A Crisp Hike

As the cooler, windy weather sets forth this fall I find it easier than ever to stay inside on the weekends.  On the couch in a heap of blankets is where you could have found me for most of the other day.  I couldn't even bear the thought of stepping outside into the chilly air.  A friend of mine reminded me that its really all about being prepared by wearing the right clothes when we want to spend time outside.  With that, I got out my fleece jacket, winter coat, gloves, and a hat.  Freddy was more than happy to tag along.  We set out for a hike through the woods with a good friend of ours.  

It is always safer and more fun to go out with friends in the forest.    

It was starting to get late.  Check out the moon!

We saw some really fun nature.  I love exploring!

It ended up being a really wonderful time!  It WAS chilly... 

but nothing a Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa couldn't fix!  ;-)  

The Great Swamp

Today I met a friend for brunch in Bernardsville, New Jersey.  It was our first time at the Mockingbird Cafe.  The food was delicious, especially the lemon ricotta pancakes with berries! Yum!!

After my friend and I left the restaurant I decided it was too much of a nice day to go home.  I took a very short drive to one of my favorite spots, The Raptor Trust.  The Raptor Trust is a bird rehabilitation center.  It is a place where people work to help a certain type of sick birds to get better and to stay safe.  I have always found birds to be fascinating creatures.  Today I saw Bald Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawks, Red-Shouldered Hawks, a Common Raven, a Barred Owl, a Great Horned Owl, an American Kestrel and a Perregrine Falcon.

Here is one of the Bald Eagles I saw.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RAPTOR TRUST WEBSITE.

After visiting The Raptor Trust I decided to take another short drive to The Great Swamp.  

Check out my photos to see the beautiful views I was able to capture.

Hiking Through The Sourlands

Today I pulled on my hiking boots and decided to get some fresh air with a friend.  We took a short 15 minute drive to the Sourland Mountains.  I jumped from rock to rock on the way up and down the steep trail for some good exercise.  Once we were tired, we climbed up to rest on a huge boulder. We also saw different types of birds, which you know I always enjoy.  It is an easy trip to Hillsborough. You should take your family to check it out!  

Check out the trails you can hike on:

Find this trail map and more at http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksFacilities/sourland/SourlandMtPreserve.html

On the Trail

The trail starts in a pretty field of flowers, birds and butterflies.

Today two teacher friends, Freddy and I all went hiking on a trail near my house.  It was a beautiful, sunny day.  We have been very lucky with some wonderful weather lately!  Fresh air and exercise are always such a great way to relax and stay healthy.  What have you been doing outside on these gorgeous days?  I hope you have been playing outside too!!

Freddy is worn out from chasing squirrels.

Ms. Tricarico finds balance in the outdoors.