Hiking Mohonk Mountain

Raymond, Jayden, and myself went hiking today at Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, NY. I can't believe the energy Jayden has! I thought he might have trouble keeping up with us, but it was us that had trouble keeping up with him!

We started off from the parking lot on a nice gravel path.


We came across some fallen trees.




Then we turned onto a more rocky path, it was very steep in some places, but Jayden was fine climbing.


Whew! 'Made it to the top!



And Umma needs to rest!



Then we walked down a hillside to get to the lake.





Then we went on to a rock scramble.






Jayden took a picture of Ray & me resting on the 'love bench', but he had to reprimand 'Paw' for covering up the heart on the back of the bench!


On to another rock scramble that would take us to a steep staircase (you can see the wooden stairs in the background).




I don't know if I'm going to make it!


Jayden was such a happy little coach! "Come on, Umma, you're almost there!"





I need another rest!

Jayden thought the Mohonk House was a beautiful kingdom!



Let's enjoy the beautiful views before we head up the rest of the way to the top of the mountain.



Once at the top there's a tower with lots of stairs! More climbing!





Here's a view of Jayden's 'beautiful kingdom' from the top of the tower.



Okay, back down. I loved the iron gates!


Really pretty sky!



Beautiful gardens back down at the bottom! The trees behind the fence in the background are a big maze, and Ray & Jayden tried to lose me in there on purpose! But I remembered my father-in-law's advice, Harry said to keep your hand on one wall the whole time and you'll find your way out, and that's just what I did!





There was a small stone tower there. It was so cool inside and a nice place to rest.




We stopped for a snack at a little picnic area and I just had to snap some pictures of these eyelashes! I want them!


On the walk back to the parking lot a deer crossed our path!




The Incredible Hulk!


Jayden was excited to spot this farm.



Don't go too close to the edge! It's a two hundred foot drop!



I loved this tree! Look how it's roots are all around the rock!




More fallen trees on the walk back.


I really had a wonderful day! I was so tired, but it's one of those days that you hate to see end.
I asked Jayden if he had a good time and he said, "Of course!" I asked him if he'd like to do it again and he said, "Of course!"
I'm already looking forward to the next time! Hopefully the leaves will be turning soon.

On a side note:
Diana asked for information on Mohonk, I was going to give background but this post was so long already!
Here's a link for anyone who may want to look it up . Just go here.