Pymatuning State Park
We had this trip planned for a while and was the only vacation that we planned for DURING the week. We knew the crowd would be less and really we just wanted the relaxing down time. We did drive a few extra million miles on this trip because there were different sites that we wanted to see and so being the road trip people that we are, we decided to go check them out. We are not afraid of driving, that's for sure! Just a quick review we went to Mentor Ohio to see Headlands Beach State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Pittsburgh to visit the National Aviary. (We would highly recommend visiting the National Aviary, it is a small but really cool zoo.
But really the trip was focused on Pymatuning State Park. Pie-muh-tuning? Anyways, Pymatuning is known for its marsh land, here is what the state website has to share, "Gradually, a great swamp forest developed, punctuated by bogs and wetlands and supporting stands of towering white pines. The rich wetland habitat was home to a great number of wild animals including bears and wolves. Native Americans were attracted to the area for the abundance of resources. Pymatuning is taken from a Native American term translated as “the crooked-mouthed man’s dwelling place. The remaining ponds and marshes are a good food source for many types of animals, including the magnificent bald eagle. Bald eagles are regularly seen nesting near the campground and along the reservoir. In addition to eagles, the reservoir serves as a resting spot for numerous migrating waterfowl."
We saw a bunch of snails on this trail. Why do snails like trails? I know this is about to be A LOT of information, but I loved the perspective especially when considering we see snails on trails all the time. I recently read an article called, "Hiking Slow: What You Can Learn From a Snail" posted by Loren Drummond on Washington's Trail website.
"So, I give you a list of tricks to turn your hike into a wander, your run into a ramble, and help you find fresh joy right here, right now.
- Stand in one place with your eyes closed. (It will feel weird. Do it anyway.) Listen until you hear a bird call out, and then hear that call returned.
- Get down on your belly and snap a photo of any ol' fern, moss or bit of interesting lichen that catches your eye. If you’ve got an imagination (or a kid to entertain) imagine it as the landscape of a far-off planet.
- Pack an over-the-top picnic. Make it a feast. (You have, after all, saved yourself all that money by not going to the tropics.) Walk a half-mile at your slowest possible pace, and then celebrate like you’ve just finished the Wonderland Trail in a day.
- Go “plogging,” a terrible word for a terrific idea out of Sweden: pick up trash while you hike.
- If you have toddlers who are easily sidetracked, ask them to lead and set the pace.
- Leash-training is a great way to wear out your dog in short distances. Pack lots of training treats and work her brain teaching her to be a hiking dog with perfect manners.
- Take three full breaths between every single step. You might look like you’re caught in slo-mo mode, but who cares? You’re outside in nature!
There is no right or wrong way to hike slow. No matter how you do it, a good springtime wander will soothe your soul and still the gnawing need for speed."
Along the trail we found a teepee and a stump which the boys will always jump on top of and say "Du Duuu, arg I'm a pirate!" Although, I am not really sure why.
We stayed in Basic Cabin #7 which is a rectangular cabin that is one big room. It has a bed, dining table, couch area, and kitchen area. Most importantly, it has a bathroom with shower as well. We did enjoy staying at this cabin and thankfully went during the early spring so it was cool without the comforts of air conditioning. I swear I even saw a beaver run by the cabin one afternoon when we came back for lunch!
These boys are the best adventurers on these outdoor exploring sunshine glowing #guentheradventures
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