Despite how much I miss California and identify as a Cali girl, moving back just isn’t in the cards. The drought, wildfires, and insane cost of living make it really hard to justify, especially with a kid. Realizing that I was never going to move back was hard. I found myself grieving for a couple days over a lost dream.
After a lot of back-and-forth with Steve on where we want to raise our family, we’re open to moving out of Illinois. But until the housing market picks back up, I’m going to do my best to enjoy as much nature the heartland has to offer.
Some of my favorite hikes since we’ve moved back have been:
Devil’s Lake in Baraboo, WI
Doctors Park in Fox Point, WI
Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, IL
Pulaski Woods in Palos, IL
Warren Woods in Three Oaks, MI
Galien River County Park in New Buffalo, MI
Here is a gem of a map that features pesticide-free parks in the Chicagoland area (thank you, Midwest Grows Green!).
Finally at peace with where I am right now
My little Christopher Robin in the back