New Paltz, NY 4-17-10

Do you have a Bucket List? If so, put New Paltz on it as a “MUST SEE” place to go. (if you don't... wait... really?) Make a note to stay somewhere other than the Blueberry Inn... I would recommend checking into the Minnewaska Lodge! (http://minnewaskalodge.com/)

I have to admit, I wasn’t “into” the hike this week. I felt challenged by committing so much time away from home and work to hike for 9 hours and travel for 5. I was caught up in the little things of life (which I often think are way too important) and lost track of the big picture. I truly think if Carra and I hadn’t stayed over in NY on Friday night, we would have bailed out of the hike on Saturday morning. The weather was not working in our favor – it was cold, foggy and rainy, Carra was still dealing with her broken foot, and really, both of us were feeding one another bad energy.

Attending the hike was the best medicine for all of us. It was a full day, nearly 9 hours of hiking 26,000 steps, (10 miles) and burning 2,900 calories with a cumulative elevation of 6,000 feet. It had been quite some time since we hiked with our team and it was great to catch up on our personal and work lives. We spent quite some time talking about our upcoming event in the Canyon (only about 6 weeks from now)!

This hike was along Minnewaska and Mohonk Trails to a place called Gertrude’s Nose. Some of the surprises along the way were the flowering wild blueberry bushes, the view of the top of a bird as it soared at an elevation just below where we were, and the fact that the fog lifted and opened up some sun-filled trails for us!





This hike included views of a beautiful cave (you would need ropes, at the very least to explore down there!) and crevasses that would challenge anyone who was fearful of heights. There were areas of steep inclines on flat slat-like rocks, and areas of steep inclines on ridged, narrow boulders. There wasn’t any time to cloud your mind with the things that don’t matter during this day… it was way more fun focusing on accomplishing the challenge of not falling!




I did wipe out on this hike, (only once) but I am not really sure how it happened. We were going downhill and the rocks were flat (thank goodness) and covered with some pine needles.
The pine needles were pillow-soft beneath our feet, but they were super slippery too. Like I said, I am not sure what I actually did, but I landed on my rear end with my shoulders braced between two rocks. It took me a minute to check if everything was still functioning, before hopping back up and regaining my spot in line among my hiking buddies.

The views from the top of Gertrude’s Nose were just breath taking. It was so quiet (we only saw 2 other hikers the whole day), almost demanding that we silently appreciate the beauty of the views.



We were ready to relax at The Gilded Otter after the hike. We were all wind blown and our cheeks were pinched-pink. We used this dinner break as a chance to discuss our next hike (NJ and PA side of the Water Gap). Carra and I liked the area so much we decided to stop for a visit at the Minnewaska Lodge where we collected pamphlets on nearby spas (of course), and things to do in the New Paltz area because we are DEFINITELY going back to visit!

4/5/10 Honolulu, O’ahu

Before beginning this week’s blog, I would like to share a “shout out” that I received in this week’s “Team in Training” newsletter. THANK YOU to all my family, friends and co-workers for your donations! Woo hoo!

TNT Trailhead
Issue Sixteen| April 2, 2010
First, CONGRATULATIONS to Danielle Hamblin for achieving her fundraising minimum of $6,400.00 this week AND for being the second-highest Grand Adventure fundraiser in the COUNTRY as of today! (Note to Danielle - a hiker from the San Francisco chapter is close behind you at $6,245, so keep up the great work and hold on to those well-deserved bragging rights!) AMAZING job, Danielle!


And now the blog~
Having a mother who travels for business every week has its disadvantages. However, it has a REALLY BIG advantage too! Carra and I have traveled with her to great places, this time being - Hawaii. So while Mom worked, Carra and I enjoyed 9 fun days and nights! There was: sailing, snorkeling, cruising (in a convertible Mustang), shopping, sunning, and yes, even a little hiking.

I say a little hiking, for a very important reason. You see, prior to our trip my sister broke her foot in a volleyball game. While she downplayed it, it certainly was not easy for her to walk and we did A LOT of walking on this vacation! Lucky for us, Diamond Head State Monument was not nearly as strenuous as our northeast hikes.

Diamond Head was formed (millions of years ago) with volcanic eruptions from 2 volcanoes. Erosion followed (quite extensive), leaving mountainous ridges as remnants of the volcano. The crater was believed to have been formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The broad crater actually covers 350 acres, which is where we parked our car!




The weather conditions on our Monday hike were warm, approximately 80 degrees with a gentle breeze. We began the hike with Carra taking a break in a tree – elevating her foot for the anticipated outcome of a swollen foot! She wouldn’t agree to just hang out in the tree while I did the hike alone, so we trotted off together (her often times, hobbling behind)!

The dirt trail consisted of numerous switchbacks up the steep interior slope. Good thing I didn’t try “flip flop hiking”, (O’ahu is known as the “Land of the Flip Flops”) the ground was very uneven, rocky, dusty, and steep.


There was a steep stairway of 74 concrete steps which led into an eery tunnel. I skeebed myself out by imagining bats hanging from the heaven of the tunnel. Even with a lot of others hiking behind and along side of me, it was strangely quiet in the tunnel. A break from the beating sun was welcomed, but I was actually looking forward to relief from the tunnel’s musty smell!

Following the 74 step incline, came a 99 step stairway. I really didn’t like the steps- they seemed so, well- so unnatural. Realizing that Diamond Head is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii, I moved beyond my disappointment and trudged forward to enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

The views of the Pacific Ocean, all of Waikiki’s beaches, the lighthouse, and the massive crater were worth the crowds! It was .8 mile to the top, with an elevation of 560 feet.






Carra and I rested at the top,


listened to a brief Guide’s overview of the landmark,

and then we headed down in anticipation of some shaved ice!

Coming down was even harder for Carra. The pressure on her foot was unbearable at times, but she pulled it off. Doesn't that shaved ice look refreshing?!


Our next hike is at Gertrude's Nose in New Paltz, NY. Will we be able to endure the 11 mile, STRENUOUS hike? ...until next time~!