Colgate Lake Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)

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Colgate Lake Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)



Parked on 78 about 2/10ths of a mile from Colgate Lake. This trail is between 8 and 9 miles of what I would call nature walking. It’s mostly flat and you’re not summiting anything. It has beautiful streams, waterfalls, footbridges, and views of the Escarpment trail provided you know where to go.




I would not attempt this using the AllTrails app as navigation. I would have a more sound GPS like FATMAP or Avenza as the primary navigation because it’s easy to get confused on some parts if you haven’t done it before. I’d also do research on Catskillmountaineer.com prior to undertaking any Catskills hikes.




Bugs weren’t an issue due to the colder temps, and the water crossings were easy because it’s low tide.




Today, I was thinking about how in Catholic school we learned about demonic possession in the very literal sense that it’s an evil spirit taking possession of your body and soul. But I think if we look at it more figuratively, it’s describing a phenomenon that actually happens to a lot of people.




We go through a lot of suffering in life. Some find their way through it and it deepens their empathy and compassion. However, some people decide (consciously or unconsciously) that they’re never going to be that vulnerable again. They build up these ego defense mechanisms that entail denial, deceit, manipulation, and narcissism. Their priorities warp into the need to control others and the world around them, regardless of the pain they inflict.




When that happens, I think that’s what’s truly meant by being possessed by the devil—not some evil spirit named Beelzebub twisting your neck around 360 degrees. It’s like your soul has been totally eclipsed by your ego. However, unlike an eclipse, the darkness often stays.




I’ve seen this happen to close family, friends, and partners. They just become unreachable and so damaging that you have to cut them loose. It’s really sad because you also see the potential they have behind all that, but if you don’t disengage, your own soul will become eclipsed too.




Today’s IPA was Sip o Sunshine by @lawsonsfinest It makes me miss spring skiing.



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