MY BEST FRIEND -- July 15, 2016

In less than a week I will be celebrating my third wedding anniversary.  Robin and I were married on July 21, 2013.  It was, up to this point, the best day of my life. She really does bring out the best in me.   Actually, she's my moral compass.  Robin's opened my world to a whole new spectrum of things:  Korean food (yeah, my favorite restaurant is Nam King in Baltimore, Maryland), movies that don't involve Rocky Balboa or Han Solo, traveling farther than Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Eminem (didn't see that one coming!)  She's taught me to explore more  things, try to see the best in everyone, and...uh...talk about my feelings.  What have brought to her world?  Well...I guess more than anything...I think I've let her know that it's okay to be silly and completely let your guard down.  Sometimes I catch myself laughing out loud as she allows me to take pictures of her being completely silly.  She never would have done that six years ago.  

Getting silly with Robin in downtown York, PA -- 2014

When I met Robin I found someone who wanted to be with me because I'm me....and she wanted to participate in the things that I love to do.  To be completely honest, it shocked me when Robin first told me that she liked to go for hikes in the woods...I was in total disbelief when she told me that she liked to go tent camping...and I was super pumped that she was interested in going for bike rides with me.  The last three years of our marriage (six years if you count the time we were dating and engaged)...taking trips, hiking, exploring, camping, and bike riding with Robin...have been absolutely amazing.  

Parasailing in the Bahamas.  This was the firs time we traveled together -- October 28, 2010

This may have been the first time that Robin and I took a hike together.  We took a spring time walk through Rocky Ridge County Park -- April 11, 2011

Robin and I went camping on Memorial Day weekend of 2012 in Caledonia State Park.  It was so hot that weekend...but the hiking was super cool -- May 27, 2012

Robin and I took a hike to the top of Tumbling Run in Michaux State Forest.  It was there that I proposed to her -- June 24, 2012


We found out that state parks in Florida are very different than state parks in Pennsylvania on our hike in John D. MacArther State Park -- November 27, 2012

Out for a 4th of July bike ride with  Robin -- 2013

Exploring Parc National du Mont-Tremblant in Canada on our Honeymoon -- July 31, 2013

Yes!  I convinced her to do an alpine slide while at Mont-Tremblant -- July 31,  2013

Hiking Superstition Mountain and Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona -- January 23, 2014

Hiking Evitt's Mountain in Rocky Gap State Park -- May 24, 2014

Camping and hiking in Ohiopyle State Park -- May 24, 2015

Traveling home from Bedford we made a slight detour to go hiking and exploring in Trough Creek State Park -- August 8, 2015

We began our New Year with a hike in Rocky Ridge County Park -- January 1, 2016

Camping in Rocky Gap State Park -- May 27, 2016
I didn't just marry my girlfriend....I didn't just marry my wife...I married my best friend.  Someone who loves me, brings out the best in me and wants to share a life with me.  It's the most amazing thing in the world.  Back when we were engaged we ran into a couple that were on their anniversary trip.  They had a tradition that, each year, they would take turns surprising the other with a destination for their trip.  We loved the idea and decided to do it ourselves.  This year it's my turn to surprise Robin.  We are leaving tomorrow morning for a destination unknown to my beautiful wife.*  I told her how long we would be gone and what the weather forecast is where we are going.   Tomorrow I get to go on another adventure with my best friend.



Life is a journey...not a destination.


David A. Raymond -- July 15, 2016

Road trip with my wife -- June 26, 2016


*July 25, 2016:
Robin and I had an amazing trip which included two nights in New Orleans, LA, a night in Chattanooga, TN, and four nights in Brevard, NC.  Here are some of the highlights of our trip!

Taking in the French Quarter in New Orleans -- July 17, 2016

Touring the site Chalmette Battlefield (the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans) -- July 18, 2016

Jackson Square in New Orleans -- July 18, 2016 

Robin and David Raymond in Jackson Square -- July 18, 2016

Robin and I found a fantastic restaurant in Chattanooga, TN...the 212 Market Restaurant -- July 19, 2016

We took time to explore a few places near Chattanooga.   One was Rock City.  A super cool place!  -- July 20, 2016




Robin & David Raymond at Rock City -- July 20, 2016

The passenger incline on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga gave a great view of the valley below -- July 20, 2016

Ruby Falls was absolutely amazing!  --  July 20, 2016



The town of Brevard, NC offered four days of relaxation -- July 21,  2016

Robin and I stayed at the Red House Inn Bed & Breakfast in Brevard, NC.   Thanks to Daniel and Tracie for making our anniversary stay so wonderful!  -- July 21, 2016

Robin  and I took a hike near the waterfalls in Dupont State Forest -- July 21, 2016

We took a break from relaxing to try zip lining for the first time!  -- July 22, 2016



The Blue Ridge Parkway provided great views!  -- July 21, 2016
Celebrating our anniversary at the Bouchon in Asheville, NC.  Love you, Sweetheart!  -- July 21, 2016