Dare You To...

A great way to stay active on a weekend or on vacation is by embarking on a hike!  Even better: hiking isn't just fun, it's good for you, too.  



Personally, I never really hiked growing up, except a few times while away at camp.  Then, in Israel, I learned how fun hiking can be!  I loved the rocks, the risk, and the reward.


Since then, I've enjoyed hiking in other settings and even planned a whole trip around it!  Check out my old post on hiking the Sedona Red Rocks to see the awesome views that Arizona hiking can provide.


So let's get to it:
Health Benefits of Hikes:Hiking is a fun way to explore a new area, but it still comes with all the benefits of regular physical activity!
Improved cardio-respiratory fitnessImproved muscular fitness and muscle tone (hiking engages many muscle groups) Lowered blood pressureStress relief  Reduced depressionBetter quality sleepWeight loss and maintenanceHealthy bone structure/reduced chance of osteoporosisIncreased levels of vitamin …

Good morning!  I'm just back from a lovely week at Lake George, NY.


It was my first time there, and I've got to say it was pretty nice!!  The lake views, the clear water, the tasty eats, and the unique landscape made for a nice little getaway.

Where else do the mountains come right down to the lakeshore?


Many of the hotels and motels have pools you can use, but you can also go ahead and get your vitamin D from one of the small public beaches.  Eric and I spent a bit of time dipping our feet in the lake at the "Million Dollar Beach" (supposedly so-named because it too $1 million in sand to make it), watching dogs frolic in and fear the water's small waves.



If you go, be sure to take asteamboat tourup and down the lake.   They have a variety of tours of varying lengths (one hour to three hours).  We did the "Paradise Bay Cruise" that took us from the southern tip to about halfway up the 32-mile long lake, passing some of the beautiful houses along the …