Paddling and Peddling the Lehigh Gap

If you enjoying canoeing and biking, I highly recommend that you check out one of the PA Wildlands Conservancy's Paddle & Peddle events (http://www.wildlands.org/). We did the Lehigh Gap trip this past Saturday and LOVED it! A small group of us (about eight people plus the river guides) launched our canoes in Bowmanstown shortly after 10 a.m. and paddled down to Walnutport, stopping for a bite to eat about halfway. The "paddle" took a little over two hours. Unlike my other canoeing fiascos, this trip was actually enjoyable because the water level was just perfect - the current kept us moving and we didn't get stuck on any rocks. AND we actually learned how to steer the boat! As stupid as it sounds, I've always gone canoeing without ever really knowing how to steer the thing. But this time Dave and I maneuvered through the rapids and rocks like pros. That was the other awesome thing about the trip - since it was on the Lehigh, not the Delaware, we actually got to enjoy the exhilaration of some rapids.

We arrived in Walnutport a little after noon, hoisted our canoes out of the water and climbed on mountain bikes for the ride back to Bowmanstown. The trail back was flat and graded, making for a nice, easy ride. We actually learned that the trail is part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy program (http://www.railstotrails.org/), which is creating a nationwide network of biking trails out of old rail lines. How cool is that?!

About 15 minutes into the "peddle" we stopped at the nature center where we divided into two groups. The first group continued following the flat path along the river while the second group hiked their bikes up the mountain and rode along a scenic ledge. Dave and I joined the second group and were glad we did. The trail up top had some obstacles but was a fairly easy ride with dramatic views of the mountains and river.

I've always wanted to do something like this and the Wildlands group makes it so easy, providing the boats, the bikes and anything else you need along the way. I'm convinced we would never have been able to execute such an enjoyable trip on our own, so it was completely worth the $35/person fee. I hope you'll check it out!

Walk About: 6 Scenic Water View Trails in Eastern PA

Now that this extended rainy season has seemingly passed (although, as I type this it literally started raining!), we're taking every opportunity we can to get outdoors. One of our favorite things to do - especially after a long day at work - is to hit the local hiking trails, particularly those with a water view. We've been making an effort to find and explore more trails in our area, so I thought I'd share some of our favorites:

1. Sand Island. Bethlehem, PA.

As part of the Lehigh River Water Trail, this path extends for a number of miles in both directions, making it perfect for a long walk or bike ride. The trail is a well-maintained, gravel surface with views of the Lehigh River on one side and the canal on the other. If you follow the trail east towards Freemansburg, you will pass by the new Sands casino at the site of the former Bethlehem Steel. Venture westward for a more natural experience (except for the noise from the rail cars that pass through from time to time). http://bit.ly/fF34N

2. Northampton Canal Park. Northampton, PA.

This one-mile paved walkway is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the Lehigh Canal in the borough of Northampton. The area was recently updated to create an idyllic park setting, complete with picnic pavilions, park benches and baseball diamonds. If you're looking for a longer walk, the southern end of the path connects to a dirt trail that leads you through the woods to the Hokendauqua Creek. If you venture out in the hotter months, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the local children perched on the wooden platforms high up in the trees, waiting for their turn to soar through the air on their rope tree swing and plunge into the water below. http://bit.ly/FxtFc

3. Lakeside Trail. Tobyhanna, PA.

Follow the blue blazes for a 5.1 mile hike around the lake at Tobyhanna State Park. Not only will you enjoy numerous views of the pristine lake, but charming streams will surprise you every now and then, adding the meditative sound of trickling water to the chorus of chirping birds and rustling leaves. For the most part, the path is gravel and fairly level, however you will come across some patches that are uneven and rocky. You will also encounter some macadam, sand and grass surfaces as well. http://bit.ly/2jsN5C

4. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. New Hope, PA.

Riverside trails can be accessed from the PA side (west bank) or the NJ side (east bank). Our favorite stretch is the Lumberville - New Hope, PA/Bull's Island - Lambertiville, NJ portion. However, as part of a 70-mile trail system, there is no shortage of pathways for bikers, hikers and joggers alike. Much of the trail is considered a wildlife corridor and contains over 150 species of birds. The trail is a well-maintained, flat, gravel path with various access points that offer up plenty of opportunities to stop for a bite to eat or a bathroom break. http://bit.ly/SuJCg

5. Tekening Trail. Martin's Creek, PA.

Follow the blue blazes for the Scenic River Trail, a 2.1 mile hike along the Delaware River in Martin's Creek. The Tekening Trail is a 5-mile network of pathways in Martin's Creek Preserve. Though there are three other trails to choose from, the Scenic River Trail has the most to see and is the only one with river views. It is a dirt hiking path through the woods with many uneven surfaces and obstacles. Be sure to wear hiking boots or very sturdy sneakers. The trail is great for hiking or mountain biking and there are several scenic overlooks along the way. The only downfall is the din of electricity being generated at PPL's nearby power plant. Luckily, you only hear it for a few minutes in the beginning of your hike and by the time you reach the river views, the sound is long forgotten. http://bit.ly/K6vwI

6. Bushkill Falls. Bushkill, PA.

Also known as the "Niagra of Pennsylvania", Bushkill Falls features a network of hiking trails that wind through the woods and past eight spectacular waterfalls. The trails are rugged (hiking boots recommended) and require a good deal of climbing. This area is more commercialized than some of the other trails and tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays. Plus, unlike the other trails on this list, Bushkill Falls charges an admission fee ($10/adult; $6/child). However when you're standing at the base of Bridal Veil Falls, you'll agree that the price is totally worth it. http://bit.ly/MEjgf

Book & Movie Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic

Every once in awhile a movie comes along that is so bad that my husband actually bans my movie choices. My worst offense of all time was when I dragged him to see Solaris (I've never lived that down). Unfortunately last night's rental of Confessions of a Shopaholic came in a close second.

I read Sophie Kinsella's novel about 7 years ago and LOVED it, but the movie? Disappointing, to say the least. My biggest complaint is that they changed the story line way too much. For example, the novel is set in London and the protagonist, Becky Bloomwood, is a cheeky Brit with a hilarious rationale for her spending behavior. The movie, however, was set in NYC and Becky came off more clumsy and shallow than her lovable literary counterpart.

The movie also fell short when it came to the relationships between Becky and the other characters. For example, her conflict with Alicia Bitch Longlegs was underwhelming and I didn't really buy the attraction between her Luke Brandon.

Bottom line: save the rental fee, read the book.

Book & Movie Review: Revolutionary Road

I recently read Richard Yates' Revolutionary Road and then rented the movie. The verdict...depressing, on both counts. In fact, a gray cloud literally hung over my head for a week after reading the book. And when I finally had the courage to rent the movie, the woman at Blockbuster tried to convince me not to because of how depressing it was. While I appreciated her advice, I completely ignored it and rented it anyway, determined to see for myself.

Not to sound cliche or like some sort of literary critic, but the movie wasn't nearly as good as the book. It wasn't nearly as depressing either, which was a major failure on its part because it's supposed to be depressing. I was also disappointed by the lack of on-screen chemistry from Leo and Kate. I mean, I bawled my eyes out at Titanic, but they didn't manage to pry even an ounce of emotion out of me in Revolutionary Road. Needless to say, when I returned the movie to Blockbuster, I warned the woman not to read the book. If she thought the movie was depressing...the book might actually push her over the edge.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea; the book was actually quite good. Richard Yates did a brilliant job capturing the characters' conflicts and his descriptions were so vivid you could practically taste each scene. If you're considering the book or the movie...go for the book, you'll get so much more out of it.

10 Things to do on a Rainy Weekend

It's been rainy and gray here for so many days now that I've lost count. To make matters worse, thunderstorms are threatening to wash away the weekend too. The worst part about a rainy weekend is not knowing what to do with yourself, so I put together a list of 10 things to entertain yourself while you're cooped inside (and none of them require a television set):




1. Break out an old board game (or buy a new one).


2. Prepare a theme dinner complete with centerpiece, menu and costume.


3. Make homemade greeting cards.


4. Crack open a book you've meaning to read.


5. Take a well-deserved nap.


6. Call an old friend.


7. Learn some basic words in a foreign language.


8. Organize old photos.


9. Bake something tasty.


10. Create your own cocktail.

Wishing you a fun weekend despite the weather!

Book Review: "Belong to Me" by Marisa de los Santos

Marisa de los Santos recently released Belong to Me, the sequel to Love Walked In. I just read it and...I loved it!


Many have asked if you have to read Love Walked In before cracking open Belong to Me? Not necessarily, but I would. While Belong to Me stands well on its own, and de los Santos does a solid of job of providing the relevant backstory, reading Love Walked In first will carve out a little place in your heart for Cornelia Brown that makes reading Belong to Me all that more fulfilling. Plus, to feel the true impact of the storyline, you really need to understand the relationship between Cornelia, Teo and Clare, which only Love Walked In can provide.


Regardless, Marisa de los Santos' voice is captivating, no doubt the result of her PhD in creative writing and her extensive background in poetry, and Belong to Me secured her as one of my favorite women's fiction writers. If you haven't read her work yet, I highly recommend it.

Long Branch

Until last weekend, Long Branch, New Jersey was nothing more than an express train's final destination on the big black schedule board that hangs overhead in Penn Station. I've heard its name echo through the corridors of the station hundreds of times, each time triggering a stampede of people pushing and shoving their way down the stairs toward the waiting train below. And I've spent countless stretches of time watching the black tiles on the schedule board fall like dominos as the letters click into place forming, among others, the words Long Branch. Once, I wondered what Long Branch was like, but the thought fled my mind as quickly as it had entered when my own train was called and I bounded down the stairs toward my platform. So you can imagine my surprise when one of our friends, who's recommendations we trust implicitly, recommended Long Branch as the destination for the impromptu beach weekend we'd been considering. Long Branch? Really? Despite all the times I'd seen and heard the town's name, I never stopped to consider that it might actually be somewhere I want to go.

Luckily, Dave and I were both still a little buzzed from the corny optimism of renting Yes Man a few nights earlier and we ended up saying yes to Long Branch, even though we didn't know a single thing about it. So there we were, Saturday morning, Wawa in hand, gliding down the Garden State Parkway toward the promise of a lovely beach weekend. Our trip was off to a perfect start until we hit Rte. 36 - the stretch of road that corrals you from the vast interstate to this supposed beach paradise. Our hearts started to sink as we watched the scenery degrade by the minute, morphing from new shopping centers to old strip malls to boarded up store fronts and run-down buildings, and we were struck with the fear that our dear friend had meant Long Beach...not Long Branch. So, you can imagine our relief when we crossed over Ocean Boulevard and into the sliver of Long Branch where the sun glimmers across the ocean like scattered gold sequins, and palm trees - not native, of course - line the beaches, making you feel like you've arrived in some sort of remote tropical haven. This part of Long Beach is called Pier Village.

As we rolled through Pier Village, high-end restaurants called out to us, expensive boutiques shimmered in the mid-morning sun, and the boardwalk - which was brick-paved without a single splintery piece of wood in sight - invited us to stroll along the quiet stretch of unspoiled beach. We couldn't help but wonder, where are we? How, in all our years of avid shore going, had we ceased to realize that such a delightful little paradise exists less than 2 hours from our doorstep? Looking back on it now, it was like the universe had been whispering Long Branch in my ear all along, only I'd been too preoccupied to hear it. Our weekend in Long Branch turned out to be one of those perfect weekends, where the weather was just right and all the logistics - where to eat, where to stay, where to find rum cocktails in the late afternoon - clicked perfectly into place.

Recommendations

Lunch: Call Jr's (732-229-9600). The food is fresh (and reasonably priced) and they'll deliver to you right on the beach!

Dinner: Sirena Ristorante (27 Ocean Avenue). Ocean views, delicious food, need I say more?

Lodging: Ocean Place (1 Ocean Blvd. - just look for the big blue sea shell). If you're only interested in a one night stay, call their reservation line because the front desk staff will make you book two nights...according to their hotel "policy."

Travel Writing

My latest travel articles on Barbados and Las Vegas have been published on TheSavvyExplorer.com. Check 'em out:

Barbados: http://bit.ly/iiiqG

Las Vegas: http://bit.ly/Cpz94

In case you missed some of my other adventures, here are the links to my Oslo article and my piece on Bergen and the Fjords. Enjoy!

Oslo: http://bit.ly/AjeVv

Bergen/Fjords: http://bit.ly/wR67q

My First 5k

I've always wanted to run a 5k. It's one of those pesky little things that's been on my life's list of things to do for years now and every time I'm in my car and I see a race in progress I think, that should be me out there. Well, thanks to my step-sister in-law, Amanda, who invited me to the YWCA's Race Against Racism, my husband, Dave, who kept me company (and provided ample motivation along the way) and a beautiful weather forecast...today it was me out there!

Over the past few weeks I've been anticipating - and, ok, regretting - agreeing to do the race. Even though I run on the treadmill a few times a week, I was worried that an actual race with "real" runners might be more of a challenge than I could handle (and what about the hills?). You see, even though I run, I totally don't consider myself in the same category as those graceful runners who just seem to glide along the pavement effortlessly. For me, it feels like every step requires a ton of effort. But I'm happy to report that I completed the entire race without stopping - or complaining - in just under 31 minutes! I heard the winner finished in something like 17 minutes. 17 minutes! He was obviously one of those graceful types :)

Boxing

I LOVE trying new things and last night, for the first time ever, I tried boxing. I have to admit, I was a bit of a skeptic when I walked into Boxx LV. They promised I'd burn 1,000 calories in an hour - not since my days of spinning has anyone made such a bold promise! I was so skeptical, in fact, that I got up early yesterday morning and squeezed in some intervals on the treadmill. Big mistake. I was beat after the warm-up. The WARM-UP! Needless to say, an hour of drills, punching, jabbing, hooking and floor exercises left my muscles convulsing to the point that I could barely spoon dinner into my mouth when I got home. As for today...let's just say I'm avoiding staircases and any unnecessary walking.

Overall, my boxing adventure was a great experience, one that opened my eyes to a different area of fitness and gave me a new-found respect for all the men and women who seriously train for this sport - it's no joke. And while you won't see me on UFC anytime soon, I will definitely return every now and then just for the challenge of it (and, of course, the calorie burn!).