Leaf Peeping!

According to Wikipedia, 'Leaf Peeping' is an autumn activity in areas were foliage changes colors.  This creepy phrase feels a little bit like you are watching leaves undress from an apartment building across the street, but, judgement aside, admiring fall foliage is my fave October pastime.  So, we journeyed up to the Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York to peep, hike, and mountain bike for the weekend.

The leaves were beautiful, the mountain house had a fire burning in every room, and hot apple cider and cookies were served at 4PM every day.  Yet, after three days of hiking every trail on the map, mountain biking, and canoeing around the lake - these New Yorkers were ready for some action back in the big city! 

Although we did take back with us some of the Mohonk Quaker good cheer courtesy of Bill, the mountain bike instructor.  He regaled us with tales of his love for his job, being outside, and his hope to make Employee of the Year.  Of course we asked - what do you get if you win?  A big bonus? A promotion? A trip to Hawaii?  Bill looked at us like we had gone batty and said "No you get a really nice big plaque...and a meal ticket, in the main dining room at the lodge! "

And that's enough - or at least it should be.