Hocking Hills – Tuck Some Memories Away for Next Winter Archive Spring 2008
Okay, so remember last January when you couldn’t wait for winter to end? I do. It started somewhere between the time the high from Christmas wore off and the moment I was standing in a puddle of cold, muddy slush at the local gas station pumping another forty bucks into my brown-sludge flecked vehicle. I don’t think it was particularly chilly that day. Nor was it snowing hard enough my kids missed a day of school. It was just simply one gray winter day like a whole bunch of others smooshed together with the idea that a real summer day with 78 degree temperatures and warm sunshine affectionately touching my cheeks was a good 5 and a half months away.
That was the day I openly groaned that summer was too far away. And I did so loudly enough so the few other folks pumping gas could hear my complaint. No one rolled their eyes my way so I took it that they, too, were fed up with winter. One man dressed to the hilt in a blue and gray parka and a fuzzy, fake-bunny fur Elmer Fudd hat grunted in agreement while he scraped the ice off his windshield.
“So. . .do you think we’ll complain winter is too far away when summer is here and it’s ninety degrees in the shade?” I asked the Elmer Fudd hat.
“Probably.” He answered.
He doesn’t say anything more. But right then an intense wall of frigid wind swept down along the roadway, taking away my breath. And a memory popped into my head. It was one of hiking along the worn path in Old Man’s Cave with the sweet smell of hemlocks in the air and the heat of a summer breeze stifled by the coolness of the gorge. And right then, I thought of summer in the Hocking Hills and the nippy air, dark skies and snow of winter faded away. For a moment last winter, I got a faraway look in my eyes and forgot about winter for just a while.
I kind of wonder where those faceless gas-pumpers are now and midway through summer. It is 98 degrees and I can bet they are sitting at the pumps listening to somebody whine about the lack of rain, the bugs and the ninety-eight degree temperatures. I imagine the man in the parka is now wearing Bermuda shorts and a colorful Hawaiian t-shirt. He is probably nodding in agreement at somebody complaining about the humid temperatures. There is no wind. There is only relentless heat beating on the tops of the cars.
Regardless, winter ended. Summer is here. I hope everyone gets a chance to come out to the Hocking Hills. Maybe then when January rolls around again, you can stand at the gas station with a faraway look in your eyes while your gloves are fused to the metal gas pump in an icy embrace. You can stare into the gray sky and remember the sound of your boots clomping along the cool trails at Ash Cave while a gentle, cool breeze pats your cheeks. Or recall lounging away an hour in a bubbling cabin hot tub underneath a canopy of pines. For just a moment, you’ll forget that nearly half a year will have to pass for summer again and think of a wiling away a couple days down in the Hills.
Tuck A Few Extra Memories Away For Winter – Rent a Cabin and Stay the Night
Lots of people come to the Hocking Hills and stay the day. Once they get here, most of them wish they had made reservations to stay the night. There’s just so much to do. It’s tough to leave with all the hiking, shopping and outdoor adventures to discover. In fact, with all the discounts available for seasonal travelers to the Hocking Hills, luxury cabin stays are more affordable than ever! In fact, here are just a few-
· Eagle’s Nest Cabin - Secluded hot tub getaway in the Hocking Hills for couples or families is like having a home away from home. Privately nestled in a ravine on 9 wooded acres located on the Buckeye Trail. Within minutes to all area parks. Sleeps six. Fully equipped kitchen, all amenities, linens included. Satellite TV. Complimentary s’mores and more! Pets welcome! http://www.eaglesnestcabins.com 1-866-858-6096 Family owned and operated, Eagle’s Nest Cabin is offering the following summer discount through August 31, 2007. Allow our family more time to play and you save $$$ off your stay!!! Provide your own towels and linens and take $25 off your total stay. Please mention you saw this discount on Heart of Hocking at time of reservation.
· Oakwood Cabins - Romantic, private, secluded couples cabins in the Hocking Hills. The perfect place to get away, relax and leave all of your stress behind. Amenities include: hot tub on screened in porch, loft bedroom, air conditioning, TV w/DVD/VCR, fully equipped kitchen, fire ring, gas grill, front and back porches. http://www.oakwoodcabins.com 1-877-596-2211 Receive 10% off July-August by mentioning you found us on Heart of Hocking when you call or make your reservation online.
· Springwood Cabins - Private, pet friendly cabins and vacation homes featuring hot tubs, fishing pond, trails, and all the comforts of home. Close to State Parks and area attractions. Packages and discounts available. Couples, families, and group accommodations. http://www.springwoodcabins.com 1-888-61-CABIN Mention you found us on Heart of Hocking and receive $20 off your reservation of two or more nights. ( May not be used with other discounts or in the month of October)
· Sunrise Log Cabins - Situated close to the State Parks. We have 1,2 and 4-bedroom Log Cabins. You will find fresh fruit in your cabin when you arrive. Also all the local activities such as fishing, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding and the best of all shopping are all just a short drive. http://www.sunriselogcabins.com. We are offering a special for all our cabins during the rest of the summer thru Sept 2007. 10% off any cabin: No other discounts apply. You must mention that you found this special on the Heart Of Hocking. No other discounts apply and previous reservations excluded.
And even gift shops to visit!
· Hocking Hills Maple Farm– Maple syrup made the hard way just for you! Offering pure maple syrup and fine candies from the Hocking Hills. http://www.hockingmaple.com (888) CROWS21. Plastic Jug of pure Hocking Hills maple syrup only $8.00 (does not include shipping)
Please remember to mention these discounts at time of reservation. Limitations may apply, so check with cabin owners first.
What’s Popular at Hocking Hills State Park in July!
10:00 AM *WEEKLY HIKE SERIES – Each week we pick a new location to explore. Check the location on the front of the schedule and meet the naturalist in that area’s main parking location.
July 4th - Weekly Hike- Old Man’s Cave Meet at the Visitor Center
July 11th – Weekly Hike- Rock House
July 18th - Weekly Hike- Ash Cave
July 25th - Weekly Hike- Cedar Falls
9:00 PM *HAUNTED HOCKING: Spirits of Hocking – Is Hocking Hills really haunted or could it be something else? Join the naturalist to explore the possibilities. Use real “ghost hunting” equipment to uncover the science between the natural and supernatural!
July 13 meet at the Ash Cave parking area
July 20 meet at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center
(This program does contain ghost stories…parents, you know your children best and should decide if it is appropriate. Please, no pets at Haunted Hocking.)
See More programs Here! http://www.heartofhocking.com/hocking_hills_park_programs.htm
End of Year Special Events at Hocking Hills State Park. . .
Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike October 14 -1:00 PM - Bring along a cool drink and celebrate the season’s colors. Meet with the naturalist at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center for a strenuous hike that spans roughly 6 miles of the Grandma Gatewood trail. We will be traversing the section that runs from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back while enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural personality. This hike does include several hills and steps and is not recommended for the easily winded individual. (Approx. 3 to4 hrs)
Haunted Hocking Weekend October 27 & 28 - Join with the Haunted Hocking "HIT" team as they search for the unexplained at Ash Cave or try your hand at Pumpkin decorating. Registered campers and cabin guest can enjoy a hayride, a family fun spooky movie, site judging, and trick or treat at Old Man’s Cave campground. Regular camping & cabin fees apply.
Christmas in Ash Cave December 9 - 5 – 7 PM - Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave. Once you arrive at the cave warm with refreshments by an open fire. Listen to or join with our carolers, have the kids visit with an old fashion Santa or help to decorate our Christmas tree for wildlife.
