Golf Anyone?

Today’s hikes with JG:
Washington Reservation and Golf Course: in an old Cleveland suburban neighborhood, Newburgh Heights. According to CLEObserver, "Golf lessons and a learning center called “First Tee” for students are also available. Participants aged 5 to 18 progress through the program over time, deepening their understanding of life skills and golf development.” Each hole has a charitable sponsor and a value such as respect, judgment, perseverance, etc....."The core values of First Tee are to learn the game of golf and how it relates to life, to focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the course, to emphasize setting goals and making them a reality, and to learn conflict resolution, resilience and how to plan for the future. Students hone in on setting goals, career education, and giving back to the community." It’s also a great place to practice. A bucket of balls at the driving range only cost $4, compared to $32-$54 at Topgolf. We found dozens of balls at the far end of the driving range.We  also saw footprints from deer, coyote, dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, and a mole.

Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation: We mostly walked the Mountain Bike and Primitive trails along the canal. I declined JG’s invitation to crawl through tall brush and weeds down to a swail, and up a hill and over a fence into an abandoned building for photos. It was just a little too rough for me. (She's very adventurous despite her age!) JG fell once on black ice on our way back to the nature center, her third fall of the week. Luckily, no new injuries. Not many people or animals about in the cold weather, but we were happy!