Christmas 2020 at Longwood Gardens

 

Longwood Gardens is a magical plant paradise located in Kennett Square, PA. On a whim, one chilly December night, we decided to look up ticket prices and head over. Turns out if you think you're going to visit more than once a year, a membership makes the most sense! We did it - wow, I feel like a real adult. "Me?" "Why, yes, I am a fully-fledged botanical gardens member, at your service." In order to get the full effect, read that in a snobby accent of your choice. 

I know it's already 2021 and many have taken down the last hints of Christmas, but wanted to share a snapshot of a fun evening out. The light show and grounds were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what the next season has to offer. 

Longwood Gardens - site

Glen Onoko Falls

To ring in the new year it was decided a hiking trip was in the cards. Just about 90 minutes from Philadelphia is a quaint little town called Jim Thorpe. The Lehigh river runs through the town, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Glen Onoko Falls. There are a million websites and blogs out there telling you how best to travel to and thru the park, so I'll save the tips. The hike itself was unexpectedly challenging.  After parking the car, crossing underneath the bridge (hang a right when you decend the steps) and up the falls side of the trail first, I could feel my heart ticking rather quickly.  Some parts of the trail required being down on all fours, strategically picking foot holds, and maneuvering up alongside the humming waterfall. The trees, even in winter, were fabulous in the overcast and moody day. We opted to do the loop which would normally be around 3.5 miles, but we accidentally took the shortcut (2.7 mi) and missed the overlook at the top. Rookie mistake, but a reason to go back and enjoy it during another season!

Disc Golf | Tyler State Park

If you're ever around Bucks County, PA check out Tyler State Park.  They have an amazing Disc Golf course sprinkled through old growth forests.  I think we saw about 10 different kinds of birds flying around over the course of the day.  It is super well-maintained and a great way to spend a Sunday.  

Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen is situated in Luzerne, Columbia, and Sullivan counties in northeast Pennsylvania, or NEPA as we lovingly refer to it.  We also refer to our state as PA (pronounced PeeeAyyy) for those of you from other states that do not refer conversationally to your state as the abbreviation.  Ricketts Glen is a beautiful stretch of land and home to beautiful waterfalls, in fact, 22 beautiful waterfalls!

I'm originally from a tiny town called Tunkhannock, but I drove up from Philadelphia where I've lived for nearly a decade, and explored the trails.  It's about 2.5 hours one way and I made it into a little day trip. The trail now has a new, lovely parking area complete with bathrooms!  Heck yeah!

Next time I'll tack on a hike at World's End State Park to make the day more challenging.  Ricketts Glen is a rather easy hike, but totally worth the trip for the sights alone.  Head out during a warmer season and bring your bathing suit!  Lake Jean at the top of the hill is a great little spot where you can rent boats and cabins.  

Christmas Weekend

Home for the holidays this year and enjoyed the couple of days spent with my family.  As you can make out from some of these pictures, the temperature was relatively warm for this time of year.  The lake was not fully frozen, so no ice skating this time around.

We overdosed on sugar and sweets and introduced my dad to the joys of Netflix.  By the time I left on Monday morning, he was on the final episode of Stranger Things.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday!   

The Best Season Of The Year

The seasonal foliage is breathtaking, especially in NEPA (Northeast PA).  I made my way north of Philadelphia for the weekend and was stunned by how beautiful the mountainsides were!  Philly trees have yet to turn for the season so you could imagine my surprise and delight. 

 

I bought a pumpkin for my small backyard in the city and let Muffin the Dog hop into the lake by my dad's house one final time before it gets too cold.  She just loves the water and chasing the ducks, so I let her go at it.  My dad made an apple pie and I had a nice little weekend away from the city.

 

Pumpkin beer is in full-flow at my house, so I'll have to share some new beers with you soon!

Early Summer

 

 

 

I spent a couple of days back home.  First order of business was ice cream.  Then, between rain showers and playing with the dog, we managed to split some firewood.  Oh and of course, ended the week out with a little bit of ice cream for everyone.

Thankful

Spending a few days away from the city for Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Muffin the dog got to play outside and explore and I was off the hook for walking duties!  Seeing family and friends over a couple of great meals is a great way to unwind after of months studying hard.

I'm thankful for these little getaways and family and friends and pets and and and dance parties in deserted bars <3  

Weekend in Northeast Pennsylvania: Pond Fishing

Mother Nature is remarkable.  She deserved a Mother's Day nod this weekend.  I ventured north for the weekend and spent time with family outdoors.  An elderly couple own a beautiful piece of property that we've been fishing on for years.  Though getting to the pond is a little bit of  a hike through fields, brush and uneven paths, it's worth the trouble.

The wildlife was out and about in full force around 9:00 AM when we reached the pond.  Even before my first cast out I saw a few fish jump and birds swoop in for the kill.  To the north of the pond in the forest we heard woodpeckers looking for breakfast and squirrels chasing each other in the trees.

Everyone had some sort of success fishing.  I caught a few pickerel and perch.  It was a "catch and release" kind of morning, but now that we know there are a bunch of keepers in there, we'll be back.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!