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”.
“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.
Ocean Rocks near Cliff Walk, RI
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.
Cliff Walk, RI
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.
Ocean Rocks near Cliff Walk, RI
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 waterA 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.
Twin Towers, at Narragansett, RI
“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 tonavigate 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.
Doane’s Falls is one of the underrated attractions of Massachusetts and every wanderer should stop by to live it.
Connecticut is the nearest New England state to New York, Pennsylvania and points south for a short getaway. Full of waterfalls, iconic sceneries, adventures, shopping fun, etc. We began our weekend-getaway from an old community at the mouth of the Connecticut River called “Old Saybrook”. A charming town, which owns the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse. It is a spark-plug lighthouse built in 1886 and located in Connecticut. (The nearby lighthouse is simply called the Lynde Point Light, is 75 years older than Oldsaybrook lighthouse).
Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, everyday can end beautifully ~ Kristen Butler ~
Just a short drive from the lighthouse we found this great seafood restaurant “The Back Porch”. Beautiful panoramic river views & live music added more taste to the food. Find outdoor seating to enjoy the river view.
Check out “Black Hall Outoutfitters”. This is an amazing place to enjoy if you love kayaking. We almost got lost out way back and took another half an hour to find our way. It was our mistake to take the wrong turn, but enjoyed all the same. This is a nice place to go during this pandemic and they are working with the State to ensure that their protocols and procedures keep everybody safe while we all get some much-needed relief.
Top: (Forever21) Short: (OLD Navy)
After our adventure, we made our way back to the hotel, stopped by this delicious Italian food mart (Deli) Singing bridge food market on the way for lunch. Fresh and yummy!
After the good heavy lunch we wandered down to the amazing Wadsworth waterfall and explored its majesty. Located in Middletown CT, It is an hour away. As we were coming close to the end of a 3.7 mile hike we begin to hear the roar of the waterfall Eco in the canopy and soon we reach the falls to see a wonderful view. Awe struck, we sit and enjoy the view as our legs get soaked in the cold luscious free flowing water. It is difficult to describe the view in words and hence I took pictures for y’all to see through my eyes. If I had to describe the falls geographically, this falls is much wider than it is high and it has a large volume of water passing over it. You can see fishes swim in the little pond created by the falls. The clarity of the water will leave you speechless. It will be a bit of an adventure if you decide to hike in the park to find the fall. The hike is hard but the view definitely worth it.
We had a mouth-watering desi cuisine at Nina’s Desi Kitchen, a family-run restaurant and very high quality. Click here to read the full story.
Next is one of my personal favorite, the amazing Elizabeth rose Garden at West Hartford CT. This rose garden is located in the center of Elizabeth Park – Hartford, CT. It is the first municipal rose garden in the USA and the third largest rose garden in the country.
“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.” – Emma Goldman-
Gongura Kodi Biryani (Chiken)
Shrimp 65
Are you a fan of spicy south Indian food? If so, then visit the “Godavari”, for a unique experience consisting of Indian flavor with South Indian spices and herbs. After viewing the beauty of Elizabeth Rose Garden, it was time to eat some great Hyderabadi biryani. Where else can someone go other than Godavari Indian Restaurant. This chain isn’t simply called the best. The food was outstanding and one of the best shrimp starter I have ever had.
My last destination of my weekend-getaway spot had to be my best to be remembered forever. If there is something called underrated, I tell you Connecticut is underrated. The nature here never fails to inspire, influence, and move you. After a filling lunch, I wandered down to The Devil’s Hopyard State Park & Falls. Finding the falls was a bit difficult since there is no cell phone service in the middle of a forest. We highly recommend you to download offline Gmaps or carry a map of the state park.
Also don’t forget to carry a bug repellent, YOU WILL NEED IT. Go on a weekday, it is much more peaceful, there would be no crowd like the weekends would. Coming to the waterfall, oh yes! you heard that right! waterfall. It is the place were I go, not just to feel, but to be free. The water flowing through my hair, the chill running through my spine, the power running through my fingers as I wave my hand in the water against the flow, and sitting under the waterfall to feel the force of mother nature.
I must say!! waterfalls are the best to visit anytime of the year no matter what the weather is, but it does matter if you have had a hectic week and you need a place to soak your head in.
This is our first time trying “Cheese Cake – passion fruit tart “, only from Cafe Himalaya, Tibetan/Nepalese restaurant which brings the taste of Himalayas to New York. (Click on the link to read the full story ). It was a sweet little treat to ourselves at the end of the trip.
Travel Tips: Open a “Choice Privileges” account for free on Choicehotel.com and enjoy faster bookings, lower rates, free nights and exclusive rewards! (Personal Preference)
Most hotels do not require a lot from your credit card, all amenities most hotels offer are more than enough for a one night stay. Let me know what hotels and booking websites you prefer in the comment section.
Lakeesha's odyssey 