Saturday in the Embrace of Frost Valley

Figgy went to Frost Valley for eight summer sessions, two weeks each, and four weeks last summer as counselor in training. Starting at age 8! She loves it, but going back to her summer haven is not in the cards this year. Sometimes, life and fate intervene. Here's what I wrote before about FV.

Today we drove back up to her green heaven in the Catskill Mountains for a free two-hour hike to Devil's Hole, a gorgeous waterfall rushing through rocks. [H. had to work at an event this evening, so he couldn't go.] We barreled 2 hours and 15 minutes each way in Dad's white car on the Parkway, Thruway, Route 17 West and other roads to hike in Claryville, but I had an inkling it would be worth it.

I was right. We both loved it. The weather was perfect. Hike leader Heather was great. The other hikers were friendly and funny--from China, Mexico, U.S., Haiti, Argentina. We even walked across a cable bridge. I was terrified. A single cable across and two cables to hold onto, with netting cradling the bridge. It was a bridge over troubled water and rocky ledges and it was scary. But I did it, sweaty palms, swaying cables and all. I am proud. It gave me insight into how FV helps kids feel empowered. I remember Figgy and Christy talking excitedly about going over a cable bridge. Now I understand. If my big heart is swelling, the little hearts of children must nearly burst with pride and can-do spirit after a challenge like that.

Fig and I also roamed around in Big Tree Field a little afterwards and sang in the car most of the way home--Dionne Warwick, Carly Simon, Traveling Wilburys--as she crocheted her blanket of many colors and I made her laugh by deciding to call the plural of "text" texas because it is too hard to clearly enunciate the word texts.

One of the best things about nature is that we are unplugged.

There are free hikes every month. Check here. We hope to go to more.

Good night.

TCOY

1. Support group. Felt good.
2. The hike! Breathing in nature.
3. Stopped with Fig to buy fresh eggs from a little family farm on the way home--$2.50 per dozen.
4. Walked Tubby around block once.
5. Planted nasturtium seeds! Finally found a pack at the A&P last night..the last packet. Couldn't find them at Whole Foods, hardware store, Kings or ShopRite. Glad.