Stories from a HUSBAND - FATHER - SON - GRANDFATHER - UNCLE - BROTHER - FRIEND - TEACHER
THAT TRAIL IS GORGES
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Taking a hike on our wedding anniversary has become a super cool tradition for Robin and I. Last year, we found ourselves exploring the waterfalls in Dupont State Forest, North Carolina. The year before that we explored Grand Bahama Island. Heck, I even proposed to her after hiking to the top of Tumbling Run in Michaux State Forest. I love that we both enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and that we take time to make life-long memories.
With Rainbow Falls providing an excellent backdrop...Robin and I pose for a picture on our 4th anniversary -- July 21, 2017
Exploring High Falls in Dupont State Forest, N.C. on our 3rd anniversary -- July 21, 2016
Exploring Grand Bahama Island on our 2nd wedding anniversary -- July 21, 2015
Last week, on our anniversary, Robin and I experienced the awe-inspiring sights of Watkins Glen State Park in New York. I've been to New York City a few times...Cooperstown with my son a few years ago...but, until last week, I had never been to the Finger Lakes region of the state. I had seen commercials on tv for the area...but what Robin and I saw while treking through the park was much more than either of us expected. Honestly...I expected a destination hike. You know...walk down a trail and check out a waterfall. What we experienced was nothing short of breathtaking.
Robin and I began our hike in Watkins Glen State park by descending Couch's Staircase -- July 21, 2017
Merging onto Gorge Trail from Couch's Staircase -- July 21, 2017
Glen Creek in Watkins Glen State Park seen from Point Lookout -- July 21, 2017
Walking along Gorge Trail, Robin and I soon realized that this wasn't going to be an ordinary hike! -- July 21, 2017
Waking towards Cascade Cavern -- July 21, 2017
Inside the Spiral Tunnel -- July 21, 2017
The view of Glen Creek coming out of the Spiral Tunnel -- July 21, 2017
Passing under the Suspension Bridge. Robin and I crossed the bridge as we left Indian Trail and began making our way back to the parking area -- July 21, 2017
Glen Cathedral -- July 21, 2017
Making our way towards Rainbow Falls -- July 21, 2017
Reaching out to touch the water of Rainbow Falls -- July 21, 2017
Gorge Trail above Rainbow Falls -- July 21, 2017
The top of Jacob's Ladder. After a brief stop at the rest area, Robin and I took Indian Trail back to the parking area -- July 21, 2017
Indian Trail....because it runs the ridge above the creek it is less populated. The trail does get a little more rough towards the bottom -- July 21, 2017
David and Robin Raymond in Watkins Glen State Park -- July 21, 2017
With a little guidance from a park ranger near the parking area, Robin and I, map in hand, headed towards Couch's Staircase which lead us straight to Gorge Trail. As Robin and I walked upstream on Gorge Trail it quickly became obvious to us both that this wouldn't be an ordinary hike and that we weren't just going to see one or two waterfalls. Over thousands of years, Glen Creek has eroded a nearly 2 mile gorge which descends 400 feet through the park winding us past nineteen waterfalls...each different and spectacular in its own unique way. The path cut by Glen Creek led us into a Spiral Tunnel, under waterfalls, and through Glen Cathedral...all of which seemingly transported us to some mystical place. I had never experienced anything like it. At the end of Gorge Trail we climbed the steps Jacob's Ladder and then back Indian Trail towards the parking area. The sounds and sights of the Glen Creek making it's way toward the town of Watkins Glenn provided the perfect backdrop for Robin and I as we celebrated our anniversary. To say that the trails in Watkins Glen State Park are gorgeous doesn't seem to do them justice....but I can't think of a more perfect adjective. So yeah...this year our anniversary hike was not just perfect...it was gorgeous.
Yep...all trails do lead to ice cream. Robin and I stopped the Glen Dairy Bar near Watkins Glen State Park. The potions were huge...and I mean HUGE! Nothing like a triple layer orange sherbert and vanilla ice cream cone! -- July 21, 2017
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- July 24, 2017
Robin and I at the top of Tumbling Run in Michaux State Forest. I had just proposed and she had just made me the happiest man alive -- June 24, 2012
Interested in hiking Watkins Glenn or other parks I've been to? Check out the TRAIL MAPS and TRAIL HEADS tabs on the ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM website.
People ask my husband and I that if we get a babysitter what do we do? We both say at the same time: Go hiking!😂 We do hike with our daughter but without her we will hike the more challenging one. The couples who walk together stays longer together!❤️
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...
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