what the woods have taught me

What the woods have taught me - check out the full post on Free People's BLDG 25 Blog today!

climbing to pinnacle overlook

As I was trying to wake last Friday, Adam whispered in my ear, "just stay, take the day off." I thought a minute, and after determining that there would be nothing pressing that day, I declared it a three-day weekend. On one condition: that we finally go climb to Pinnacle Overlook.

The highest point in the area, the hike had been on my bucket list for a while. The internet has little documentation on climbing to Pinnacle Overlook, and prior to this day, we had gotten lost on our first two attempts to find the trail. The third time's the charm, and today, we would finally make it.

Instead of going back to sleep, we got right to it, determined not to fail. Every good hiker knows that the morning needs to begin with a sturdy breakfast, and so we biked to our favorite spot for biscuits, eggs, and coffee. Afterward, we hit the road and made it to our destination by noon, just as the sun was directly above the earth.

Everything was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a more majestic day. I'll admit I was a little scared, having heard it was a tough climb and rather rocky. The one trail review to be found listed it as "advanced." 

But when we got to it, I was kicking ass. I charged up the mountain, fueled by the challenge. My heart was beating and the sweat began to bud on my temples. The burn in my buttocks felt so good, and everything around me was peaceful as could be. The experience made me feel like I could do anything.

We reached the first overlook at Pulpit Rock in about an hour. I hadn't had a view like that in years. One thousand feet above the farms below, patches of brown and green farms stitched together with tree lines. Everything looked so soft, like I could reach out and pet it. And to think, I would have been at a desk had the day gone any differently.

Onward from Pulpit Rock, we continued along the Appalachian Trail’s white blazes. The path was fairly flat from there, with little dips and ascends to keep you from getting bored. We ran into two duos who were in it for the long haul. They were both attempting the entire Appalachian, from Maine to Georgia on foot. Talking to them, I had to keep myself from bursting with jealousy. Inside I as all bubble and fizz. What I would give to be able to leave it all for the woods like that. Are they loaded with money, or just plain brave?

At a man-made pile of rocks we finally ran into the blue blazes that would take us to the Pinnacle. Following their direction for less than one-hundred steps led us to the view I’d been waiting for. How many times, how many fits had I thrown, wanting to make it to this spot. It was worth every huff and puff. This was the climb I had been waiting for. The best view in the state. The mecca of Pennsylvania climbs.

We lingered and climbed around like playful children before deciding to move on. Another hour and we were back at the car, a five hour hike in total. We immediately b-lined for town to find a cheap diner. That’s two diners in one day, we know how to live.

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. :)

wissackon hike #2

I went on a hike to Wissackon with my friends Liz & Ellen a couple of Sundays ago. It was just a bit after I had been there with Adam, but between the two visits I saw stark differences in the landscape. It's amazing to see with your own two eyes nature adapting to spring. It happens so fast. Brown turns to green, flowers burst open, and where there was once a dead, dormant feeling, you can again feel life and happiness. Lord knows Marley enjoyed it. After playing in the stream, running up hills, and climbing on fallen trees, we finished things off with some soft serve and boy was it perfect. I.Love.Spring.

first hike of the season: wissahickon

Last week Adam and I ventured out into the woods for the first time since temperatures have begun to rise. We went just twenty minutes away to Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia. Everything is still very dead and, without their leaves, you can see structure of the each tree. Nature has a lot of rebuilding to do, but there is no doubt that she will heal. I'm just happy that the time to really enjoy her glories lays just around the corner. In about a month's time we'll be backpacking and shopping the farmer's markets again. This spring and summer is going to be blast, I can tell already.