3.20.11 – Clifton Gorge and Yellow Springs, Ohio (redux)

I’m trying to add some nature in my life, other than my typical admiring it from climate-controlled areas. A lecture I attended last Sunday, by Richard Louv, was on the subject of nature-deficit disorder, which he believes is plaguing modern society. I’m not sure if that’s what’s plaguing me, but it doesn’t hurt to add something new to your schedule. Of course the best way, I’ve discovered, is to start with pancakes and end with ice cream.

This occurred on a recent trip to Clifton Gorge, which is in the Yellow Springs area (not far from Dayton, Ohio). The first stop was to the Clifton Mill Millrace Restaurant for pancakes (definitely worth the trip, even if you’re not going to the Gorge). Then, after ample carbohydrates and bemused watching of the groundskeeper, rather lately, removing the holiday lights and taking in the local barn paintings (I love them!), we were off to the Gorge, which you can actually see from the restaurant’s windows.

I was a bit nervous of muddy trails and falling, but thankfully the bad weather Cincinnati received that day stayed away from Yellow Springs. I certainly didn’t make it all the way through the trail, but enjoyed viewing the falls. After stopping briefly in Yellow Springs, where I acquired a fabulous new pair of sunglasses, we were off for ice cream at Young’s Dairy Farm, where you can actually feed the animals. It was probably the best ice cream I can recall having (Black Walnut). I would gladly go on the trail again for more pancakes and Young’s ice cream.