It Doesn’t get More American than this
Sums up most of the weekend up the mountains. No time to write a full post yet because I am too busy studying and feeling bad for myself this week.
WORKOUT – 3miles, TRX, 1hour bike, yoga
Jake and Seven Hot Chicks
Nope it’s not the last porn that you rented. It’s pretty much the remainder of my weekend. Not as exciting as it sounds, trust. Me, J, and these little guys…
Ok, maybe take me out of the equation… NOT hot. This is what you get for doing yoga in the woods? Keep reading.
Sunday Funday up the mountains… not much better than that. Jake and I had a ‘pretty nice little Sunday planned’. So we busted out the adult bevies around noon-ish. A little late for Mehoopany county but just enough time to be a little intoxicated for our hike. Banana margaritas were J’s drink of choice and I whipped up some sangria. All ready to dump in a glass but why bother when it’s already in a nice lil big ass travel container.
After M&D left the sun came out, right on cue. So we grabbed Murph and headed out for our walk.
Awesome trail around the lake. Very serene. Relaxing. I think I’ve had dreams about this. Swimming in a nice quiet pool, far away in a remote area. Oops, forgot we weren’t talking about porn anymore.
Yoga in the woods. Where’s Murph for downward dog.
More being weird…
After our hike came to an end AKA our drinks were empty. We headed back to the house to cook din. MY pickerel that I caught. Looks like something you’d buy in Whole Foods. Tasted amazing too!
So what to do now in hick-town when it’s too cold to be outside and there’s no TV or other forms of entertainment besides board games. Head to the local bar. ‘The Tombstone’ – no, really that is the name.
Yep, that’s right. And they even allow you to bring your dog and your gun inside. Apparently also a horse and a pig on several occasions. I refrained from bringing in my camera as to not embarrass Jake. Me being the annoying outsider who has no idea about spending $5 on 3 beers and a shot of patron – so psyched they had it. Too bad it was warm with a nasty old lime. Oh well… when in Rome Mehoopany.
WORKOUT – JM, 7 miles trails
I’m a Good Catch
This has been my theme for a little while. Not really sure why when I look like this…
Sexy, no?
Anyway, talking yourself into the fact that you really are cool and not a dork sometimes works. So Jake says that since I’m a cool girl and like to fish and do all that fun stuff but still apparently look good most of time, that I’m a good catch. I’ll take that complement.
Yesterday afternoon J-bird and I headed out in the boat for a little booze cruise and decided to throw in a couple lines. Harv’s old left handed fishing rod, and a rusted up POS lure that looks like it fell off a Christmas tree. Apparently this is a good combo because I caught one.
J and Ralph were a little jealous, I’m sure. But hey… I’m a good catch!!
Maybe he will turn into Prince Charming?
I never measured it (true fisherman) but it was pretty damn big. Or maybe I am small and it just looks big in the pic. Chain Pickerel – pretty bad ass. They have some scary teeth on them, so you have to pick them up by their gills.
Mountain man cleaned it up and filleted the Prince and we now have dinner for tonight. Wow, a good catch and a cheap date.
Gone Running or Hunting
From the looks of this you’d think I was going Hunting. All this blinding brightness. Nope, just running stuff. Yesterday I met up with TNT for the first group training run of the season. 4.5 hours of sleep – much more than I was planning on. I was a little nervous since I hadn’t run more than 7 since the marathon. And to add to that was some foot pain and busted up in-grown toenail – hurts! At least I have cute polish on?
Valley Green is one of my fav places to run though and as soon as I got there I saw THIS GIRL. So psyched that she was there… and excited for her marathon coming up. She completed all her fundraising already and is getting set up for the NJ marathon the first weekend in May. Good Luck, Steph! I know you’ll do amazing.
Met some of the new coaches and participants which was nice. Banged out 12 plus some hill work which felt amazing. (note to self… need to do more of that). Definitely should have worn my trail sneaks though bc the Green is a little rocky at times. Some knee pain and foot pain was a little irritating but I was able to hang with the boys and run with them. Minus Laura who is super fast and blew by us. (note to self…. DO your speedwork).
So after talking to coach Josh I realize finally am listening that I need to slow it down a bit. I need a 2-4 year training plan and goals instead of ‘what race can I sign up for next!!?’, frantic attitude. I don’t need to get hurt, I don’t need to overdo it and not be able to run again. I’m really just starting out my distance running career and apparently I’ll be able to increase my performance a decent amount up until 35 (after that it just takes a little more work). So I’m working on my long-term training plan and goals for the remainder of a year, and thinking about what races I want to do next year. Planning, not random excited signing up for stuff. Training plan to come soon! Edge of your seats, I’m sure.
Rewind to yesterday post run. Compression socks, uggs, cruise control and seat warmers – bliss for tired legs. I hit up SB for my morning crack and hit the road. Stopped to pee twice but luckily it’s acceptable to look like this in the mountains.
And who doesn’t love a rest stop connected to a bar.
Perfect timing when I arrived because everyone was eating and already well into a few drinks. Re-fuel. Egg, honeydew and a Rock x3.
I also tried porcupine. Sautéed with peppers and onions. Dang good, ya’ll. Tastes like chicken short rib – delish.
WORKOUT – yesterday, 12 miles. today, rest day
Memory Lane Monday – Fishing
huge dork
In honor of the mountains and the fact that I’ve been antsy to get up there again to get outside and do fun stuff! I thought I’d post this. From a few years ago. Rain, snow, good weather… it’s always a fun time up there. Jake should have used this poncho last weekend when he apparently jumped in the lake… without ME!
WORKOUT – 6 miles (hills), 1 hour bike, yoga dvd, JM (5lbs)
WEEK 2 – Mon:6miles,JM,yoga,bike Tues:spin,JM,yoga Wed:6miles,3miles speed,JM,yoga class Thur:bike,JM,yoga Fri:16miles,yoga Sat:elliptical(recovery),JM,yoga Sun:5miles,JM,yoga
Christmas in Mehoopany
christmas morning hike
Couldn’t wait to head up to the mountains this weekend. Although… waking up at 5:30am on a Saturday, NOT to run but to sit in a car for 2.5 hours is not my idea of a fun morning. Good thing I stopped and got SB on Friday to re-heat and bring with me. Yes… I am that crazy about my SB. Plus my Dad likes to make coffee half and half (half decaf and half regular) – really? what is the point of that? Anyway, I slept the whole way up which was awesome and we got to the lake house around 10am. Right to bed I went to take a two-hour nap.
packed and ready
Then the outside fun began! The weather was perfect (cold, but sunny and nice out). The only way to hang outside in the winter is to bundle up, drink something warm and hang by the fire. Perfect excuse to invent a new drink. Eggnog, coffee, and rum – heat it up in a mug and you are all set. And here’s a tip – if you want to stay extra warm, add extra rum.
the makings of a warm day
looks warm, but it's not!
merry christmas eh!
Dad and I hung outside by the fire, reflecting on life, playing with the Murphster and taking pictures of “Harry Calloway” – don’t ask. It’s a long story and I wasn’t there anyway so I’m not even really sure how this one unfolded. Although I have a sneaky suspicion it started with a bottle of JB.
harry
I didn’t take too many pictures of all the food this weekend, probably because I ate all of it. But that’s pretty much all we did, ate… hung out, relaxed, laughed.
he just loves dressing up
At night we watched movies on the ‘big screen’ which I’m pretty sure is some type of X-ray equipment set up as a projector. Either way, cool and fun. And apparently also very tiring. Or maybe it was all the cookies.
sleepy kids
For whatever reason I got the great idea that I wanted to jump in the lake on Sunday and do a little polar bear plunge. I had everything planned that I was going to go for a run in the morning, around the lake and then jump in it. Well… woke up Christmas morning and the lake was starting to freeze. Probably better not to get hypothermia anyway. Maybe next year.
ice bath anyone?
frozen
Instead I took Murph out for a hike around the lake. The road turned into a dirt road which turned into a trail, and then a stream? Definitely would love to get some trail running sneakers and come back and do this again soon. I wasn’t sure about which way to go, so I kind of just winged it and hoped for the best. At one point I was a little nervous because there were a bunch of ‘no trespassing’ signs and I was literally in the middle of the woods. If it wasn’t for my little guard dog I would have been a little scaredy cat. Luckily we came to a dead-end and then climbed to the top of a hill and we saw a normal road again. Yay civilization! Sort of. 6.17 miles later and we were back at the house. I WILL be running this next time I’m up there.
murph likes the view
need trail sneaks
Moosehead
matching your hat to your beer - classy
Let’s preface this post with a few things. Warnings, if you will. You ARE going to get really sick of seeing me in a Moosehead baseball hat if you haven’t already. Also, if you aren’t into hickville things then this probably isn’t your cup of ‘coffee’. And if hunting/fishing or the idea of eating anything that you caught yourself grosses you out, then come back tomorrow.
After taking PT on Friday morn (no, I wish it was Physical Therapy) instead it’s Public Trans (we’ll discuss this later), it was off to Mehoopany I went. In the back of the car, feeling like I was about 5 years old again, complete with my backpack and asking “if we were there yet”, and “can we stop to pee”… we finally made it to the Lake house in the afternoon. Not the best weather on Friday but nothing a Moosehead doesn’t cure. Jake picked up a case in town and it came complete with a free hat, which I decided I’d be wearing all weekend instead of doing anything to my hair – much more convenient! Friday night we had an awesome and healthy dinner and played an interesting board game. It’s called Worst Case Scenario – pretty funny actually.
say what!?
It consisted of completely random and off the wall survival scenarios. Most of which you would never encounter in a million years unless you are going on a safari to Africa (Emmy – you might want to look into this) , or you are Indiana Jones. Some however were interesting and could be helpful. Here’s an example of one of the questions. Question: How to Control a Runaway Camel Answers: A.Pull back hard on the reins in a series of sharp tugs. B.Hang on the saddle horn and ride it out. Camels tire easily and won’t run far. C.Yell in the camel’s ear as loud as you can. It’s fear of loud noises should temporarily paralyze it long enough for you to jump off. Which one do you think it is!!? I’m not telling… yet. 
Enter – Saturday morning. The start of a nice gorgeous new day! A little rain on and off and kind of windy but decent enough to be outside and build a fire and other camping things. And how can you not resist an amazing cup of coffee on the dock. Best view ever.
perfect
Too bad my beloved caffeine got cold fast. Re-heating it old school style always works and creates a nice burnt flavor. Seriously, good!
burn it
Campfire time and starting to grill the bass that Jake caught right out of the lake. Ok – so that’s a little bit of a stretch. He caught it a while ago and froze it but none-the-less still out of the lake. Jbird stuffed it with fresh garlic and lemon and poured in some good ‘ol Jim Beam for some added flavor and cooked it on the fire all day.
Jim B makes everything better
grilled to perfection
Jake is definitely awesome at all things outdoors. I’m pretty sure he could survive for a while out in the wild. He needs to have his own reality show.
what year is it? 1811 or 2011
Since the weather wasn’t the best Mom and I decided to do the next best thing then being outside while in NEPA. Go to the winery!! Of course me, being the best blogger ever forgot my camera. Oh well… came home with the most important stuff. New wines to taste. Picked up Gewürztraminer and a Cab Franc. Grovedale is one of my favorite wineries and it’s always fun to get lost on the way and see some of the countryside.
can't wait to drink these
When we got back it was time for ‘pre-dinner snacks’. On the menu – fire grilled bass, fresh (really fresh) venison, pears, cheese, ceviche – from the lake (no lie), salsa and of course wine.
so fresh
I’ll save the gory details about the deer but basically got to see how one is ‘prepared’ right after being shot. I warned you! It was really interesting and very ‘real’ and ‘primal’ I guess you could say. But if we eat meat from the store it all has to go through this process, whether we like to think about it or not. This is just a more natural way, and has been happening for hundreds of years. It’s called survival.
before
- after
gorg
awesome
After watching some amazing sunsets it was time for the real dinner. More meat and some AH-Mazing corn bread that is dangerously addicting. More survival games and that’s about it for the night.
therapy
relaxation
Sunday is always a nicer day because we are leaving and don’t get to enjoy the majority of it. Still got to shoot some cans with the .22LR though. I actually did a pretty good job!! Even by Jake’s standards.
pretending i'm cool
score!
And then it was time to head back into the city. Culture. Shock. Can’t forget one of my most favorite rules of traveling. Always bring a good book and an alcoholic beverage. Grapefruit and Vodka seemed to be a good choice for a Sunday morn drive, unless you are driving. I am really starting to get used to this not having a car thing.
- enjoy it while ya can
murphster
No Phone No Lights No Motorcar
necessities!
Yes, it’s true… say goodbye to all electronics!! Not forever, just for the weekend – which will seem like forever. No PHONE No COMPUTER No TV No – Coffeeeeee. Ok, so there will be coffee but no Elixr or SB. And I’m really not going to miss TV, since I don’t watch it much (besides at the gym)… I went a month without even having one hooked up, so I think I’m good there. But officially giving up the cell phone is going to be weird. I don’t think I’ve gone without a phone since… January ’09, which is a little ridiculous. Not sure why I see the need to have it with me on vacation, in Mexico or wherever. Really no need for international calling plans besides being addicted to texting, FB, email and now Twitter - that’s just not a good enough excuse.
Heading up the Mountains this weekend and thought I’d try to officially de-stress and also make Mom happy so she doesn’t have to yell at me for being on my phone 24/7. It’s also safer as to not drop it in the lake, camp fire or drunk dial 
So let’s do it up Gilligan style! And see how this goes… and in the meantime get excited.
What Happens at the Lake Stays at the Lake
- cup holder
Or Not!? Awesome, awesome weekend… from what I can remember. JK :) Started off Saturday morning with major anxiousness to get on the road. First took Murphster to get his stitches out, grab Starbucks (like I needed more energy, seriously need to stop drinking coffee, esp SB because it is like crack). Anyway… finally made it up to Mehoopany (yes, that is a real place, don’t look it up though because it’s not even on the map). Pulled up, ready to party! And no I was not drinking and driving, I had to move my car up the driveway.
So for those of you who have not had an Witcoskie Mountains experience, let’s just say this… lots of drinking, lots of food, and lots of ridiculousness. The Wit’s definitely like to party and have a good time. That is something that I really truly appreciate about my parents is that I inherited a good tolerance outlook on life. I learned at a young age how important it is to enjoy your life and what you have been given and really know that you are lucky in being able to love the little things in your life and what really matters. I’ve been camping since before I was born basically, and I’ve always loved it. However over the years it turned from tents to cabins and hiking to drinking.
The day kicked off with some Twisted Tea (great, more caffeine), and hanging out greeting everyone and getting ready to go in the lake – which I could not wait to do! Not really sure why because it’s pretty much just like this…
river run
doing shots
Don’t ask about the pole… it’s a long story and J-bird and I have not patented the game yet, so we will discuss this later. So, the boys took a trip to the shady-est place ever fireworks place, and bought about a million dollars worth of sparks. We knew there was a fun night ahead. It’s great to have a holiday weekend because you always have that extra day to hang out and enjoy. Whoever invented two day weekends is so annoying and I hate them. Fireworks were greeeaaat on Saturday night. I remember last year watching them from the boat on the lake, sitting across from Harv and seeing them light up the sky and the water, I could not have been happier at that moment. And I honestly felt that again this year… surprisingly enough. Enjoying what is in front of you the moment that it is, is so important. Life will pass by and you want to feel like you lived it.
- perfect sun ‘set’
baby bro
rum and rum
WORKOUT – number two of the day… JM dvd – love/hate her. good way to get back in the game!
Mountains kinda “Weekend”
stella baby
I say Weekend lightly because it was actually Sunday night into Tuesday -gotta love that! The weather wasn’t the greatest, but the food and wine and relaxation certainly were! There is nothing better then sitting outside by the water – somewhere, anywhere. Water has a very calming quality to it. Listening to some tunes, drinking a Stella, reflecting on life. I can’t think of a more perfect way to relax. One of those moments when you are filled with so much joy and happiness and excitement and you say “LIFE IS GOOD”.
It’s also always a good weekend when your day is centered around food and booze. Yes, no running for this little girl. My ankle needed a break anyway (no, really it did!). So besides eating and drinking and letting Murph run around in the mud like a “crazy pup”… what to do?
Wine tasting on a Monday afternoon! There’s a ton of great wineries in PA, outside the city where they can grow the grapes right there. So Mom and I hit up one of our favs, The Grovedale Winery… always delish, newly renovated and great atmosphere. Couple glasses of wine, a few crackers later we made our best wino selections. FYI – the Port from this place is amazing! We started tasting the drys and moved onto the sweets. I bought Cabernet Sav (of course) -Cabernet Sauvignon: A delicious Cabernet opening with ripe cherry fruit in the nose, leading to a good balance of oak and soft tannins. Frontenac Gris (delishishly grapefuity and not too sweet)-Frontenac Gris: A lively, refreshing wine with grapefruit and tropical fruit notes. Limited quantity- only 41 cases produced. And a little Brandy-Laced Peach Preserves to go with any good morning wine drinking
yummy
So by the time we found our way back… got lost on our way there, btw. Let me just say that being from Philly you kinda expect people to be A-holes. We were pulled over on the side of the road trying to mess with the GPS and figure out where to go when this car slowed up behind us. I got all annoyed and was like “why are they not going around!”, but of course they pulled over and asked us if everything was alright and then ended up giving us directions to the winery. Oops – I’m sure they were thinking we were the Philly A-holes at that point in our Infiniti G35, big sunglasses and GPS – not knowing the “good ‘ol back roads” in Bradford County. OOPS – Sorry, nice lady… thanks again for your help. Next time I will buy you a bottle of Port
crazy kid
Home now, Murph is a muddy mess and it’s time for a delisious din! No pics of din and there after but you know what they say… “What Happens at the Lake, Stays at the Lake”…
- the best is yet to come
WORKOUT – None, besides trying to do some stretching and yogo while Murph was biting me… or walking up and down the the lake (that counts)
