We spent the past week in upstate New York in the Hudson Valley at Dave's sweet parents over New Years. They live in an amazing little country town nestled in the forest near the Catskill Mountains. Although it is only 2 hours from NYC it feels like it could be on another planet. It is such a refreshing place to visit because we always spend so much time in nature here. His parent's are also wonderful and gracious hosts and always makes our stay with them feel special.
A friend of Dave's works at the beautiful Mohonk Mountain House and was able to get us in to go ice skating one night at their amazing out door yet covered ice rink next to a massive fire place. Mohonk Mountain House is a old New York Spa resort. It is hard to explain how amazing this place is! "A long, winding driveway leads you forward. Around the last bend, a Victorian castle resort rises above Lake Mohonk, surrounded by carefully landscaped gardens and pristine wilderness. Inside you discover a warm interior that is reminiscent of a bygone era." via
We went ice skating during a snow fall and as the sun set, we were able to watch the night sky turn beautiful colors from the rink.
The photo above shows the back of the old castle where guests stay. It is such a beautiful place.
Another day we went for a long winter walk along the gorgeous Ashokan Reservoir. This reservoir supplies NYC with much of their water supply and it has a long walking trail thru it. I have biked along this long, open path before during Autumn and it was just as magical as I remembered it. The Catskill Mountains have this gorgeous blue hue to them and it is so quiet out there.
On our last day we went for a 4 hour winter hike to some crazy waterfalls called Vernooy Falls. We borrowed spikes from his parent's called "crampons" (I kid you not...) which make hiking in snow and ice patches a breeze. Here is a picture I found to better explain these crazy things. You stretch the orange plastic thing over your boot.
I have never heard of such a thing before so it was cool to try them out and the waterfalls we hiked to were so beautiful! I never thought I would enjoy a winter hike but it was such a fun experience. The woods are so silent and peaceful in the winter time.
I borrowed those bib snow pants you wore sledding as a kid and had on a hundred layers!
For New Years Eve we met up Dave's friends so I am very glad he was able to catch up with so many people over our visit!
Grateful for a wonderful holiday trip.
