Weekend in Hocking Hills- FoamFest and Other Festivities

Weekend in Hocking Hills- Foam Fest and Other Festivities
Hocking Hills Region, Ohio
June 28-30, 2013

Who wouldn’t want to run a 5k mud run with giant inflatable obstacles filled with foam? My sisters Joanna and Megan and I were excited for our latest 5k based on this ridiculous premise to just get a little muddy, maybe bloody and definitely crazy for the morning.  We rented a cabin, grabbed some friends and planned a whole weekend around it.

We all met up at Megan & Neil’s on Friday afternoon.  Jo and I took her Jeep and Meg, Neil, Red and Holly rode down separately.  Joanna and I decided to take scenic byways the whole way down and actually used a road atlas with the route highlighted by green dots rather than GPS our way.  We had a great time.  We passed through charming little towns, stopped at cute shops and even saw a waterfall on our way.  It was worth every minute to get off the highway and follow back roads to our destination.

When everyone arrived we settled into the Hemlock Log Cabin, our usual place when we visit Hocking Hills and then headed out to explore a little.  We hiked all around Old Man’s Cave area, following Grandma Gatewood’s Trail, past the Devil’s Bathtub to the Upper Falls and the Gorge Overlook Trail crossing the A-frame Bridge and headed down to Old Man’s Cave.  Although it was a rainy day, it was still comfortable and beautiful, especially when beams of sunlight would peek through the clouds and trees.  After spending some time in that area, the group split up- most of the gang went to Cedar Falls and Ash Cave while Joanna and I went back to finish up dinner.  After dinner we spent time in the hot tub and sitting around the fire.

Holly decided to come to Foam Fest with us and watch, acting as our own personal professional photographer while Neil and Red headed down to Hocking College to play some disc golf.  The Foam Fest 5k took place in Kaeppner’s Woods, the same location of our very first Warrior Dash so Jo and I had some concept of what was in store- a course with a lot of hills!  We all took water guns and I had a lot of fun shooting random participants I deemed worthy- like someone with an inflatable doll as part of their costume or the photo bomber right behind us. 

As we lined up we heard the MC warning us ‘Do NOT inhale the foam!’  Okay- easier said than done.  We lined up, got ready and were off running through a big pile of foam covering the starting line. We got to the first inflatable obstacle, a bouncie house filled with foam- I ended up rolling backwards out of a pit of froth and fizz.  We continued around the course climbing over walls, up cargo nets, through mud pits, across inner tubes floating in water occasionally encountering an inflatable like a giant slip-n-slide filled with foam.  One of the most anticipated inflatable obstacles was the 50-foot SuperSlide.  Alas, by the time we got to there it had sustained damage and we could not ride it.  Huge bummer- the SuperSlide is why I paid to do this race!  Still, we had a fun time and watching us convinced Holly that she would like to do a mud run sometime soon!

After lunch, Jo, Meg, Neil and I headed to Hocking Hills Canopy Tours while Red and Holly went hiking and hung around the cabin.  As we pulled into the park, it started to lightning and all the tours were put on hold for a while but things got under way again as soon as the weather passed.  I had already done the traditional tour and opted to just do the SuperZip while they did the full tour.  I just have to say that the Super Zip rocks!  After you don the harness, you have the option of climbing the tower by way of many flights of steps or by hanging rope bridges.  I chose the bridges and I am glad I did- it was really a spectacular experience making my way though the canopy, stopping to look down and around, climbing higher and higher into the trees and up the tower.  At the top they ask if you’d prefer to ride in a sitting position or flying like Superman.  I almost always pick Superman!  When they release you, you fly approximately a quarter mile at speeds up to 50mph through the woods and over a river- it really is a breathtaking experience and one that I wanted to do over and over.  Luckily they said I could pay $10 for each ride after the 3/$55 deal I had paid for and that’s just what I did.  When I met back up with the group we all rode the SuperZip together- while they enjoyed the traditional tour they said the SuperZip was the highlight of the trip!

The driver of one of the all-terrain vehicles that transported us around the complex gave me directions to the liquor store so after dinner that night, Red, Holly and I made an alcohol run, trying to beat the clock and get there before 9:pm.  We arrived at 8:59 and found out they were open until 10:00- wahooo!  We filled up on Crown and Tequila and headed back to the cabin to relax for the night.  We spent a little time playing pool, sat in the hot tub as a group, went on a late night hike and wrapped up the evening around a blazing fire.   

The next day I went on an early morning walk, taking pictures of the area, chickens on a farm down the road and flowers growing in either shoulder.  Before we left Jo and I did one more skid around the circular driveway, a pastime that’s absurdly unnecessary and fun, then made our way back toward home.  It was a full weekend and every minute of it was a total blast! 

Warrior Dash 2012- Ohio II

Warrior Dash- Ohio II
Clay's Park- North Lawrence, Ohio
August 25, 2012

My third Warrior Dash experience was the best yet- not only did Joanna complete it with me again but our younger sister Megan also took part.  To top it all off, we also ran the Dash with our great friend Keith.  We’d had a very dry summer and this year’s course was nowhere near as muddy as previous years but there were plenty of water obstacles and a lot of climbing- our kinda Dash.   I can’t wait until next year!

Warrior Dash- Ohio II

Warrior Dash- Ohio II
Carrollton, Ohio
September 10, 2011

Okay, so maybe it wasn’t technically a road trip. That doesn’t mean I can’t post about Jo and I completing our second Warrior Dash this year, this one located in Carrollton, Ohio, our old stomping ground. After finishing the Dash in Logan, we were instantly sold on trying another race and were delighted to hear that an event was scheduled in the small town of Carrollton, a rural farm community in eastern Ohio near my hometown.

That had to have been the most traffic Carrollton had seen in a long time! Jo and I were in the 10:am heat and got an early start that morning. We still waited at least 45 minutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic before parking (by the time we left the line of cars stretched for miles) but had plenty of time to check in, stretch out and take some pictures before the race. We again decided to just take our time, have fun and enjoy the experience- this time we brought along a disposable camera to photograph the fun!

The race started with a downhill run and continued to pack in grueling up and down action for the rest of the course. Not to mention the shin-deep mud which made climbing and descending the hills that much more difficult or the obstacles that each presented their own unique challenge from climbing in and out of dumpsters to up and over cargo net barriers. The downhill start was a good indication of the uphill finish to come. It wouldn’t have been that bad except for the giant fire we had to jump over immediately after scaling the long steep incline. After leaping over the flames, we finally crawled through a pit full of thick mud and dashed for the finish line.

When Joanna and I finished Logan we had an amazing feeling of accomplishment and were proud to have finished together. In Carrollton we had a group of cheering fans at the finish line and sharing the experience with our family added to the elated feeling of achievement. To top if all off, after seeing the race in person our little sister decided to compete with us next year! Can’t wait!

Sister Trip- Warrior Dash and Other Adventures

Sister Trip- Warrior Dash and Other Adventures
Gambier, Utica, Logan and Athens, Ohio
June 4-6, 2011


Someone recently asked me how I got into doing activities like the Warrior Dash. The truth is, I really don’t know. I’ve always enjoyed outdoor recreation but I’d never felt the need to compete in organized events. However, as soon as I heard about a mud run/obstacle course race known as the Warrior Dash I knew I had to give it a try. My sister Joanna was also up for the challenge and we decided to make a weekend out of it. Similar to last year’s Sister Trip with Jo to Indiana, we utilized Hotels.com Reward Nights, restaurant gift cards and visited free attractions to get the most bang for our buck.


We packed up Jo’s Jeep Wrangler, our favorite mode of transportation for active weekend excursions. Jo and I planned a leisurely drive making a few stops along the way. Meg and Neil came along for the day trip in another vehicle. As we drove west on US Route 30, we decided on our first stop, a family favorite- Shisler’s Cheese House. We shopped the small store for snacks and treats like pumpkin cookies, sesame sticks and, of course, cheese.

We’d decided to take a roundabout way to enjoy the scenery and small villages along the rural route which winds through farm land and Amish Country. We were sure we’d find a restaurant along the way and had a feeling when we pulled into the small town of Nashville, Ohio, that there’d be a good place to grab some lunch. The Buckeye Deli was that place. We chose a booth by the front window, ordered some garlic bread and shared a bacon pizza in the local hang-out. Back by the bathrooms pictures hang of men, women and children proudly displaying the bucks they bagged that year. Local sports memorabilia covers the walls. The Buckeye Deli is a comfortable place with a fun personality and pizza that hits the spot.Our next stop was an attraction that we’d been meaning to visit for quite some time. I first learned of Schnormeier Gardens years ago while researching a biking trip to the area. Schnormeier Gardens in Gambier, Ohio is a privately owned residence with 50 acres of spectacular gardens featuring unique sculptures, Oriental structures, waterfalls, stone walls and wooded paths surrounding a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home. The grounds open to the public once a year so that visitors can enjoy the extraordinary estate. It really is an amazing place. There are no distinct pathways- they encourage roaming the property so that each individual experience is unique. A stunning view is found around every corner. Sculptures are hidden in little nooks, waiting to be discovered. The terrain is hilly, stone paths are uneven, some areas may be slippery. Don’t make the same mistake I made- ditch your cute sandals and put on some shoes that won’t cause blisters. You want to be able to meander around freely to make the most of this dramatic setting.

Another family favorite, Velvet Ice Cream in Utica, Ohio, was next on the agenda. We’ve been to the Utica Ice Cream Festival many times but had never eaten in their ice cream parlor. We all indulged in their specialty, ice cream made onsite in an assortment of flavors. Joanna went for a double dip of her favorite Black Raspberry Fudge Cordial and Butter Pecan & Cashew. Megan had Wild Blueberry Pie and Neil tried Caramel Crunch. Although I usually get one of their traditional flavors, Buckeye Classic, I decided to go for a seasonal variety- Peanut Butter Overload. We were all pleased with our choices. After finishing up a delicious mid-afternoon snack we split up, Neil and Megan toward home and Joanna and I heading to the Hocking Hills region. Hocking Hills is a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor recreation. Miles of hiking trails, repelling areas, ATV courses, zip line tours, canoeing, horseback riding and many other activities make it a marvelous spot for adventurers. Instead of staying in a cabin like we usually do, we booked a room at the Baymont Inn in Athens, Ohio. As always our only requirements are a pool and hot tub- after a long day of physical activity, it is nice to unwind in an aquatic setting. We met a few other Warrior Dash participants while relaxing in the whirlpool that night. They had completed the race on the first day of the competition and filled us in on the course, offered encouragement and made us feel a bit more prepared for what was ahead the next day.

The next morning we rose early and prepared for the Warrior Dash, donning our matching outfits and psyching ourselves up for the challenge ahead. After a breakfast of bagels, cereal and fruit we headed to Kaeppner Woods in Logan, Ohio. Our excitement grew as we pulled into the parking lot with hundreds of other Dash contestants and made our way to the race location. We had the perfect amount of time to sign in, get our packets, t-shirt and warrior helmet, put on our Warrior Dash eye patches, take a few pictures, go to gear check and get to the starting line. Although we were fairly far away, we could still feel the heat of the pyrotechnic flames as the beginning of the race was signaled. 

From there Joanna and I had the time of our lives climbing huge hills, sliding down muddy ravines, scaling walls, wading through water and jumping over fire. Although each obstacle presented its own challenge, they were all enjoyable to complete. Joanna and I had decided before the race that we were just going to relax, stick together and enjoy the race at an easy pace instead of going all out for a great time. In the end, I’m glad that we were able to complete the race as a team. Some of my best memories of the day include high-fiving after completing the most difficult obstacles, jumping over the fire together and running over the finish line with our arms up in victory.

Even though we were sprayed down with a fire hose after the race, we were still pretty muddy and just wanted to get back to the hotel room to clean up. We turned down our complimentary turkey legs, left our shoes in the huge piles of discarded footwear to be donated to charity and made our way back to the parking lot and out of town. As we passed other racers on the street we’d wave and cheer to each other. The ride back to the hotel was filled with excited discussion of the adventure we’d just completed.

After getting cleaned up we set out to have some lunch enjoy the rest of our afternoon.  The Olde Dutch Restaurant was the right place to refuel after our big morning.  We walked past the lunch buffet as we were being seated and Jo immediately declared that was what she’d be having.  I decided on the soup and salad bar.  We were both well-fed for a very reasonable price.

Joanna and I have both been to Hocking Hills many times but neither of us had ever been to Conkle’s Hollow, one of the most impressive features of the Hocking Hills region.  Towering cliffs with vast overlook points display views of birds soaring above the lush foliage of a deep gorge and a recently renovated path to accommodate visitors of all abilities winds through the rock formations on the valley floor.  Jo and I spent the afternoon exploring the area.  We chose to do the rim trail first, climbing to the cliffs above, circling and hiking down into the gorge, following the gorge path all the way to the end to take in the striking views of a steam cascading over the rock formation.

 

We went back to the hotel to relax a little before dinner.  While there, we watched a few episodes of a show on the National Geographic channel called ‘Locked Up Abroad’.  Wow, that is one scary show!  Not that I’d ever planned on it before, but I will most definitely not be engaging any international crime after seeing this!  Still, I was pretty excited to have found a show that combines my love of crime shows with my passion for travel.

Joanna and I were craving Mexican food for dinner and went out in search.  We drove down a main commercial street surveying the restaurant options as we went.  We drove farther and farther down the road, passing restaurants on the right and left but none of them were Mexican.  Just as we were about to turn around we saw Casa Lopez- qué suerte!  Unfortunately, we did not learn until after we were seated that this Mexican restaurant does not serve alcohol- no margaritas for us.  While we enjoyed our dinners, it just wasn’t the same.  

We wound down our evening by taking one last dip in the hot tub before dropping into bed and almost instantly falling asleep.  After breakfast the next morning, we packed up and headed home.  I had two bruised knees and a smashed finger.  Joanna had lots of bug bites and some minor scrapes.  We both left with the goal to compete in the Warrior Dash being held in Carrollton, Ohio in September.  We ended up finishing right in the middle of the pack, an acceptable position, but now that we have a time to beat we’re both determined to shave a little time off in our next performance.  No matter what, I’m looking forward to sharing the experience again with Joanna.