I’m a big believer in traveling at every opportunity.  And, I can usually find a way to make it affordable.  This Spring Break; however, there were too many factors working against a travel vacation. 

But, I’m also a big believer in that every challenge is an opportunity.

In this case, Spring Break is an opportunity to relax at home with my kids, read trashy novels, and explore our neighborhood.

peebles1 And, it’s also the perfect opportunity to start a new project: hiking the Trails with Tales: History Hikes through the Capital Region, Saratoga, Berkshires, Catskills & Hudson Valley.

Our first trail, at Peebles Island State Park, was a hit with kids.

But, it wasn’t because Herman Melville used to row his boat over to court the Peebles’ daughter. And, it wasn’t because there were dirt humps at the entrance that were originally Revolutionary War breastworks.  No, they loved that it was an island -  and that the terrain had the drama of a Narnia setting.

peebles2

On the protected side of the island, they were able to climb down to investigate a protected inlet with fallen logs and trees growing out of ponds.   Then, as we circled the island, they loved looking out on - and throwing rocks into - the white-capped river; even as my heart was in my mouth seeing them so near the cliff’s edge.

We walked the perimeter trail in about an hour and half, but it wasn’t due to the length of the hike - a runner lapped us in just a few minutes.  No, it wasn’t a long hike, but it was plenty of exercise for my out-of-shape dog and I.

Even better, it was an other-worldly journey in our neighborhood: an excellent adventure on our Spring Break.

Trails with Tales: History Hikes through the Capital Region, Saratoga, Berkshires, Catskills & Hudson Valley: Russell Dunn,Barbara Delaney: BooksISBN: 1883789486
ISBN-13: 9781883789480

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“Children learn to smile from their parents.” ~~ Shinichi Suzuki (1898 - 1998)