Exploring the Outdoors

As of May 5th, certain outdoor recreation and activities are allowed again. The activities that can resume include day use activities at public parks and public lands so I thought I would take a minute to share my very favorite day use area, The Bowl and Pitcher at Riverside State Park. 
I have such fond memories of spending days with my family at the Bowl and Pitcher. Before the sturdy wood bridge that stands there now, there was a much shakier and narrow suspension bridge and without fail my brother would run to one end and jump up and down it so I would be scared to cross. Whenever we had out of town visitors the Bowl and Pitcher was always on our agenda. We would pack up a picnic and spend the whole day exploring and sitting down by the river and visiting. 
I  always feel recharged and connected with my family and community after spending time there. I now carry on the tradition taking my daughter to hike there as often as possible and we often meet up with our hiking group there. 
If you head downstream there is a 2.1 mile loop that has some great views and connects with the centennial trail. If you go upstream you head through some huge basalt formations and then have the option of multiple trails that link up with each other. If you are not up for paved trails there are plenty of paved paths that run through the day use and camping areas as well, with lots of views of the river. If you have any memories of the Bowl and Pitcher or Riverside State park you’d like to share, I would love to hear them.