Bloomfest Cherry Blossom Festival

This past Sunday was the Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark NJ's Branch Brook Park. More than 4000 cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the park. During this week long event, the park holds bicycle races and 10k's. Everything came to an end on Sunday where the park had a slew of vendors and performances to commemorate the event.

The park invited vendors to come teach children arts and crafts as well as have small businesses come sell their products.

Of course, the flowers...

They were just at the beginning of their bloom. It was an amazing sight. 

The first performers were the 10tecomai's Yosakoi Dance Project based out of New York. It was their first time performing at this festival, and I think it's safe to say they'll definitely be invited back next year. 

If anyone wants to know what the inside of a colorful hot air balloon looks like...

The next performance was Cobu Taiko Drum & Dance Troupe. They had e a mixture of children and adults doing intricate drumming sequences and dance. They rocked the stage...literally.

Tomofuji Kai takes it back with some traditional Japanese dancing.

Last but not least were Samurai Sword Soul. I must say, the sword-play was pretty weak, but what can you really expect with fake swords. What won it for me was the act they put on and the story line that was played out. It had action and humor all in one.  

Now THAT'S how you die.

Flowers!

It's spring time. The weather is getting beautiful. So why not?!

From Duke Farms Orchid Range.

Frame-ception

The Gunks!

The Shawangunk Ridge has become my go-to hiking spot. It's a long drive from where I'm from but it's definitely worth it. Great views everywhere, waterfalls, high elevation, and rock scrambles! After 7.5 hours of hiking, my legs were dead.

And it begins! Literally a 65 degree incline hike right in the beginning of the trail. Ended up hiking on the Millbrook Ridge trail. It's no joke...

There was view after view after view. To the point where you got sick of it because you'd be looking out at the same thing every time.

Cairns. Of course you have to add to the stack..

Nope...not dangerous at all.

Lake Minnewaska frozen over.

Catskills...you're next...

Liberty State Park

 Headed off to Liberty State Park in Jersey City NJ to enjoy the weather. This park is huge! Beautiful place to enjoy the day. Views of the NYC skyline and Statue of Liberty make this park a great place to visit.

Rain clouds off in the distance over NYC.

Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal.

9/11 Memorial - Empty Sky

Freedom

Hello Philadelphia!

I took a day trip to Philadelphia to do some sightseeing. Tried to make the best of it despite the terrible rainy weather. Headed to the Historic area of Philadelphia first to the Independence Hall area. 

Behold, 2000 lbs of greatness, crack included. The Liberty Bell

"But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun."

Stopped by Reading Terminal Market for some food. Thank God we came on a weekday. I've seen pictures of this place on weekends and it's no picnic. There are an overwhelming amount of restaurants to choose from.

Something that I enjoyed most about this area is the great architecture. Beautifully crafted buildings everywhere.

Spread the LOVE. Let them skate!

Stopped by Max Brenner for some hot chocolate. If there's any place that knows chocolate, it's this place. They even pump chocolate through pipes that run around the ceiling!