Hiking NY: Backpacking on the North Country Trail / Finger Lakes Trail in Allegheny National Forest

A couple weeks late...I'm just now realizing I never posted this trip!

A couple weekends ago I tagged along with my friend Courtney for a weekend on a section of the Finger Lakes trail that crosses from Pennsylvania to New York in the Allegheny National Forest and Allegheny State Park.

This was the most mileage I have done to date wearing a full pack! It was hard, but I love to challenge myself and push my body to new achievements. We did 14.4 miles the first day, and 8.6 miles the second day with about 3000' elevation gain. Not too shabby! We intended to camp in a lean-to, but that was taken so we pitched her tent in a clearing under some trees.

It was hot, humid, and super buggy but we made it and had a great time. 

A birthday present from Nick...a freeze dried ice cream sandwich! Delicious.

Hiking NY: Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain is a short but fun hiking destination in Old Forge, NY. It's a good taste of what the Adirondacks have to offer, but with a speedy reward at the summit. Not only is there amazing views, but there is a firetower on top that you can climb to gain additional elevation and experience a true 360 view.

At 2 miles roundtrip with just under 500' elevation gain, it's a great trail for even beginning to moderate hikers. There are slides, scrambles, and ridges to keep you literally on your toes to the summit.

I have the added benefit of being right down the road working at my summer job! So on a beautiful evening off I headed down to the trailhead and added this one to my list.

Several viewpoints on the way up to the summit!

The ridge I followed up to the summit and firetower.

Coincidentally another hiking buddy of mine was doing the same trail with his son, and he snapped this pic of me from the ground.

If you are in the area and have about an hour to kill, I highly recommend this one!!

My Summer Job

What do you get when you blend a love of the outdoors with being a nurse? A camp nurse!! This unique opportunity came up shortly after I found out my ICU was closing, so I said what the heck and jumped in head first for a new adventure!

My official title is "Health Center Director" and I started my training and orientation last week. I spent a few days at camp with the directors and other staff to get things ready for campers to arrive, and had several projects waiting for me when I got there!

After I got some direction, I basically had free reign to do what I wanted and get what I needed to make things run smoothly. With my OCD tendencies, I ran with it and got the medical office nicely squared away and finished several much needed projects to streamline things and improve efficiency for the other staff.

This morning we finished up all necessary training and certifications, and I gave the counselors an in-service on my newly packaged wilderness first aid kits as well important topics for trip safety, camper health, and general protocols.

I'm now home for a few days, and when I head back Friday afternoon I will have the boys with me until we return home on July 11. I would have loved to be there the whole summer but I have a couple big trips already planned that I had to work around in July. But then I return for the last week of camp.

And now here's some pics from the beautiful Adirondack Woodcraft Camp!

My office and room!

The beautiful dining hall

The Long House

One of the lakes on the property with a swimming dock

Scenic trails and cabins all through the woods

Rock climbing wall and soccer field

They also offer riflery, archery, mountain biking, overnight trips, canoe trips, hiking, and so much for the kiddos! It will be a blast.

Unfortunately I have a very limited connection there so I won't be able to post much. However I did sneak in a quick mountain hike last night, and will be posting those pictures this week. s

I will have a couple different days off and I plan to tackle some high peaks in while I'm in the Adirondacks! Check back for pics from the summer!!

Turning 35 and Some Summer Fun

I am now 35 years young, and enjoying life to the fullest! I don't really ask for presents anymore, I prefer spending time with loved ones and making memories these days ❤️

For my special day this year Nick took me out for my FAVORITE food--macaroni and cheese! Not just any, but Mooney's Mac and cheese. Rodeo Mac and cheese to be specific. So very delicious!! BBQ beef and pork with onion rings !! We washed it down with some hard cider.

My brother Eric sent me a very unique beeswax candle! I love it.

My girl Jessica and I went for a short hike together, then she treated me to a yummy lunch! Even her pupper got to eat with us.

Our little town finally opened the splash park! A perfect way to cool off on a hot day. The boys had fun, and Brad even found a girl to talk to haha!