Monday, February 14, 2011

Quick Hike at Ganier Ridge

C and I made an impulse run over to Radnor State Park yesterday evening. Given that sunset was closing in and that the park has a new locking gate that engages soon after sunset, we made our hike a quick one—climbing up to the top of a muddy Ganier Ridge, snapping a photo, and then hiking down the same way we'd come. On the drive into the park, we saw some big bucks playing down in a clearing to our left, and I was able to get a near-visible image of one deer with my zoom on full. Later, as we left the park, we noted that sheds are coming into season. Two bucks stood just off the left side of road, and one of them had a right-side antler while the other had a left-side antler. The sight made me wonder if they'd been doing battle and lost some headgear as a result.


Ganier Ascent/Descent

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Two Mile Loop at Cedars of Lebanon

With a hint of spring in the air, the whole family mobilized for a hike over at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, a spot we'd never visited, but one that is close to the Nashville area. On the way to the park, we stopped at a small general grocery, picked up sandwiches, and had a picnic when we arrived at the park. It was a crowded locale that morning since a ten-mile charity run was finishing up beside the park assembly hall. After some food and playground time, we embarked on the Cedar Forest Trail, a two-mile loop that was still muddy in spots because of snow melt. The opening section of the trail felt remarkably suburban because it ran alongside a subdivision cul-de-sac, but then it angled into the woods and felt more solitary. We were sans child carrier, so E was hiking on her own for the first time. She did a good job, but I wound up carrying her the last 3/4-of-a-mile or so because of the slick trail and her tired legs. Soon, I'd like to go back and hike the five-mile Hidden Springs Trail at Cedars of Lebanon.


Cedars of Lebanon Hike