Hiking the Incan Ruins in Cusco

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The Yank without a Chain in a doorway at Sacsayhuaman, an Incan fort that overlooks Cusco

The Yank without a Chain in a doorway at Sacsayhuaman, an Incan fort that overlooks Cusco

Although Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are the most famous Incan ruins, there are some highly accessible and impressive ruins just outside the center of Cusco. Although many tourists book a bus tour to visit the ruins for about 4-5 hours, it’s possible to hike them. It’s best to wait until you’ve acclimated for at least a day before attempting the hike, and allow for at least 7 hours, assuming you want time to see the ruins and perhaps get a guided tour on the ground.

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Hiking in the Cordillera Blanca: Laguna 69

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Laguna 69 in the Cordillera Blanca

Laguna 69 in the Cordillera Blanca

I’ve spent the past four days in the incredible town of Huaraz, nestled in the Cordillera Blanca in central Peru. The first 24 hours I was wiped out from the altitude change and didn’t do much of anything, and the second day I did a short hike just outside the city to acclimatize. Finally, on my third day, I was ready to tackle a 4,600 meter high trek up to the glacial Laguna 69. I booked a day trip through through Galaxia Tours for 106 soles (includes guide, transportation, and lunch) plus the park fee of 5 soles. I was picked up at my hostel at 6 am, and after picking up two additional hikers we made our way north to Yungay, then headed up an extremely bumpy and dusty road to the beginning of the path. By 10:15 we were off hiking, kept company by cows, chinchillas and bright blue birds.

Although we were told the hike would be 5 hours total – 3 up and 2 down – it actually took us a full 5 hours to get to the lake, mainly due to the altitude and several breaks that we took along the way. The suffering only made the payoff that much sweeter.

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Welcoming Spring at Ward Pound Ridge

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May Peace Prevail on Earth

One of the entrances to the Ward Pound Ridge reservation in Westchester, New York

Ward Pound Ridge reservation is the largest park in Westchester County and is a wonderful spot for hiking, camping, and picnicking. There are 10 distinct trails, ranging from 1.25 to 5.6 miles long, that loop around the 4,315 protected acres.

During my visit this past week with my friend Dori, we hiked the southern part of the reservation and hardly saw another person the entire day. We trekked to the highest point in the park, a site of a former fire tower at 860 feet, and mainly followed the RT (rock trail).

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Hiking at Tarrywile, a Connecticut Treasure

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A view of Danbury, CT from Mootry Peak

A view of Danbury, CT from Mootry Peak at Tarrywile Park

Tarrywile Park is a gorgeous, 722-acre park in Danbury, CT that is a popular spot for hiking, picnics, bird watching, and camping. I visited for the first time on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the Western CT Outdoor Adventures meetup group and had a fantastic time with new friends, fresh air, and my newly purchased microspikes for winter hiking.

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A Winter Walk at Weir Farm

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A flower pot in the sunken garden at Weir Farm

A flower pot in the sunken garden at Weir Farm

Weir Farm is an artists’ haven located on the border of Ridgefield and Wilton in Fairfield County, Connecticut. J. Alden Weir moved to the farm in 1882 and fell in love with the rural landscape surrounding him. He, along with many of his peers including Childe Hassam and Albert Pinkham, immortalized the scenery in dozens of paintings and drawings.

Today, the farm serves as a prominent walking and painting spot and during the peak season (April through November) offers painting events and classes for budding artists of all ages. The area is separated into two areas: the historic grounds including the the Weir House and Studio and the Weir Pond, and the 110-acre Weir Preserve. The well-marked trails in the preserve offer leisurely hiking opportunities.

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