Lunch for 2 with a view please.........

There are the memories we make in life, that make it all worth living.....

After a quick stop by Wegman's (which might just be the coolest grocery store ever) to pick up some lunch supplies, Doug and I headed up to Hawk Mountain for a day of hiking and a mountain top picnic. I had never been to a Wegman's before, but after my visit there yesterday, I would recommend checking one out if you get the chance. We wanted to pick up a few things for lunch; turkey, ham, bread, cheese, you know typical picnic foods. Well $30.61 later we were on our way to Hawk Mountain with lunch (and breakfast) in hand.

Hawk Mountain is a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to the birds of prey and their migration routes. They offer a trail that walks up to several outlooks, as well as, some nice trails for a good Sunday afternoon day hike. After a brisk hike down into the valley to see the "River of Rock" we started our ascend back up to the ridge. I can't really say to much because I picked the trail, but this trail back up was no walk in the park. For me, the non-avid hiker, there was the moment where I thought to myself, "well, isn't this just grand, what did you get yourself into now?" or "you might just have to die here if you can't make it out"! Okay, so a little overkill, but at the time it seemed like the trail straight up the side of the mountain was never going to end. Doug, being the patient and kind husband he is, gave his words of encouragement and otherwise didn't say a thing. Such a smart husband that one! I have to say the pain was worth the pleasure. Once we made it back up to the ridge, it was such a breath taking view. We found us a huge flat boulder and settled in for lunch with the best view. We ever had three turkey vultures land in a tree not far out on the side of the mountain.

The hike back to where we started was quite the adventure. It was a combination of trail hiking, boulder jumping and rock climbing. It was not at all what we were expecting but it turned out to be the best part. When we got back to the car, after our three mile three hour adventure, I couldn't help but look at Doug and think this is what I live for, the memories like these that we will always share. Hiking has never been my strong point, not by a mile, but to spend a beautiful April day doing something he loves to do together, made every ounce of sweat well worth the journey.