YES finally ‘WE DID IT’‼️

Standing 5,344 feet (1,629 metres) above sea level!

Mount Marcy is the highest of the High Peaks, and its impressive presence commands the view from the other 46 Adirondak’s wilderness peaks. We walked through Adirondack Loj parking station taking the most scenic and legendary route The Van Hoevenberg Trail to its cone-shaped summit.

All the struggles were worth taking. I would like to think about this journey as one of the kind which I was blessed to take than conquer. Seeking self-knowledge and appreciating mother nature than the victory alone.

It was a steep, strenuous climb with huge rocks, wet rocks, and slushy logs, especially the last mile over open rocks to the summit. I am thankful & grateful that we came back down safe without any major injuries & proud of my fellow hikers who had unstable ankles & were still able to make it through the whole 15 hour trek giving their 100%.

It was a feeling of being serene and content while we walked in the wilderness amongst the stepping stones, the bustling wind, the humming birds, our sun kissed skin, the struggle in steeling our mind through the 16 mile hike with a steep ascent & decent, and the extreme sense of burning muscles during our peak moments. Finally we overlooked the endless blue sky from the highest peak in New York and its classic wilderness to its depth & horizon. In the end, all in all it was 10% luck 30% pain 30% motivation 30% physical push & 100% reason to remember the name “MT.MARCY”.

Two-day Rhode Island Itinerary

“Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package”

Rhode Island trip was my very first trip during COVID-19. The COVID-19 cases in NY were going down initially and the government permitted phase one reopening. I am a Physical Therapist by profession and obtained the opportunity to serve this community as a front-line medical professional during this pandemic. I am grateful and proud of what I have become over the years. As a medical professional working with the geriatric population, I have seen many sufferings and struggling during this hard situation and some leaving this world making our heart so heavy. After almost four months of on-going work, I decided to pack my bag and out of my work environment to have some peace of mind. Hiking, private sailing, and waterfalls were on my mind to avoid large crowds, also spent my getaways in a place where I can avoid wearing the mask which I was wearing more than 12 hrs. per day.

Rhode Island (RI) was always on my bucket list of destinations. I am so attracted to the islands and the ocean since I was born and brought up on an island. Rhode Island is a big vacation destination and the smallest U.S. state by area and the seventh least populous, but it is also the second-most densely populated.

One part of the island is connected to Connecticut and with Massachusetts from north and east. The Providence, one of the oldest cities of the USA, is the state capital of RI and the most populous city in RI. RI comes to life, especially during the summer. Beaches, parks, hiking trails, outdoor dining, water sports, and sunset sails are some of those experiences you will get to live during the summer vacation. However, I knew the gravity of the current situation can be different from all summer vacations that most visitors have experienced. But I was ready and determined to do what is needed.

I drove 3 hours and 17 min from New York to Newport RI where I can see my first destination, the famous Cliff Walk. The Cliff Walk is world-famous as a public access walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport. One side of the walk is the panoramic ocean view with crashing waves of the ocean and the other side is full of stunning Gilded Age mansions.

It is a 3.5-mile walk from Memorial blvd to Bellevue Ave. I started my walk in the middle of the pathway, from Webster ST (public access point) until I reach the Scenic Ocean Views at the Cliff Walk passing the Ochre Point. After enjoying the stunning ocean views, I walked back to “The Forty Steps”, another beautiful landmark right next to the cliff walk.

“The Forty Steps” runs to the early 1800’s, and it was famous as a hangout place to servants that worked at all of the Newport mansions, during the Gilded Age.

Even though I wanted to head into the magnificent “The Breakers” the grandest of the Newport’s summer “cottages”, (Vanderbilt Mansion) it was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*“The Forty Step*” the famous stair case that goes down from the *Newport* Cliff-Walk to the water

A great place to smell the ocean air and to enjoy the ocean view, I don’t think anybody will be disappointed

Newport has a stunning sunset point and there is no better way to watch this phenomenal view than aboard a sunset sail. After strolling in the park and climbing over rocks I thought this would be the best way to enjoy my night. Booked tickets for Madeleine Sunset Sails at Classic Cruises of Newport. It was one hour to two hours long trip from Newport to Narragansett Bay, which sails by many historical points of interest along the waterfront including several estates, islands and lighthouses.

“Enjoy complimentary champagne and beer while basking in the warm glow of a beautiful sunset on Narragansett Bay.”

After the sail, I spent my Saturday night at “The Ocean Rose Inn” beach hotel with the oceanfront view, it has the perfect mix of nautical and traditional Victorian charm with convenient proximity to Newport and all that the area has to offer.

I recommend going to see the Twin Towers and enjoy the ocean at Narragansett, RI. The Twin Towers is a historical structure, the only remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino built in the 1880’s. Granite fence around the beach will give you the best place to sit and enjoy the ocean view. Also, if you are fond of water surfing and swimming in the ocean enjoying the view, this would be the best place to be.

“Granite fence around the beach will give you the best place to sit and enjoy the ocean view“

Visiting a gun range was on the cards, and I had a great first-timer experience at the range. Firearms Unlimited Shooting Experience was a full-service gun store and indoor shooting range dedicated to serving the civilian, military, and law enforcement population. Only a few customers were allowed inside due to COVID-19 and they have taken all test and measure to navigate this crisis together.

My trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting a waterfall, so I drove another 2 hr and 10 min to set foot on this beauty, “Doane’s Fall” at Royalston, MA. What to say “it was a blast !!”. Although the Falls was now owned by a private NGO, I was able to hike the trail and sink myself in its majesty. Doane’s Falls is one of the underrated attractions of Massachusetts and every wanderer should stop by to live it.