Radnor Lake: Good for the Mind, Body and Soul

Can we talk about what a gorgeous day we are having here in Nashville.  Last time I checked it was 71 degrees, which is crazy considering just yesterday I had to wait 10 minutes for my icy windows on my car to melt.  I think it's safe to say that we have the most bipolar weather in the history of anywhere.  There is nothing better in the South than a good sunshiny day that feels like Spring or Fall and being able to ride around with your music blasting and windows down.  I am off work today and luckily my roommate asked me what the weather was supposed to be like and at the time it was sixty degrees so I knew I had to get out of the house.  Last time we had a day like this, the only thing I walked outside for was to get something out of my car, and I'm still mad at myself about it.  I just spend about 70 percent of my life (aka the only time I'm not at work) in sweatpants or Yoga pants these days and I guess I just didn't want to leave them.  PS I have never done yoga in my life but Lululemon yoga pants are still my BFF.

Today I decided to do something where I could wear my sweatpants and no one could judge me because I look sporty.  I think the key to life is wearing workout clothes all the time in public, that way you can be comfortable and if you look like crap people won't judge you because they will think "she just worked out" and they can't hate on that. See what I mean? 

There is this magical place that unfortunately I never knew about until about 6 months ago that makes me genuinely happy anytime I have ever been, Radnor Lake State Park.  Radnor Lake is a 1,332-acre park and is protected as a Class II Natural Area. It is unique due to the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking opportunities and its location in an urban area. The park is day-use only and the more than six miles of trail are strictly used for hiking, photography and wildlife observation. Pets, jogging and bicycles are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road trail. The Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.

Radnor Lake is located at 1114 Otter Creek Road in Nashville and pretty close to Brentwood. The trail I go on is the Lake Trail, I start in the parking lot and head into the woods (there are signs up to show you where to go.)  The route I take is about 2.5 miles long and it's mainly flat but there are a few inclines and it will get your heart rate up and fresh air in your lungs, your legs a little more toned, as well as seeing some beautiful scenery.   You seriously never know what you are going to see while walking through the trail.  You are in the woods walking the trail surrounding the beautiful lake, so naturally you will see lots of different animals.  I have seen deer, owls, turtles, ducks, geese, and turkeys so far.  These deer will literally be walking 3 feet away from you.  It's pretty awesome actually.  I remember the first time I ever went, feeling like Snow White in a forest.  I even tried talking to the deer to get them to look my way for pictures.  Don't worry they didn't talk back, lol.  I chose this trail because it's not as difficult as some of the others. Have I ever mentioned I'm not very athletic?  Blogging is now my cardio.

I actually love going by myself.  Although thinking about being in the middle of the woods with nothing but a bunch of animals and strangers who pass by, mostly in groups of 2, is a little bit creepy, I thoroughly enjoy it.  It gives me time to reflect on my life and get some fresh air.  I literally am not worried about anything else while I am there. The only reason I take my phone is incase I want to Snapchat the deer I pass by or take pictures.  Today I took my camera and I will be sharing photos below.  If you aren't familiar with it, it's such a beautiful and wonderful hidden treasure that I think just about anyone would enjoy.  It's a perfect place to take your kids also.  I was walking by a little pack of turkeys today and I had a little boy who was carrying a walking stick he had picked up from a broken tree, tell me to "shhhh" because he didn't want to scare them off.   It was really cute.  It's the perfect place for all ages and best of all it's FREE!  So get up, get out and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!! XOXO- Amber

You can read more about Radnor Lake State Park here www.RadnorLake.org