Fall Break - the AT and Bushkill Falls

We did some hiking and a little bit of camping over fall break in October. One Day 1 we hiked about 6.5 miles including several miles of the Appalachian Trail in NJ. We camped for the night and then did some hiking in Bushkill Falls in PA the next day. Bushkill falls claims to be the Niagara of PA and while we think that is an overstatement, it was very nice and we enjoyed the easier second day of hiking after a very ambitious Day 1. We were scheduled to camp a second night but had to change plans after rain from a tropical storm made its way to the area.

The first 1.5 miles were a very steep ascent

 

The reward for getting up the ascent was a look at Sunfish Pond which is a glacial lake.

Snack break overlooking Sunfish Pond

After getting to Sunfish Pond we headed along the AT to Raccoon Ridge

This was the farthest point out before we turned around (notice the fake owl hanging out to attract hawks). We saw a fair number of hikers along the AT but didn't see any other children that day.

Despite the squinting...this has an "I'm on top of the world" feel about it

Obligatory silly picture

At the campsite "helping" set up the tents

Mighty proud of themselves!

Our campsite was right next to the Delaware River

Two tents up and ready for action!

After showering at the nearby wash house it was pajama time for butternut squash soup and s'mores. Note our latrine in the background.

Sunset on the Delaware.

Despite the morning rain, the girls enjoyed oatmeal and hot chocolate under the shelter Joshua made using a tarp, our car, and the picnic table (plus some rope!) I should say they enjoyed that while Joshua and I worked to pack everything up in the steady rain.

Main falls at Bushkill falls

After hiking part of the AT the day before, Joshua and I had a good chuckle about this "experienced hikers only" sign. The girls and I decided to flex our hiking muscles for the photo op.

The hike became a pajama hike because it was easier than figuring out changing clothes during the morning rain. Plus the girls thought that sounds like a fun idea.

Bridal veil falls

Demolition...in all its glory

We are remodeling our kitchen. The challenge we've posed to ourselves is how to remodel with a minimum of 1) new materials and 2) waste. The goal was to knock down the wall separating our kitchen and dining room. Joshua started by re-configuring our current cabinets to allow access to the corners (thus providing more storage space). Then he removed the two top cabinets on the wall being removed and relocated them to the small wall on the other side of the refrigerator. Lastly, the bottom cabinets are slotted to being used in the garage and through a combination of pairing down and re-organization we were ready to start taking down the wall. There is a lot of work left on this project but it's worth seeing the progress so far. Photos first then video of Evelyn at the end.

 

 

Ode to Oops Paint...Periodic Table Edition

Juliet wanted something special in her room. Given the size of the wall needing some adornment, Joshua and I decided the Period Table would be just the thing! Plus, we had a whole assortment of oops paint colors to work with. It's not quite finished...but it definitely already deserves a post!

All that's left is the title, key (using the triangles), and the last two rows! We'll be sure to post the finished product. Juliet will continue to grow into it but for now, the bright colors and letters and numbers are a huge hit!