climbing to pinnacle overlook

10.25.2013

As I was trying to wake last Friday, Adam whispered in my ear, "just stay, take the day off." I thought a minute, and after determining that there would be nothing pressing that day, I declared it a three-day weekend. On one condition: that we finally go climb to Pinnacle Overlook.

The highest point in the area, the hike had been on my bucket list for a while. The internet has little documentation on climbing to Pinnacle Overlook, and prior to this day, we had gotten lost on our first two attempts to find the trail. The third time's the charm, and today, we would finally make it.

Instead of going back to sleep, we got right to it, determined not to fail. Every good hiker knows that the morning needs to begin with a sturdy breakfast, and so we biked to our favorite spot for biscuits, eggs, and coffee. Afterward, we hit the road and made it to our destination by noon, just as the sun was directly above the earth.

Everything was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a more majestic day. I'll admit I was a little scared, having heard it was a tough climb and rather rocky. The one trail review to be found listed it as "advanced." 

But when we got to it, I was kicking ass. I charged up the mountain, fueled by the challenge. My heart was beating and the sweat began to bud on my temples. The burn in my buttocks felt so good, and everything around me was peaceful as could be. The experience made me feel like I could do anything.

We reached the first overlook at Pulpit Rock in about an hour. I hadn't had a view like that in years. One thousand feet above the farms below, patches of brown and green farms stitched together with tree lines. Everything looked so soft, like I could reach out and pet it. And to think, I would have been at a desk had the day gone any differently.

Onward from Pulpit Rock, we continued along the Appalachian Trail’s white blazes. The path was fairly flat from there, with little dips and ascends to keep you from getting bored. We ran into two duos who were in it for the long haul. They were both attempting the entire Appalachian, from Maine to Georgia on foot. Talking to them, I had to keep myself from bursting with jealousy. Inside I as all bubble and fizz. What I would give to be able to leave it all for the woods like that. Are they loaded with money, or just plain brave?

At a man-made pile of rocks we finally ran into the blue blazes that would take us to the Pinnacle. Following their direction for less than one-hundred steps led us to the view I’d been waiting for. How many times, how many fits had I thrown, wanting to make it to this spot. It was worth every huff and puff. This was the climb I had been waiting for. The best view in the state. The mecca of Pennsylvania climbs.

We lingered and climbed around like playful children before deciding to move on. Another hour and we were back at the car, a five hour hike in total. We immediately b-lined for town to find a cheap diner. That’s two diners in one day, we know how to live.

life according to the 5c

10.20.2013

I just got a 5c a couple of weeks ago and am loving the camera on it. Can't wait to load up on more snaps while I'm in Europe. I leave with you with bits and pieces from the past few weeks while I'm gone. Adieu for now.

shop envy: scout mob's, shoppe

10.17.2013


I recently discovered and fell in love with the Scout Mob's online shop aptly named, Shoppe. Much like Etsy, another favorite, the site sells artisanal goods and celebrates the independent makers. You can find everything from home, to jewelry, food, and artwork on the site – all with face behind its creation readily visible. You can learn about the maker’s background and where they live. Most importantly, I think, you can hear a bit about why they do what they do. There truly is something to be said for the handmade. Looking at the products, it’s no secret that love, manual labor, and sheer creativity went into their production.


--

Browse Shoppe Here

fall-spiced pumpkin seed butter

10.07.2013

This post was previously published on Free People's BLDG 25 blog
Nothing marks the season quite like pumpkins do! It’s the perfect time of year to try your hand at pumpkin seed butter. Since it’s made with seeds, the recipe is a great alternative for those of you allergic to peanuts or other nuts. It’s also vegan and gluten-free for all of those restricted dieters out there. Pumpkin seeds are full of protein and omega-3’s to help you stay well-nourished for fall. Add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup for sweetness. With each bite you’ll taste all the glories of the season.
INGREDIENTS:  (fills 1 – 8oz. mason jar)
2 Cups Pumpkin Seeds
½ Tbsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Nutmeg
1 Tsp Allspice
2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (the real kind)
4 Pinches Salt
1 Tbsp Ghee (coconut oil works too)
Water as needed
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350F
In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin seeds, ghee, and spices. Stir so that the seeds are well coated.
Spread mixture evenly across a foil-lined cookie tray and toast seeds for 15 minutes. Once they are toasted, remove from oven and let cool.
Add one cup of seeds to a food processor along with two pinches of salt and one tablespoon of maple syrup. Blend until well chopped and then add a tablespoon of water. Continue to blend and add water until you reach the desired consistency.
Remove from food processor, and repeat step four with your second cup of toasted pumpkin seeds.

Enjoy with your favorite fall treats like freshly-picked apples!

weekly scenes

10.05.2013


Life is good, boys and girls. My favorite season is here, and I've been enjoying every last drop. My parents came to visit for the weekend, and they stayed here at the house. I loved welcoming them (and their two dogs) in. Watching guests relax on the couch and preparing lunch made it feel like a real home. It allowed me to sit back and admire the space Adam and I have created. It really is homey and cozy.

With my parents here, we also went out to several delicious meals. Brunch, dinner, as always, we ate well. Of note, we got to try out new local spot, Noord. Their Scandanavian plates were creative, elevated, and completely original. Unlike anything else in the city, compliments were flying out my mouth the whole meal.

The following weekend, Marley and I went on a solo walk in the woods. We found the Indian statue at Wissahickon after many attempts to do so. It was great to enjoy this beautiful season as thoughts worked themselves out in my head. There is so much to think about, to figure out. Nothing bad, but I find there's a constant need to question, to mull over ideas, and to plan for the future. Without time to do so, I can get a bit lost. It makes me feel very grounded getting back to nature with my thoughts and my dog.

It's been a good string of days.

ready to fall

10.01.2013

I've been Tumbling like a mad man of late. Perhaps it means I'm in need of an escape, inspiration to lead me into something new. All I know is that images can take you to another time and place. They can spark your dreams and conjure up emotions. I like to curate those dreams and heart-moving emotions onto my own Tumblr page. Here's a bit of what's been getting me of late...

Most of these come back to what I'm excited for coming up. Trips to Paris & Colorado...morning breakfasts with my love, locking myself up in my new studio to create...the new books waiting to be read, and beautiful hand-touched clothing for fall. Putting it all in writing, there is so much to be excited for! I love fall. The little moments. The perfect breeze. Each step outdoors feels like it oxygenates my soul, while each moment indoors warms me from the inside. Like I said, I love fall. I love it, I love it, I love it.

What is everyone else excited about this season?

--

all image sources can be found on my Tumblr