As with most folks on the eastern side of this great nation, we’re dang tired of winter. As I write this, we’ve got an ice storm moving in that may or may not dump a 1/4″ of ice and 2″ of snow.

I’ve been noticing that I’m getting a bit stir crazy, tired of watching movies, reading books, and roasting marshmallows by the fire. I want to move, to explore, to sweat (did I really just say that?). The self-diagnosis is Cabin Fever, something that you just don’t experience on the West Coast. So what can I do? Go on my Daddy Hikes.

Some are done even in the cold, such as this day at Edwin Warner park.

We learned a new term: bushwacking.

We also learned not to forget our gloves. Good thing daddy had a pair!

We learned what icicles look like coming out of rotting wood

Evie even learned to use my camera

Some are a respite from the cold weather, like yesterday’s journey to Long Hunter State Park’s Couchville Lake. 60 degrees and sunny! Evie set a personal record, making it the whole two miles without a shoulder ride from daddy.

Somehow we ended off the path more than on the path.

Lots of rocks! And one very cute girl

We ended it at Cori’s Hot Dogs in Mt. Juliet. Fried pickles, yum!

And Evie enjoyed reading the educational signs.

We’ve enjoyed the bare trees and the crisp air. But we’re ready for some leaves and flowers!