Hike #2 proved to be more challenging than expected, but hopefully it was more rewarding as well. We beat the forecasters and ended up with fairly nice weather as the rain held out until later in the afternoon, after we were finished. In all, 5 of us made the hike which was anywhere between 7.2 and 9.2 miles long, depending upon the tracking software we utilized. Either way, it was longer than I predicted and we'll double and triple check distances going forward.
Some quick highlights and lessons learned:
The route was definitely slick and three of us, including yours truly, took a spill. Always check your footing!
Beware of scraggly looking raccoons that are out during the day and not afraid of people.
Enjoy the small things - colorful centipede's, orange newt's, and spring wildflowers.
And the big - Wyanokie High Point, Carris Hill, Chikahoki Falls, and rock hopping along a stream bed and the surrounding wetlands.
But bring bug spray, especially in the moist areas
Most importantly, we also learned to walk with at least one other group member at all times. At one point a member of our group went missing and a healthy dose of concern set in for all but the "lost" person. In the end it turned out they were ahead of everyone else and not lost, but if it hadn't been for cell phone service (which isn't usually reliable) the hike would have turned into a search.
Thank you for those that attended! This was a good enough hike that we'll put it on the list later this year for a re-hike, perhaps in the fall with the foliage is at it's peak.
Some photo's below (Thanks Jilana for sharing!) As with last time, click one to enlarge and you can then cycle through.
Harriman State Park Relive Video Congratulations to everyone who completed the Harriman Hike! That was a full day of hard work, fresh air, and trail navigation. Our stats varied depending upon tracker, but we clocked somewhere between 10.2 - 11.2 miles, enjoyed an elevation gain between 2,100 and 2,600 feet, and get this ... took 27,500 steps, at least according to Stacey's tracker. Regardless, this hike squarely ranks first in length, total ascent, and duration - the sun was just setting behind the mountain as the last group was crossing the field to the Elk Pen parking lot. Highlights were extensive, here are just a few Everyone made it back! A few got a little lost and at one point Lou headed down the wrong trail, but for such an extensive trail system we did very well. Special thanks to Sheila for her keen eyes and Barbara for her cartography skills. Everyone completed the rock scramble, awesome job! Not sure if it was peer pressure or w...
We are hiking right above where the Hudson Rover is no longer visible on the map (go to Manhattan, look at the squiggly curve line north of it, where are a few miles north of where the small curve ends). The ground will undoubtedly be wet from all the rains this week, but the shower activity looks to be limited enough to still hike. As Jeff said, I will post something early tomorrow morning if the hike is canceled, but for now it remains a go.
The forecast for Schunnemunck area is not great, but it it is hikeable. Looks like some spotty showers leave the area around 9 AM and then there is a 50/50 chance of a. brief period of heavier rain around noon. With the temp so warm right now I think this is ok. No pressure and no problem if you'd rather sit this one out.
Looks like it was a great hike with nice challenges. Much greener than Tammany too! Glad it's a candidate for re-hike later this year!
ReplyDeleteGood point on the green - the tammany pics are all brown-hued, what a difference a month makes!
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