Another Wet Walk

Walked from Nyack Beach State Park to Rockland Lake State Park in the rain. This is the halfway point.




I wandered around aimlessly off trail, and walked a mile north on the Haverstraw Trail as well. This is the Haverstraw Trail on the way back-- The river is on the left. Saw three deer, some rabbits, and lots of birds.


Walking along the Hudson River back to Nyack.


When the rain let up, I picked up nice nice beach glass and stones.

Monday 4/26 ~ A little over three hours, very pleasant walk. Approx. Seven miles

Today's Rainy Day Ramble

A welcome sight ... maypples along the path.

Started out by quickly circling Hessian Lake, which is at the base of Bear Mtn. ( Anthony's Nose is the mountain in the background.) A good warm-up.


The mists hide the top of Bear Mountain as seen from the bridge.



Crossed back over the bridge. Here I'm standing at the base of Anthony's Nose. I was on a wide raised walkway, in a safe spot, when an old guy driving by stuck his head out of his car window and screamed "Don't fall!" It must have looked like I was in a precarious position to him.


Walked along the shore. A constant light drizzle for about half the time, the temperature seemed to drop at midday, but I was comfy (properly dressed and had a thermos of Earl Grey tea.)


A very quiet Sunday. Not many people out. I was able to help some people who asked for very specific trail directions. That always feels good.
Hike time: 2 hours 20 mins.

The Good Earth

Plum Blossoms near Bethel, NY.

The Catskill region is greening.

Pear tree in blossom, crabapple (center) and an apple tree at right.

The AT was Born Here

My favorite walk in New York State is on the very first miles of the AT.

But wait... I was on the AT when I took this picture!


Today I got a great hiking related gift from a friend--she gave me a digital voice recorder with all kinds of groovy functions. (Remember the old dictaphone Gary Cooper talked into in the Audrey Hepburn movie "Love in the Afternoon?" ) Well this is light years away from that!

I sometimes stop for a few seconds on a hiking path to type an inspirational thought into my iPod touch, a few days ago I scribbled an idea for a poem on a shopping bag in the car. Later on I was never really able to figure out what I meant by some partial phrases I'd typed into the iPod and I couldn't even read the scribbled words on the bag in the car. So the gift is really perfect-- it's like my friend is psychic or something! ( She's a songwriter and a solitary walker, so she uses one. )

Walking to the Top

On the 1777 E trail ~ Bear Mountain State Park.


Chipmunk on boulder: Happy Earth Day to You.

Rock formation on 1777 E trail


Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~ John Muir

Cat Nap on Mat

Eddy has perfected his own yoga pose. The sleeping piglet pose.

On My Favorite Bridge

I enjoy crossing bridges on foot


Looking over the Popolopen Creek


Looking at Putnam County's Manitou Marsh ~ once known as Mystery Point Marsh ~ 4 miles of hiking trails & great for birders. The marsh is home to a variety of crabs and grass shrimp.

Feeling the bridge bounce a bit as a big truck rumbles across... seeing the cables vibrate... all part of the experience. I love being on the bridge, rain or shine. It's always cooler and windier there.