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Prairie Trail

Prairie Trail

I pulled into the parking lot at Big Rock Forest Preserve. “Oh no,” I thought as I realized where I was. The last time I was there, four years ago, I got lost and ended up on a private–not very friendly–golf course three miles away. (See...
Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain

J​ohna, Claire and I road-tripped to Hot Springs, Arkansas, recently. Hot Springs is nestled in a National Forest, its busy downtown area centered around Bathhouse Row, a series of eight buildings that have served the community for almost 150 years. We were in front...
Solo Hiking

Solo Hiking

I hike alone. People tell me I shouldn’t, ask me if I’m scared and wonder why I do it. Yesterday I considered these questions as I made my way along the trail. Within the first couple miles I realized I was chilly and added a layer. I was hungry and grabbed a handful...
Fore!

Fore!

The sun was high in the sky when I pulled into the Big Rock Forest Preserve. It was a perfect fall day and I was looking forward to exploring. My daypack contained the usual supplies; water, peanut butter and a battery pack. I slipped it over my shoulders as I looked...