Ithaca

We spent one of our last "summer" weekends exploring our own area - a novel idea for us.   It seems we are always seeking our adventures in far off locations but this time, we chose to go just a short day trip away, to Ithaca.  And I am a little embarrassed that we hadn't visited this picturesque little haven with the kids before now.  I've been Ithaca many times before but never stopped to hike the gorges - at least not in recent memory.  It kind of felt like we were in some hidden secret spot that you see in National Geographic.  Now, it was a bit scary at times considering we have 3 active kids who sometimes ignore their basic self preservation instincts.  There are no safety nets or caution signs.  There are a lot of cliffs and uneven terrain. The kids thought the rock formations and the streams were pretty cool.  I  was in awe of the waterfalls. We all agreed that we needed to come back at hike the other two parks that we haven't been to yet. And then of course, we had to finish off the day with some good ol' mexican fare in town.  We are sure to be back next summer to check out the swimming holes.