If you know me well, you know I love a good spontaneous hike. And I swear I would abandon my smartphone if it weren't for the convenience of google maps. While living in DC I made several trips to Cleveland. In an attempt to break up the drive for my then 3 year old, I would often stop halfway for a hike or to explore some beautiful scenery.
On this particular trip I took the scenic route through western PA and found myself near yellow creek state park (thank you google maps.) Having no knowledge of what I might find, I decided to stop and explore.
To my delight, there was a gorgeous lake with a sandy beach. Of course Evy wanted to swim. So we did! We also ventured out toward the lily pads and cattails, feeling the mud-mixed-sand between our toes.
In all honesty it was perfection and I'm so grateful looking back that we stopped and I allowed the impromptu swim.
Below are a few photos from the day as well as the resulting painting.
