Cross Ridge Hike to Sam's Point

Hiking has always been a thing that the mister and I hold dear.  Our first date was a long hike, we were married at a hiking place, and we life gets tough... we hike.  This past weekend was no exception.  We were due for a long hike (the wet spring and summer cramped our hiking) and when the opportunity came up to cross from Minnewaska State Park Preserve to Sam’s Point we jumped at it. 

{warning picture heavy post!}

We drove to Sam's Point.  Beautiful morning with a slight chill in the air.

Here is the conservatory lodge.  The very same one we were married in.  Awww!

Getting reacquainted with my friend.  I have a picture of me doing the very same thing in my wedding dress.

The bus came to take us to Minnewaska.  Still can't think of how long it had been since I rode on a big yellow bus.  High school?

 We got started on Mossy Glen Path.  Normally a nice stroll over and along a small stream.  Do you see that sign?  Bridge out?  Most of this area had been closed just a few weeks ago due to the hurricane damage and the constant rains.  Let's see what were are in for?

Here is the stream we had to hop across.  Rocks are your friends... and so is keeping three points of contact.

We meandered along the stream after that.  Do you see all those trees down and up rooted?  That's not normal.

We ate lunch at Castle Point.  The views were just breath taking.  And it was fun to point off in the distance to where we were to end our adventure later that day.

Along the trail the ridge terrain changes many times.  Up hills, over big rocks, and down into valleys we went.

Once in awhile you could look back to see where you had been.  This shows Castle Point (our lunch spot).

We went by many lakes.  Most were full to the brim.

One of the rewards at the end was the view of Vanderkill Falls.  It was roaring with all the rain water pouring over.  I've seen this falls a bunch of times and it never fails to amaze me.  It's a tough hike out, but this re-energized me!

This is that second reward I was talking about.  These are blueberry bushes turned bright red for the fall.  It was really something to look as far as possible and see fields of red a glow from the setting sun. 

This re-energized me too!

Near the end of the hike now.  Less than 1/2 a mile to car --whhoooohhooo!  I find myself always taking this picture of the edge of Sam's Point rock from the bottom up. 

And then were back to the lodge.  In one piece.  No worse for the wear; ok, maybe a little sore. 

Hard to really pinpoint what it is about hiking that is so rewarding, but I am so thankful to be able to get out like this and soak in as much of the great outdoors as I can. 

And how far was this hike you might be asking?  We went for about 11-12 miles.  It was a hardy hike, but conquering things like this really reminds me just how much I am capable of.

When and where was your last hike?

Happy Spot Hump Day

On a hike, hearing the sounds of water pouring into pools, and at peace with the world = happiness!

It's Wednesday and time to think about your happy spot. Today my happy spot is a place I paused on a recent hike to take a picture of water pouring into a pool of water. If you close your eyes I know you can hear that sound in your head... it's not quite like the faucet running... it more wild and organic! That is a sound that really sooths me and takes the tension out of my life (even if for a few minutes).

I especially liked how clear this water looked on this particular day. You can see all the little bubbles from the water jumping on top of each other and the rocks and sticks at the bottom of this tiny pool. I couldn't resist sticking my fingers in the water and giving it a swish! I remember the water being cold.. not the kind of cold you immediately withdraw from, but the kind of cold that feels refreshing on a hot day. The kind of cold that cleanses all the bad things from around you.

I wouldn't mind going back to this spot today... too bad work is in the way of me doing that. I will have to settle for going in my mind instead.

Where's your happy spot?

Wet Dog

Knowing your dog is soaking wet, smiling ear to ear, and will dry before we reach the car = happiness!

This is a continuation of my previous waterfall picture... I of course bring Katie with me on as adventures as I can. One of the coolest things she can almost always come on is a hike. She is a very good hiker... always follows the rules, is pretty decent off leash, knows to leave nature alone, and always has the biggest smile! She, being a golden retriever, is also a big water lover. When she gets the chance she will splash around, snorkel, and wallow in any water possible!

So, Mr. Happy and I decided to let Katie try her paws at swimming here and she just loved it!

Waterfall

Appreciating the power and beauty of water falling some 60-80 feet = happiness!

You know what I am talking about... waterfalls!! Something about them really captures my attention and instantly relaxes me. Came across this one about 9 miles into a hike and it was so refreshing and rejuvenating (and COLD)!

I could have probably sat and enjoyed this one for hours!