Eric's Birthday fell on a Friday when we were home. Eric had never visited growing up and we'd be talking about going forever, and the opportunity finally presented itself. So, Eric, Lexy and I headed up to Mohonk very early on his 28th birthday to celebrate the occasion. They have a great breakfast so we made reservations for breakfast first and then a hike through the labyrinth and then up the lemon squeeze. Having grown up in the area, as a kid and teenager, I went to Mohonk so often with family and friends. It was always a day-long, fun affair. I hadn't been there since college and it definitely was just as beautiful as always, but let me say, I don't remember the lemon squeeze being quite as scary :)
View from the entrance of the house, Eric and Lex.
View of the lake from the house...just breathtaking.
The grounds have over 2,200 acres filled with hiking trails, gardens, swimming, horse back riding, boating and more. The house was built in 1869 and is one of America's oldest family owned resort. Living far away from NY for a while, makes coming back home all that more special. The Hudson Valley truly is a majestic area and has so much natural beauty. We feel so fortunate to have grown up in the great state of NY.
Views of Lake Mohonk from the house.
Birthday hug! On our way to hike!
Some of the many trails.
I wish I'd taken more photos during the labyrinth but climbing through the rocks wasn't too conducive to having a camera around my neck. For those of you who have never been, the labyrinth is basically part of the Shawangunk "gunks" mountains --rocks that you literally climb over, under and around to get to the "Lemon Squeeze" which is basically two humungous boulders that are nearly touching and we climb between them. Luckily there is a handy ladder that you climb up to get to the top, but you need to be quite slender, because it's a tight fit!
3/4 of the way up
Taking a breather
Where we came from...
About to head up the Lemon Sqeeze..it gets very narrow at the top. I was quite impressed to hear Mom and Dad P did this a few weeks ago. Way to rock it!!
We made it!
Woo Hoo!
Lex!
Afraid of heights?
More climbing
View of the lake from the top
Tower at the very top
I love this place!!
View of the heart shaped pool from the top of the tower
We started our trek down, which is much easier than on the way up...and stopped for a photo op.
Great, active way to start off your 28th birthday. Happiest of Birthdays to my amazing husband, Eric!
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