Fabio says "take a hike" at Hocking Hills
Sydney Taylor
Issue date: 10/5/06 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Suppressing a colossal yawn, you strain to focus your attention on an early morning philosophy class. Sitting in the oppressive classroom setting, your resolve falters. You want to be somewhere else - anywhere else. Through the window you notice a magnificent oak swaying in the breeze and think ah, trees are good! So you begin to daydream about walking in the woods and being one with nature . . .
Colorful butterflies dance amongst the brightly hued wildflowers as the glorious sun reigns majestically over the earth…bunnies with fluffy white tails daintily hop across the nearby meadow, and then, out of the forest gallops a muscular Italian man with flowing locks, riding a horse and carrying a tub of "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter!" Wait a second, is that Fabio? You think, why is Fabio in my daydream? Coming closer he taunts you with his oversized bucket of margarine . . . you begin to run . . . fleeing through the dark forest you fear he may catch up . . . the galloping hooves of his steed come closer . . . closer . . . a scream of terror rises in your throat just as --
You wake up, thankful it was all a nightmare. Suppressing a glare, your professor continues his lecture about Socrates. Your heart rate returns to normal and you realize that it is indeed time for a well deserved break; before Fabio destroyed your fantasy, the forest seemed peaceful, relaxing. Perhaps a hiking trip is in order for the weekend.
Nestled amongst the curving roads of Logan, Ohio rests Hocking Hills State Park-caves, waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails pepper the extensive forested areas. Situated about two hours away from Springfield, it is an ideal place for a weekend camping trip.
When my boyfriend and I visited there three weeks ago, we were highly impressed with the pristine forests and well-maintained hiking trails. Climbing up the winding stairs to the Rock House, we were astounded by the amazing view and an unexpected encounter with history. This huge cavern has rested high above the ground for uncountable centuries. Graffiti from the early 1800s remains carved into the rock.
Further exploring the Rock House, we came upon a swarm of camera-wielding Mennonites, girl scouts, and couples with extraordinarily adorable dogs that filled the forested paradise with giddy chatter. Contrary to what one may assume, this was not an annoyance. Rather, it was one of those fun road trip stories you recall while glancing over a well-worn photo album, years later - memories such as my observation of a particularly bold girl scout clamoring onto far reaching ledges. I remember smiling inwardly as the feisty park ranger standing guard bellowed, "Get the hell away from the edge!" just as she finished daring her fellow scouts to imitate her impish bravery. Or, that self-defeating memory when I sadly realized that the Mennonites' cameras were newer and more "pimped-out" than mine.
Other exceptional attractions at Hocking Hills State Park include Ash Cave, Conkles Hollow, Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. Moreover, if Hocking Hills isn't your cup of decaffeinated, Splenda-sweetened tea, then check out http://www.dnr.state. oh.us/default.htm for a complete list of Ohio's state parks and forests. Perhaps you will find time to visit one of these amazing parks and have your own classroom daydream…
Hiking the trail up to Old Man's Cave you relax and enjoy the splendid view of your surroundings . . . cresting the hill you hear the crunch of leaves up ahead. Pausing for a moment, a soft whisper caresses the air, "I can't believe it's not butter . . ."
Colorful butterflies dance amongst the brightly hued wildflowers as the glorious sun reigns majestically over the earth…bunnies with fluffy white tails daintily hop across the nearby meadow, and then, out of the forest gallops a muscular Italian man with flowing locks, riding a horse and carrying a tub of "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter!" Wait a second, is that Fabio? You think, why is Fabio in my daydream? Coming closer he taunts you with his oversized bucket of margarine . . . you begin to run . . . fleeing through the dark forest you fear he may catch up . . . the galloping hooves of his steed come closer . . . closer . . . a scream of terror rises in your throat just as --
You wake up, thankful it was all a nightmare. Suppressing a glare, your professor continues his lecture about Socrates. Your heart rate returns to normal and you realize that it is indeed time for a well deserved break; before Fabio destroyed your fantasy, the forest seemed peaceful, relaxing. Perhaps a hiking trip is in order for the weekend.
Nestled amongst the curving roads of Logan, Ohio rests Hocking Hills State Park-caves, waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails pepper the extensive forested areas. Situated about two hours away from Springfield, it is an ideal place for a weekend camping trip.
When my boyfriend and I visited there three weeks ago, we were highly impressed with the pristine forests and well-maintained hiking trails. Climbing up the winding stairs to the Rock House, we were astounded by the amazing view and an unexpected encounter with history. This huge cavern has rested high above the ground for uncountable centuries. Graffiti from the early 1800s remains carved into the rock.
Further exploring the Rock House, we came upon a swarm of camera-wielding Mennonites, girl scouts, and couples with extraordinarily adorable dogs that filled the forested paradise with giddy chatter. Contrary to what one may assume, this was not an annoyance. Rather, it was one of those fun road trip stories you recall while glancing over a well-worn photo album, years later - memories such as my observation of a particularly bold girl scout clamoring onto far reaching ledges. I remember smiling inwardly as the feisty park ranger standing guard bellowed, "Get the hell away from the edge!" just as she finished daring her fellow scouts to imitate her impish bravery. Or, that self-defeating memory when I sadly realized that the Mennonites' cameras were newer and more "pimped-out" than mine.
Other exceptional attractions at Hocking Hills State Park include Ash Cave, Conkles Hollow, Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. Moreover, if Hocking Hills isn't your cup of decaffeinated, Splenda-sweetened tea, then check out http://www.dnr.state. oh.us/default.htm for a complete list of Ohio's state parks and forests. Perhaps you will find time to visit one of these amazing parks and have your own classroom daydream…
Hiking the trail up to Old Man's Cave you relax and enjoy the splendid view of your surroundings . . . cresting the hill you hear the crunch of leaves up ahead. Pausing for a moment, a soft whisper caresses the air, "I can't believe it's not butter . . ."
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