Monday, July 18, 2011

Travels With Clancy: Withrow Nature Preserve

Clancy and I had a guest along for the ride on our latest travels, as my brother was in town for a visit. So the three of us got up early Saturday morning and headed to Withrow Nature Preserve. Clancy was surprised to have company, but he always enjoys having another passenger in the car with us whenever we go somewhere.

Withrow is part of the Hamilton County Park District, and is located on the eastern side of Cincinnati. I'd read good things about the hiking trails there, so it seemed like a great place for an early morning walk.

The parking lot was nearly empty when we arrived at the preserve, and we were able to get a spot right near the start of the Trout Lily Trail.


According to the sign, red foxes are a common sight on the trails, and I can't deny I was hoping to get a glimpse of one. But there were no foxes to be seen, and maybe that was for the best. I have no idea how Clancy would react to a fox, and it's probably better not to find out how a fox would react to him.

All was well as far as Clancy was concerned though, as he met a new friend, an adorable and friendly chocolate lab, at the start of the trail. There's nothing Clancy loves more than interacting with dogs. The lab seemed just as happy to make Clancy's acquaintance, so they had a good time saying hello and checking each other out.

Here we are at the start of the trail into the woods.



We had hoped to take the Hepatica Hill Loop trail, which is the longer and more scenic route, but unfortunately the loop was closed due to landslides caused by the heavy rains we had back in the spring. So we just stayed on the shorter trail, which was a nice walk, but didn't really have any noteworthy scenery. 

At the end of the trail, we came to a solitary bench nestled in the middle of a lush and green clearing. The bench offered a perfect view through the trees to the Ohio River below.



Clancy's labrador pal was just leaving the clearing as we arrived, so the two of them enjoyed another quick round of doggie bonding. After saying goodbye to the lab and his family, my brother and I sat on the bench and had a nice chat, while Clancy checked out the scents and took a well-deserved rest. When we were all ready to move on, we turned around and headed out of the clearing.


Back at the parking area, we came upon the Highwood Lodge, which is used for weddings.


I can imagine it is a very pretty setting for weddings, as the benches can be covered with white cloth, and the ceremonies are performed in front of this white lattice backdrop. 


According to a sign at the park entrance, a wedding was scheduled for that afternoon, so I hope the bride and groom enjoyed their day.

Off to the side of the lodge, there is a gazebo at the edge of the woods. I'm sure the gazebo is very popular during the weddings, as it provides a wonderful backdrop for pictures.


Throughout the morning, Clancy fussed whenever my brother held his leash. This picture was no exception, as he stared at me and whined as if I was abandoning him just by walking fifteen feet away to take a picture. 


It was clear he'd had enough of pictures, and was ready to get back in the car. The humidity was starting to build up anyway, so we were all fine with taking our leave.

Clancy and I enjoyed having a guest with us on our travels, and the visit to Withrow Preserve turned out to be a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful looking spot. So serene. So green. Nice.

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  2. Thanks for calming me down, those pictures are lovely, 3 yrs ago I went to Yosemite Whilst in the US that was awesome also, both places look so relaxing.

    Yvonne.

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  3. Another great getaway. It's so lush and green there. We're very dry here in the west and don't get all that undergrowth except in the higher elevations.

    Poor Clancy. What a mamma's boy. :P

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  4. I love taking walks in places like this!

    Yours is particularly beautiful!

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  5. It all looks so beautiful! You've inspired me to go on a hike, myself! I need to get out into nature before the summer is all over!

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  6. What an awesome walk! My dogs would love that (except Zombie Dog, who's very anti-social). You must get a lot of inspiration and plotting time on those walks :)
    Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

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  7. One of my dogs likes other dogs. One doesn't. Of course there are exceptions. Looks like a fun day. The wedding venue is lovely.

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  8. @Mary, serene is a good word for it, it really is a lovely park.

    @Better is Possible, you're welcome, thanks for your comment!

    @Yvonne, oh, I've always wanted to go to Yosemite, that must have been a wonderful trip!

    @LG, LOL, Clancy is a mamma's boy for sure. :D

    @Caren, me too, I'm so glad that this project has allowed me to discover some great new places to walk.

    @Laura, oh, that's great! I hope you enjoy your hike! :)

    @Charmaine, it is nice to try to think of plots or characters while walking, it's great for that. :) LOL about Zombie Dog. :D

    @Carol, it really was a fun day. Clancy just loves other dogs, but for some reason he hates puppies. It's kind of funny, he seems to view puppies as a nuisance LOL.

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  9. What a peaceful and lovely place to take a walk! Lucky Clancy! :D

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  10. It looks really gorgeous there. I'm impressed with how green it is. Glad you and Clancy had a great time.
    Be well.
    xoRobyn

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  11. I had no idea there are so many wonderful places that close to Cincy. I might need to plan a day trip. :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  12. I loved the picture that looked out over the Ohio River. You've definitely found some great scenic parks so far. I can't wait to see what's next!

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  13. @Samantha, I tell Clancy how lucky he is, but he doesn't seem to believe me LOL. He is always fussing about something. :D

    @Robyn, it really was, thanks so much.

    @Jules, I didn't really know it either! I should have started exploring these parks sooner.

    @Kendal, thanks!!

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  14. You're right; That does look like a fabulous place to get married!

    Do you have to worry about ticks or is it too hot for them to be out and hopping onto fur and legs?

    Sandi
    http://www.ahhsome.wordpress.com
    lake forest, CA
    **Down 10lbs in 2 weeks-yipeee!

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  15. ahhsome, I haven't had a problem with ticks yet, knock on wood. I use prevention and so far it's worked, I worry about it with Clancy since he has such a thick black coat, it would be almost impossible to find them.

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