2024 Hashtag59 Addition Note:
This article is a lifestyle piece and intended to reflect the feelings and emotions from us during the early stages of the global pandemic. It won’t be updated to accurately reflect the words that were shared when they were shared.

The COVID-19 quarantine has put a damper on our normal free-wheeling discovery.  I find myself scouring the interwebs these days for future travel ideas; adding to the ever-growing list of dream locations.  Let’s make use of this abundance of time.  Listening to the Hashtag 59 podcast has given me a veritable cornucopia of destinations for the coming years as well.  Side note:  the family has decided Great Basin National Park a high priority in the near future because of the recommendation of Mike R in the podcast.

Luckily, we have been able to take advantage of our time and visit some of the lesser known nature preserves in Ohio over the last couple of months. The internet can be a beautiful thing when used for good.  After a quick search on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources page, we discovered a multitude of new places to explore with the following two  being our favorites:  the Marie J. Desonier State Nature Preserve near Coolville (best name ever) and the Seymour Woods State Nature Preserve in Delaware.

The Marie J. Desonier Preserve is located in Athens county and has close to 500 acres of land to explore.  It was a cool, overcast day when we decided to make the trek.  The two-mile loop takes your through a heavily wooded area along Jordan Run and up a forested ridgeline.  Early wildflowers such a white trillium, phlox, spring beauties and a variety of violets dotted the landscape, and the symphony of birds was nothing short of amazing. There is a little elevation to navigate on the unimproved dirt trail, but most of you should have no issues with the hike.  I do recommend some decent footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks. 

Our highlight was stumbling upon a fox den with several kits frolicking in the immediate area.  We maintained our distance and enjoyed a full half hour observing their antics.  Sorry…don’t ask where they were. ☺  

A great “half day” location to get out of the house and experience some “social closeness” with nature.  As far as social distancing?  We saw a grand total of zero people – perfect.

Our other highlight was Seymour Woods Preserve located in Delaware.  Heading in the opposite direction, you’ll find this preserve off of US23.  If you blink, you’ll miss the entrance and wonder where the hell you are.  Don’t worry, you won’t be alone.  We drove a couple circles before finding the portal through the wardrobe.

Once parked and through the gate, you are greeted with an easy two-mile loop that takes you through the ruins of a homestead dating from 1830 including a slate roof cabin in disrepair.  Kind of an Abandoned America feel for sure, but a fascinating look into the past which created some great conversation for our family.  Hard to imagine a farm was located in this particular area.

The rest of the loop shares some of the same flora within other Ohio parks and preserves.  The forest floor was covered with a multitude of Jack-in-the-pulpits – one of the funkiest of flowers.  The unbroken canopy was a welcome sight as well.  Some of the trail was a muddy slog at times, but we weren’t going to let weather dictate our enjoyment.  Oh yeah…during our time exploring on this rainy day, we came across one other person.   Social distancing at its finest!

The one slight drawback?  You do experience some noise pollution as you are in close proximity to US23, but it’s totally worth getting out experiencing this little gem.

I guess my bottom line is this.  Everyone has a threshold of comfort when it comes to the COVID-19 and the reopening of the country.  We strategically chose destinations we thought would be sparsely visited especially during these crazy times.  We were right.  Both places ended up be a beautiful mental oasis for all of us.  We reconnected with the outdoors.

Nevertheless, if you are uncomfortable leaving the house right now, that’s totally OK.   I encourage you to research some new destinations for future visits.  The sky is the absolute limit and there is no lack of resources.   I hope you take my advice and the advice of the other Hashtag 59 writers.  No matter where you live, I’m sure there are some amazing places and adventures close to your backyard.

Jason M