I went to one of my most frequented trails on Sunday for hike 6. It was a relief to get out and take our minds off the virus concerns. Of course, we partially chose this trail as it’s not often crowded. We also practiced distancing on the trail when passing others.

Since then I’ve canceled my upcoming camping trip to avoid coming in contact with the small towns surrounding Shawnee National Forest. This may be overkill since the campsite itself does not have communal spaces and is self check-in but we still felt it was the responsible thing to do.

In the coming weeks I still plan on hiking as much as possible in less populated areas and enjoy the bits of green coming out as we approach Spring.

Hike #6: Limestone Hill Trail

Length: 2 Miles

Elevation gain: 305 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/limestone-hill-trail

Hike 4 of the 52 Hike Challenge was more a nice walk than a hike but still a few miles. We didn’t do the entire trail as my older dog was getting tired but did about 3 miles. Out and back trails require knowing when to turn around.

This hike was a couple weeks ago on an unusually sunny February day. There should me more to come as it creeps towards Spring. I should also note that this trail was paved and has the potential to flood at times.

Things have been slow around here but I’m headed back to Shawnee for some camping in a couple weeks 🙂

Hike #4: Meramec Greenway Trail

Length: 3 miles

Elevation gain: 45 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/meramec-greenway-trail

When you get a 66-degree day in February, you take it. After battling a respiratory infection the past weeks, this relatively easy hike took everything out of me. It was still the kickstart I needed to get back outside and I really enjoyed this hike.

Mastodon State Park is a short drive from St. Louis which makes it very accessible. The trail is actually 2 miles despite the AllTrails listing and then there is another loop you can add on to lengthen it. It’s a good workout due to the varied terrain and a chance to see some of the area’s beautiful limestone.

From here I plan on changing things up from my usual trails as it gets warmer and my time frees up a bit. Next week, I’ll be in Memphis and able to explore there a bit. I also have a camping trip planned in March that will take me back down to Shawnee to meet up with a friend who is also doing the 52 Hike Challenge.

Hike #3: Limestone Hill Trail

Length: 2 Miles

Elevation gain: 305 feet

AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/missouri/limestone-hill-trail

The day after my wedding in the Redwoods, I also convinced everyone to go hiking again…in the rain. I didn’t have a lot of gear for this adventure since I had only brought a carry-on with me to California. I did have waterproof rain boots though which is actually what I wore with my dress when I got married!

I also brought some cheap ponchos for everyone in case it rained during the ceremony itself. It fortunately didn’t but we did use them the next day for this rainy, windy coastal hike. I try to avoid more disposable items like this but it was the best option for us at the time.

Continuing with the wedding theme, this trail led us to Wedding Rock Trail in Patrick’s Point State Park with “Wedding Rock” towering over the ocean. The rain and fog combined with fierce, crashing waves made for a truly spectacular hike.

The last photo is a group selfie with my officiant and maid of honor who are both close friends. It captures the excitement we all had for this amazing experience despite being cold and soaked. I was so grateful to bring these amazing women on this adventure with me.