Hiking Log Entry #4 – Hiking with Friends

This area is officially known as the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, located on the Cumberland Plateau with miles of hiking trails, a blue hole for swimming, and kayaking possibilities. I’d heard of “the pocket wilderness” for ages but had never been, so when a friend asked me to join her for a hike here I happily agreed! It was beautiful, but definitely more challenging than I expected. There are several intersecting trails that meander along the creek, or up the bluffs. We did not follow a specific trail from start to finish, we really just hiked around until time constraints required us to turn around. Some rock scrambling tested the limits of my bad ankle, and it was hard to accept the fact that I could not keep up. I have a much better understanding now of where I am in this post-surgery healing journey, and I know what I need to work on. More strength training, more balance, more ankle PT! But that’s ok – I’m giving myself some grace, and I’m thankful for the quality time with my friend. I also found some adorable little mushrooms to take pictures of. 🥰

MacGregor Park

Location: Westfield, Indiana
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: none to speak of
Pros: paths are wide, trails clearly marked, benches and picnic tables, good parking, peaceful
Cons: pretty foliage but no views, part of the main trail is next to a highway

My sister and I got a chance to go for a walk in a beautiful little park a few minutes from her house. It was definitely more of a walk than a hike, but since the paths were dirt and rock, and there were 3 or 4 different trail options, I’m counting it for my hiking miles! Plus, I never get to have my sister as my hiking buddy, so this was a great opportunity to connect with nature and each other.
MacGregor Park is filled with woodlands, wetlands, and small prairies. Bridges cross a meandering creek, and signs point out wild grapevines. One unique feature is a “Christmas tree” covered with ornaments placed by parkgoers for the last 20 years. The evergreen was only 2 feet tall when this tradition started and now many of the ornaments are well out of reach.

Two more hikes are in the books, and I love where they are taking me. I have now logged miles in four different states and I’m almost halfway to my goal! Challenging or easy, solo or with company, quiet greenery or roaring waterfalls – I’m starting to love the practice of hiking, not just the idea of it. I still have a lot to learn, and a lot of work to do to get where I want to be. But stepping outside of our comfort zone is how we begin to grow.

Til next time, shine bright friends!
~Dawn 🌻