Connecting Thread
Written By Josh Reuck

Najla & Nihla

Hocking Hills State Park, OH

August 2025

On a summer trip to Hocking Hills, Najla and Nihla took to the trails as a way to slow down and reconnect. Both from the Columbus area, their hike was a simple relaxed trip, time set aside to be together, explore, and enjoy the forest. One born in Morocco, the other here in the U.S., but the trail gave them a shared space beyond background or routine. Hiking isn’t something they do often, yet they spoke about wanting to get outside more, discovering how even a short walk in the woods can reset perspective and deepen friendship.

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