January 25, 2010
This past weekend we took advantage to take in the sunshine on Saturday to do some snowshoeing with friends at Paul Smith Interpretive Centre in the States. Only a short ride away, about a forty-five-minute to an hour's drive, which could equal the same amount time at the border depending on what time you leave at; however, we left early enough that we only had about a fifteen minute wait. We left our lunches in the centre, strapped on our snowshoes and out we went into the sunshine. Feeling the sun on our face and backs was heavenly, especially after a long period of time with the sun hiding behind clouds. It was a clear blue sky and the reflection off the snow made sun glasses necessary, unless you wanted permanent lines around your squinting eyes. Two friends took their cross-country skis and attempted the ski trails which at times were slick and without the grooves of other skis to help guide, but they did well and enjoyed whatever surface it was, as it was just great being out in the sunshine. We met at the centre for lunch and out we went again to a new trail. What a great way to revive the spirit and make winter months entertaining.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 2
Hi Everyone,
Oooh just sitting here wondering which hike to I report on ... LOL
Since we just started to blog for this year, let me retrace some hikes that come to mind now. Well, hiking started individually for the both of us first, in our different locales; however, since meeting and aligning my view with Cathy, notably spelled with a "C", while mine is with a "K" (make note!! lol), Cathy's keen eye for researching intriguing sites, has brought many of us to places we would not have thought of or possibly have made an effort to go to. Well, it wasn't long into her first planning when a group of us were car pooling down to New Hampshire along the White Mountains towards Franconia Notch, known endearingly as "Hiker's Heaven" - well, it certainly brought many smiles to a group of about 20 people of varying caliber, each looking forward to their own encounter with the natural beauty of this area.
These brave souls who ventured out with us were willing to camp, some with a trailer, while others tented. Fortunately, to ease the transition from a comfy bed to an air mattress, we had hot showers, more than enough food to eat, and a fully equiped store with groceries, firewood and a friendly and helpful face. Our first morning found some of us cycling the linear paved bike path, towards tourist attractions, while others ventured on short day hikes that would reward them with a reasonable return to camp, early enough to lounge around the campfire, while the extremists were pushing the limits in miles with length, height and climate, especially along the Franconian Ridge, hiking above treeline for about a mile, where weather permitting, you can see the mountains in neighbouring states.
We did all have a common interest: eating a good meal, with plenty enough drinks to wash it down. Yes, that made for a most satisfying day. Then out came the guitar for singing around the campfire. Hmm, next day in the weekend, the options made for a good time. Those that hiked, tried the bike path and vice versa. With several hours left in the day, we headed for home. Four hours later in our own homes, we thought of the fun we had and when we could return to do it again! Since that time, most of us have returned numerous times to try different hikes. This would soon entice some of us towards the 111s...
Oooh just sitting here wondering which hike to I report on ... LOL
Since we just started to blog for this year, let me retrace some hikes that come to mind now. Well, hiking started individually for the both of us first, in our different locales; however, since meeting and aligning my view with Cathy, notably spelled with a "C", while mine is with a "K" (make note!! lol), Cathy's keen eye for researching intriguing sites, has brought many of us to places we would not have thought of or possibly have made an effort to go to. Well, it wasn't long into her first planning when a group of us were car pooling down to New Hampshire along the White Mountains towards Franconia Notch, known endearingly as "Hiker's Heaven" - well, it certainly brought many smiles to a group of about 20 people of varying caliber, each looking forward to their own encounter with the natural beauty of this area.
These brave souls who ventured out with us were willing to camp, some with a trailer, while others tented. Fortunately, to ease the transition from a comfy bed to an air mattress, we had hot showers, more than enough food to eat, and a fully equiped store with groceries, firewood and a friendly and helpful face. Our first morning found some of us cycling the linear paved bike path, towards tourist attractions, while others ventured on short day hikes that would reward them with a reasonable return to camp, early enough to lounge around the campfire, while the extremists were pushing the limits in miles with length, height and climate, especially along the Franconian Ridge, hiking above treeline for about a mile, where weather permitting, you can see the mountains in neighbouring states.
We did all have a common interest: eating a good meal, with plenty enough drinks to wash it down. Yes, that made for a most satisfying day. Then out came the guitar for singing around the campfire. Hmm, next day in the weekend, the options made for a good time. Those that hiked, tried the bike path and vice versa. With several hours left in the day, we headed for home. Four hours later in our own homes, we thought of the fun we had and when we could return to do it again! Since that time, most of us have returned numerous times to try different hikes. This would soon entice some of us towards the 111s...
Monday, January 4, 2010
Life's Journey ... one destination at a time
Hello out there,
This is our first entry into the world of blogging. Cathy and I love the outdoors and have been experiencing the great outdoors through different means, such has camping, hiking, kayaking, or cycling, depending on our plan. We have journeyed over the years throughout numerous mountain ranges in the northeastern United States, kayaking parts of the Finger Lakes of New York, canoeing the chain of lakes bordering Baxter State Park in Maine, and our local rivers and lakes in Ontario. We have cycled parts of former railroad beds in Quebec and Vancouver Island. Now we are looking forward to our backpacking trek in the Yukon, along part of the Gold Rush Trail. I'll expand on these travels in future blogs. In the meantime, I wanted to wet my fingertips with this new journey of blogging. Thanks for tuning in!
This is our first entry into the world of blogging. Cathy and I love the outdoors and have been experiencing the great outdoors through different means, such has camping, hiking, kayaking, or cycling, depending on our plan. We have journeyed over the years throughout numerous mountain ranges in the northeastern United States, kayaking parts of the Finger Lakes of New York, canoeing the chain of lakes bordering Baxter State Park in Maine, and our local rivers and lakes in Ontario. We have cycled parts of former railroad beds in Quebec and Vancouver Island. Now we are looking forward to our backpacking trek in the Yukon, along part of the Gold Rush Trail. I'll expand on these travels in future blogs. In the meantime, I wanted to wet my fingertips with this new journey of blogging. Thanks for tuning in!
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