THE HOCKING HILLS REVISITED—

The delightfully secluded cabin above was our weekend home as Sue and I with four square dancing friends explored the natural wonders of the Hocking Hills State Park recently.

Joining us (right) were Mark and Nancy Meinzer to my immediate left and Don and Roberta Karger flanking Sue. Nancy is showing her OSU colors and Don is in the red shirt.

Highlights of the cabin experience included the hot tub which provided a bubbling dose of warm comfort after each day of robust hiking, S’mores by the campfire pictured below, and, Mark’s grill-skill with a monstrously tasty, strip steak dinner.

On Saturday we explored Cantwell Cliffs, the Rock House and Conkle’s Hollow. Sunday, we did seven miles of the Buckeye Trail which we launched at the Upper Falls of Old Man’s Cave.

We were immersed in a stunning gorge for nearly four miles to Cedar Falls, then, concluded with another three miles through the forest to Ash Cave.

There, the Buckeye Trail leaves the state park and continues its 1,400 mile circle of Ohio.

Hiking in this venue simply bombards the senses with geologic features which have developed over a span of time that defies human comprehension.

Please stop by Saturday when our coverage will begin with a story that takes a peek at the Buckeye Trail component of our weekend.