I'll add more routes as I complete them, in an effort to share with those looking for quick and easy over-nighters near NYC. And for the latest installment:
Pine Meadow Lake (loop) from the Ramapo Equestrian Center. Chapter 5 in the NY-NJ TC book "Circuit Hikes in Harriman" Park at the Equestrian Center (Google Maps will take you there) but not in one of the reserved spots for the stables. The lot at the top of the road heading down to the stables is best. The start of the trail is not particularly well marked, and behind the stables. From there, hike 1.3 miles uphill (all my trips are uphill both ways!).Eventually it levels out and there are some nice views along the way to the lake.
Looping around in front of the lake you'll eventually come to the Stone Memorial Shelter. There were quite a few campers in the sites adjacent to the shelter, including one hammocker who had an entire outpost set up with separate suspension lines for his pack, clothes and I think he was dry aging meat on a third line
Always look up!
I haven't hiked in this corner of the park but there was a LOT of deadfall, more so than I've seen elsewhere. That giant branch was hanging in limbo over the first site I selected. In a park that's wall to wall trees, it can still take some time to find the right combination of trees and terrain.
Up with the chirping birds so I could get home in time to cook brunch, and was rewarded with a nice sunrise
This was my first trip with the Altra Lone Survivor shoes. I've been using traditional boots. They're a trade off in terms of rock protection versus weight and breathability. In some ways they're like hiking in enclosed sandals. It took a few miles to get accustomed to them but my feet definitely felt as though they hadn't been lifting weights all day. Keepers. It was also the first trip with an Ursack. I won't go back to throwing rocks at trees!! End of the day pack the food and cook kit into the bag, tie it off and go to sleep.
The HG Wanderlust continues to provide a good night's sleep. I peeled the net back >>> WOW it completely changes the sleep experience for the better, as does an UQ (dipped to 55 overnight).
Lessons Learned:
I waited too long to try trail runners.
I dont miss the net now that bugs are gone
I tried packing the hammock, UQ, and TQ as one unit, shoving it to the bottom of the pack for the return trip. What a junk show of tangled cords when I unpacked at home. I have to work on that....the panel loading pack probably doesn't help.
7.4 miles total including an excursion to the lake....and I was back home in time to cook pancakes for the family! It's not a lot of miles but it's better than nothing. It gets me out there, clears the head and builds skills and experience.
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