Hike more

Went on a short hike with the dog and dh. It was not strenuous – more relaxing really. A perfect way to enjoy the fleeting hours of sunshine here in western New York.

Last week I went to Chautauqua Gorge with the dog, daughter, and husband. Rocky, watery, beautiful. The climb back out is pretty challenging after expending all that energy. We want to go camping here soon.

Went for a fantastic trek today at Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie. Beautiful park with lots of outdoor activities going on. I love this place.

A friend from nursing school emailed me today to say she is leaving to hike the Appalachian Trail for 6 months (starting on Sunday). I am excited for her. It got me thinking about my own hiking aspirations. I am hoping to do some kind of trek on my upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic.

On Sunday I went with dh and the dog to a state park. We went on a short but hilly trail that is easy in the summer. It was a lot more challenging in the snow! We decided that dh needs new boots in a hurry, thus I am reevaluating my Christmas gift plans.

This was the dog’s first foray into the wild woods. He loved it. He is going to be a good hiking companion when he learns some manners.

Later, we had a sandwich (and kibble) at a snow covered picnic table then walked around the nearly empty park. We saw a hawk being chased by two crows. I think the hawk was older or injured. Poor guy was hiding in a tree & shaking at one point.

This was a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon. I got some much needed communion with nature as well as quality time with 2 of my favorite friends.

Allegany State Park

I haven’t gone hiking in a long time. Now it is snowy here. I am not a huge winter fan, but I might like it more if I did something besides mope about it. I’d like to go on a short hike this weekend with my husband and our dog.