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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.
·
Frontier Log Cabins and Hocking Hills Log Cabins
-
Over 40 private acres. Secluded real log cabins nestled
in an enchanting pine forest. Cedar cottage with breath
taking view. Hot tubs and fireplace, fully equipped.
Hiking and a stocked pond on the property. minutes from
all Hocking Hills state parks.
www.frontierlogcabins.com
1-888-332-6747 $99 specials
July - August. Weekdays only, 2 persons, 2 night min
required.
·
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!
·
WICKER CABIN GIFTS & COLLECTIBLES -
Wicker Cabin Gifts is an off the beaten path kind of
shop you'll love to explore! So much tucked into every
nook and cranny of our little shop. Something for
everyone.
http://www.hockinghillscrafts.com
(740)596-5276 Wicker Cabin Gifts is offering a 15%
discount on your purchases. Just mention you saw this
offer on Heart of Hocking when you check out. (Can not
be combined with any other discounts.)
·
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. |
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2000-2007 21 Crows/Heart of Hocking and its licensors. The information
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Prices, facilities and availability are subject to change at any time
and may contain errors. Although the information given is updated,
immediate changes may not be available. Please call the park, agency,
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