Litter free! Hikes can become cumbersome for the litter-conscious, as it’s often difficult resist the impulse to pick up all the trash you see. The result can often turn a nice light-footed walk into a heavy trudge under the weight of cans and bottles and who-knows-what-else. Why, during a recent wander we saw, of all things, a bike up in a tree. We didn’t manage to get it down, but that would have really added some weight! =)

It’s beautiful to hear that you have places to wander where your tracks are the only human ones.

We feed those faeries every night — give them a treat of some nuts, wine, milk, or cheese. They love it =)

Actually, the old growth is not too far from you two — it’s some DNR land that appears landlocked, just south of the Colfax school forest. There are two sections of private land that are in government programs, so you can cross them. This particular land hasn’t been logged for something like a hundred years — not virgin, but definitely old. We’ll show you on a map sometime!

We couldn’t agree more — amazing wonders are to be found ‘off the beaten path’.

Gnomes, you say? Your land is perfect habitat for all manner of faerie-kin!

Thanks for the adventuring wishes =) We must admit some jealousy when considering your adventuring grounds in Ireland, however. Every time we look at your photos, we feel like we can almost taste the air . . .

Everyone should join in the wonder-part of getting off the darn path and make their own. Good reminder and what a lovely picture. When ever I see moss like that I’m forced to get my nose down in there and have a closer look.

One time I did this and I saw an entire family of gnomes…

Congratulations to your new-found and adventure zones and many thanks for the great tip and inspiration!

Thanks for the great wishes — we return them to you wholeheartedly!