Hikes | Down Home Traveler

Last Saturday morning, I woke up early to take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Meadowmere Park in Grapevine, TX. I had never been to Meadowmere Park but it was so serene and peaceful first thing in the morning. There was a slight chill in the air, definitely a breeze, the Alzheimer’s Association had the park reserved just for the walk, it was perfect. We got there a little early so we were there to watch everyone begin to roll in.

Once we “signed in” and got our t-shirts, we went to the flower station. Each participant would receive a pinwheel flower. The color of the flower was based on why you are participating in the event. The flowers were intended to be placed all together to form a garden while we walked but since it was so windy outside, we took them with us.

There were four flower colors:

Blue – Individual who has Alzheimer’s.

Purple – In memory of loved ones that have passed from Alzheimer’s.

Yellow – Representing those who have a loved one who currently has or is a care giver for Alzheimer’s.

Orange – Supporting the cause.

Before the walk, there was some live music, a short ceremony and a t-shirt contest (for the groups that designed t-shirts specifically for their team). It’s really amazing how many people came out to participate in this event and how into the event some teams got. It’s pretty special.

And then our two mile walk began! There was even a snake hanging out on the road along the way. (All the men stopped to look.)

It’s pretty special to take part in such a great event. It brings everyone together, young and old whether you have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, currently have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, are a caregiver or just want to support the cause. It was really nice to take part in and is very personal. Before the event, I received a hand written card from one of the hosts of the event for having a team. How often does that even happen anymore?

Thank you everyone who donated to the walk. Without your donations, the Alzheimer’s Association would not be able to provide care and assistance for those in need and fund research to find a cure. It truely means everything!If you would like to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, please check out the link, here. There are walks all over the country. It is definitely something to be proud to take part in. I encourage you to participate in an event near you!

Back in Vermont, Snake Mountain had to be one of my favorite hikes. It was close to Burlington, isn’t super long and had the most magnificent view at the top. The view had a little bit of everything, the valley, Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains on the other side of the lake. Pure bliss, relaxation and beauty.

The last time I hiked Snake Mountain back in 2007. These pictures are from two different hikes in 2006 and 2007.

The trail starts near this old schoolhouse. What better way to sneak onto this trail in the woods.

The view, is the best! I could sit up there ALL day!

What’s really unique about this hike is the top of the mountain. It’s a giant, cement slab.

In 1870, The Grand View Hotel was built at the top of the mountain. I mean who wouldn’t want to stay at a hotel with this view?! The hotel later burnt down but the foundation remains. The trail on the way up is actually the old stage coach road.

The foliage was starting during this hike.

We stayed up there so long, we caught the sunset on the way down! I’m pretty sure I have a picture of this road from everytime I’ve hiked the mountain.