Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Remains of Winter

 

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Some leaves refuse to let go until the buds of spring force them off.

 

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Seed heads remain to be eaten by  Goldfinch and other birds in the winter.

 

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Seeds scattered by the winds of winter will bring forth new life in the spring.

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Dropped seed pods get caught up on limbs as they fall from the trees on the cliffs above.

 

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Some trees are scared and deformed and you wonder how they grow or stand under the ice, snow and winds of winter.

 

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New life begins after death.

 

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All it needs is a little fertile soil to take root.

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

47th Hocking Hills Winter Hike

 

The annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike will take place Saturday January 21st. The hike covers about six miles from the parks campground to Ash Cave.

OMC_UpperTrail_Dec Upper Trail at Old Man’s Cave


The hike is a wonderful time to see southeastern Ohio’s caves, waterfalls and streams.

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Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave

This is the one time that the hikers may wish for cold or inclement weather because the cold and snow create a beautiful backdrop for the hike.

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The hike passes the spring filled Rose Lake and the falls and caves.

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Old Man’s Cave 

At Cedar Falls the midway point of the hike hikers can lunch on bean soup and cornbread with a hot beverage.

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Cedar Falls

At Cedar Falls they can watch the icy waters fall from the fifty foot falls.

CF_Creek_Hollow Along the lower Trail at Cedar Falls

From Cedar Falls the walk will continue on to Ash Cave.

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Ash Cave Falls

At the end of the hike participants will be driven back to Old Man’s Cave.

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Ash Cave Falls Basin

Hikers can assemble anytime between 9 and 11 a.m. There is no charge but donations are always welcome because of budget cuts.

If we do not get some cold and snow for the hike do not fear because it is still a beautiful hike. Five thousand hikers enjoyed the Winter Hike last year. Come and visit.

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Ash Cave Falls

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Cedar Falls

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Old Man’s Cave Falls

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Rose Lake