A Memorable Visit to Independence, OH
Concluding Our Spring 2025 Travels
June 2025
Driving to Independence, OH
- June 11, 2025
- 252 mi
- ~ 4.5 hrs
Shortly before 11 am, we were packed again and ready to drive to Independence, OH. We had a smooth drive with beautiful, sunny weather, crossing two state lines: Pennsylvania and Ohio. The closer we got to our destination, the more traffic we experienced and the more boring the landscape became. Near Cleveland, we got stuck in traffic for a little bit. Still, we arrived on time at the Red Roof Inn hotel, and after unpacking, we sat down with a drink and a snack.



Two Runs in Cuyahoga Valley NP
- June 13, 2025
- 5.19 mi
- 0:59:59 hrs
- 66 °F
When I woke up, the weather was pleasant, with sunshine, a gentle breeze, and cooler temperatures. It felt like Mother Nature invited me to start this perfect day with a tempo run.
So, after breakfast, just before 8 am, we drove to the Cuyahoga Valley NP to the Towpath Trail, which we had hiked before. I stuck to my planned 60-minute schedule and was pleased with the time I finished. It had been a long time since I could run a little over 5 miles in an hour! It was also the first time I had ever run in a National Park.



- June 15, 2025
- 5.42 mi
- 1:05:01 hrs
- 63 °F
Two days later, I enjoyed another run in the park, around the same time with similar weather conditions. And again, I was pleased with my 12 min/mi pace for 65 minutes.
From Oregon to Ohio, Friends Reunited
- June 14, 2025
- 5.88 mi
- 1:59:48 hrs
- 63 °F
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Our Red Roof Inn, Hemmes Approved, Adventures
- June 17, 2025
- 1.65 mi
- 0:35:51 hrs
- 79 °F


A Safe Journey Home to Naperville, IL
- June 18, 2025
- 376 mi
- ~ 7.5 hrs
At 9:30 am, we checked out and began the seven-plus-hour drive back to Naperville, IL. Our Spring 2025 travels concluded there, giving us a precious last week with family and friends before returning to the Netherlands. It had been a busy, however unforgettable, three months.