Vacation

Last month John and I went on vacation. We headed to South Dakota for a four days of hiking and exploring.

We started in the Badlands. I wish I was eloquent enough to describe how beautiful the Badlands are. Unfortunately, I'm not that eloquent, so I'll just say they are pretty.

We hiked about a mile in high temperatures (over one hundred degrees). It was very hot, but the view was worth it.

The next day we hiked Harney Peak. We earned a big dinner that day after hiking six and a half miles. It was a hot day. But the view was amazing and the hike was challenging.

After two days of difficult hikes we took it easy. We did three short hikes by the resort in the morning. The hikes were so easy it felt like I was cheating.

After hiking we headed to Mount Rushmore. We didn't hike up to the faces, but we did eat some ice cream and buy a Christmas ornament. It was by far our most touristy day.

It was a great vacation. Wedding planning is stressful, and I really enjoyed getting away for a few days and not thinking about the wedding or work. I'm already daydreaming of my next vacation.

Hike of the Month Club

This year one of my resolutions was to hike with Hot Toddy at least once a month.

On Saturday we headed to Brown's Woods for a 2 mile hike on snowshoes. It was about 15 degrees when we headed out. After a few minutes on the trail we were warmed up and able to enjoy the snowy scenery. We ran into a few other groups out enjoying the trail. Everyone was cheery and ready to chat. I think everyone was just happy to be out of the house.

I'm glad we were able to get outside and enjoy winter, but I'm looking forward to a hike in shorts.

Year In Pictures:Week 7

42:365 Friends

On Friday night Ivy, Hot Toddy and I met at Trader Joe's to pick up some snacks. After that we headed to my house where John met us for wine and cheese. We meant for it to be happy hour but we were at the table talking until 11. I'm lucky to have such great friends.

43:365 Fall

Hot Toddy and I went for a hike on Sunday. After searching for our first destination for over an hour we gave up and headed to Minburn to hike at the Voas Nature Area. We have never hiked there before and I was surprised at how beautiful it was.

44:365 State Fair 5k

On Sunday Ivy and I walked the Fairgrounds 5k. It was weird walking around the fair when it isn't fair time. I had never noticed how beautiful the buildings and grounds are.

45:365 Missed. I cannot believe how hard it is to remember to take a photo every day.

46:365 What now?

After finishing the BBAC I'm not sure what to bake next. I've been leaving through the book trying to decide what to make next.

47:365 Brioche

I decided on brioche this week. I compared Peter Reinhart's versions with the Baking Illustrated version. I liked the Baking Illustrated book better, so I decided to stick with that one.

48:365 Missed

Hiking and Ice Cream

Hot Toddy and I headed to Prairie City this morning to go for a hike at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. There was only one problem - they were burning the prairie.

So we spent some time exploring the learning center. After learning about the prairie we went on a half mile nature walk at the only trail that was open.

After our brief walk we headed into town and got some ice cream at Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe to fill our stomachs before the drive back to Des Moines.

It wasn't exactly the hike we were looking for, but it wasn't too bad. It was really cool to see a prairie burn in action.

First hike of the year!

This weekend I headed home to Cedar Falls for Easter. On Saturday Mary-Claire and I headed to Hartman Reserve to do some hiking. We were both happy that it was nice enough out to get out and enjoy some quiet time in the woods.

The trails were muddy from all of the rain and melting snow, but we managed to find a path. We've decided it's a new tradition and are going to explore new trails the next time we're both home.

Snowshoeing in Madison County

Yesterday John, Emily, Jeff & I headed off on a day trip to Madison County. After lunch in a cafe on the square in Winterset we headed to Pammel State Park for some snowshoeing. It was a crisp sunny day, which we felt was perfect for snowshoeing. Apparently we were the only people that felt that way, as we were the only people in the park. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. I actually enjoy winter when I'm able to get outside and have a good time.

Hiking at Lake Ahquabi State Park

Hot Toddy and I were able to get out and enjoy the nice weather last weekend. We headed down to Lake Ahquabi to try a new hike. Ahquabi is just south of Indianola, which makes it a quick afternoon trip.

There is a four mile loop around the lake. It was classified as a hike in Hiking Iowa, but it really is more of a four mile walk on a mowed pathway.

We entertained ourselves by pretending that it was as difficult to hike as Ledges.

After crossing that hike off of our list we both agreed that when we only have time to do a quick hike we'll still head up to Ledges. It's only 30 min more round trip, and it is definitely worth it for the scenery and hiking.

Fall Hiking at Ledges

Last weekend Hot Toddy and I headed up to Ledges for a fall hike. There are still a few leaves on the trees and we felt like making the most of a nice fall day.

The road down to the main hiking area was closed, so we were able to hike down into the park and back up to some of the trails. The parking area was full, so along the main trail we ran into a lot of people.

Once we got off of the wider trails we had the park to ourselves. Unfortunately that meant working our way through some downed trees. It was worth maneuvering around trees to enjoy the view.

Proof that some leaves were still on the trees.

The worst part about hiking down into the park and up to trails on the other side is that when you are ready to go back to your car you have an 866 foot climb. The first few times you make the climb it isn't so bad, but after an hour or more of hiking climbing limestone steps doesn't seem like as much fun.

Hiking with Hot Toddy

Today Hot Toddy and I decided to go for a hike. Pressed for time we headed to Walnut Woods State Park, which is only 15 minutes away. Of all of the state parks I have been to this one is the lamest by far. It is pretty small and doesn't have much to offer.

The one hiking trail they have is shared with horses. Luckily it doesn't seem to be used much, as we didn't have to avoid much poop. It was flat and wide, which is good if you want to walk in the woods but don't want to bother with hiking. We discussed taking up cross country skiing this winter, and the trail would be perfect for that.

Even though the hike was pretty easy, it was nice to be out in the crisp air hanging out with Todd. It is cold enough out that a cup of hot cocoa sounded pretty good when I got home.