Everyday my dog and I go to the woods to walk and experience the change of the seasons. This picture was taken in the Fall after the Harvest Moon. As I get older I appreciate the daily changes of Mother Nature. In the Spring I look forward to the first harvest of Garlic Mustard an invasive species brought over by the settlers as it is the first green to appear and a welcome treat after the Winter.
The woods are constantly at change as the foliage from one year decomposes into the soil to provide nutrients to the trees. When Summer comes so do the Mullberies, Juneberries, Lambsquarter and so many other wonderful gifts.
But I don't just enjoy the woods and the fantastic bike trail that stretches along some 20 miles of the river... I love the river itself!
After a cross country bicycle trip 8 years ago I started not enjoying riding on the trail as much it became a little repetitive cruising along at 25 miles an hour it was hard to appreciate the little changes. So 5 years ago I took up kayaking and if you have ever thought about it do it. If you are in town go talk to Brett at http://columbus-kayak.com/ they have everything you need to get started. Best of all they have demos so you can test out a model before you buy it.
In addition to being a good upper body and core workout it is very relaxing and peaceful to travel the river. At 3 miles an hour you don't miss much. Hawks and sparrows, deer and beavers, fish and turtles all at your leisure. One of my favorite trips on the Olentangy is Highbanks to Como park you can see so much in 4-5 hours. Often times in the busy Summer I only have time for a short trip so I go upstream to Henderson Rd and back to Northmore. It is always a good time on the river. My favorite time is twilight when the sun makes the waves appear to be dancing and it is feeding time for the deer who often graze on the banks and on islands.
It is Winter now and I can't wait until the river thaws because I will get right out there. Kayaking is not just a Summer activity you can enjoy it all year long!
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| Sometimes when the river is high Weber Island is under water. |
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