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!

Hide and Seek

Nature is the best medicine for replenishing yourself. Hide and Seek The Architecture of Cabins and Hide-Outs highlights some of the most intriguing, minimalistic and beautiful modern architectural takes on traditional dwellings from around the world. Locations that seem quiet and uninterrupted by daily life. Still waters. Simple structures. Vantage points that allow you to see pure nature for miles and miles. Give me one weekend in one of these and I'll be able to hit the reset button and go for a long time after. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Logcabineer Website

One of my absolute favorite corners of the web, Logcabineer, has recently received quite a facelift.  Though I did enjoy the extremely simple layout of the old site, this is an absolute beautiful update. If you've never been to the site, prepare yourself for some exquisite photography. 

The view couldn't be better...

After a summer storm in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Fourth of July on the Water

Situated in a small corner of the world is a lake that I used to call home.  Every now and then I get to visit and explore.  Somehow, in the past 10 years, this was the first time I can recall watching fireworks from the middle of the lake bobbing up and down on a boat.  Pictures could never do it justice.  I hope you had a Happy Fourth of July!

Winter Walking 2013

Winter is a season that I normally don't embrace with such enthusiasm, but this year is a different story.  I'm honestly enjoying the bitter cold, snow, and lack of leaves on the trees.  Nature still has a way of showing its beauty in the wintertime, you just have to look.  These are a few shots from Northeast Pennsylvania from a few weeks ago.  Muffin thoroughly enjoyed making new discoveries in the woods.  She also tried to make a dash for the semi-frozen lake, not knowing any better.  She was very curious about the whole "ice" thing.

Enjoying any winter hikes?  Any fun winter hobbies you enjoy?

Clothes That Keep You Warm | Steam Horse Dry Goods

 

Two Winter weather necessities for me are a solid pair of thermal layers and a big, warm wool sweater.  Steam Horse Dry Goods, previously mentioned here, do the classics right.  I strolled the streets of Philadelphia this weekend looking for some last minute Christmas gifts and stayed warm and dry for the 5 or so hours I was out.  It helped that I stopped at Beiler's to grab a donut and Nook for a warm beverage, but man, this sweater is amazing.  Fits perfectly and isn't too itchy.  If you found a wool sweater like this, you are set.  If you're looking for (the) one (and only), find it here.  #ChristmasGear

Cabin-Fever in the City

Despite having a little case of cabin-fever here in the city, I'm trying to make the best of it.  I am thankful for a lot of things I can do while living in an urban environment, but I really miss having quick access to prime mountain biking, hiking, and just generally being outside without anyone around.  That's weighing a lot on me, maybe it's because I've been in Philly for five years now.  Or because I was organizing pictures from last Summer(see above).  I think a change is in the air, we shall see...

For now, here's a couple of things I'm enjoying:

-The Dubliners, by James Joyce

-CrossFit Fairmount

-This blog, The Haddis Catch

-Kanelbullar

-Being able to bike to work, everyday

-Finding an ace mechanic to fix my motorcycle

Dark Side of the Lens | By Irish Surf Photographer Mickey Smith

"I never set out to become anything in particular, only to live creatively and push the scope of my experience for adventure and for passion. They still all mean something to me, same as most anyone with dreams. "

"If I only scrape a living, at least it’s a living worth scraping…. If there’s no future in it, at least it's a present worth remembering."

Blues and Greens of the Adirondacks

For the first time in a few years we weren't rained on in the middle of the night or blasted by a storm and gale in the middle of the day.  Not to say I really minded much, but this year the trip and weather was absolutely perfect.  The call of the Loons, splash of a fish on the water and silence, only to be interrupted by canoe paddles in the water, is something that really cannot be recreated anywhere.  The Adirondacks are something special.  Coming home with the smell of fire on your clothes and the satisfaction of knowing you bagged the only trout in Black Pond is even better. 


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Late-Summer Fairmount Park Visit

It must be the chill in the air or the breweries changing out their seasonal offerings, but I'm ready for late-Summer and pre-Fall festivities and all signs are pointing to the change in the air.  Nostalgic reminiscing about Summer escapades and laying on the cool, soft earth in the park is what August is made for.

1. Beloved Bicycles - Imperial Works Morton
2. Millican - Les The Cooler Bag
3. Etsy Seller - Repurposed Skateboard Deck Bottle Opener
4. Faribault Woolen Mills Co. - Box Weave Throw
5. Southern Tier - Imperial Pumking
6. L.L. Bean - Rubber Mocs
7. Into the Abyss: An Extraordinary True Story
8. Libbey - Dimple Stein Beer Mug
9. Filson - Cruiser Shirt
10. Badminton Set

Mt. Lassen National Forest, CA

 

 

 

I have to get back there!