Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July!!! This weekend has been good so far, and we still have an extra day tomorrow :) On Saturday, I went to Watkins Glen for the first time after hearing a great review about it, and I'm really happy that I went!!! It's one of the nicest hike that I've done, the weather was great, and the company was even better! We went to the Farmer's Market for lunch first. It was crowded as expected, but a crowd is always part of the attraction anyways, right?

Flowers, food, lake, what's not to like? When I am older and have a more sophisticated lifestyle, I would probably buy fresh flowers every week. Unfortunately, my current weekly budget does not allow for that right now. Hanfung and I decided to be healthy for the day and get something from the vegan food stall called Macro Mamas. We got the sampler platter which is basically portions of everything that they had on the table and a small peanut lime noodle. They were delish!!!! Davina got Cuban food and Matt got the Cambodian food, both were also good, which was evident from the long lines at both stalls.

Macro Mamas in action

After we were filled up, it was time to go to Watkins Glen! It was such a scenic place, with the running river and the rock formations that show layers of slabs and smooth shapes carved by the persistent flow of water. We basically walked alongside the river and on both sides of it are walls of rock protecting us from the sun while allowing some lights to fall to just the right places creating a dramatic effect. Yes, nature knows how to be drama queen. And while pictures can show you what it's like, you just have to be there to really be in awe. I think my phrase of the day was: "Waah, keren yaa.."

I felt like I was in the land of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The rock wall alongside the hiking trek.

There are a total of 19 waterfalls scattered in the Watkins Glen Park.

A stone bridge to cross the river.

Lost in nature.

Walkway behind the waterfalls.

The meandering river.

The healthy ones who ran through some parts of the trails.

After the hike, we stopped by downtown Watkins Glen for some ice cream. Feeling entitled to treat our appetite after a good hike, we probably stuffed in more calories than what we burnt. We also got some free cinnamon sugar donuts from the shop, which are most probably some afternoon leftovers that they would throw away if nobody bought them. Free food always tastes better :)

As for the cherry on top, we all went to watch Super 8 after getting back to Ithaca and clean ourselves up. I loved it! It's sci-fi/adventure film with lots of touch of humor and family drama. I particularly loved Elle Fanning. She's so pretty and talented!

It is days like these that make everything else I usually complain about seem really fair. Thank God for a good day, great companions, amazing work of nature, delicious food, and Steven Spielberg. Thank God for ups and downs!