Water wheel just outside of City Creek Park

City Creek Park, Salt Lake City, Utah | 52 Hike Challenge – Hike 21

I made it to Hike 21 of my 52 Hike Challenge! For this hike I headed to City Creek Park. This trail is smack in the middle of Salt Lake City. I love how accessible the outdoors is in Salt Lake City. Even though it’s in an urban area, City Creek Park feels like you’re …

Pond at Sugar House Park, Salt Lake City, Utah

Sugar House Park, Salt Lake City, Utah | 52 Hike Challenge – Hike 20

My hike 20 of my 52 Hike Challenge was at the stunning Sugar House Park. This park is located at the site of a former state prison. The prison operated at this location for almost 100 years. I certainly never would have guessed just by looking around! The park has wide walking paths and some …

Wildflowers in Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota

52 Hike Challenge – Hike 18 – Spearfish Canyon Roughlock Falls

On our drive from Chicago to our first nomadic “home”, Salt Lake City, I had a little bit of time to explore during our stay in Spearfish, South Dakota. I only had a few hours, but the Black Hills/Spearfish Canyon area was so beautiful I couldn’t resist trying to get a hike in! I found …

Bison grazing at Devil's Tower

The Roadtrip Begins!

Annnnnd…we’re off. The first stop on our nomadic life adventure was Salt Lake City. This is quite a haul from Chicago so we broke up the drive into four manageable days, with a little sightseeing thrown in. We are frequently asked how the dogs travel. Well…you can see below that they seem to handle the …

Historic Route 66 - A Geographic Journey

52 Hike Challenge – Hike 17 – Route 66: A Geographic Journey, Towanda, Illinois

When I was in high school, I had a very influential teacher. He continues to be an important mentor to this day. But back in the “olden days”, he inspired me to become involved in a new project of his: transforming a section of Historic Route 66 from barricaded pavement to an educational linear park. …

French Canyon Starved Rock State Park

52 Hike Challenge – Hike 16 – Starved Rock State Park

For Hike 16 of my 52 Hike Challenge, I headed to a state park close to home, yet one I’ve sadly neglected: Starved Rock State Park. The park borders the Illinois River and contains 18 canyons formed by glacial melt. Legend says the park’s name comes from members of the Illinois tribe who starved to …

Flowers in Uptown Normal

52 Hike Challenge – Hike 15 – Constitution Trail, Normal, Illinois

Hike 15 of my 52 Hike Challenge was more of an urban hike, on the Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois. This trail is a huge asset to the community, connecting many parts of the city over 24 miles. While it serves some practical purpose (I used to ride my bike to work on it), it …

Monk's Mound

52 Hike Challenge – Hike 14 – Cahokia Mounds

Hike 14 of my 52 Hike Challenge was a Native American historical extravaganza. I love learning about Native cultures and the ancient city of Cahokia is a fascinating piece of history that has been studied and preserved in Southern Illinois. I had planned to visit the museum (free, $7 donation suggested for adult visitors) and …