree & watching intently

made me smile

We walked out of the woods and into a stunning prairie. Orange and yellow hues glowed as far as the eye could see, between the grass swayyying in the breeze. I was awe struck!!

Prairie's are so special, for their hidden qualities. You have to stop, listen and look. They are a great place for portraits, birding and nature watching in general. I am a big fan!

the woods we walked out of



day moon was visible from the prairie

Have I ever mentioned I love photographing weeds?! I find them so interesting, in all seasons. Look at all the seeds held captive: 

stopped me in my tracks



prairie bokeh is gorgeous, especially in the Fall

We didn't walk through or explore this covered bridge very close. There was a warning sign posted on the fence, it was being inhabited by active bees/wasps. I was glad the route Val chose for us went the other direction!

The yellow arrow below points to the (white rock spot) lookout we hiked up to. We saw the covered bridge in the distance, when we were at the lookout:

We crossed a bridge, over a serene part of the Kickapoo River:

The sandy patterns in the water caught my eye, and a lone leaf. Very reflective of where my mind is at these days.

my favorite photo of the day

We had a wonderful time together sharing good conversation in nature. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, where like minds meet. It should really be their motto.

let's face it

I recently met a new Blogger friend in person for the first time at Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR). My favorite local-ish place to trail ride. I had never explored it on foot, until I met Val. She has been trail riding her mules and hiking that magical area for over 30 years. 

This was my first time meeting an online friend in person. Those of us still on Blogger after more than a decade, have stuck around because we know this platform is different than other social media. Much more real, with deeper connection. You really get to know those that interact with you, and become friends. Val and I have been at the same past events, without knowing each other. Our paths had not crossed yet. I remember our saddle maker asking me if I knew her. You can't make that stuff up. I had zero concerns. I am happy to report that Val not only turned out to be a good egg, she has an amazing wealth of nature knowledge - especially at KVR.

We both love nature, photography and animals.

Our remote hike took us through a super secret hidden area. I can't tell you about it, because - well, it's a secret. We meandered on a long lost horse trail, with a winding creek beside us and a ridge above us. We saw super cool rock formations that KVR is known for, as we followed Charlie on deer trails, climbed under and over and walked through everything in between. All the while, surrounded by magical woods.

Our trail boss was this little guy, with a big personality:

Charlie

He took his job seriously and was very patient while he waited for not one, but two wondering minds.

There were so many different varieties of wildflowers growing in different stages, in every single direction. As far as the eye can see. They changed as we walked through different areas. I have never seen or been surrounded by SO many different wildflowers!! We saw dozens of different varieties of wild growing things. I couldn't begin to name or list what we saw. I was so busy being in awe, that I didn't take many photos. My senses were soaking it all in real time. After I got home, I discovered a check off list of the 283 official wildflowers that grow at KVR. 283!! Wow!

One of my favorite finds had nothing to do with wildflowers. It was a bird, just a'singing away to us. My first photo had a branch across the face, and I had to move to get a clear shot. I am including it because it shows some key ID characteristics. I was so surprised it didn't fly off. After doing some research, I am confident we saw a Towhee. Most likely an Eastern Towhee, because it has a reddish eye. Please correct me if I am wrong.

We scaled mountain sides 'er hill sides and discovered many things along the way that stopped us in our tracks. Hiking at it's finest.

Another highlight was discovering faces in the old rock formations. Let's face it, I knew we were kindred souls when Val found a face of her own (pictured here). We looked intently at the rock formations, while wondering about both of them. This was the face I saw: 

Do you see it??

So interesting!! It even has hair.
Looks kinda like a Groot, or someone from an ancient tribe.

If you couldn't see the face, how about now?

Val was tasked with finding "the hole in the rock" by her hubby. A feature that no doubt brings back memories to those who discover it.

hole in the rocks 

We shared stories of our past KVR trail rides and other experiences along the way.

so cute how Charlie checks on his mom (and then poses)
while she works her toy photography magic

there are many old unique formations

Weister Creek

this view was simply magical

something out of a mythical woodland storybook
when the sun came out, it lit up pockets of glowing green

I could have stayed right here, all day

photos just can't capture the beauty, you'll have to imagine it

Eventually we reached the established horse trails. As we got near, Val mentioned we were headed to the less exciting (or something similar) part of the hike. They were clearly more traveled, but I thought they were amazing!!

We joked about being surrounded by trillions of Trilliums. They were on both sides of the horse trail for a long section, allll the way up both steep hillsides. Absolutely stunning!

All this and SO much more to this memorable hike!! My mind wanders back often. Thank you Val for sharing the wonder of the KVR with me!