Rocky Ridge/Breeden Ridge Trail

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

Today I met my buddy Mark at O’ Bannon Woods State Park for a hike.  In this Coronavirus terrifying world, I needed to get out.

My week had not been going so well.  I got some surprises at work that changed how future projects will go for me and I was bombarded by daily messages of doom about the Corona Virus.  I was looking forward to the weekend because I had two hikes planned.  This is the only one that happened.

After a two day headache (Friday and Saturday) I was able to get out and hike.  I met Mark at the campground in O’ Bannon Woods and we set off on the Rocky Ridge Trail.  This is the trail we had planned on hiking a few weekends ago but it ended quickly when the forecasted 30% of rain became 100% sleet.

The trail this time was still muddy but as I could tell by the campground area we would be alone.  As my boots slushed through the mud I watched from behind as Mark often caught a tree root or rock with the toe of his boot, sending him into a quick dance for stability.  This is usually me, but today my legs felt good.  The air was in the low 30’s and the fresh deep breaths I was taking as I ambled down the path lifted my spirit.

We proceeded down the Rocky Ridge Trail to the intersecting split of the Breeden Ridge Trail.  We went left and proceeded uphill.  Within moments the well-defined trail became obvious to me that this trail was intended for mountain bikers.  Today it would be traveled by two hikers.

I had my camera and only took 3 shots, conjuring up my inner Thomas Heaton (a photographer I follow who will hike miles and only take one-shot).  For me today this hike was about destressing, untangling my brain and seeing my friend Mark.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

This trail didn’t disappoint.  We say small streams, heard the call of birds high above, heard woodpeckers searching for food, felt the cool breeze, had great conversations and saw early signs of spring below our feet in the form of early blooming small plants.

We went roughly 2 miles, then turned around and returned in the same direction.  As we reached the trailhead we found we were only .8 miles from the end of the Breeden Ridge Trail, which connected to Potato Run Trail which would have brought us back to our cars.  Not knowing this ahead of time hurt us, but it will be an adventure for next time.  The virus has canceled Marks trip in April, but it allows more time for him and me to hit the trails and soon the streets to photograph what we see.  The shot above best displays my brain as I hit the trail.  There was light there, but it had trouble seeping through.  A simple hike cleared that up. All the clutter is temporarily gone.

In this current state, I think John Muir sums up how I am feeling right now. “Few places in this world are more dangerous than home. Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes. They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.” – John Muir.

Until next time,

Tim