I have an app for hiking trails and got a good deal on the Pro version so I upgraded. I have used it in the past on trails and it is very handy. It will record your trip and you can post pictures & review your hike on it.

Since I upgraded the app, I have been itching to do more hikes. I have had some knee issues keeping me from walking and hiking as much as I want the last few months but being mobile is helping. The exercise is good for my heart and knees plus it is just really good for the mind and soul to be out in nature.

I took a drive over to Weston Bend State Park near the historic town of Weston, Missouri. I have here several times before and it is the same park we camped in a few times last year. They have a nice campground (currently being renovated), a playground, lots of history (at one time Weston was the largest hemp port in the world!), and several nice hiking trails that range from .10 miles one-way to 3.1 miles one way. There are also a few loop trails ranging from .6 to 2.8 miles. I will try to eventually hike them all.

I decided on the West Ridge rail, a short 1.25 mile trail. Weather was a bit questionable so I wanted to make it a quick one. The trail was considered “moderate difficulty” but I would say it was on the lower end of that description. Most of it was fairly flat, and the hills were mostly long and easy. There were two spots that were steep but they were not lengthy.

The trail was in pretty good shape overall but some maintenance needs to be done on the water-bars in spots. A portion of the trail shares the path with another trail that is paved. The trail blazes are well-marked, but the West Ridge blaze was not posted on the paved area. However, the signs at the junctions were well-marked where the trails merged. You won’t die in the wilderness.

There are two trailheads close to each other – one goes up to the Overlook and splits off to the left; the other is for the Harpst Trail. I started at the Overlook trailhead. The trail follows a tall bluff overlooking the Missouri River and is very scenic. The trees were mostly bare but some were beginning to bud. There are some nice interpretive signs along the way talking about the importance of the area for birds so the birdwatching is good.

The trail follows the bluff quite a ways and then heads into the forest. It was serene and peaceful in the woods, with the pleasant sounds of a few birds enjoying their day. I left the dogs at home (I have not started them on tick and heartworm meds yet) so it was just myself and beautiful solitude.

I really enjoyed the hike, but a paved trail really takes away from the surroundings. I like to use hiking poles when I hike; it helps me keep a rhythm to my pace. Using poles on pavement is not something I like because on a dirt trail they stick in the dirt and stay put. On pavement they slip and make a lot of noise. I don’t want to fall plus I want to hear my surroundings and not the clicking of poles on asphalt.

I got back to my truck and went up to the Overlook to sit a few and have a snack before heading home. It felt good to get out into nature and get some hiking in. I will be doing this a lot more, and the dogs do love it so as soon as I get their tick & heartworm meds they will be with me.

Nature really has a way of reminding us that we are no better than it is; the sheer beauty of it, the “bigness” of it, the sounds, the smells, the tastes (if you find berries and other things edible). It really has a way of grounding us that nothing else can match.

Luckily most of us have local parks we can visit. If not, walk around your city or town. I love walking around cities and seeing everything. It’s not nature, but there are interesting things everywhere if you just open your eyes and see.

Shawn