dogs & winter hikes

I did the one thing a person should never do. I forgot my father's birthday. That's right, I'll admit to it. I'm not perfect. I fucked up. I love my dad to pieces, and it's no excuse, but February was moving so fast and I honestly had no idea what day it was. I felt absolutely horrible and wanted to make it up to him. So, Adam and I made a surprise trip. We departed Philly at 8am and showed up on his doorstep just in time for lunch. 

He had no idea we were coming, and was baffled to find out that my mom knew all along. I loved that we pulled it off. As usual, the visit was full of good conversation, dogs, and outdoor fun. We went to Arad Evans for a fantastic dinner and just hung out. This time around we switched up our usual hike for a trip to Tinker Falls. The site is a quick ten minutes from our house, and has great hiking. There are trails that lead up in the woods, and one that goes to a hang gliding jump off point. From there you get a magnificent view of the valley where my parents live. You can also hike to the waterfalls themselves. I've never been to the site in winter and it was jaw dropping to see them frozen. Of course, my camera died before we made it to the waterfall, so I can't show you just how spectacular it was.You readers will have to imagine.

In the end, we arrived back in Philly content from another perfect weekend. I will never forget my dad's birthday again, but in a way it's funny; if I hadn't forgotten, we would have never paid the visit and had such a great time. My slip up brought us together for something wonderful. Out of every mistake, something beautiful can be born. 

backpacking the batona trail

A phenomenon occurred last week. Adam and I had three days to spend together. It was out of this world, and you know we made the most of it. After sticking around Philly and staying up way too late, we had a lazy morning. Finally making it out of the house, we fueled up at a friend's cafe, Red Hook (check it out), and then headed to the Pine Barrens of NJ to hike 14 miles of the Batona trail. 

Starting at Batsto village, we walked 7 miles in to the lower ridge campsite. All along, the trail was lined with blueberries. We hiked through what was literally, a blueberry forest! It was a glorious day. The sunshine was on our side until right after we pitched tent and got a fire going. Once the flames were finally blazing, the heavens opened up with all their might. Luckily we had the tent up, so we climbed inside and listened in awe to the loudest crashing thunder we've ever heard. 

Waking early, we enjoyed being the only human beings for miles. Heating up water from the camel backs we brewed coffee. I had awoken with a shiver, it was awfully early in the morning, and the heat from the cup slowly brought me back to life. We then hauled out the powdered milk and granola to whip up some breakfast. Cleaning up involved a hike down to the stream where we scrubbed the dishes and pumped new water through the filter for the day.  

Getting back to our feet, we crossed the river and walked 7 miles down the other side. The return was simple and enjoyable. Nature all to ourselves. Silence albeit the rustling of leaves and birdsong. We approached on the other side of Batsto village and got to check out the old buildings. My imagination immediately filled the scene with hardworking men and children running free with adventure. The place represents a different time, and it's funny to think of a civilization so different from ours.

We finally found the car, and drove straight to the closest diner. It was simply put, some of the best three days of my life. 

4th of july adventures

Fourth of July was Adam's and my first whole day together since New Years Day. We made the most of it, waking up early to bike to our favorite brunch spot. Afterward we made our way out toward Reading, PA and explored French Creek State Park. The long hike worked up our appetite, and we ended up at an adorable ice cream parlor in the middle of nowhere for dinner. The adventure kept rolling into the next as we explored the rural area full of beautiful farms, old homes, and expansive spaces. God bless America, it was a day well spent. :)

hangin with marley

You got me at under bite, but the furrowed brow, white paws, and droopy lips are pretty adorable too. Hangin' with this bitch never gets old. Happy belated birthday Marley dog!

xx

ridley creek state park: new years day

New Years morning I shot up at 8am. SHIT! I didn't set an alarm. Why did I do that? What did I do last night? Oh that's right, last night was New Years Eve. You partied your heart out and didn't set an alarm because, today, you don't have work. Hell yes. Today is golden.

I rolled back over, and snuggled into my man. We slept for another bit until it was time to pull ourselves out to Broad Street for the Philadelphia Mummer's Day parade. The adventure started there, and it couldn't have been a better day. Every moment was satiating - perfect and meant to be. The type of day where you're so distracted by what you're experiencing that you forget hunger. When food finally hits your lips, your starving and nothing has ever tasted so good. You end the night satisfied and full of joy from a long, well-lived day.

What made New Years Day even better was the fact that I got a whole day with Adam. With his restaurant work schedule, extended time together is a rarity. But part of what makes him my best friend and match is that we enjoy doing the same things. A hike was in order. I wanted to go on a nature adventure, and he found the perfect spot: Ridley Creek State Park.

Ridley Creek State Park

Not only is this park huge, but it's also within reasonable distance of Philadelphia. An easy drive outside the city to Media, PA, and you have a whole day's worth of naturing at your hands. The park boasts over 12 miles of hiking trails, a mansion, plantation, arboretum, creek, running trails, gardens and more.

Minutes from Center City Philadelphia: 35

Be Sure to Check Out: the mansion and it's outdoor areas. It's like stepping into the secret garden!

Favorite Park Characteristic: the size. I've been to state parks where you don't feel far from civilization. Hiking around in this park you felt removed and in the middle of nature.

Hidden Gem: a decrepit building in the middle of the arboretum. Tree's and Hercules-size vines have taken over. A sign of warning reads, "these old building ruins have early American charm, they also have 20th century hazard. Look from a distance, reminisce if you will. But please, stay out, for your own safety."

I would go back for: the plantation. It was closed on New Years day but it looked very peaceful. From afar I could see a beautiful barn with pastures up on a hill. 

Visit Ridley Creek State Park!