Stories from a HUSBAND - FATHER - SON - GRANDFATHER - UNCLE - BROTHER - FRIEND - TEACHER
MY BEST FRIEND -- July 15, 2016
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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
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
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
A day off of the bicycle doesn't mean a day spent inside. With the end of summer in view, and the school year encroaching soon, I took my sixteen year old son, Alex, and his buddies (Robby and Austin) to Michaux State Forest for a day of hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Our day today was split into three parts. We planned to hike up through Tumbling Run Game Preserve, have a picnic lunch at the furnace stack in Pine Grove Furnace State Park , and then hike up to the top of Pole Steeple. Although the trail head at Tumbling Run is not marked, it is easy to get to if you know what you are looking for. After passing Pine Grove Furnace State Park on state route 233 (headed South) you will be looking for a obvious gravel parking area located on the right between Woodrow Road and Dead Woman's Hollow Road. It is important to know that the last "nice" bathrooms are located at the furnace stack at Pine Grove Furnace ...
My wife took me to Alaska this year. I had never been to that part of the world, nor have I ever seen such immense natural beauty in my entire life. For our 10th wedding anniversary we took a six day cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Alaska and back. Along the way, we visited the Alaskan cities of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. We took a train ride into Yukon Territory, Canada. We saw whales, bald eagles, and countless salmon. Robin and I had the opportunity to hike along Bennett Lake, explore Glacier Bay National Park, and sail through Tracy’s Arm Inlet. It truly was one of the “bucket-list” trips that I could only dream of and it was fitting that I got to visit the 49th state during my 49th year on the planet. Thank you, Sweetheart! Robin and David Raymond. Welcome to Alaska! -- July 18, 2023 David and Robin Raymond in Tracy's Arm Inlet -- July 17, 2023 Approaching a glacier in Tracy's Arm Inlet -- July 17, 2023 ...
In the early 1980s my mom and dad began taking my brother, Jake, and I camping at Rocky Gap State Park near Cumberland, Maryland . During the summer months we seemingly went every weekend. I loved it there. Rocky Gap was just a short drive from our home in Bedford, Pennsylvania. We spent our days playing on the beach and fishing in the lake. My mother made incredible meals for us at the campground and each evening my dad would make a campfire. The campfire was my favorite part. My dad made mountain pies, my mom would make popcorn over the fire, and my brother and I would roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Our camping trips ended in the late 80s when both my brother and I reached high school. Our schedules were just too hectic. That was the last I would see of Rocky Gap for 25 years. Rocky Gap State Park and campgrounds sits at the base of Evitts Mountain in western Maryland -- May 30, 2016 When I began dating m...