Fort Henry, Pickett Loop Dover, TN

Fort Henry, Pickett Loop Dover, TN

  Beautiful weather was in the forecast for Labor Day weekend so my husband and I decided that Sunday we would hit the trails. The morning didn't start very well, we were both tired from responsibilities the day before and when the alarm went off at 5am neither us seemed to have much enthusiasm. Still we got ourselves up and going, determined to take advantage of the cooler weather and get outdoors. 

  The sun barely peeking over the shortest trees we loaded up the truck and headed out to Land Between the Lakes. This trip took us to the southern portion, across the state line into Tennessee, and to an area where Fort Henry once stood. We had attempted to hike this area previously and found the trails in poor condition from muddy terrain to being inadequately marked. The US Forestry Service had done some work over the years, remarking the trails, and had produced some trail maps and literature in 2015. 

   We had done our research and chosen Pickett Loop, the idea of seeing old home sites and views of the lake as we hiked appealed to us. There is also a Fort Henry Trail marked on the map but there were no details on the trail as for a description or what color markers were used for it so we pretty much threw that trail out of the considerations all together. Two other trails were marked as temporarily closed which was disappointing as one traced U.S. Grant's march towards Fort Donnelson.

  We both seemed a little irritated that morning, most likely from fatigue. We had been busy as I mentioned, the previous day, I had driven almost 3 hours round trip, so I was not thrilled to be behind the wheel again and the drive seemed to be taking forever. To add to the frustration we were unsure of where to go to pick up the trail. The map appeared to show the trail right next to USFS 230 but there was no where fairly close or convenient to pull off and park even in a 4x4 Chevy extended cab. I wheeled the truck down USFS 233 and encountered the Fort Henry Trail which also serves as a connector trail but again there was no where to pull off and park so I decided we would just park at Boswell Landing Back Country Area and use a connector trail there to get to Pickett Loop. 

  I hadn't bothered to print off a trail map but did have it downloaded to my phone as well as a zoomed in screen shot of the trail we'd chosen. Tensions still running high we left the truck parked in the boat ramp area and set off down the trail. The trail followed along beside USFS 233 for some ways and we questioned if we where on the right trail despite the map, more frustration mounting, we continued.  Finally the trail turned sharply away from the road and down into a hollow exactly as the map showed so our confidence was given a boost, the tension and frustration started to melt away. 

  The connector trail wasn't long, after a dry creek crossing, and a little hill climb, we soon found ourselves at a sign post that identified the trail by a number, 24, which according to my screenshot was the trail we were looking for. What I did find odd was there was no trail name upon the sign post, just the number, a warning for motor vehicles and horses then a reminder to "pack it in, pack it out". We decided to go left at this intersection and head down toward the lake front. 

  Not long on the trail we cold soon see the lake peeking through the trees as well as some campers along the lake shore. One camper greeted us from below with a friendly "Good Morning" and we complimented him on their choice camping spot as we hiked along a rather wide trail, our little dog, Kennedy, excitedly trotting along with us. 

  The trail followed the shoreline around a bend and into the back of a little inlet before following up the other side of the inlet, where we spotted a Beaver swimming along the shore. The trail in this area was overgrown with weeds from both sides crowding over the trail, making it difficult to to see the trail and any snakes lurking close by. It followed the shore along Panther Bay for some distance and past an old home site with the remnants of a fireplace, before turning uphill. 

  We found ourselves atop a bit of ridge, not horribly steep, plenty wide, and the lake off in the distance, although not visible, on either side of us. The sound of a Baja boat being started carried easily up the ridge and through the forest. Following the trail up and away from the lake it again became overgrown and it became obvious our little pup was getting tired. According to the map we had hiked just 1.6 miles before the trail came close to USFS 230 with traffic noise being heard from well off, as light as it was. 

 

   It felt as if we had hiked much further and I cursed myself for not having downloaded a tracking app on my phone. I also still hadn't gotten a water bladder from my pack but I did have several bottles of water in it and we were working our way through the second one as the day began to warm up. I was ready for this trail to be over already, my ankles hurt and my pup was tired but we had only made it about halfway. This was by far the furthest hike we had attempted in some time, even though my body wasn't as sore as my previous trip, I wanted to be done. I was tired in other ways, tired of lugging the pack on my back, tired of holding the walking stick in my hand my husband had picked up for me, tired of stepping over/around downed and dead tree limbs/branches or trampling through brush that crowed the trail in places. 

   I could tell my husband was wearing thin also, it began to seem like this wasn't the day for such a thing. We had already grown weary from trying to wave sticks in front of us to combat the spider webs and just failed to keep it up constantly leaving us with them clinging to our faces, arms, hair and even having the owners scurry across our bodies before we could flick them away. Our state of mind, our fatigue from the previous day, and our frustration from that morning had worn us out, let alone the miles we were putting in on the trail.  

  Kennedy was tired also, this was further than he was used to hiking. He had gone from excitedly leading the way and sniffing everything to trotting and panting at our sides as we picked our way along. Sniffing now turned into an opportunity to rest which we somewhat welcomed but knew we were delaying in the inevitable. We wondered and yet hoped we wouldn't, have to carry him the rest of the way.

  Marching on, what choice did we have, the trail intersected with an old dirt road that looked as if it may have been used fairly recently even though it was not on any of my maps or mentioned as part of the trail system. A sign pointed towards the forest announcing a Civil War Cemetery but we could find no trace of it in the overgrown terrain. If it was there it would be a mission in itself to find it unless you knew where to look and neither of us had the extra energy for a side mission. 

  Plodding down the dirt road we navigated our way around stinking, stagnate pools of water before finally coming to another intersection. The number 23 hung high on a tree, sort of cocked off center and again the same warning to vehicles, horses and garbage which no one read apparently from the trash we had seen. We took a rest upon a fallen tree, attempted to gain our wits and hydrate a bit before continuing on. Here is where we made our mistake, or I made our mistake, I pulled out my phone and in my fatigued state assumed we needed to go left, following the blue trail markers we had been since the start of the main trail. My fatigue and the blue trail markers in combination with the numbered sign cocked off to one side had us headed down another steeper hollow. 

  At the bottom of this hollow the tail turned and headed toward a road. I thought maybe for a minute that the trail came close to it again, but my husband pointed out that it in fact crossed the road ahead. I instantly knew we were not where we were supposed to be and pulled my phone back out to confirm. We had veered off onto the undescribed and undetailed Fort Henry Trail. At this point we had two options to get back to where we had parked the truck, back track approximately a half mile or so up the trail and steep hill we had just come down then continue on Pickett Loop for yet another half mile back to the connector trail which was just under another a half mile itself or hit the pavement despite a dog leg in the road that would add more distance to our hike. 

  To say I was aggravated was understatement, I cursed, I swore and wanted the person who had marked these trails in front of me to account for this insanity. What the ever loving hell was going on here!?! What person with any kind of common sense about trails marks two connecting trails with the same color?! F*&$!! I didn't want to walk on the road, I wanted to hike on a trail but I knew everyone was spent at this point and going back seemed ridiculous.

  Our little family pushed on up the pavement back toward Boswell Landing, occasionally we had to get off the pavement and onto the steep bank beside the road to allow a car to pass. The terrain was smoother, more open and allowed more of a breeze to reach us but at this point it didn't make much of a difference. I was tired and pissed off.

  My husband was wanting to kick it into high gear and push through the last bit but I couldn't. I don't set a fast pace right of the gate so there certainly wasn't any hope of me accomplishing it at this point. We walked up a hill in the road, stopped for a break, and to allow a truck to pass which I considered jumping onto the bumper and hanging onto the tailgate. There's no shame in that right? It would still technically be getting myself back to where I started. 

  It was now 11:30am and we had been on this little adventure for 4 hours. My husband wanted me to wait there for him and allow him to push hard through the remaining distance which we were unsure of and return with the truck to pick me up. I stood there, leaning on my walking stick and spotted the remnants of another old homestead. I pointed it out to my husband and after another minute or so he again suggested I wait upon the steps that remained so he could push on. I hesitated, I didn't want to give up, I could do it, I knew I could, I wasn't that spent but I certainly couldn't do it at the pace my husband wanted too. Was it failure? I asked myself. What would the girls (other Ambassadors) think if I gave up? F&*# it, I was done. I was to tired to argue and to tired to explain myself to him in any hopes he suddenly develop the patience after the days events to wait for me.

  My husband headed up the road toward Boswell Landing and I with the dog went across the road to the old homestead. I shucked the pack off my back and seated myself upon the cracked and crumbling concrete stairs that had small tree jutting up through them. I could tell Kennedy was wondering just what was going on. Why had Dad left us? I reassured him he would be back with the truck so we could go for a ride and go home. He quickly found himself a spot and took a seat, content it seemed with my explanation. 

  I quietly cursed myself for taking the wrong trail and for not pushing on to the end. Then I decided not to be so hard on myself, this trail system had confused us more than once and this was to be the final time I vowed. I had hiked for 4 hours and over 3 miles which I couldn't remember when I done in recent years. Sure I didn't set a blistering pace which is not why we hit the trails to start with but I had accomplished a lot.

  Soon I could hear the sound of the truck approaching, grabbed up my pack and with the dog headed across the road just as my husband pulled up. Kennedy was so tired he didn't even want to move into the backseat when I put him in. When we came  to the intersection of USFS 230 and the Trace the South Welcome Station sits caddy corner across the road, I asked my husband to pull in so I could tell someone to take their happy asses back out to the trails with some white spray paint and remark the Fort Henry Trail. He chuckled a bit as he wheeled the truck north onto the Trace, towards home. 

  Ultimately I know the navigation error was my own fault despite the trail markers. Had I taken a little more time to consider things it was evident from the map we were headed the wrong way. The improper trail markers only served to fortify my incorrect decision. Chalk that one up to lesson learned and file under misadventure. 

Adventure Awaits!!

 

  

Family Trail Dog Selection and Training Tips

     Family Trail Dog Selection and Training Tips

Service Dog in Training

   Recently a fellow Hike Like A Woman Ambassador was discussing adding to their family with a new dog. She had many questions about what breed to choose for protection, good behavior around children, and of course a good trail dog that fits in with their active lifestyle. I know a local trainer and have used him with Kennedy, so I offered to do a sit down with him.  Hopefully I could help her and others in their decision making process when selecting a family trail dog as well as get a few training tips to turn that average pooch into a trail star.

Kennedy, my Jackshund (Jack Russell/Dachshund Mix)

  I sat down with Clay McElya, Owner of  Wren's Pet Lodge here in Marshall County, Kentucky. Wren's offers numerous services including grooming, boarding, and various types of training. Clay is certified as a dog trainer and has been training dogs for over 25 years.  He trains canines for drug/bomb sniffing, personal protection, Service, Skilled Companion, and basic obedience. Wren's is also a member of the Canine Good Citizen Program established by the AKC. On occasion Clay also donates his services to the local animal shelter and Humane Society, training dogs with behavior issues so they can be adoptable and find their furever homes.

Clay on a training walk

  One of my first questions for Clay was about breeds, what breeds are better suited than others for hiking and backpacking? The answer wasn't very cut and dry. There is no real definitive answer and it mostly depends on the individual dogs personality as well as the humans. Dogs are just as, if not more quirkier than humans, one is not identical to the other even if they are from the same litter. Just as certain canine characteristics that work for one person may not work for another. Please keep in mind as we move forward these are generalizations and may not be indicative of every dog of a certain breed or type. There is no way to account for every possibly canine personality or breed variations.

  The most important thing that Clay stressed was picking the right canine companion for your lifestyle and your climate. Smaller breeds such as my Kennedy are great for short hikes, they typically have the energy and stamina to keep up with their human companions for a few miles but usually wouldn't last on the long haul and can not pack their own supplies. This rule seems to also transfer over to some medium sized breeds as well such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers with the exception of these breeds being able to carry their own supplies.  I will say Clay was very fond Labradors, there is a reason they are the most popular breed in America. They are very versatile, tend to be family and kid friendly. 

   Breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners,  or a Belgium Malinois may tend to be better for backpackers as their energy levels are high for longer periods well as being capable of carrying their own supplies. I was advised if you want Belgium Malinois be prepared to walk......a lot.  While an internet search may show Border Collies as a good hiking companion they tend to want to investigate things which can be a hindrance on the trail depending on your hiking style. Researching breed characteristics is very important to finding the right breed for you.

   Any breed of dog with a long spine or breeds prone to Spinal problems, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu should never carry any additional weight. If you choose a breed of dog like the aforementioned then decide to hit the trail be prepared to pack your canine companions supplies for him/her. Most of these breeds tend not to be good for long distance hikes as mentioned before and canines who already have back issues should not attempt hikes unless cleared by their Veterinarian. A good point about smaller breeds is by being smaller they don't require as many supplies as larger breeds which makes packing supplies for them easier.

  A very important factor to consider when selecting your trail dog is Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (big word, thank God for Google). Brachycephalic means "short-headed" and refers to a combination of throat, nasal, larynx and trachea issues that impede breathing. Examples include Bull Dogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Boxers. Besides the obvious reason with breathing issues for these breeds not being good trail dogs there's another, they tend to overheat more quickly. Dogs pant to cool themselves off, breathing issues can impede their panting and therefore impede their ability to cool off which could lead to a heat stroke.

  I hate to do it but I have to talk about color, no there is no dog racism going on. Dogs that are darker in color, dark brown or black for example, reflect less heat. They actually absorb heat and can trap it in the layers of their fur so if you're hiking in a sunny and hot climate you may want to take color into consideration also. If you are a cold climate hiker a dog with black fur will keep himself and possibly you warmer. There's time on the trail for snuggles, right?
  On these points I will mention my Mom has a Boston Terrier and I know them to be true first hand. Buddy the Boston struggles to cool off after walking some distance in the heat and you have to watch him close to make sure he doesn't overheat. He can overheat just laying around a campsite in the Summer which is magnified if he's in the direct Sun. 

  Protection is one reason a lot of people get a dog though not the sole reason for the majority of dog owners. Dogs can alert us at home to people arriving or odd sounds and out on the trail to the presence of animals and snakes. It's important to be in tune to their behavior and not immediately dismiss behavior as bad out of a typically well behaved dog. Knowing the difference in your dogs bark, whine or a pause when they normally charge ahead can be a signal. A strong pack bond will give a majority dogs, big or small, enough urge alone to protect his pack. Dogs tend to be territorial and his pack is his territory no matter the location. You don't want an overly protective dog either, one who acts nervous or aggressive at the first sign of physical contact between you and a person who is not well known or a stranger. 

Again researching breeds can determine those with traits towards protection and a professional trainer can tune these if necessary.

  I also asked Clay about selecting between pure bred dogs, pups and rescues for a family trail dog. His answer surprised me a bit.  I'm more prone to thinking that getting a dog while young will allow them to grow up accustomed to your lifestyle. He stated that if you weren't breed particular to go down to a local shelter and interact with dogs a bit older than puppies. This way it's easy to see if the dog has engagement with you as well as being driven.  Drive is willingness to chase things such as a prey drive, throw a tennis ball or a stick the dog wants to chase after it or retrieve it, this is also engagement. The dog should show he/she wants to interact with you, engage in petting, playing, affection, walk with you, etc. The dog should also exhibit interest in you, if you move he/she should take note and follow you. The drive for food/treats should be present, the dog will follow any food or treat in your hand. If a dog lacks these traits, training them to be a good trail dog or even for basic obedience is going to be an obstacle as they won't respond to rewarding for good behavior. They have to want the reward otherwise training is moot. An aloof dog that pays you no mind, does not follow and will not interact with you is more difficult to train to say the least.

Clay on a training walk,
notice where the dogs attention is

     Clay also told me that if a dog is stressed or in fear you can forget about training. Fear and stress release hormones into the brain that affect memory. This is true in both humans and dogs. If your dog is stressing or fearful it's best to work towards making them more comfortable with the situation and fortifying pack bonds (yes your dog thinks you're his pack) than proceeding with behavior training because the poor pooch won't remember what your trying to teach him. If you notice the dog you're considering adopting is fearful or easily stressed keep in mind extra work will be needed before the  prospective puppy pal can begin obedience training.

  So you've selected the perfect canine companion for your family, now it's time to start training. If you've selected a pup don't wait to start training. At just 7 weeks old you should introduce them to a collar and leash so they become accustomed to it. No retractable leashes!!!! A standard 6 foot leather leash gets the best behavior and the most out of training. Retractable leashes apply constant pressure, albeit a small amount, and pressure should be used to indicate that you expect a behavior change. Constant pressure confuses this training process.  
  Socialization and a lot of it is a very important part of training for good behavior.  Take them to different parks, walking trails, and hiking trails allowing them to become accustomed to travel and new places. Take them out for lots of walks correcting pulling, tugging, and other behavior issues along the way. The dog should always respond to the person with the leash. If a certain family member has the leash then that person is in charge and the dog should respond accordingly. The dogs attention should be on the person holding the leash not on another family member, dog, or squirrel. You will need to restrict interaction with others when walking initially until the dog forms a bond with you and understands the person with the leash is in charge.

It's not all work at Wren's

    A good way to reset and correct from bad behavior to make the dog stop, sit and wait before attempting again. You may need to repeat several times till Fido gets the point. It is okay for your dog to be in front of you while walking but it should be with a lax leash. The leash should dangle between you and your dog and your dog should not be straining at the end of it. The dog should also be watching you for direction changes, he/she should not be "leading" even if walking ahead of you. You can change direction, 180 or 360 degrees, many times if necessary to teach your pooch to keep an eye on you, to wait, and he/she is not determining your direction.
   If you have a persistent puller I recommend seeking out a trainer to give you the tools for a better experience walking or hiking with your dog. Pulling risks injury to you and your dog. It can turn a hike or walk into a miserable march and possibly damage your dogs trachea. That's how Kennedy and I met Clay! I tried everything, even a no choke harness and he would pull till he choked himself. I made the investment for one training session with Clay and the proper professional collar. It's a difference of night and day.
    If you should happen to end up with an aggressive dog, take it to a professional trainer. Do not risk injury to yourself, another person and a sad ending for your pooch. Aggressive behavior can be corrected but it is best reserved for those with the right training and know how.
   Fido is bonding with the family and learning new things but say he/she is having trouble getting the hang of a few things. Time to find that trainer! Word of mouth is always wonderful but here are a few things to look for to make sure the trainer you choose is right for you and your pooch:
*The best trainers have years of experience and have trained hundreds if not a thousand dogs or more.
*Body language of the trainer should immediately let Fido know whose in charge
*The trainer should be able to quickly read the dog and determine his demeanor.
*If the cost is cheap it's a good sign the trainer is new or new to the area (proceed with your own judgement)
*You're going to need to know how to apply everything Fido is learning so the trainer should take the time near the end of training to include you as well. 
*Should the trainer have a waiting list, consider it a good sign.
*You can also ask for a free evaluation, this way you can watch the trainer work with your dog before coming to a final conclusion.
   If you happen to be local to the West Kentucky area or just in the neighborhood Clay invites you to message him on Wren's Pet Lodge's Facebook page and tag along with him on a walking training session. If you don't have your own pooch he can even lend you one! What better way to get your exercise in and get some useful training!
    I learned a lot talking to Clay during our sit down and his experience is evident just from conversation. He doesn't claim to know everything or how to handle every single issue that arises in dog training but he's not afraid to reach out to other professionals and accept suggestions. He also has a willingness to refer people to other trainers or boarders if the wait for training/boarding is to long or need too great. These traits show me that Clay and Wren's Pet Lodge isn't just about grooming, training and boarding. They care about giving and getting you and your pooch the best service possible. They not only care about the quality, they care about the end result and making sure your pack is a happy pack.
  Major thanks to Clay McElya for taking the time to talk with me and allow me to pass on this valuable information!! Thank you, Clay!

Happy Tails!!!!
  
  



 
 

   

 

  

Walking among Giants

Walking Among Giants

    Our company long departed we were aching for another outing in nature. We couldn't decide between canoeing or hiking so I left it up to my husband & what he felt like doing. When he arrived home Saturday I had received my new Osprey Daylite hiking pack in the mail and was really wanting to hit the trails but I didn't want to force him into anything.

     Finally he asked, "So what do want to get into tomorrow?" The door opened, I walked in "I want to go hiking  but we can canoe if you don't feel up to it." I replied. He agreed hiking was a fine thing to do with the weather forecasted to be so nice again for August. Highs in the upper 70's, sunny and lower humidity. Then came the dreaded question, "Where?" We always have a hard time deciding where to hike or canoe, there's so many places to choose from here in our home state of Kentucky or a short drive could land us in a myriad of places in the Shawnee National Forest over in Southern Illinois where I grew up. 

     I wanted something new, a trail my feet had never trodden on. I had just the place in mind too, Giant City State Park near Makanda, IL. We hiked there before but there were so many trails we hadn't hiked them all including what is considered their premier hiking trail, Giant City Nature Trail. The drive up would take just over an hour and a half but was sure to worth it every minute of it. 

   Our plans now made I began gathering up gear, trail maps and programming the GPS. I decided to shove some trail mix and Honey Nut Cheerios into my pack to snack on along the trail. We are always up early for such an adventure as this but rarely feel like eating that time of day and almost always regret it. I simply made sure I zipped my pack closed and set it in the floor next to the small messenger style pack we use to pack our dog's supplies with us when we travel. 

   The next morning the alarm clock blasted it's rude sound and I quickly turned it off. Before I could even get out of my bed my husband said "You're going to be mad,". It seems my little Jack Russell mix had figured out how to unzip my pack and gotten inside. He chewed a hole in the bag for my fire starting kit, and cotton balls abounded everywhere. He had also eaten half the trail mix and all the Honey Nut Cheerios I had packed!!!  As anyone with dogs know nuts of any kind, raisins & chocolate are bad for them. They can have allergic reactions as well as have the nuts lodge in their intestines and perforate a bowel. Seems the dehydrated Prunes had already worked their magic, as my husband described the little turd trail he had found in the hall also. Luckily it had been firm so clean up was easy or I'm sure my husband would have woken me up to assist, even if it had been with the sounds of him cussing, swearing, and dry heaving. 

  I did a little assessment of my pooch, making sure he was alert and didn't show any adverse effects from his Midnight munchy fest. He seemed fine, so with no obvious signs I relegated myself over the next few days to watching his scat for any signs of bowel issues. At this point I was more concerned with my pup's health and the fact he hadn't actually tore up my brand new pack I couldn't be mad.
  We loaded up the gear with the dog becoming ever increasingly excited and headed out just after 6am. I had already planned to stop and pick up a few picnic supplies on the way up to Makanda and now added pack snack to the list of items to pick up. 

  There seems to be many different ways into Giant City State Park but I wanted to stick to the route I was familiar with. which was turning off US 51, going through the tiny town of Makanda and entering through the main entrance. Besides the PDF print out I had found on the internet didn't give the names of the roads within the park, actually 99% of the roads on the map are with out names. Awesome map. I only knew the trail we wanted to hike was on the way to the lodge and near picnic shelter #3 so I figured we'd follow the park signs to where we needed to be. 

  It was a little tricky navigating the park but following the signage we found where we were supposed to be and parked the car in the lot. Once we sprayed ourselves down with bug spray, I hefted my pack onto my back and we hit the trail.

  The trail is described as 1 mile in length and rugged terrain although the trail was made up of gravel. The start of the trail was a slight hill with a fork at the top and the first sign of the Sandstone bluffs we were to hike around. To the left was another hill and somewhere beyond that some people making boisterous laughter so we decided to go right.  Apparently they hadn't read the signage at the trail head or my previous blog about trail etiquette. Fortunately they quieted down quickly and were soon off the trail all together.

  My calves began to cramp almost immediately going up the little hill, but I needed this. I needed to sweat, to huff, to puff, to cramp, to feel that itchiness on my skin that comes from sweating in the woods. I needed it for a couple of reasons; One being to get into better shape, Two being, I need the woods to sooth my soul, to stroke away the stress and the hustle and bustle of the busy world.
    I was in automatic awe of the trail, the Sandstone bluff held many nooks, crannies, and crevices some with ferns, trees and other flora jutting out where they could. Moss clung to the rocks in many places, small patches to large swaths covering entire boulders. There were numerous offshoots from the trail, most leading up into the bluffs, others were simply washes where recent rains had made their own paths trailing down from  the bluff and across the trail. A person could get lost on these off shoots, even if not physically lost, just lost in the world of giant Sandstone bluffs and all they had to offer for exploration.
  We took the time to meander down one of these offshoots, following the packed dirt path between boulders and back to the main Sandstone bluff. We found a couple names carved into one of the smaller boulders and researching showed them to be from the Civil War era, etched by former owners of the land with eerie precision.
  The sweat was already starting to soak our clothes, making them cling to us. What little breeze blew didn't make it's way into the forest or around the bluff very well. For a cool Summer day in August with temps only in the 70's, it sure was sweltering in these woods.
   That queasy feeling began to hit my belly, telling me it was time to try to eat a bite so I broke out the Nature Valley bars I had picked up and found a seat atop a small boulder. Our dog perched himself next to me and commenced to whine while looking at my pack, as if I was to pull something out for him also. I simply informed him he'd eaten all the trail snacks once already, he didn't need more.
   I hadn't gotten a water bladder yet for my pack so I had to pack bottled water which we shared between us and with the pup. I carry a small collapsible dog dish that can be used for food or water, it's made water proof cloth, cleans up easy and can't weigh a tenth of an ounce.
   One Nature Valley bar was all I could stomach (I'm assuming others have dealt with the inability to eat so early in the mornings), and it was enough to make my tummy hush it's complaints so we headed back out to the main trail. There was what appeared to be a narrow trail leading up and over the edge of the bluff, cut into the steep incline and stone escarpment. We decided to stick to the main trail, especially since this was our first trip and I have a tendency to be accident prone.

   My body and I have tend to have a love/hate relationship. I love to do things, adventure, explore, hike, etc. It loves to make me pay for it and every little tumble I've ever taken in my life along with it which I absolutely hate. It limits me with how much I can and how often I can do it. Today was my day though, my body may make me pay for it later but right here, right now was mine.
     We made our way down the trail, marveling at everything we set eyes upon. We again followed an offshoot back to a small Sandstone overhang where my husband looked for Native American activity from the past. You aren't allowed to "rock hunt" or take any artifacts with you but you can turn them into the State Park where they will be studied then put on display.

  My feet began to hurt a bit, directly in front of my heel. Memory foam is great in your sneakers, until you switch to hiking boots and hit the trail. Note: Buy insoles for hiking boots.
    We continued on and when we rounded the next bend I was in full wonderment. A long wooden boardwalk skirted next to the enormous Sandstone bluff we had been circling. It's exposed face on one side and moss covered rocks dotted the forest on the opposite side. It felt like I was walking in a Fairy Tale world.

                                                                                                                                                                       Once past the boardwalk we made our way a little further down the trail, rounding yet another bend I went from wonderment to Environmental Orgasm. Massively tall Sandstone towers stood on either side of the trail, a fully grown tree jutted up in the midst of them and made it's way to the sky over the ledge of one of the monoliths. Tendrils of flora hung down from the ledges and more moss clung in patches to it's face.

 We made our way down the "Giant City Streets" and came to a corner in the bluff. A sign hung upon the rock wall, telling us which way to continue, as if we had an option here. I had no plans to scale the exposed Sandstone walls or go back the way I came. We paused to soak up what little breeze could be felt in the corner and noted most of the breeze was coming from a crack in the rock wall.

   Standing on the corner of the "Street" we could see another trail sign that pointed us to the left but we couldn't help wandering past it to explore what was on the next "block". Unfortunately the next block didn't lead anywhere more amazing than we were already but I did note another name carved into the rock wall with the same eerie precision as the others.

 We turned back and followed the second sign telling us which way to go. The path became extremely narrow and I worried for a moment with my pack on my back that I may become stuck like Pooh Bear in a Honey tree. I found it plenty wide enough to fit through with some room to spare.

Towards the end of this narrow little street was a huge boulder balanced upon a tiny little point of another rock. Clearly it had broken off the main bluff some years ago and fallen away but how it managed to land there and remain perched there was an astonishing feet. Mother Nature and the laws of gravity had seemed to reach a compromise. It was slightly unnerving to have to pass under it and continue on the trail but what are the odds of it taking it's final spill just as I passed? Don't anyone answer that or I may never be able to do anything similar again.

  Now clear of the the balancing boulder of death we came upon another small flight of wooden stairs and wooden boardwalk. My right knee began to ache a bit and I had to shift to leading with my left going down the steps. Most hikers dread the uphill and I do as well to a degree but find the downhill just as taxing also. I began to realize why this trail is described as Rugged despite the gravel path.
   We rounded yet another bend in the trail, and passed between more enormous boulders before finding ourselves to be on the other side of the bluff. Here the breeze could be felt rushing through the trees. I found yet another perfect sitting rock, perched myself atop and shucked off my pack. I wasn't out of breath or spent, I just wanted to feel the cool Summer breeze, listen to the bugs sing their songs of love, and enjoy the beauty around me.

  The sweat finally drying on our bodies, I decided to pick my self up, climb the next hill and create more sweat. We plodded down the trail past more boulders laying on the forest floor and the main Sandstone bluff to our left now exposed in places although the faces of it were becoming shorter and shorter as we progressed. It was clear we were coming back to the trail head and our little hike was soon over.
   I felt a little tired, my calves a little sore from the cramping, the bottom of my feet still aching and it felt good! In fact it felt so good I insisted upon another short trail after an early lunch break. Just a short little stroll down to Devil's Standtable.

  This trail also started with a hill on a gravel path, and landscape timbers cut into the trail to keep it from eroding. At the top of the hill we were facing another huge Sandstone bluff. No sooner than we reached the top of the hill and made a few paces down the trail my husband began to protest. His feet were beginning to bother him as well. The heavy boots he'd chosen were beginning to rub the tops of his feet.

  I debated turning back and he offered to wait on the trail for me if I pressed on. I took the leash from him and plodded several steps ahead when I spotted a large overhang in the bluff ahead and a small wooden foot bridge over a seasonal creek that held that last remnants of the latest rains. This spurred my husband forward and we pressed on down the now packed dirt path to the overhang.

   We could hear water running but could see none, it became evident it was flowing under the bluff. I made my way to the little foot bridge, leaving my husband near the over hang. It seems when rain is falling or there is enough run off at this point in the bluff there is a waterfall but not today. We soon saw and heard several bats flying about the bluff, maybe protesting our encroachment on their home. After a quick pause to take a couple photos and allow my husband to rejoin me we continued on up the trail.  I had no urge to wait for a bat to come along and swoop down into my hair causing me to freak out, running and screaming through the woods, flailing my hands above my head like some crazed madwoman.

   We soon came to the Devil's Standtable which wasn't easy to see given all the undergrowth in the forest. I think my husband was more thankful for the sign that not only informed us about Devil's Standtable but also pointed us towards the trail exit.
  I had completed my goal for the weekend, I hiked Giant City State Park Nature Trail and even topped off the trip with a short second trail. The Nature Trail is advertised as just 1 mile, but there is a lot of up/down hills (RUGGED is right) plus by the time you wander the off shoots and back to the main trail I'm sure it's closer to almost 2 miles. I was spent, I knew there was nothing left in my tank for that day. It would take all I had to make the hour and a half drive home then finish some house work I had left behind. Thank god for cruise control! I'm definitely making a return trip and exploring more of Giant City State Park!

Adventure Awaits!!!

Journey to an Ambassador

Journey to an Ambassador

      I have always been a "Tomboy", growing up in the rural countryside of Southern Illinois with no other girls around it was all I knew. Where ever the boys went, I went and oh boy did we go. We were always outside playing and having our own adventures across the countryside, sometimes from dawn til dusk. We would swim, fish, play and camp almost anywhere we wanted it seemed. There were creeks, woods, hills, and fields to be explored. Mother Nature was our play ground, it was our backyard.
    Another big part of my childhood was hiking and exploring the Shawnee National Forest. Just a short drive could land us deep into it's interior, winding down gravel roads looking for the trail head parking, a campground, or the perfect picnic spot. When family visited it was a tradition, it seemed, for us to hit the trail somewhere. There were an untold number of trips, excursion, and adventures we had as a family and when we were old enough, on our own.
    We also had plenty of misadventures along the way, from injuries to bad decisions to poor equipment. Of course we survived these misadventures and with the guidance of my amazing mother we learned how to overcome, endure, and laugh along the way.
   My mother to me is a pioneer, taking two small children into the wilderness without the technological advances of the modern age. Even if it had been available I doubt very much we would have been able to afford any of for ourselves,  my mother taught us to make do with what we had which came in very handy outdoors. I learned to think "outside of the box" at a very early age, out of necessity primarily.
    These aspects of my youth fostered a sense of adventure and exploring in me so much so that when I married my outdoor loving husband we honeymooned in the Cave Country of Kentucky. We have since explored and hiked from South Eastern Oklahoma to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I'm was, and still am, always coming up with some idea to venture off into areas unknown or to explore an old favorite. One day my husband turns to me in the middle of one of my schemes for outdoor exploration and says, "Annie and her Adventures".
    Suddenly it came to me to start a Facebook page where I could put my adventures, maybe inspire someone else to get outdoors or maybe bring a little of the outdoors to someone who couldn't get there themselves. I have back issues that keep from exploring at times or as much as I would like, my mother also has issues of her own that now limit her and my mother in law loves my photos but her health issues keep her from attempting any such thing. My mother and mother in law both are handicapped by their issues severely, as far as outdoor activities, but my mother with some help from modern medicine and her love for the outdoors, she still manages to enjoy nature with me on certain trips.
   Annie's Adventures was born and as time went on it turned to include a little more educational material.  In recent years I added the blog which not only satisfies my urge to write, it serves to inform readers of trails, camping, canoeing, handicap accessible locations, environmental issues, and any of the misadventures I have along the way. What's life if we can't laugh at ourselves?  The teachings of my mother still come in very handy almost daily let alone when I happen into a bit of misadventure.
     I've been trying for several years to work in conjunction with another site or page to get my point of view on the outdoors out there. I had tried sites/pages within my own state and even tried working with local radio but everything always seemed to fall through for one reason or another. No big deal, I just kept doing my own thing; getting outdoors as I always do and sharing my adventures on my page and blog. Then a few weeks back I noticed that one of my favorite hiking sites was having a little contest. I have been following this site for some time and had a huge desire to work with them.
    Hike Like A Woman, founded by Rebecca Walsh,  was looking for Ambassadors to her page, people to help with product, book, trip reviews and to help basically make a community of outdoor enthusiasts. I jumped at the chance, hurriedly filling out the entry form as some how I had missed the fact the contest was even happening until almost a week before it ended. 
   My urge to work with Rebecca at Hike Like A Woman came from her amazing ability to connect with people through her site and I found her to be truly inspiring. The more I followed her page and saw the amazing things she was accomplishing through it the more I wanted to do the same.  I wanted to reach out to people, get them out there, no matter how they do it and enjoy the great outdoors and I to do so in a manner that is not only safe but respectful of others and the environment.
  Once I filled out the application and hit submit, I continued, as always, to follow the site and keep up with what Rebecca was into. Life keeps us busy as it did me the day the winners were notified. I had completely lost track of the date and just finished running some errands when I hear an email notification from phone. I finished up what I was doing and thought about ignoring it for awhile so I could start some housework but decided to take a little break instead.
   I fully expected to open my email and find some promotion from Dish Network, Jamberry or some other deal I couldn't miss out on. When I read who the email was from I it didn't register immediately. I scanned the subject line thinking "Now, what's this?" The subject line glared back at me saying "HLAW Ambassador: You're in!" It hit me, I WAS IN!! I hurriedly opened the email and began eagerly reading the details it contained. It started with the traditional "Thank you for applying" then when into a few details about how many applicants there had been. Even though I read the subject line I was still expecting a big let down so as I read I kept waiting for it but after the first paragraph there it was in bold lettering "I'm excited to announce that I selected you as an Ambassador!" It was real!! I had been chosen! I became so excited I let out a scream sending the dog into a little barking hysteria.
   I had done it, I was finally hitting that goal I had been reaching towards for years. Rebecca had been thorough in her preparations and I found links in the email waiting for me to click and take me on what is probably to be the biggest adventure of my life.
  The journey has just begun for me this past week but there's a part I hadn't bargained for in the slightest fashion. I have met some amazing women that have been selected to take this journey with me, as  Ambassadors also. I'm glad I'm not going solo on this adventure and that I have stumbled upon some of the most inspiring women. I find despite all our differences of age, location, back ground, home life; they are like me, fun, outgoing, adventurous and little crazy too but who couldn't use a little crazy in their life, right?
   I've become friends with many of these wonderful women in the past week and the more I learn about them, the more I love them & being apart of the #HLAWATeam. As I sat down to type this one of these lovely ladies shared a post on their page and I felt it applied in some way to myself, "You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved." So whatever struggle you have, whatever mountain you have to move, keep going, something has to give, just don't let it be you.
   If you are interested in finding out more about the Ambassadors for Hike Like A Woman you can find us on the webpage here, HLAW Ambassadors or there are links to many of the other Ambassadors pages right here on my blog under Check out these Pages. Stayed tuned for more from Annie's Adventures and Hike Like a Woman!

Adventure Awaits!