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March Madness at Mohonk Mountain House.
This was my annual girl trip to Mohonk Mountain House.
I've had people say to me, "Why do you go there? What is there to do? They don't even have TVs in the rooms?" That is exactly why I go there. There's not a lot to do, and there are no TVs in the room, and cell phone connection is bad. But the place has a serene beauty that reminds me of the Northwest. Actually, it makes me think of camp - for grownups. It's the kind of place where you put your regular life to the side, and simply soak up the atmosphere and live for the moment. In too short a time, you go back to real life - refreshed.
This year, when Lisa, and I got to our room, one little Mohonk fox greeted us with a banner across his chest saying, "Welcome Back." We both fell in love with the little guy, and when the bellman asked if there was anything he could do for us, we said, "Yes. We have one little fox, but two of us are sharing the room." He said, "I'll take care of it." And he did. Shortly afterward, a person from housekeeping showed up with another fox. My fox now lives on my bedside table, reminding me of the peace of Mohonk.
The first day we were there was Founder's Day. After dinner we had our picture taken with Albert Smiley. He looks pretty good for being over a hundred years old.
The next morning, Lisa and I hiked up to Sky Top. Taylor and I had been there in December - on skies. Now there was no snow and I got a good look at the tower. There'a a fireplace on the first floor. This would be a good spot for hot cocoa and a sit by the fire. But this is Mohonk - no touristy stuff here.
Then we climbed up all 102 steps to the top. It was pretty darn cold up there, as well as windy. I was very happy to have my ear muffs.
The next morning, Lisa and I hiked up to Sky Top. Taylor and I had been there in December - on skies. Now there was no snow and I got a good look at the tower. There'a a fireplace on the first floor. This would be a good spot for hot cocoa and a sit by the fire. But this is Mohonk - no touristy stuff here.
Then we climbed up all 102 steps to the top. It was pretty darn cold up there, as well as windy. I was very happy to have my ear muffs.
After doing Mohonk things all day - yoga, nature walks, hiking, knitting, reading, massage, soaking in the mineral pool, sitting by the fire - we got ourselves cleaned up for dinner.
In December I skied on these trails. On this March day it was foggy and drippy in the woods. It almost looked like a fall day with the leaves crunching beneath my feet, but I could smell spring.
In December I skied on these trails. On this March day it was foggy and drippy in the woods. It almost looked like a fall day with the leaves crunching beneath my feet, but I could smell spring.
I love the surprise of an occasional summer house along the cliffs.
I also love hiking along and not seeing any other people.
For a Northwest girl, Mohonk has become one of my favorite East Coast destinations. Camp for grownups.
