In the spirit of my new year resolution to get to know my new stomping grounds better, Paul and I set off this morning to hike up through the redwoods behind Villa Montalvo in Saratoga. If you didn't know, I speak a little german. And one of my favorite words/phrases in that language is "wandern gehen," which means "to go hiking." Its a phrase that has always stuck with me and makes me daydream. I just think "wandern gehen" is a much more romantic or whimsical way of traipsing around in a forest than merely "hiking." Although it was cool when we started out, we quickly stripped off our outer layers within minutes of starting the climb and wore short-sleeves the rest of the day.
If you have never hiked through a redwood forest, then it is hard to understand just how wonderful the smell of the trees is. It is one of my favorite scents. And everything was so green. We even stopped and had a picnic lunch that I packed along in my camelback.
I promise we had more than just cookies and clementines. There was yogurt and a peanut butter sandwich too. Just so you know.
I was kind of struck with amazement the whole morning that we were out hiking in such a beautiful, lush setting on January 2 when just a couple days ago we left snow-covered Utah behind. Maybe in the future I will find myself missing the snow more, but for now I am happy to be out in nature hiking around without layers and layers of winter-gear and still freezing my fanny off.
I love the green colors in the photos, and a nice "wandern gehen" is sounding so good right now so I'm feeling pretty gel-his.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be out here in two weeks and we will go together, 'kay Jess?
ReplyDeletePretty!! You guys should try Castle Rock near that area :)
ReplyDeleteAMEN!!!! We spent one long freezing week in Utah and then drove home to 67 degrees and blooming roses and ripening grapefruits in our front yard. We were practically singing and dancing as we unloaded the girls and our luggage in the warmth compared to the sub-freezing temperatures we'd endured for the last week.
ReplyDeleteWe've decided that it is worth it to live here. Although, last year we visited Utah in the Spring and we missed Utah so much that we thought we could eventually move back. This last winter visit really sealed the deal for us.
were you intending the product placement? not only did "Camelback" get a high-def close up pic with glamorous Amy in the background, it also got a specific mention.
ReplyDeleteIf Amy endorses, I want one.
I fully endorse Nathaniel. If you don't have one, you should. I love my camelback. Paul has one too but since he had all the camera gear and it was an easy little hike, I only brought mine.
ReplyDeleteI wish camelback would sponsor my blog. I wish anybody would sponsor my blog. Free stuff is great.
Hmm, just reread my grammar on my last comment - I don't fully endorse Nathaniel, I fully endorse camelback. But you're cool too Nathaniel. Sorry for the confusion.
ReplyDeleteYou don't fully endorse Nathaniel? Why not? I do. I fully endorse you, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're right Dorothy. Yes, I do fully endorse both the Wards. Strike that - ALL the Wards since there is Summer too!
ReplyDeleteTee-hee! This post just delighted me. Ich mochte wanderen gehe! I would like really like to take my dog Charlie; he's a beagle though, so I know he'd be full of mischief through the whole adventure though.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Deutsch, I really need to work on my homework... We are learning "Das Perfekt" and I'm not doing too hot right now. I'm taking the class for fun but it's hard!
This is one of my favorite posts! California is GORGEOUS!!! Maybe I'll move there for a little bit!...we may sell there next summer:)
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