Let's hear it for New York
NY does not receive enough credit as a trail state. The problem is that it's overshadowed by the trail in the deep south and the far north. I have enjoyed this state immensely thus far.
I was on trail at 6:15AM. Right out of the shelter the trail sends you right up a rock face, seemingly just because it wanted to. The rocks were still slick, so I had to be careful ascending the face.
One of the first summits I crested was that of Black Mountain. The summit offers views of the Hudson River Valley. My eyes then focused on something in the distance. I then realized what it was: Manhattan. NYC seemed so close, yet it was over 30 miles away.
After descending 600 feet, I reascended another 600 feet to the top of West Mountain, which had views of the mountains the trail just meandered me through.
I then began the descent which represented the approach to Bear Mountain. The climb up Bear Mountain was not all that difficult, but you must know that the rail follows the road leading to the summit for a bit.
The summit of Bear Mountain afforded views of the surrounding Appalachian mountains. This was a view consisting of many ridge lines on each side of the mountain.
After another 1,100 foot descent, I walked into the "Trailside Museum and Zoo". That's right, the trail walks you right through a zoo. This is where I saw my first bear, three actually. What struck me the most though was the pathetic living conditions the zoo provided to these animals. Four legged animals such as foxes and coyotes were confined to what seemed like 6x6 cages. It's as if the zoo does not actually care about it's animals and simply wants to make a profit.
Cookie and I then walked .7 off the trail to a small grocery store where I bought lunch and a couple of things for resupply.
This section of trail is the lowest of the entire thing, I was at a mere 124 feet about sea level when I crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River.
This meant one thing, there was going to be a climb to get back on the ridge. The climb was not all that bad, although I did curse the local trail club quite a bit. I kept myself distracted by noticing all the Mountain Laurel in bloom.
After a couple hours of walking and chatting with Cookie and Rabbitsfoot, I came across the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, which offers their ball field picnic shelter as a place for hikers to stay.
There are rumors that it will break 90 degrees this weekend, which would be absolutely miserable to walk in.
Tomorrow is uncertain, the only thing that is certain right now is that I need to sleep.
And that's the way it was.
Kirby
Ga>ME 2008.
