52 Hikes With Cooper

We've taken on the 52 Hike Challenge. Living in Southern Indiana lends itself to an abundance of hiking opportunities, of which we plan to take full advantage. Our poodle Cooper is thrilled to join us.

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #11, Yellowwood State Forest

March 10, 2018

This Saturday kicked-off Erica’s Spring break and her “birthday week” so we wanted something special. We packed a picnic and headed east on 46 for Yellowwood. We combined the Lake Trail and the Resource Management Trail for a for hilly, occasionally muddy 6 mile loop. 

The trail was well tended throughout. I suspect many a scout troop had made these trails their projects. I’ve hiked here for a couple decades and despite or due to its increasing popularity the place gets more and more pristine.

We kept an eye out for the controversial logging that has been in the press recently, but saw very little sign. Though we weren’t in the part of the forest being logged it was difficult to escape the feeling of exasperation with our state administration’s short-sighted, nonsensical decision to log some the oldest trees in our state. Such a big loss for so little gain. May they land directly on their asses when they get booted out of office.

We couldn’t possibly stay in a foul mood. The sun was shining and temperature reached 50 for the first time in what felt like a long time. We found a perfect spot to break for lunch and listened to the geese and spring peepers. Eating outside should be a regular part of everyone’s lives. The hard-boiled eggs, apples, cheese and even Butterfingers tasted better for having just hiked 4 miles, loaded up on sunshine and breathed in the crisp cool breeze off the lake. Plus, picnics always feel like we’re on vacation.

We finished out our last couple miles deeper in the woods and found one of Yellowwood’s tree treasures. Of course the picture doesn’t do it justice. Places like Yellowwood need to be explored to be truly appreciated. Do yourself a favor and get out there this Spring, you won’t be disappointed! 

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #10- Morgan-Monroe State Forest

March 4, 2018

We headed up to Indy on Friday for First Friday and biking shenanigans, then spent lots of family and friend time on Saturday. Sunday, we decided, was just for us. We stopped at Morgan-Monroe State Park on our way back to Bloomington and were not disappointed!

While these are old mushrooms, they give us hope for the new mushroom season coming soon. We just need a few more warm days and sunshine. 

I always love seeing water on our hikes, especially when it’s flowing so crisp and clear! The snow melt and rainfall this season is creating such strong-flowing creeks. I can’t wait to see the little critters that start to come out when the weather warms.

Little microcosms of life can be found everywhere in the forest, and it’s one of the reasons we all need to remember to slow down and look for the little pieces of beauty and joy all around us. These scenes make me think back to the fairy movies I used to watch as a child. Think of Thumbellina, Fern Gully plus the imagination of an eight-year old! (Nate is pretty lucky to have me on hikes with him...)

WE SAW OUR FIRST WILDFLOWERS! Pardon our excitement, it’s been a long winter. We were so excited to see these little flowers peeking through since we know Spring is just around the corner, you guys!

Nate found a “shortcut” that brought us around this little lake. These blue, Indiana skies are forever impressing me, and making me love living here. I suppose the bare trees can be appreciated as well, with their stark contrast to the sky. 

Waterways and waterbodies create varied habitats. We love seeing evidence of the wildlife in Indiana!

[52hikeswithcooper]

We miss you!

We’re a little behind on posting, but we’ve still been hiking weekly! Check back soon for updates on Hikes 10 through 13! Plus, Erica had a bonus hike after her conference in Angola, IN. 

STAY TUNED!

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #9 - Clear Creek Trail

February 25th, 2018

The snow flakes turned to rain drops in a major way this February.  After seeing postings of flooded trails all around Bloomington we opted for pavement. The Clear Creek rail to trail runs 2.4 miles one way from Tapp Road to Church Lane on the SW side of Bloomington. Though a paved path, it passes through enough fields and wooded areas that you feel like you’re in the country.

Today the creek was flowing and bursting from its banks. The discarded car-sized blocks of limestone on the other side of the creek called to our explorer’s hearts. I’ve spent way too much time staring at the locations of the abandoned quarries all over this part of Monroe County. We were tempted to veer from the path to hike around these treasures, but the creek proved more of a river this day.

Happy for our waterproof boots we enjoyed watching runners try to walk water where the creek flooded and finding our first crawdad of the season. Another sign that Spring is right around the corner.

At the southern end of the trail you'll find a historic 150′ bridge with great views of the creek and lovely trail hikers. Just south of where the Clear Creek trail meets the B-line there is parking and excellent picnic spots. Though the B-line comes to an end at Church Lane the trail continues south where the train once ran. 

For a manicured city park, the Clear Creek trail offers some beautiful scenes and a bit of wildness well within reach of home.

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #8- Charles C. Deam Wilderness (Hoosier National Forest)

February 17, 2017

The weather didn’t totally cooperate with our plans, but we appreciated the fresh coating of snow for our hike. We even convinced a couple of our friends, Moh and Sarah, to brave the weather and join us! Cooper, of course, was thrilled for the company. 

We appreciated having our friends there to share in the beauty, especially because Moh is from Saudi Arabia. He spent time in Oregon, but Southern Indiana is a little different. 

This hike took us downhill on winding paths, crossing over streams, and getting to be the first footsteps on freshly fallen snow. And Cooper was majestic as ever! 

This trail has an oooold stone house. It’s fun to imagine what it might have been like to live out in the wilderness of Southern Indiana, cliffside with stunning views.

We brought cheese, meats, fresh bread, fruit, and nuts as a little lunch mid-hike. Someone set up a fire pit with a stone “couch” overlooking Lake Monroe, so we built our own little fire using a candle. We have hopes to return and do some overnight camping so we can utilize the fire pit. 

Feeling refreshed and refueled, we continued on our hike. For some reason, we decided to follow an old path, which took us to this large pond. It was such a sweet little spot! 

We continued on the old path, which led us to an old, private cemetery. Some of the headstones dated back to the early 1800s! 

The ride home was relaxing for the folks in the backseat. Cooper LOVED having his friends join us for the hike! We’re hoping for fewer wet snowflakes the next time we convince our friends to hike with us. Thanks Moh and Sarah!

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #7 - Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve

February 11, 2018

Cold and windy, drizzling rain, muddy and perfect for a Sunday afternoon hike. We had been hearing about Sycamore Land Trust’s newest preserve for the last six months and were excited to give it a try. Not a long hike, but certainly more rigorous than we had anticipated. This was our second Sycamore hike this year and we’re hoping to get to most of them. You can learn more and get involved on their site.

There are only seven parking spots and a bike rack at the lot. Be advised, neighbors don’t stand for parking on the streets and be sure to mind the speed limit once you turn on to Rush Ridge Rd off of SR 446. The influx of hikers has been a bit disruptive to this quiet, rural neighborhood and we nature lovers want to create and preserve goodwill.

The hike consists of 1.1 miles out to the tip of the peninsula and back to the lot on the same trail. We expected a gradual decline to the edge of the water, but were surprised and happy to discover that the hike consists of a series of fairly steep climbs and descents.

Cooper wasn’t ready for a rest or sitting still for a portrait, but I certainly appreciated the break. The view was pretty spectacular too.

There was a surprising variety of trees and interesting landscape for such a short hike. I always appreciate the massive beech trees with their elephant skin bark. They never cease to inspire awe and transport me from the mundane to the ethereal.

The combination of birch and sandstone stopped us in our tracks. We marveled at what looked like ancient script among the cracks in the sand stone. There were sinkholes and giant hardwoods to marvel at along the path.

When you reach the tip of the peninsula you get a near 360* view of the reservoir. The chilly weather didn’t slow us down from our Sunday afternoon at the beach. We skipped stones, searched for fossils and listened to the chirping of the ice as it shattered on itself in the waves. Cooper couldn’t have been happier.

There was great rock hunting along the water. It was easy to find crinoid stems (indian beads) and geodes among the variety of multicolored stones. With slightly warmer weather we could have easily passed a couple hours exploring.

I would rank this hike as one of the best of our challenge so far. Though short, the scenic overlooks of the reservoir and the variety of topography and trees kept us captivated. It helped that it was also a bit more physically demanding than we had anticipated. Without a doubt, we will back to do this one again.

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #6- Southwestway Park

February 3, 2018

Nate and I had to make our way to Indianapolis to get our iPhone batteries replaced (thanks Apple...), so we made a pitstop on the way at Southwestway Park. It’s been on our list for some time, mostly because Nate wants to mountain bike there and I love a chance to be near the White River. 

One of the things we find most interesting about Southwestway Park is the way the Indianapolis Parks Department has maximized community usage of this space. There are little league fields for soccer and baseball/softball, multi-use trails for mountain bikes, hikers, runners, and even horseback riders! There are efforts to increase the natural habitat in the area and remove invasive species.

While the current season does not lend itself to beautiful fields of flowers and waving grasses, hopefully you can see the restoration in the foreground and parking way off in the background, with tall lights for evening sporting events to the right. It took a few minutes of walking to get through the fields and into the wooded area.

We passed this gnarly tree on our path into the woods, a taste of the interesting, fairytale-like trees we would encounter throughout the hike. 

The river is in sight!

I love getting to see the river in all seasons. Winter seems to be uniquely beautiful, in my opinion, thanks to the limited colors and ice pattern formations. I especially love the ways the branches are so bare, are such stark contrast to sky.

This trio of trees, perched precariously on the river’s edge, drew my eye to their interlocked roots, then their fallen comrades to the left and right. If you look closely, you’ll see the white of a Jim Beam bottle, left by some party-hard park-goer, in the tree to the left.

This is that fallen comrade to the right of the trio above. Note the icicles strewn like decorations. Winter really has its beauty! And then you notice the piece of trash strangling the branches in a fallen tree.... Our previous hikes have been mostly free of litter. We’ve taken that for granted and are planning to bring plastic bags for litter collection on every hike going forward. Unfortunately, we encountered more as our hike continued. And this is where both of our phones suddenly died, we’re thinking because of the cold. We hiked a bit more and tried to turn our phones back on, to limited success. My phone came back to life but Nate’s did not. I guess it’s good we were getting our batteries replaced!

And then we saw this poop! This coyote had quite the meal to deposit such a load, and on the path even! 

Like I mentioned before, the gnarly trees felt such like a fairytale land that when we passed under this we almost expected a witch or her henchmen to hop onto the trail. 

And we almost thought there would be a troll hopping out from this mushroom-spotted log! 

Straight out of a fairytale, this locust tree had spikes lining its trunk. Quite the defense mechanism.

And just like that we completed our ~2.5 mile loop (we seemed to have gotten a little confused and hopped onto the mountain biking trail at one point...). This park, conveniently, houses recycling receptacles for neighbors who may not otherwise have access to recycling services. I think it’s such a great use of community space!

We’re looking forward to exploring Southwestway Park again sometime, definitely taking Nate’s mountain bike with us. Next time you’re on your way up to Indianapolis or down to Bloomington, take the time to hike for a bit. You’ll be happy you did!

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #5 Owen-Putnam State Forest

January 27th, 2018 - I love driving the roads of Owen County. Not only do they wind through beautifully wooded hills, but they have down-to-earth names that remind you where you are...the back county. Rattlesnake Road, Owl Hollow, Fishback Creek, Coon Run and you just know there is a story behind every one of them. 

My earliest memories are of these very woods.  Though not the exact same tract, my family is lucky enough to own a piece of land in Owen County.  Luckier still, it borders Owen-Putnam State Forest.

The hike to get to Owen-Putnam starts with a long climb to the pond. Every parcel of land around here seems to have a human made pond.  Ours is quite humble as they go but we love it all the same.

We were surprised to find mushrooms in the middle in the winter, but alas this warm streak seems to have encouraged a few. This particular jelly is commonly called brown ear.  I am told it this is the one that you find on sweet and sour soup. Tempting, but I let them be.

By the start of the twentieth century the lumber industry and agriculture had all but destroyed Indiana’s forests. As a result, there was a large conservation effort to buy land and re-establish some semblance of what was lost. As you walk through Owen-Putnam the untamed wild undergrowth and the healthy amount of massive trees make it hard to believe this land was desolate a hundred years ago.

I doubt these pines are native as they were planted by the thousands in state parks by the NCCC, but they are gorgeous. I always feel like I’m hiking in northern Michigan or out west.

A day that started with rain and dreary clouds opened up to a sunny, warm break from the winter cold.  A fog settled in at dusk and gave a everything a mystical sheen. These woods never cease to stun me with their many variations in hue and character. On this day I felt extremely fortunate to be able to share them with my dad and many friends. Owen-Putnam is definitely worth coming back to time and time again. 

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #4 - Pate Hollow

January 20th, 2018 - Week four marked this year’s first venture into the Indiana wilds.  Hoosier National Forest consists of about 200,000 acres scattered throughout southern Indiana and is one of the few places one can truly lose themselves in the woods. The warmer weather and the fact that our last few hikes averaged three miles had us itching for more of a challenge.  We weren’t disappointed. 

Each step of the hike the snow melted below our feet. As the temperature increased we felt like we were walking on sand. The trail apps refer to Pate Hollow as advanced. With the slippery conditions where the trail often sloped dramatically toward the drop-off I wouldn’t disagree.

As you approach the halfway mark the trees open up to a gorgeous view of the lake. This was another of those moments when we were reminded of how winter hiking means getting all of this pristine beauty to oneself. I made a mental note that it wasn’t far from this point in the trail that one could hike out to the tip of the peninsula for an easy overnight. Nearly 360 degrees of calm waters framed by woods for a sunset and the sunrise. 

Cooper really is one majestic looking pup.  He always seems to know when I’m taking a picture and nearly always strikes the serious, staring off in to the distance pose.  He was certainly a trooper on this hike and was only slightly impatient when we weren’t keeping up. 

After nearly six miles and over 1,000 ft of climbing we had worked up quite a sweat.  We ate snow to cool down and stripped off hats and outer layers.  I can see why Pate Hallow is a popular destination for hikers and runners that want to feel the burn.  And though we passed a few people and their four legged companions we felt lucky to have this rejuvenating wilderness all to ourselves. 

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike #3- Porter West Preserve

January 13, 2018

We were excited to have an organized hike to join, followed by a couple drinks at a local brewery, but the region’s snow caused a few cancellations and worries over safety so the hike was cancelled and the post-hike beers turned into a brainstorming session. We had already committed ourselves to the hike, so we took our chances. We saw blue skies and fresh snow as we left our house and headed to the Sycamore Land Trust owned Porter West Preserve.

We decided that since the trails were short enough and connected enough, we would do all the loops! At the first fork, we went right. 

We reveled in the silence that comes with a fresh snow, and delighted in seeing tracks from deer, squirrels, rabbits, mice, and potentially a coyote! Below, the line down the middle from tiny footprint to footprint, is indicative of a tail. We didn’t get a picture of the coyote print, but we’re thinking it is most likely that because of the direction the footprints went; they came from the woods, crossed the trail, and continued into the woods. This section of the trail had not been walked on by anyone else, only animals.

It’s also very likely that it’s some neighbor’s dog (you know how those country dogs roam) that takes himself on adventures to his local land preserve. We’re hoping for the former. One of the goals of Sycamore Land Trust is to retain wild spaces, allowing for nature to flourish. Coyotes are an apex predator, so their presence would be a great sign that the food web is doing well. 

As always, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for mushrooms. We thought these dried out and frozen mushrooms growing up a tall stump looked so neat with the snow piled on top. 

One thing that I always try to do when we’re out in the woods, is look up. We’re walking by trees that have been around longer than many of our historical buildings. Their height is astounding!

After hiking up a steep hill, across the crest, and back down again, we found ourselves nearing the end of the final loop. The trail followed a mostly dry stream bed to two medium sized ponds. 

You might be able to tell that the stream bed seems to appear from the cavern to the left. It will be interesting to revisit this trail on a warmer day to see the trees full with leaves and the stream bed flowing.

Cooper, as usual, led the charge. Above, you can see him surveying the first pond. He wears little booties to protect his feet and prevent snow buildup between his toes. He is not always a fan of putting them on, but once they’re on he’s good to go! 

We encourage you to find your local land trust. You might not even realize they’re there! This property was acquired by Sycamore Land Trust through donation in 2008. Since then, they have done minimal management of the trails and trees and are allowing nature to reclaim her space. 

Following the hike, we joined Sycamore’s Branches group, which aims to engage young adults in nature-themed activities, for a conservation conversation at the Upland Westside Beer Bar. They were disappointed to have cancelled the hike, but were bubbling with excitement for the conversation. We met some new people, involved in the Bloomington community and Sycamore’s efforts in a variety of ways, and are looking forward to some of the ideas the group came up with being discussed further and helping them come to fruition. 

[52hikeswithcooper]

Wolf Cave at McCormick’s Creek

January 8, 2017

Though hike number two was about ten degrees warmer, motivation was definitely a bit more of a challenge.  I was reminded of a Norwegian saying I was told many times growing up, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” and we psyched ourselves up for a walk in a woods.  Hoping to see some frozen waterfalls we headed to McCormick’s Creek State Park. 

McCormick’s Creek is one of those parks that really has all that’s good about southern Indiana nature: hilly lime-stone filled country with waterfalls, caves, long trails through dense, tall forests and one of those classic Inn’s that was built in the 1930′s.  Plus, in the winter there is no admission.  We decided on a trail I hiked many times growing up, the one to Wolf Cave.

It was an easy mile or so to get to the mouth of the cave. We were amazed at the temperature change just inside the entrance and I was surprised by the fact that visitors are still allowed to crawl from one end to the other.  With the poodle we opted not too, but I vowed to return for some exploring. 

And the exit, depending on which way you’re coming from.

If nothing else can get you out in the cold winter weather remember what it is like to play on the ice.  The rest of the hike consisted of us crisscrossing a frozen stream, laughing and taking silly pics. Cooper was less impressed and insisted on being carried across. 

The three miles went by quickly and we decided to tag on a short hike from the Canyon Inn to the waterfall.  We were not disappointed.  We marveled at how these cold temps could transform the passing stream and the sense of wonder that the results inspired. 

For a moment we thought we wanted a close-up, but decided we weren’t prepared for the ice slide.  Maybe next time. 

[52hikeswithcooper]

Hike 1- Leonard Springs Nature Park

January 1, 2017

With the temperatures in the single digits, we wanted to keep our hike short and sweet with a familiar loop. We’ve been to this site before, but never at these temperatures! It was a whole new experience! One of the things we love most about Leonard Springs is the caves. We chose to start the loop at the “top” (which means we ended by coming up several flights of stairs), where there is a small cave opening. The warm air escaping from the cave formed icicles on the surrounding trees, shrubs, and inside the mouth. What a beautiful sight!

The path into the nature park is an old logging road, so it’s nice and wide. It almost feels like we’re not in Southern Indiana once you get into the nature park. 

The path opens up and we come upon some streams, which will feed into a marshy/pond area we encounter later. Most of these streams were frozen, but as you can see, not completely! Another animal, or someone else’s dog, found that out before we arrived. We did do a little testing of the ice on our own, mostly to hear the sounds of the ice cracking in such a quiet space. 

We made our way to the marshy/pond area, and were not disappointed! The water froze in such neat patterns, and we *think* we found a beaver home. Do tell us if we’re right or wrong!

We followed the path along the marsh to another viewing point where there is  a great platform to stand or rest on that gives you a vantage point for birdwatching and surveying the land. We saw a small but interesting variety, most notably a plover, which you may be able to see in the panorama below if you’ve got a really good eye. Trust us, they’re there. If we weren’t chilled we may have stayed longer to let the birds resume some normal activity. In warmer weather, most of this area is flooded. 

Our phones were losing battery, dang cold weather and Apple’s ploy to get us to buy new phones, but we did manage to take a few pics on our way up the hill, back to the cave. Here’s where we got to see the waterfalls! They were still flowing, but the ice created such lovely patterns on the surround rocks and trees!

Cooper wasn’t keen on walking up the stairs after the first flight, so we did have to carry him, which we’re sad to have missed photo evidence of.

Overall, this little hike got our blood pumping, gave us incredible sights, and started our new year out on the right foot. We’re looking forward to Hike #2, though we’re not sure where it will be yet! We’re open to suggestions, so send your favorite hikes our way.

-Erica, Nate, & Cooper

[52hikeswithcooper]

Welcome!

Allow us to introduce ourselves. 

We are a husband-wife team of nature lovers, living in southern Indiana. We have a black standard poodle named Cooper who joins us on many of our adventures. In an effort to explore more of our surroundings, we have decided to take up a 52 Hikes challenge! 

Join us as we hike, explore, and grow. 

A post on our New Year’s day hike is coming soon!