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On our drive along I-71 to Mohican State Park Resort and Conference Center in North-Central Ohio, near Loudonville, dark clouds loom in distance. The storm passed ahead of Leroy and I, although a chilly wind follows in its wake, stirring up earthy scents of forest to greet us when we arrive at Resort. Fall temperatures for Perrysville- Loudonville area in Ohio normally ranges in upper 50s at night. In winter when guests visit Mohican Memorial State Forest adjacent to park to cruise snowy trails on their snowmobiles temperatures drop to a high 20 degrees.

A bit tired, we can’t resist slipping into our jackets and taking a brisk walk to admire bright moon rising in sky over Pleasant Hill Lake below Mohican State Park Resort. The 6,000-acre Mohican State Park and Forest is peaceful except for rustling of tree limbs and distant hoot of an owl. For a brief moment I imagine Delaware Indians huddled around a camp fire after a day of hunting before they were driven from area during War of 1812. The Mohican State Park, Resort, and Camp Grounds are packed throughout year with those who love hunting, fishing on Pleasant Hill Lake, and camping at one of 123 sites in park. Leroy draws me back from my thoughts to retire to our recently renovated and spacious guestroom where we relax with a cup of hot tea on a private balcony.

In morning lobby is filled with aroma of fresh baked muffins. While we dined on our selections of fresh fruits and baked goods from wonderful buffet at Bromfield Restaurant outside window squirrels and blue jays shared a meal. Afterwards, Leroy challenges me to a quick game of pool while a family tests their skills at table tennis. Of course, he wins, but there’s always later when I’m sure to win at checkers, chess, or a number of other games available for entertainment in lobby. For now we’re headed out to admire fall foliage, shop, and catch a parade in Loudonville on our first day out.

Fall leaves skitter across road while we drive through beautiful forests and over a scenic river below a covered bridge. On our way to Loudonville we find historic Pine Run Grist Mill where festivals are held annually. There is also a wonderful assortment of outdoor activities like horse back riding, canoeing, and go-carts for our family to enjoy on our summer camping trip next year.

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Each spring, I've celebrated a sort of personal Independence Day when I toss camping gear in car and head west for Olympic National Park Coast; flying solo. I pitch tent, rain or shine, in park, prepare myself some fine campsite cooking, and enjoy being on my own in tall trees of forest. Ever since my move to Washington State, I've had a great fondness for Olympic National Park.

One time, I woke up at break of day and hiked up Hoh River Trail to first campsite, 8 miles, flying up trail at a pace that only a solo hiker can maintain. I came around a bend and walked right in to a herd of Roosevelt Elk. They paused, looked at me, and strolled up slope, turning their backs to me as I stood dead still, waiting for my heart rate to drop. They're big animals.

Later that morning, two women came around a bend, brandishing their walking sticks at me. "We thought you were a cougar!" they said. I had no idea that I was in cougar country, having headed up trail well before ranger station had opened that morning.

Every time I've been to Olympic Peninsula since, rewards of heading out into questionable weather with open eyes and, of course, a good raincoat, have far exceeded costs. On another trip I spent a stormy night camped in woods and as a reward, took myself up to Quinault Lodge for a deluxe breakfast. This time I opted to skip tent and to add a little companionship. The husband and I booked two nights at Quinault Lodge.

The lodge sits just above Lake Quinault, flanked by an expansive stretch of green lawn and an inviting deck that faces west in towards setting sun. There are plenty of comfortable chairs and it's a great place to read your book - on dry days, of course. If weather has gone all Pacific Northwest on you, there will be a fire in fireplace and overstuffed armchairs to welcome you.

The rooms are welcoming too, very comfortable, with country-style furnishings and private baths; some have fireplaces. (If you stay at main lodge, be sure to ask for a room-with-a-view of lake. They cost a bit more, but it's worth it for spectacular view. Our room was over service entrance to kitchen, and a little noisy between staff and heavy-duty fans.) Make sure you set aside at least evening for a meal at restaurant. Fresh local seafood is a specialty, but other options, which include at least one vegetarian dish, are terrific too. There's also a lovely private label wine, though if you're feeling particular and don't want to risk it, you'll get a chance to try it out during lodge-hosted afternoon wine tasting.