Stoppel Point & Overlook (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)

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Stoppel Point via Ducther Notch & Overlook via Overlook Spur Trail & Red and Yellow Trails (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)

I did Stoppel Point first because I was more likely to get parking there, and figured by the time I was done with that peak that the crowds on Overlook would be clearing out enough for me to find a parking spot. 



Trails are in perfect condition and while I heard some flies buzzing around, none were intercepted.


The summit of Stoppel Point was marked by two huge bear dumps. I’m still trying to figure out what that bear was eating. Looks like cherry pits in his scat.

On Overlook, I experienced the most beautiful golden hour and finally saw a rattlesnake near the fire tower. I also explored that short loop at the bottom near the trail register. 


As I was walking today, I was thinking about my relationship to NYC, stages of life, and the parable of the prodigal son. In that Bible story a son asks his father for his inheritance, goes off and spends it living a life of indulgence, becomes destitute, and returns home.

When we’re young, most of us are like the prodigal son. We want to go out and party, be seen as cool, and focus our attention on things that give us status. NYC is the apex of that lifestyle. And while you’re doing that, you’re building your ego, and also learning the pitfalls. You learn how people take advantage of you. And, eventually, you realize this isn’t the most fulfilling way to live. It’s not as satisfying as you thought it would be. You’re left spiritually and sometimes financially “destitute.”

That’s your first stage of life and you need to learn those lessons. I think that’s why in the story the prodigal son is celebrated and not the obedient one. The prodigal son has a deeper understanding and appreciation for the second stage of life, which is getting to know what is beyond the material trappings of the temporal world. And I think that’s why I love nature so much now—because it facilitates knowing something beyond materialism. 

 Today’s beers were Mango Bombogenesis by @chathambrewing and Money IPA by @barrierbrewingco Both are amazing but I’ve really been loving my Mango Bombogenesis as of late.



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