Dutcher Notch Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)

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 Dutcher Notch Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)

(Conditions in 2nd paragraph.) 



The great thing about the All Trails challenge versus my other projects in the Catskills is that I don’t have to commit to summiting a peak in order to make progress toward my goal. I can do a short trail and still feel like I accomplished something. So, today, because I wanted to have a leisurely morning, accomplish something, and still beat the rain, I hiked my old friend, the Dutcher Notch trail. 



The trail is dry, but this trail isn’t that easy to follow if you haven’t done it before. The trail meanders from what seems like a dried out riverbed to the banks to back again. You really have to watch for the markers. It’s also extremely rocky on the lower portion. I think without a sound way of navigating that you could easily get confused. Also, the bugs can be particularly treacherous; though, today, they were not as much of an issue as in the past. 



Earlier this morning, my iPhone photos app sent me a memory from this time last year, and it got me thinking about how the year after undergoing some sort of loss is always the hardest. Even if you try not to compare yourself to where you were a year ago, those thoughts still bubble up. There is something about letting go and moving on that is so hard for humans. I think it’s the greatest struggle we have and that’s why people try to avoid it—sometimes in ways that are extreme and toxic. 



I think our intuition tells us when it’s time to move on, but we don’t want to accept it. Sometimes circumstances make it so that you don’t have a choice. In some ways that’s better, in my opinion. But, we don’t transform unless we carry this metaphorical cross and go through the intensity of giving something or someone up. I’m just thankful that I have hiking and ski mountaineering to help process those complex emotions. Climbing is great for processing pain, and the downhill (at least on skis) is often great for expressing spontaneous joy. 



Today’s IPA was Fire Tower IPA by West Kill brewing. You can’t beat the art on the can. Shoutout to @steven_draws



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