Cuyahoga Valley National Park Day 3 and then off to my sister's house

Happy Wednesday evening everyone! Hope everyone has had a good day! Sorry there has been a delay in posting. Life has been crazy busy with work, college visits for Rebecca, etc. 

Given all of that though, I thought I would hop on here and finish up my recap of my solo trip to CVNP. 

See Part 1 here. 

See Part 2 here. 

My last morning at the hotel, I got breakfast and then checked out. I decided to do one more hike/walk that morning before heading out of town. 

I decided to hike on the Canal Exploration Center Trailhead, which featured a mule statue to commemorate when the trail was on the canal lock path and the boats were helped along by mules, an aqueduct, and an old canal lock. 

After I left the trail (and cooled off as it was HOT!) I headed to my last stop that I wanted to make before I left town and that was at the Thrifty Owl bookshop. This is a cute used bookstore that was recommended by a lot of people on Facebook. I found a couple books to bring home with me. LOL 

Then it was time to hit the road to head to my sister and sister-in-laws. After driving a little over half way there, I stopped off at Grandpa's Cheese Barn and grabbed lunch. I also got some chocolate at Sweeties as well. 

Then it was off to my sister and sister-in-law's townhouse. We hung out for a while and I played with their dogs. Then we decided to head out for dinner. We ended up having dinner at Roosters. Then we headed to Hoover Reservoir to walk around the park and hang out. It was a beautiful night. Then we stopped at Graeter's for ice cream! 

The next morning we were up and out the door to head to our destination. We went to Blacklick Metro Park to climb their new canopy walk. We also walked a couple trails there as well. 

After, we headed back to their townhouse, where I said my goodbyes and then headed home to get ready for the kids to come home from camp that night. 

Overall, it was a great, mind-soothing getaway. I would personally encourage everyone to get away for a few days alone if you can, at least once in your life. I plan on doing this again next summer, if not sooner.   

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trip: Day 2

 Happy Friday everyone! If you are reading this in the morning, then I am at the eye doctor. I've been having some squinting issues, etc. Time for a new prescription, probably bifocals. 

Anyways, let's move on. 

Yesterday I started recapping my solo trip to CVNP. Let's see what happened on Day 2. 

Day 2 started early as well. Except it also started with me in pain. Apparently all the hiking on Monday aggravated my plantar fasciitis and I could barely put weight on my left foot. 

I realized that if I wore my sneakers that I could still walk with only a little pain so I decided that slow and steady would be the name of the game for the day. 

I wasn't going to quit and wasn't going to stay at the hotel. I moved on with my day. Eating breakfast and then heading out. My first stop was the Gorge Metro Park where there is a dam. This dam has been the center of controversy and is scheduled to be demolished in the next few years. There is evidence that this dam in covering natural waterfalls in the area. It was still pretty cool to see. 

After I left that area, I headed back into Cuyahoga Valley National Park to hike the Ledges Trail. This turned out to be my favorite hike I did. The area is absolutely breathtaking beautiful and serene. I would recommend this hike to anyone! 

After the Ledges, it was time to go to the last must do on my list. Walking around Kendall Lake. It was super hot and humid and this was a HOT hike that took a lot of my energy. My heel was really hurting by now as well. It was still a pretty hike though.  

After I left Kendall Lake, it was time for a late lunch. I decided to get food and head back to the hotel. I was so hot and sweaty. I ordered a Jimmy Johns Sub which was super yummy! After I ate and showered, I then took a nap! LOL 

After napping, I spent some time resting and reading a book that I had brought. Then I decided to go out and stop in at Hobby Lobby and grab some dinner. 

Once back in the hotel, I changed into my pajamas and spent the rest of the night reading my book. I think I finished around 230 in the morning. LOL

Thus ended my 2nd day and last full day in the area. The next day, I was going to be heading to my sister and sister-in-laws for a quick 24 hour visit. I will tell you about that tomorrow! Until then, hope you are having a great day!