Out of Moab
Spring is Here!
Spring Fling Trail Challenge - The Adventure Continues!
In the past month, we’ve finally started to see signs of spring. We’ve done some familiar hikes and discovered some new places. As hiking has become more of a passion in the last couple of years, I’ve realized that it's turned into somewhat of a mystical experience. I’ve always loved observing the beauty of nature, but it feels like it’s become more than that. In each place I visit, I sense a different mood or atmosphere, so as I interact with that mood, it’s a deeper emotional experience than merely enjoying beauty.
Some of the old favorites we’ve been to recently:
Ice Age Trail - Monches Segment - Contentment
I have a feeling that this is one of those places that has a unique beauty any time of year, so I’d like to experience it in every season – which means I’ll have to get back there again soon!
This really shouldn’t count as an old favorite, since I’d only been there once before, but when I first visited last fall, I instantly fell in love. It was the perfect fall hike - a magical place with new discoveries around every bend!
I could've sat and listened to this waterfall for hours! Click the video to get a taste of it!
Whitnall Park - Adventure
My favorite tree in Whitnall Park!
Besides my favorite spots, there are a lot of hidden places off the trails to explore, so I always feel a sense of adventure when I’m there!
This is perhaps my most-visited local park. It’s so big that there are plenty of places I haven’t seen yet, though there are spots I have to see every time I come – like the waterfall below, and my favorite tree.
Seminary Woods – Mystery
My favorite tree - I have to visit it every time!
This is a unique spot – hidden away behind St. Francis de Sales Seminary and not particularly well known.
There is a certain weightiness here, almost mysterious – I can feel the history.
(Click hereto read more)
It’s a choose your own adventure kind of place – a lot of random, winding paths to explore. It feels like you’re wandering and getting lost – but it’s not huge, so you can always find your way back.
Some of our new discoveries:
Pleasant Valley Nature Park – Healing and Enchantment
I know that a lot of people would be annoyed by that, but I really didn’t mind!
We had to have our dog Lady put down earlier this year, and I am still missing her a ton and always aching for dog interaction – so it was healing and life-giving for me!
This place felt a bit enchanted. There are lots of bike trails, circling around, going up and down the ridges – it almost felt like we were walking a labyrinth!
The other thing I loved here – nearly everyone we met had a dog with them, and for some reason, most were off leash, so they ran right up to us.
Sheridan Park – Melancholy Beauty
I love birch trees - and this one was calling to me!
Lake Michigan has a unique pull on my affections. There is something about it that calls to me, and most of my favorite parks are near it.
Because I have my favorites that I default to when I am in the mood to be near the lake, there are some parks I hadn’t explored until this hiking challenge.
Sheridan was a new discovery – just 10 minutes away, and close to my favorite Grant Park. It's not as well-kept or popular – but there was lots to explore. The beach felt quiet and abandoned, with overgrown paths and broken-down piers – a melancholy kind of beauty.
Warnimont Park – Unexpected Discoveries
It’s between Grant and Sheridan Parks, but it somehow looks and feels different from both of them!
We didn’t have time to see all of it, so I’m sure we’ll be back soon!
This is another lakeshore park I had never been to. It has the typical gorgeous lake views I crave, but with interesting terrain – rustic woodsy trails suddenly leading to gorges and steep drop-offs.
We’re on the final month of our challenge. I look forward to finishing strong and continuing to explore and experience the beauty that God has given us!
Do you have any recommendations for places I should check out? Comment below or contact me! I'm always looking for new adventures!
Hey, I'm Deanna!
I'll start with the typical introductory details - I live in Wisconsin and work as an Administrative Assistant for a non-profit organization - but those are the least interesting things about me!
I love reading (theology, spiritual formation, biographies), baking and cooking, hiking and exploring the the beauty God has created - in all 4 seasons! All of these things bring me life, and they are all things I will be writing about here - so if any of that is interesting to you, subscribe and stick around for a while!
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