It's been a beautiful week in Wayne County. Big puffy clouds fill the sky blue sky, the breeze catching the grasses - swaying with the rhythm of the Earth.
Out at Funk the water was low enough we could walk all the way down to the swamps - a roseate spoonbill (Florida bird) was spotted in the area, we didn't end up seeing it, but still it's fun to look. 
Interesting finds every trip to Barnes Preserve (and I've been working on my newest mini series - those of you who remember my gallery show Out Of The Toy Box know what I'm talking about... details to come).
At the bog things are beginning the journey into golds and crimsons... mind the sumac but take a venture out, you won't be disappointed!

Exploring after a storm the forest glows.

Out to a dark corridor to watch the meteor shower we watched a lovely show including the fog moving across the water, pushing against us, only to clear once more, making way for the shooting stars. 

It hardly seems possible but it's true... we have reached the one year mark observing the Barnes Preserve overlook area. This last month brings with it signs of change, the jewelweed is dying back, the Virginia knotweed is standing tall, the fungus is growing strong, the hickory nuts are ripening and the squirrels are having a feast! This is such a special place, enjoy the gif moving through the year right in front of your eyes!

We've all been there, you wake up full of energy, ready to hit the trails, but don't have a hiking partner. Or after a long day of work, you just want to go walk off the stressful day before heading home, but again, not fully sure about going alone. 
Solo hiking can be an incredibly rewarding experience, free from distractions you can really see all the plants, trees, animals around, you can feel the breeze, take your time, and set your own pace. 
Follow these few tips and head into the woods with confidence.

Before you leave

• Know where you're going
  • When setting out on a solo voyage it's best to start small with familiar trails, knowing what to expect, being aware of any strenuous areas, can help you prepare for weather/rocks/water crossings/etc.
• Pack water & snacks
  • Even if you're not planning on staying out long, it doesn't hurt to have a few granola bars and water on hand in case you get side tracked watching a snail make its way across a log - time flies when solo hiking!
• Make certain you're physically up for the task
  • Knowing your personal limits is so important. Don't push yourself on a new strenuous trail when alone, save that for another day.
• Let someone know where you're going
  • Always, ALWAYS, let a close friend or family member know when you're leaving, where you're going, and when you expect to return. Once you return safely let them know.
• Don't post it on social media
  • That super cute photo you took on your hike, really, it can wait to be posted until you get home. I mean, do you really know and trust all 700 of your Facebook friends? 
• Know the area's emergency numbers
  • Do you know who to call if you see suspicious activity? What if you slip crossing a creek and twist your leg? Sheriff? Police? 911? 
  • Wayne County Tips:
    • Police (for all city parks including Wooster Memorial Park) 
      • (330) 287-5720 - non-emergency
    • Sheriff (other parks outside of city limits including Barnes Preserve)
      
      • (330) 287-5750 - non-emergency
        
    • Emergencies - 911
• Carry mace 
  • Always a good thing to have on hand whether hiking in bear country, or a loose dog attacks, or a threatening situation arises. 
• Pick a busy trail
  • Generally these trails are better maintained and though you may see a few people, there will also be people who can hear you if a situation may arise.

When on the trail

• Be aware of your surroundings
  • If you're listening to your music, do so with only one headphone in so you can hear approaching footsteps or distant talking.
• Trust your gut
  • That little voice telling you not to cut over on the new trail, or that creepy guy seems out of place, or just something doesn't feel right. Listen to it! Don't be afraid to cut a hike short, your gut knows. 
• Greet fellow hikers
  • A way to let people know you see them, they see you, and good manners.
    
    

What to do if

• You're hiking and a creepy guy is following you
  • From A Jaunt With Joy​
    • WHAT IF I COME ACROSS A CREEPY GUY?Not everyone is out to get you. But it’s still important to be wary of the people around you. Solo female hiking might draw unwanted attention to yourself just for being the B.A. outdoorsy chick that you are (or want to be).
      First off, don’t ever disclose that you’re alone. Even if the hiker you’re talking to doesn’t bring it up, casually drop a hint that you’re “with” someone. If I get a weird vibe from anyone, I’ll say something like “Well, I should go catch up to my boyfriend now.” It’s also important not to give too many details about where you’re headed or what your plans are to strangers.
      If someone is trailing behind you and it’s making you paranoid or nervous (or if you’re me — annoyed and rushed), pull off to the side of the trail and let them go by. Pretend you’re stopping to take photos or to get a drink of water.

I hope this post inspires and empowers you to not let fear stand in your way of enjoying the great outdoors! Awareness + preparedness = stress free solo hiking experiences.

The past few days I've noticed 
an influx of birds at the feeder.
One bird in particular
oversized, under developed,
gaping with its beak ajar. 
The cowbird won again
this year.
Ever diligent the sparrow
teaches, feeds, raises,
with an open heart.
The adoptive parent
​who never had a clue
but carried on
​just the same.

Seeing as how by the end of the month I forget many of the details of each hike, perhaps a weekly recap would be better. 
This is an amazing time to be out in the woods, just remember your mosquito spray! 

Ah, the Wilderness Center - one of the many places I so enjoy being but rarely get to. Noah and I took part of some volunteer opportunities the past couple of weeks, so since Tuesday was so nice we decided to finally take a stroll around. We did a 'sampling' of trails, and even though we walked maybe 3/4mile, we saw so many great things. The prairie was full of blooms, butterflies, and insects. The forest was full of ferns, flowers, and summer scents. The ponds were active with dragonflies, butterflies, and looking into the water a whole other world alive. 
​This place is so incredibly special, I need to make a point to get there more often! 

Pardon the poor quality of photos - after a meeting I took a quick stroll at the new 
Kenwood section of Wooster Memorial Park - it's a great easy trail for when you want to get outside but don't have a lot of time and don't want to get too dirty or sweaty. Now that it's officially open, I highly recommend checking it out! ADA friendly!

Before we move on, let's take a moment to take a look at what July looks like. Photos from all around the county all through the month.

Have you noticed the shift? Maybe not consciously, maybe it's a longing, a nostalgic impression, that lingers just out of reach - humming from the recesses in back of the mind. The sun has shifted in such a way that the afternoon light is darker, a harvest yellow, on the breeze an occasional sharp chill slides up the spine only to disappear moments later from the warmth of the summer sun. Autumn is not here yet, I'm not wishing the time away, but there is a gear shift into late summer happening. This is one of my favorite times of year. Undefinable by any specific occurrence or event, just a hint of a taste.

Maybe you've noticed I haven't posted for a while, or maybe you haven't. It has been a big month in our world. Weddings (one as photographers, one as guests), family vacation, opening a new trail at Wooster Memorial Park, volunteering here and there, and maintaining the garden at the farm. A good July, just quite big. 

Vacation brought up a number of thoughts, concerns, and questions pertaining to parks, the public, management, and stewardship. I haven't settled on a personal stance but I'd love to hear other's opinions about the situation...
Our vacation was to Hocking Hills (yep, you already know where I'm going with this) - amazing hills, caves, formations, waterfalls, plant life - it's a natural paradise right here in Ohio, if you've ever been you know the grandiose of the area. The conundrum is adding the public to the land. For years the sentiment is that Hocking Hills is being loved to death, I almost question if it's loved or just a great background for instagram posts. How many guests to the area sit still to breathe in the scene without use of a phone or camera, how many take the time to notice the delicate orchids along the path, or to watch the millipedes make their journey up the rock face. How many contemplate the lifecycle of the Earth, how the glaciers changed the face of our state, then how the Native Americans made use of these shelters and waterways. Is it loved or is visiting there kicking a corpse (dark but it does upset me)?
Common thoughts on the situation - 
Is it because it's free - if admission were charged would people disrespect the space?
If no one knew of the area would anyone care to preserve that which they don't know?
Is it an important space to inspire people to gain an appreciation for nature, potentially moving them to become stewards of nature protecting lands in their own area?
Is it the responsibility of those who love the area to educate and inspire others to be good to the land?

As I prefer being proactive to being a defeatist I'll go with the last two. It is important to go to these areas BUT education and stewardship must be accentuated. Educating people on what they're seeing and how they can make a positive impact on such areas is (at least in my naive mind) more viable than closing off areas to everyone all together (although admission would be a good way to make this happen, and then you get the people who actually care). 

Always lots to think about in this great world of ours. 
​Happy August.