So this past weekend was my first photography weekend. I spent the weekend in Beaver, Ohio - which is about 45 minutes southwest of Hocking Hills National Forest/State Park. Hocking Hills for those of you that have never been is pretty amazing. It has 6 or so defined areas that have these amazing sandstone caves and formations and waterfalls. Every time I go I am mesmerized by how gorgeous the area is and frankly by how hilly it is. I just always relate Ohio to flat farmland. This shatters any notions you may have about flat land Ohio. The hiking is really nice - not too crazy intense - but after a day of hiking several caves, hills and parks you definitely feel it.
Hocking Hills is a "cabin in the woods" haven. There are a bizillion businesses that rent cabins of all shapes and sizes and styles. I spent a weekend there about 3 years ago and really loved the beauty of the area, and have been wanting to introduce Chris to it ever since he moved to Cincinnati in January. So last weekend, very spur of the moment we found a place on line, booked it and were heading out there Friday afternoon. We spent all day Saturday hiking and taking pictures. I am not thrilled with my shots actually. I played around with my camera a TON - so I am very pleased that I discovered some new tricks and definitely have a better understanding of my camera - but overall, from almost 400 photos - only the ones in the slideshow are even tolerable to me - and of those maybe 2 or 3 do I really like. so less than 1%...not a great return on my investment! =)
But the weather was perfect, and besides the ticks (which we discovered on a quick sunset hike up Big Rock which was in the backyard of our secluded cabin) and the bizarre array of knick-knacks that decorated our otherwise adorable cabin, we had a wonderful time.
I know I have lots of Ohio relatives and folks that know way more about things to do and see in Ohio than I do - so PLEASE send any suggestions of places that we should check out. We are always looking for fun places to go on these weekend excursions and if we can split the difference a bit between Cincy & Livonia that is even better. Beaver, Ohio was definitely not a split time sort of trip (it took me 5 hours to get there!) but it was so worth the drive and the peace and quiet of a weekend without cell reception or Wi-Fi. It was like being in another world.
Until the next adventure....