Wine And Dine With A View Enjoy The Weather With Picnics Walks And Fine Wine

F or many of us in the             regarding picnicking and           United States, spring has       beverages. Skyline Drive, in       taken its time reaching us.     Shenandoah National Park, permits  The cruel fingers of winter have      alcoholic beverages in many areas  very slowly released their grip.      unless posted otherwise. Check     Gentle warm breezes stir the          the weather forecasts and make     foliage. With grapevines budding,     accommodations if necessary.       birds singing and plants              Choose how to pack supplies, food  flowering, it is time to think of     and wine. There are many choices   spending relaxing, free moments       available whether baskets or       outdoors. Time spent outdoors is      picnic/wine carriers.              soothing for the soul. As Edward                                         Fitzgerald said, "A book of           One item that many wine            verses underneath the bough, a        enthusiasts would enjoy is the     jug of wine, a loaf of bread-and      wine backpack or the picnic        thou."                                backpack that will hold a wine                                           bottle and wine glasses. Our       Picnics, countryside walks or         preference for these types of      strenuous hikes can be relaxing,      items is to make sure they are     enjoyable and romantic with           lightweight especially if you are  planning. A picnic can be a very      planning to walk far or hike       spontaneous event as in a “pick       uphill. There are a number of      up and go” style. Throw a few         good backpacks and you will find   items in a bag and pick up a          one that meets your needs. If you  blanket on the way out the door.      decide to order online, do check   However, if you will be traveling     out reviews on the item. It is     any distance or over rough            always good to get someone else’s  terrain, it is better to have a       opinion. We prefer a backpack      plan. Decide where you are going      that has room for plates,          and discover the regulations          utensils, cutting board, wine      glasses, napkins, wine and food.      memories back with you. Last                                             spring and summer, we enjoyed      Things to consider when               lunch on a rock. In late April     purchasing a good picnic/wine         the trek to Marys Rock in          carrier include: size, weight,        Shenandoah National Park was       comfort, and cold storage.            difficult but worth it because it  Backpacks often include place         had an outstanding view. Only one  settings for two or four. Check       other hiker was perched between    to see if there is room for           rocks reading a book. We had our   additional settings. Consider the     lunch on a rock and enjoyed the    weight of the picnic/wine carrier     views. Our lunch was simple with   if you are hiking for an extended     two types of cheese, crackers and  period. Carrying extra weight can     a Pinot Grigio. It was the         tire you out quickly. Check to        perfect setting to watch birds     see if the straps on the              flying below you, take             picnic/wine carrier fit               photographs and feel a constant    comfortably. Can you adjust the       breeze. The scenery was            straps in case you need to wear a     breathtaking and the solitude was  jacket? Will the picnic/wine          uplifting.                         carrier allow you to keep cold                                           foods cold and hot foods hot?         In August, we hiked up Maryland                                          Heights at Harper’s Ferry          In addition to picnic supplies,       National Park. It was a hot day    there are other items to carry.       and water breaks along the way     Think of packing sunscreen and        helped us make it to the rocks     mosquito repellent. Bottled water     for a spectacular view of the      may be needed while hiking long       Potomac River and the town of      distances, along rugged terrain,      Harper’s Ferry. We enjoyed         up elevations and down slopes.        crackers and cheese with a picnic  Take a camera so you can take         red wine. There was plenty of      room to find a rock and spread        enjoy.                             out. This area was busier than                                           Marys Rock however there was          Tip:                               plenty of room with unobstructed                                         views.                                Our experience has been that                                             picnic/wine backpacks and baskets  Everyone has different ideas of       sell out quickly. If you plan to   where to walk, hike and picnic.       purchase a basket or carrier for   Choose your favorite spot and         this summer, buy one soon.         About the Author: Kathy Sullivan is a freelance writer who writes for Wine Trail Traveler. She enjoys learning about wine and wineries and bringing this knowledge to her readers. Read more articles by: Kathleen Sullivan Article Source: www.iSnare.com