Ava Outdoor Adventures 🏔

I look forward to the scenic views from the window of the metro north train along the Hudson Valley .

Jus a couple hours out of the city once a week is the best free therapy session ,anyone can afford it.

As we recognize October as Mental Health Awareness Month.am reminded of how much my life has changed since I started hiking regularly.I am able to clear my head and focus on my self for a few hours with no distractions while enjoying the natural beauty that each destination offers.Sharing these special adventures with people who show up weekly for the same reason is a blessing (my trail family).

Mostly cloudy today but manage a short 3.9 miles hike at Arden Point in Garrison with friends.The air was crisp and there were definitely signs of changes that fall foliage will soon be in full effect…

Be the light that guides others…AR

Start in the dark with the dopest crew ever TriState Hikers 💚.I love these humans so much always down for a great adventure.am so blessed to have crossed path with each of them.am humbled by their love and constant support ☘️

Short hike up the mountain

The excitement was surreal,I was surprised to have gotten the day off and also to spend two days on trail was a blessing..

Day one we hike three of the Catskills 3500 ,our morning started slow but I manage to keep the pace.I learnt so many lessons about my body that day ,I was dressed way to warm though it was chilly.I started sweating a lot which made it difficult to stop because in a few minutes I would get very cold,so lesson number one learned to layer properly.I kept up with the group on flat but as soon as we started the climb for the 3500 I began to sweat even more.so I decided to just pace myself .

Overall the adventure was more than I expected, I got to wake up to leaves falling and blowing in the wind like a scene from a movie

My favorite time of the year the crisp air and colorful atmosphere makes me feel like a change is coming.the hardest part about preparing for a trip is that the trip is never long enough,but work must go on.during this time I get to focus more on my self and my mental health .

I have part ways with my teton backpack and has been using gossamer gear for the past 2 years,the weight of the pack makes a huge difference and the many pockets are a game changer for me.also upgraded to a marmot sleeping bag which is longer than my previous one.still undecided about a sleeping pad so I continue to rent one until I find one that’s right for me.love my cook set from msr though it’s a 2 person.I jus leave the extras and pack food in its place .Also upgrade my tent to a lighter one.it’s a bit bulky but I love that it’s easy to set up and that’s important after a long day hike to just be able to set up my tent quickly

Food!!!! Sometimes am clueless on what to take not that an a big eater, but think of the weight and nutrition .I settled for crackers,noodles,tons of protein bar and a sample food pack.

I had an amazing time during this trip.enjoyed every mile with a smile.ignoring the fact that I got soaked in the rain on Saturday.But the beautiful views on Sunday made up for it ….

Peaceful summer day …Rockefeller state Park

A simple word with powerful conviction..why fear when it four letters of the alphabet standing together create a feeling through what the eyes can see.what does it mean to you…

Am lost in my own head of fearful thoughts.why does life have to be so complicated .

Did a whole 360 with all my gears to save on weight but am still at 26 lbs 😌.

An early start to get to the trail head from Brooklyn via public transportation.it’s always a great feeling to get to metro north to take that long trip up the Hudson valley.

The trail started across the street on a boardwalk for a few steps into the forest.the morning was covered in fog and mist ,it was such an amazing experience to have with friends.

It’s been such a blessing having my friends from TriState Hikers along the journey, bonding and making memories while searching for the next white blaze that takes us up hills ,through valleys and along streams.loving every minute of it💚

After a year filled with so much emotions and experiences am ready to settle down and write,I have promise my self to be more discipline with my time 🙏

I started of 2021 with an amazing sunrise hike at Popolopen Torne with TriState Hikers.it was such an amazing experience like it was the first visit.the morning opened to the bright orange glow across the Hudson Valley. The sun appears slowly in all its beauty like magic a new day was born