Shenandoah National Park, VA
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
city sidewalks on Christmas day
12.27.2011
For the past month my family and I have been laboring under the delusion that Manhattan would be quiet on Christmas day. We were dead wrong. The city was busier than I've seen it in a while, and it's been very busy in my opinion. The only time I've (personally) ever seen more people in Manhattan was when I accidentally turned up in the middle of Rockefeller Center on the very evening of the tree lighting ceremony. Talk about claustrophobia.
Despite the severely packed sidewalks, we had a great time and even found parking on the street.. a first for us because we only take the train (because driving in the city is a straight up nightmare and parking is even worse.. and trains are nice because you don't have to drive them.)
We took a stroll through Central Park, stopped in the Plaza in search of a restroom- fail, glanced at the Bergdorf windows, wandered into one of the Trump buildings and actually found a restroom- thanks mr. trump, stopped in St. Patrick's Cathedral, and then walked over to see the tree.
The tree was a bit fatter than usual, which is great. I love a good fat tree. The rounder the better, really. It was a lot prettier this time than the last time I saw it.. that could be because the darn thing was covered in scaffolding when I was last there at 1am on a chilly November evening.
After seeing the tree we ducked into a little cafe for some hot chocolate although it really wasn't cold enough to warrant a steamy beverage.. 45 degrees on Christmas day when just last year we had a major blizzard the day after Christmas. That's ok though, I'd drink hot chocolate even on a summer day. Actually, I heard that hypothermia can set in even at 50 degrees, so I take back what I said about it not being cold enough for a hot beverage.
And on that note, I think I'll go to sleep! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I loved seeing your Christmasy instagram snaps throughout the day!
Despite the severely packed sidewalks, we had a great time and even found parking on the street.. a first for us because we only take the train (because driving in the city is a straight up nightmare and parking is even worse.. and trains are nice because you don't have to drive them.)
We took a stroll through Central Park, stopped in the Plaza in search of a restroom- fail, glanced at the Bergdorf windows, wandered into one of the Trump buildings and actually found a restroom- thanks mr. trump, stopped in St. Patrick's Cathedral, and then walked over to see the tree.
The tree was a bit fatter than usual, which is great. I love a good fat tree. The rounder the better, really. It was a lot prettier this time than the last time I saw it.. that could be because the darn thing was covered in scaffolding when I was last there at 1am on a chilly November evening.
After seeing the tree we ducked into a little cafe for some hot chocolate although it really wasn't cold enough to warrant a steamy beverage.. 45 degrees on Christmas day when just last year we had a major blizzard the day after Christmas. That's ok though, I'd drink hot chocolate even on a summer day. Actually, I heard that hypothermia can set in even at 50 degrees, so I take back what I said about it not being cold enough for a hot beverage.
And on that note, I think I'll go to sleep! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I loved seeing your Christmasy instagram snaps throughout the day!
A Literal Leap of Faith
7.29.2011
Shenandoah National Park / Old Rag Mountain Trail / July 23, 2011
The Old Rag trail is easily one of the hardest trails I've ever done. It wasn't all that long- about 8 miles round trip, but it was steep, grueling, and mentally challenging. It was also about 100 degrees and absurdly humid.
When we were about 1 mile into the 1.5 mile rock scramble we heard thunder in the distance. I think the worst possible scenario would have been rain on the rock scramble. The rocks were already slick, steep, and challenging- rain would have made the stretch treacherous. More treacherous, I should say.
Thank goodness the rain held out long enough and we made it, but not before we used serious rock climbing skills and jumped a 4ft crevice. That jump was probably the scariest thing I've ever done in my life because the fall would have been 20+ feet and the surfaces we were jumping from and landing on were not friendly. I shudder thinking about that jump.
A literal leap of faith. Marissa made it across the crevice first and left Kate and me standing on the other side. She told us to take a leap of faith, which I found to be very nerve-wracking since the faith would be in my mind and body's ability to cope with my fear. I was nervous that my body would quit mid jump or that my mind would change right as I left the safety of the rock. Kate had similar feelings. We knew all to well that real safety was a 4 hr hike away (although I don't think I wold have been any less scared if paramedics were standing by.)
Once we all made it to the other side (after much deliberation and stalling) we just sat on the rock feeling thankful that we'd done it and that it was over. I'm glad I did it and I hope I don't have to do it again.
p.s. I realize that a 4 ft jump is not very long at all, in fact it's easy. It's a different story when there is a 20ft drop that you have to jump over. A 20 ft drop with jagged edges on the way down. I still can't believe we all made it across. I also can't believe we all tried to make it across. Terrifying.
At the end of the 8 miles we were so proud of ourselves. We all conquered some major fears on this trail and we did it together.
The Old Rag trail is easily one of the hardest trails I've ever done. It wasn't all that long- about 8 miles round trip, but it was steep, grueling, and mentally challenging. It was also about 100 degrees and absurdly humid.
When we were about 1 mile into the 1.5 mile rock scramble we heard thunder in the distance. I think the worst possible scenario would have been rain on the rock scramble. The rocks were already slick, steep, and challenging- rain would have made the stretch treacherous. More treacherous, I should say.
Thank goodness the rain held out long enough and we made it, but not before we used serious rock climbing skills and jumped a 4ft crevice. That jump was probably the scariest thing I've ever done in my life because the fall would have been 20+ feet and the surfaces we were jumping from and landing on were not friendly. I shudder thinking about that jump.
A literal leap of faith. Marissa made it across the crevice first and left Kate and me standing on the other side. She told us to take a leap of faith, which I found to be very nerve-wracking since the faith would be in my mind and body's ability to cope with my fear. I was nervous that my body would quit mid jump or that my mind would change right as I left the safety of the rock. Kate had similar feelings. We knew all to well that real safety was a 4 hr hike away (although I don't think I wold have been any less scared if paramedics were standing by.)
Once we all made it to the other side (after much deliberation and stalling) we just sat on the rock feeling thankful that we'd done it and that it was over. I'm glad I did it and I hope I don't have to do it again.
p.s. I realize that a 4 ft jump is not very long at all, in fact it's easy. It's a different story when there is a 20ft drop that you have to jump over. A 20 ft drop with jagged edges on the way down. I still can't believe we all made it across. I also can't believe we all tried to make it across. Terrifying.
At the end of the 8 miles we were so proud of ourselves. We all conquered some major fears on this trail and we did it together.
Life is old there, older than the trees
7.26.2011
... younger than the mountains, growin' like the breeze."
Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive & Dark Hollow Falls Trail / July 22, 2011
Marissa and I woke up around 4:15am and drove over to Brooklyn to pick up our cousin, Katie. We got the most delicious bagels and hopped on the road. 9 hours and a bunch of coffee later we found ourselves in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park.
In the middle of a serious heat wave (100 degrees +) we went on a 3 hour hike to a couple of small waterfalls. This particular trail (Dark Hollow Falls) was very well covered by the trees so the heat was not completely awful. We didn't care anyway because we were so happy to have started our adventure.
By the time we started the hike it was already late afternoon so the morning crowds were gone and we had the place to ourselves. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, splashed around in the quiet stream, and hunted for pretty stones. We were like little kids and it was great.
Marissa and I woke up around 4:15am and drove over to Brooklyn to pick up our cousin, Katie. We got the most delicious bagels and hopped on the road. 9 hours and a bunch of coffee later we found ourselves in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park.
In the middle of a serious heat wave (100 degrees +) we went on a 3 hour hike to a couple of small waterfalls. This particular trail (Dark Hollow Falls) was very well covered by the trees so the heat was not completely awful. We didn't care anyway because we were so happy to have started our adventure.
By the time we started the hike it was already late afternoon so the morning crowds were gone and we had the place to ourselves. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, splashed around in the quiet stream, and hunted for pretty stones. We were like little kids and it was great.
I'm so happy I got to share this experience with my sister and my cousin. I can't remember the last time we got together for a long weekend and it was way over due.
Places: The Italy in New York
6.29.2011
Yes! Really. There is an Italy in New York City and I'm not talking about "Little Italy" in Manhattan (although it has some great restaurants and Italian festivals.) This is the Italy of the Bronx- commonly referred to as Arthur Ave.
My first trip to Arthur Ave was only a few months ago with Matt and some of his family. They are pros. They knew all the great butchers, bakeries, pizza places, restaurants, and pasta shops- there are multiple specialty shops for each specialty and I'm fairly sure that they're all pretty amazing.
After learning where to park (potential nightmare) and where to shop I felt confident enough to venture over to the Italy of NY with Marissa to pick up some birthday presents for our mom. Birthday presents in the form of food.. for all of us to enjoy.. pretty great idea, I must say.
We left this morning around 10:15am and arrived before 11am.. parking around that time on a weekday seems to be a good bet. We fed the meter and walked around, shopped, and ate until around 2:15pm. Parking on a Saturday, no matter what time, is.. not fun.
Generations of Italian families have lived in the area and you'll hear the language as you walk down the street. I love it. Next time your in NYC you should totally venture over to the Bronx to dine and shop on Arthur Ave. It's also 2 seconds from the Bronx Zoo and the botanical gardens! 3 great reasons to visit one of the other boroughs.
My first trip to Arthur Ave was only a few months ago with Matt and some of his family. They are pros. They knew all the great butchers, bakeries, pizza places, restaurants, and pasta shops- there are multiple specialty shops for each specialty and I'm fairly sure that they're all pretty amazing.
After learning where to park (potential nightmare) and where to shop I felt confident enough to venture over to the Italy of NY with Marissa to pick up some birthday presents for our mom. Birthday presents in the form of food.. for all of us to enjoy.. pretty great idea, I must say.
We left this morning around 10:15am and arrived before 11am.. parking around that time on a weekday seems to be a good bet. We fed the meter and walked around, shopped, and ate until around 2:15pm. Parking on a Saturday, no matter what time, is.. not fun.
Eat..
- Umbertos Clam house - the 2 food photos above are from Umbertos.. I had the homemade lobster ravioli. ahhmazing.
- Full Moon Pizza- I am yet to taste this famous pizza, but I've smelled it and heard wonderful things
- Trattoria Zero Otto Nove- such a gorgeous atmosphere (kind of like you're outside, but you're inside) with delicious food
- Roberto's - probably the most famous restaurant in the area, but I've never been. There is no menu and no prices. The waiter will tell you what they have and you'll get the bill at the end. If I ever get there I'll fill you in on how that works (confusing, no??)
Shop:
Madonia Brothers Bakery- for biscotti and cannoli (I'm betting the other baked goods are great, too)
- Teitel Brothers- for fresh pasta and parmesan cheese
- Casa Della Mozzarella- for fresh, fresh, fresh delicious mozzarella cheese
- Vincent's- for meat- mmm sweet or spicy sausage- at amazing prices
- There are a bunch of cute gift type shops that have tons of Italian imports
Park:
- Street parking in the area if you can deal (I'd rather not unless there are 2 open spots in a row.. I hate parallel parking.)
- Municipal Parking Lot! Yay! It's off Arthur Ave between 186th and Crescent. There's a man there that is totally not employed by the parking lot.. but he will help you find a spot if it's a busy time. Apparently he's always there and people tip him for helping out.
Sunny Days Ahead
6.13.2011
We ran outside in the sun until it rained and wore our red heart-shaped sunglasses with pride. We sat at a picnic table and painted, wrote, read and did our nails with sparkly polish. We watched movies and laughed until we fell asleep. We went grocery shopping for buttery popcorn, milkduds, cookies and summery beer. We supported local restaurants and enjoyed delicious dinners, wine and better conversations recounting family memories.
I always have such a great time with Kate and Will.. I'm so glad they were able to spend some time with me this weekend. They live only a short distance away in Brooklyn, but sometimes when life gets in the way, those 15 miles seem like thousands.
Now it's time to get back into swing of things.. but since Marissa is here enjoying her summer vacation and my California trip is coming up in 5 days- that miiight be easier said than done...
In other news..
OH! It's also her birthday today and she is having a reallllly fantastic giveaway! Yay! Happy Birthday Gentri!
Hiking Black Mountain, NY
5.31.2011
The wildlife was out on Sunday, oh yes it was.
Marissa and I had ourselves a little adventure hiking Black Mountain in Harriman State Park. On the way to the trail (in the car) we saw a huge snake cross the road and than got lost for an hour. Well, not exactly lost, but definitely off track with no where to make a safe or legal U-turn. On the trail I twisted my ankle, fell and scrapped up my knee and then we almost walked right into a deer who did not feel the need to get out of our way. We had to stand around and wait for her to get off the trail. During lunch a giant hawk flew right over our heads.. Marissa was scared of him. I loved him. Finally, at the end of our hike we got in the car and saw a big black bear lumber across the road in front of us.
Thankfully, the snake and bear sighting were from the car because both of those animals make me quite nervous.
I love getting to the summit and breaking out the food. For some reason we decided we didn't need a big lunch and just brought some granola bars, apples and pretzels. Luckily that was enough, but I could have eaten a delicious turkey sandwich. Darn it.
I can just imagine my friend Alexi reading that and thinking "WHAT no delicious lunch?!" One time Alexi and I went on a 7 mile hike with NO FOOD. We forgot food! Who does that? Certainly not us, but we messed up. I found an old squished granola bar in my pack that was probably there for a year. I was so hungry and had a fleeting thought about not sharing my treasure. I shared. We each had about 50 calories and that was enough to fuel the rest of the hike. Goodness. It's so weird how you can really feel the benefit of eating when you're exerting that much energy.
At least Marissa and I had more than 50 calories each at the summit.
Ah. So, the Manhattan skyline is supposed to be visible from this hike on a clear day.. just like the hike I did with Matt last week, but again it was too cloudy! Maybe next time the clouds will stay home so I can see Manhattan from a mountain. Way more awesome than seeing it from the GW bridge.
Oh, one more thing. Yaga, a really sweet blogger from "The Shiny Bubble," asked me to be part of her new feature called "Monday Friend." She's planning to share the blogs she loves through these guest type posts. She asked me to list 5 things that are really important to me to accompany the post she wrote. If you'd like to check it out, you can find it here!
Marissa and I had ourselves a little adventure hiking Black Mountain in Harriman State Park. On the way to the trail (in the car) we saw a huge snake cross the road and than got lost for an hour. Well, not exactly lost, but definitely off track with no where to make a safe or legal U-turn. On the trail I twisted my ankle, fell and scrapped up my knee and then we almost walked right into a deer who did not feel the need to get out of our way. We had to stand around and wait for her to get off the trail. During lunch a giant hawk flew right over our heads.. Marissa was scared of him. I loved him. Finally, at the end of our hike we got in the car and saw a big black bear lumber across the road in front of us.
Thankfully, the snake and bear sighting were from the car because both of those animals make me quite nervous.
I love getting to the summit and breaking out the food. For some reason we decided we didn't need a big lunch and just brought some granola bars, apples and pretzels. Luckily that was enough, but I could have eaten a delicious turkey sandwich. Darn it.
I can just imagine my friend Alexi reading that and thinking "WHAT no delicious lunch?!" One time Alexi and I went on a 7 mile hike with NO FOOD. We forgot food! Who does that? Certainly not us, but we messed up. I found an old squished granola bar in my pack that was probably there for a year. I was so hungry and had a fleeting thought about not sharing my treasure. I shared. We each had about 50 calories and that was enough to fuel the rest of the hike. Goodness. It's so weird how you can really feel the benefit of eating when you're exerting that much energy.
At least Marissa and I had more than 50 calories each at the summit.
Ah. So, the Manhattan skyline is supposed to be visible from this hike on a clear day.. just like the hike I did with Matt last week, but again it was too cloudy! Maybe next time the clouds will stay home so I can see Manhattan from a mountain. Way more awesome than seeing it from the GW bridge.
Oh, one more thing. Yaga, a really sweet blogger from "The Shiny Bubble," asked me to be part of her new feature called "Monday Friend." She's planning to share the blogs she loves through these guest type posts. She asked me to list 5 things that are really important to me to accompany the post she wrote. If you'd like to check it out, you can find it here!
Bits of the 3 Day Weekend
5.30.2011
.. minus the hike.. you guys know I couldn't just lump a good hike in with other weekend events. No, no.. hiking needs it's own post and it will come along later on this evening. uh, tomorrow..
(Just an fyi.. I was finally taller than Marissa when I wore those wedges and she wore flats.)
Marissa was in town for the weekend! I love when she's home. I hate when she's at school.. because that means she's not home.
She's in her last semester of her first year of med school.. 2 more weeks until she's home for a little summer break. Luckily, she was able to get home for Memorial Day weekend because the school decided not to give them a test on Monday. This semester they have tests every. single. Monday. Meaning they have to study the entire weekend. No breaks to go out at night or anything.. kudos Med School students, kudos.
On Saturday afternoon we did an insane workout down at the fields where we used to play soccer as little kids. I thought I was going to die... or at the very least- be sick. We tried to do one of the workouts we remember from being on the high school track team. I can't comprehend how I used to be able handle such grueling pain.. and 6 days a week. I guess I lived, sooo.. I'll try the same tomorrow. Maybe.
After we didn't pass out from exercise we went into town with our parents for dinner to consume all the calories we'd gotten rid of.
On Sunday morning we went on a 5 mile hike and then prepared for a little BBQ. I made the guacamole since it's just about the only thing I can make and I love it so much and I wish I didn't have to share it with anyone because it's delicious. Anyway. I love BBQs. Eating outside is so summery and summery things make me oh so very happy because snow does not happen at this time of the year.. at least in New York. Well, where I live in New York.
Lovely weekend. There were definitely some cons though. You know how they say bad luck comes in threes? I think that (at least this weekend) bad luck comes in fives.
1. We got lost on our way to the hike causing us to start 1.5 hours later than we planned
2. I twisted my ankle, fell, and scrapped my knee and shin in the middle of our hike on Sunday
3. I banged my head the cabinet when I got up from searching for Memorial Day themed napkins on the bottom shelf
4. I got jalapeño juice under my thumb and pointer finger nails leaving my fingers burning in pain for 8 hours until we called my Aunt Sarah who knows how to cure everything and I sat for an hour with my hand in a bowl of milk
5. I broke my favorite sandals.. the bottom is no longer secured to the top
Important Information: You guys. If you are going to pick jalapeño seeds out of the jalapeño.. wear gloves.
(Just an fyi.. I was finally taller than Marissa when I wore those wedges and she wore flats.)
Marissa was in town for the weekend! I love when she's home. I hate when she's at school.. because that means she's not home.
She's in her last semester of her first year of med school.. 2 more weeks until she's home for a little summer break. Luckily, she was able to get home for Memorial Day weekend because the school decided not to give them a test on Monday. This semester they have tests every. single. Monday. Meaning they have to study the entire weekend. No breaks to go out at night or anything.. kudos Med School students, kudos.
On Saturday afternoon we did an insane workout down at the fields where we used to play soccer as little kids. I thought I was going to die... or at the very least- be sick. We tried to do one of the workouts we remember from being on the high school track team. I can't comprehend how I used to be able handle such grueling pain.. and 6 days a week. I guess I lived, sooo.. I'll try the same tomorrow. Maybe.
After we didn't pass out from exercise we went into town with our parents for dinner to consume all the calories we'd gotten rid of.
On Sunday morning we went on a 5 mile hike and then prepared for a little BBQ. I made the guacamole since it's just about the only thing I can make and I love it so much and I wish I didn't have to share it with anyone because it's delicious. Anyway. I love BBQs. Eating outside is so summery and summery things make me oh so very happy because snow does not happen at this time of the year.. at least in New York. Well, where I live in New York.
Lovely weekend. There were definitely some cons though. You know how they say bad luck comes in threes? I think that (at least this weekend) bad luck comes in fives.
1. We got lost on our way to the hike causing us to start 1.5 hours later than we planned
2. I twisted my ankle, fell, and scrapped my knee and shin in the middle of our hike on Sunday
3. I banged my head the cabinet when I got up from searching for Memorial Day themed napkins on the bottom shelf
4. I got jalapeño juice under my thumb and pointer finger nails leaving my fingers burning in pain for 8 hours until we called my Aunt Sarah who knows how to cure everything and I sat for an hour with my hand in a bowl of milk
5. I broke my favorite sandals.. the bottom is no longer secured to the top
Important Information: You guys. If you are going to pick jalapeño seeds out of the jalapeño.. wear gloves.
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