Take a Hike!

Updated 5/23 with new pictures That was a fun hike!  And with 6 hours on the trail there were an inordinate amount of pictures shared, head to the album to see them all.  And please keep sending them in, I'll add to the album and post as I get them. Blue skies on Sweet Clover Trail The hike that seemed destined to fail pulled through at the last minute.  The ride north on Route 287 featured downpour after downpour, but once within 10 miles of the trail-head the rain had stopped and there were even signs of sunshine.  After a short delay (we'll say due to faulty hardware) the trail looked like this when we began - a picture perfect start.  Clouds later rolled in but we were never rained on despite hearing some thunder well off in the distance. The climb to the highest elevation in Orange County was difficult and took some time, but the scrub pines and the regular views at the top were well worth it.  It seemed between each open rock formation there was a lovely wild r

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.

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.

Hike Day Edit: 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. __________ Our 2nd hike of the season will be in New Windsor, NY at 9:00 AM on Sunday, May 20th.  Lou has completed this hike before and it is one his local favorites.  Don’t let the relatively short 6.2 miles fool you, this hike has plenty to offer:  an open meadow section, a huge megalith, a taste of New England with numerous scrub pines scattered among open bedrock, an interesting boulder-field, and a distant view of the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain.  If we are feeling well, we can extend the portion along the ridge-line to an additional 2 miles to an alternate viewpoint as well. Of historical note, there was some fighting insi