A Weekend in the Mountains

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Nature at it’s finest!

As you all saw from my multiple Twitter and Facebook status updates last week, Elliot and I spent all day Saturday and most of today hiking the mountains of the Shenandoah National Park. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it was to escape the city [and the pollution!] and be at one with nature. The air was fresh, the scenery magnificent and there was almost NO cell service anywhere. I’ve never felt more free! The dogs were also in heaven with all of the open space and smells to occupy them. Remember how I thought I was going to have to carry Oscar the whole time? Well, I’m happy to announce that he held his own, even led the way up some of the hills! After 4.5 hours of hiking this weekend though, both him and I are exhausted and sore! I can’t speak for him, though, but I’ve never felt better! And you know what the perfect pre-hike snack is? Oatmeal Raisin Muffins, which I’ll post tomorrow! Full of fiber and healthy carbohydrates, these breakfast treats kept me moving up those steep hills! Words can’t do this gorgeous park justice, so I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!

On the drive up, isn’t it gorgeous?

View from one of the outlooks on our way to the lodge.

On our first hike of the day. Oscar was a real trooper!

He’s a handsome stud isn’t he?

After we dropped the puppies off in the lodge [we’re pretty sure they passed out right away!] Elliot and I hit up another trail, the Stony Man, where we were met with some of the most gorgeous views in the park!

On top of the Stony Man Overlook. So gorgeous!

The sun was starting to set so we made our way back to the lodge. The pups were exhausted but we were starving. We headed up to the dining room [literally up, it was like a 90 degree angle]. I honestly felt like we were in camp! I enjoyed a delicious glass of Chardonnay from a local winery and Elliot had his dark stout beer. After a long day of hiking, that pretty much hit the spot! We went to bed early and got up even earlier for a 2 hour morning hike. Nothing like walking on the mountains when the sun is rising! The dogs were ready for round two as well!

Boys will be boys!

Such a stunning view! I felt like I was on top of the world!

After a great hike this morning, we had to check out and head home. Bye bye mountains, until next time!

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Comments

  1. Posted by Niche White Weddings on
    Monday, November 15th, 2010
    Looks like you had a fun time, and you definitely had great weather. Wonderful pics!
  2. Posted by Kate Holland on
    Monday, November 15th, 2010
    Wow, wow, wow!! This looks like my kind of place!! Love it!
  3. Posted by Marie @ Emici Bridal on
    Monday, November 15th, 2010
    This is stunning!!!
  4. Posted by Maria on
    Monday, November 15th, 2010
    Those views are pretty spectacular! Glad to hear you had a nice time :)
  5. Posted by Shannon on
    Monday, November 15th, 2010
    Beautiful!!!
  6. Posted by Heidi on
    Monday, November 15th, 2010
    Awesome! LOVE the pictures!!!