Natural Bridge State Park (Journal)

Natural Bridge State Park
(Journal)

I went here a few times a while back, but I thought I'd pay another visit with renewed perspective. I had great weather, met some nice people, and received a good workout by hiking all the trails.

Here are some textures I found along the way...
All images are property of wdsiemer ii

Journal - Parasailing

Journal - Parasailing
Aug. 3, 2012

I have lost all flexibility in my joints. My legs hurt so bad having to sit on the banana boat with my knees bent/feet back. Otherwise, I had a a great time parasailing in South Carolina at Ocean Watersports. There was a storm in the distance so it was pretty cool seeing the lightning from the Atlantic.

Outdoor Soccer

Journal


I have played organized soccer since I was about three, but it's been a while since I have played outdoor soccer. What a breathe of fresh air.

My cell phone camera has somehow become even worse

Three Sad Updates

Three Sad Updates
William D. SIEMER II

#1
On 11/25/11, I posted "Flying Pig (Journal)" to detail how I was trying to train for the Flying Pig Marathon by running for 12 miles. The next day I ran 3.1 miles. Ever since I have been dehabilitated with an injury in my left ankle.

Sad.

Flying Pig Bacon.

#2
After I posted "Who is Little Debbie?" on 12/02/11, I was watching the first season of Dexter. In one scene he reaches into a drawer, and says something along the lines of Little Debbie's makes the world a better place. Something like that.

Zebra Cakes. wdsiemer ii

With this as my ammunition, I thought it would be a good idea to make the world a better place by sharing my Little Debbies. So, I purchased several boxes of Little Debbie at my local grocery store, unpackaged them, put four of them in a Pyrex tray, and brought them to a party.

Through the first couple hours, the Debbies remained uneaten. That was until my friend Peter ate the first Debbie. I announced there were only 3 Debbies left. Magic! The next time I checked the tray there was only 1 left. That is a 75% probability that a Debbie will be eaten. 100% if you consider that I ate the last Debbie on my way home.

Sad.

Party Treats. wdsiemer ii

#3 
I'm about to watch the series "Quantum Leap" on Netflix for the third time.

Quantum Leap.

"Theorizing that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished.

He awoke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own, and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better. His only guide on this journey is Al, an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear. And so, Dr. Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home."

Sad.

Flying Pig (Journal)

Flying Pig (Journal)
11.25.11

I'm not exactly out of shape, or at least I thought I wasn't. I try to go jogging every day even if it's only for a few miles. It was a beautiful day today, so as I started jogging I was thinking up grand ideas about training for the Flying Pig Marathon. I kept saying it starts today.

Twelve miles later (not even half a marathon) and I'm back home. Flying Pig? Try crippled pig on his way to the chopping block. The pig's knees, ankles and nipples hurt. Unless I plan on flying this race, I don't know if I have the time to dedicate to such endeavors.

I'll probably go back to running shorter distances tomorrow. I guess the good news is if you read this blog you won't have to read about every mile I run, every meal I eat, and every pound I lose as I train for a marathon.

Wicked (Journal)

Wicked (Journal)
11.10.11

Went to see Wicked tonight at the Aronoff Center. First time seeing it, and thought it was a really good show with great musical performances. I enjoyed the twists.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt
From NPR

Using an array of vintage memorabilia, a novel told in the form of a scrapbook follows Frankie Pratt, a young girl in the 1920s whose dreams of becoming a writer lead her from Vassar to adventures abroad.

Just My Type

Just My Type
(journal entry)

Been so busy designing 11+ hours a day that I haven't had a chance to make many updates, except for the occasional photo. I guess it's good news having work to do, but it doesn't always feel that way when it's happening under strict deadlines.

On another note, I finally received my copy of Simon Garfield's Just My Type. As soon as I'm done, I will share my thoughts (for what they matter.)

Just My Type Simon Garfield

Miami Whitewater Bike Trail (Journal)

Biking Journal
wdsiemer ii // 09.10.11

Miami Whitewater Bike Trail

In beautiful weather, I biked another 32 miles today at Miami Whitewater Forest before my rear was bruised and my body cover in smashed gnats. It's great exercise through nature, and gives my mind a chance to run wild and feel at peace at the same time.

Coasting with the wind blowing across my face, seeing the sun come out from the clouds from across the corn fields, and hearing the sounds of nature surround me is all very inspiring.

As a continuation to my piece "Nine Parks in Seven Days" I have documented some of my ride through low-resolution cell phone photographs. You'll see some of the bridged areas, a six foot snake (I thought was a branch at first) slithering across the bike bath, the wildflowers/corn fields, and the overall enjoyment I had with the trip.

contact: wdsiemer@yahoo.com 

PHOTO JOURNAL:

Across the Fields

Through the Tunnel

Bridge on my way

Old Schwinn Bike

Mile Marker

Shadow from Bike

Past The Snake

Under the Bridge

Journal: Running Water 5k

Running Water 5k logo

Journal: Running Water 5k
08/15/11

Over the weekend I participated in my first 5k road race in a good 7 years. Actually, it may have been longer, since my last race was a Thanksgiving Day 10k. Currently I jog as a hobby to keep in shape. Therefore, I wasn't entirely disappointed with my performance, but it was more about the charitable event than it was about my time.

The Running Water 5k was organized by Preston Goodie, a junior at New Philadelphia High School in Ohio, at the First United Methodist Church. The fundraising event raised a more-than-expected $10,000 for charity: water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean water to developing nations. If all goes according to plan, the money will build two water wells to serve communities of 250+ people.

Participants were given a t-shirt for registering early, water glasses were handed out to the top 3 finishers in each age group, and were treated to a community breakfast at the church for a small donation. Suprisingly, I received a glass for the old man category.

I was amazed at the care and dedication that went into this project by such a young member of the community. It is great to see an individual strive to make the world a better place for all. This was a true inspiration.

http://www.charitywater.org

Skydiving Journal

Skydiving Journal. wdsiemer ii

Journal: Skydiving
William D. SIEMER II

Went skydiving yesterday for the first time. Left home around 11:30AM to pick up Shannon and Aaron. Arrived at Hook Field Municipal Airport in Middletown around 1:00pm. Due to earlier weather conditions and later thunderstorms, our plane didn't take off until around 7:00pm.

The ascension of the aircraft built anticipation. Standing at the door at 12,000 feet was exhilirating. The moments of freefall were breathtaking. The views spectacular. The parachute cruise relaxing.

The only hiccup was when the parachute opened and my jumping partner said, "Oh crap! We have a twisted line." I looked up as he unraveled the parachute line. I wasn't too nervous knowing that I was with a professional.

I highly recommend going. It's an incredible adrenaline rush. The added energy carried itself into my jog the next day, and hopefully remains an inspiration.

08.08.11

startskydiving.com

DSD Displays

Journal: Some of the fun stuff me and Brent did at DSD today. Shaping up to be a very nice place.

DSD Window Graphics

DSD Miscellaneous Interior Displays

Shawnee Lookout / Fernbank Park (Day 7)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days

Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation

William D. SIEMER II

Shawnee Lookout. -wdsiemer ii

Fernbank Park. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 7: Shawnee Lookout / Fernbank Park

Saturday 5/21/11

Distance Jogged: Approx. 3 miles

Trails: Miami Fort Trail, Little Turtle Trail, Blue Jacket Trail

Pros: Informational descriptions on the history of Shawnee, including replica homes, Wooded trails (more suitable for walking), Panoramic views of the river

Images (Left to Right): Fun in the trees, Overlooking the Ohio River, The last tribe to see this view--the Shawnees

Mitchell Memorial Forest / Miami Whitewater (Day 6)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Miami Whitewater Bike Trail

Mitchell Memorial Forest. -wdsiemer ii

Miami Whitewater Forest. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Mitchell Memorial

Distance Jogged: 4.9 miles

Trails: 3.9 mile mountain bike trail (no pets/hiking permitted), Wood Duck Nature Trail Approx. 1 mile

The beginning of the 3.9 mile bike trail--just my legs today. -wdsiemer ii

Woodland Mound (Day 5)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Leonardo da Vinci wrote that "in nature's inventions nothing is lacking and nothing is superflous."

Woodland Mound. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 5: Woodland Mound

Thursday 5/19/11

Distance Jogged: Approx. 5 miles

Trails: 1.2-mile paved multi-use trail, Parcours Trail, Hedgeapple Nature Trail, Seasongood Nature Trail

Pros:

Beautiful gathering areas with views of the Ohio River, Two Nature Trails, Nicely Landscaped, 18-Hole Frisbee Golf Course, a Nature Center, wet playground, wooded ParCours Fitness Trail

Woodland Mound Overlooking the Ohio River.
Looks like a nice place to picnic, kick soccerball,
or toss frisbee. -wdsiemer ii

Winton Woods (Day 4)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Winton Woods. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 4: Winton Woods

Wednesday 5/18/11

Distance Jogged: 7.1

Trails: Kingfisher Nature Trail, Great Oaks paved multi-use trail

Pros: Expansive (Lots to do: Camping, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Boating, Hiking, (Wet)Playground, etc), Paved Bike/Walking Trail going around/across Winton Lake, Kingfisher Nature Trail is a Highlight for hikers

The Park Services do a great job with upkeep and maintaining trails. -wdsiemer ii

Glenwood Gardens (Day 3)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days
Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation
William D. SIEMER II

Beautiful Glenwood Gardens. -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 3: Glenwood Gardens

Tuesday 5/17/11

Distance Jogged: 6.6 miles

Trails: 2.5 mile and 1.5 mile trails

Pros: Structural Stonework blended nicely with Gardens, Range of Bird/Plant Diversity (without even looking for them saw at least 9 different types of birds not often seen around my house) + I saw about 10 rabbits, Trail extends through woods, prairie fields, wetlands and along Mill Creek

Sharon Woods (Day 2)

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Nine Parks in Seven Days

Consecutively Visiting Nine Hamilton County Parks Equates to a Week Vacation

William D. SIEMER II

Sharon Woods (All photos except last are on day of journal) -wdsiemer ii

JOURNAL:

Day 2: Sharon Woods

Monday 5/16/11

Distance Jogged: 8.1 miles

Nature Trails: Gorge trail .7 mile, 2.6 miles paved multi-use trail, 1 mile parcours trail

Pros: Expansive, beautiful place with a paved course stretching around lake through woods, So much to do here (Trails/Fishing/Playground/Golf/Paddle Boats,etc), Gorge trail with waterfalls and cliffs, Wooded ParCours Fitness Trail