Queen of the Catskills

Bearpen I’ve been so distracted with making progress on other projects that I haven’t been here since there was snow on it. I forgot how special this place is to me. You know how it seems I oversaturated the sunset pics? Well, I didn’t touch them. That’s how intense it was. I’m a little surprised at how overgrown the trail is at the start. Usually people keep it trimmed and tamed, but maybe they’re waiting until fall. I know the snowmobile community does a lot of work to keep this trail in great condition so I’m appreciative.  When I got to the summit, I checked out the fire ring to see what trash had been left and what I could clean up. Usually, it’s PBR cans and Budweiser, but today I saw a Truly can. It just seemed like a random place to find basic bitch artifacts.  I was sitting at the summit watching the sunset for a while and, despite feeling really demoralized about returning to the city, I was able to feel this intense inspiration and gratitude for what I was seeing. I...

Devil’s Path from Diamond Notch to Hunter Mtn. Trail Intersection (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141) This is not the most scenic part of the Devil’s Path, but it was the last section I needed to redo for my project. Figured it’s easier to get it done during the week than deal with the insane weekend traffic on Spruceton road. Diamond Falls is trickling. I know we had one day where we got some rain, but that’s not nearly enough to make up for drought conditions. Normally, the DP near Geiger point is so muddy it’ll suck your boots off, but it’s pretty firm for that section of trail. I was thinking about how much your setting impacts your mental state. I think that’s why I spend so much time trying to have at least an orderly environment and why being in nature has become so essential to my wellbeing. Most people in the city stay there and go into nature maybe once in a blue moon. But that’s not enough to really change your state of being, so they don’t know what they’re missing. Every...

I’ve been having a very social week in the woods. Yesterday, I was invited to join my friends Stash and Joe to find a Cessna wreck from March 17, 1965.  The plane was flying VFR. According to Wikipedia, “In aviation, visual flight rules are a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. “ Unfortunately, like many of the 40 wrecks in the Catskills, the weather was not conducive to VFR. In this case, there was a snowstorm. The two people who died were young fathers aged 27 and 28. The flight was chartered to deliver a package and the crash happened on the way back. I’ve been to 23 / 40 crash sites and people inevitably ask for the location, which I cannot give them. Some people react with indignation at the refusal, but I have my reasons.  There are a handful of famous Catskills wrecks that can be located with internet research. But it’s best to let people find thin...

Kaaterskill High Peak I was honored to be asked to join Yana’s CMC Grid finish, which entails doing each of the high peaks in each month of the year. It is definitely an exercise in endurance, commitment, and patience. We had to arrive at 8am to ensure parking, but I still had my pre-hike IPA. I believe hiking trails are like airports—you can imbibe whenever it suits you provided you’re responsible.  The trails are so dry that the nettles look droopy and sad. We took Hurricane Ledge up and had charcuterie and champagne at the view.  It’s nice to sometimes hike with a group because you get to meet everyone in person and get to know their backstories. I’ve had some great conversations with people on the trail. It also makes me feel like I’ve found a tribe. Besides, if I never hung out with anyone I’d start to wonder if my solitude was actually a choice. Today’s IPA was Devil’s Path, and it was incredibly apropos as you get quite the view of it from Hurricane Ledge.

Overlook and Echo Lake trails to intersection of Overlook Spur Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)  If you’re going to do this trail, then a very late start or very early start is wisest due to the popularity of the parking area. I opted for late.  Crossing over the first bridge, I saw some Hasidic men praying while sitting in the stream. I thought, “What a beautiful way to pray. This is far more meaningful than any building.” They stopped when they saw me pass, but I insisted that they continue. It’s not like I don’t get it. The trail itself is incredibly runner friendly, so I was able to hike faster than normal. Other perks include sick views, a lake, and a quarry.  While on the trail, I was thinking about how much my interpretation of the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” has changed. I used to think not getting the outcomes I desired meant I was cursed in some manner. But I kind of realize that a lot of the outcomes people desire are things that raise ...

Finally got to hike with Carolyn and Rosie on a short and sweet quarry trail. Even got some sunshine between spats of rain. Fall is definitely upon us.