Big Indian: Pine Hill West Branch Trail to Intersection of Seager Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Maps 142 & 143)

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Big Indian: Pine Hill West Branch Trail to Intersection of Seager Trail (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Maps 142 & 143)

I got a late start because of the rain, but the lack of traffic Friday indicated I might be able to get away with it this weekend, and I was correct. Only two cars in the tiny lot when I arrived. 

The ground was damp so the roots and wet leaves could make the trail slippery at times. I couldn’t move as fast as I wanted to. The streams are running, but the crossings were a piece of cake. Saw two bear scats near the herd path to the summit that were so large, I audibly said, “Whoa!” (Pictures never do it justice.) One was right on the trail. But if anyone can solve the mystery of what they’re eating that makes it look like corn on the cob, I’d be grateful. It’s like some type of seeds in there. Just don’t know what kind specifically. 


I was thinking how life is very ironic at times. Often, when I’ve been critical of someone, I ended up experiencing what I criticized that person for.



I have a cousin who seemed quite ornery to me when I was a young child. His personality can best be summed up in the following words he once spoke, “Leave me alone; I got a fever.” Actually, being a NY Italian, it sounded more like “fevah.” 


He seemed to be a perpetual bachelor, loved his beagle Butchy, and just wanted to be in his parents’ home in the Catskills and hunt. I realized that in many ways, I have become this myself. I love my Beagle-Chihuahua mix, Ripley, (and my other dog Marley too). I want to be in my parents’ house in the Catskills all the time. And if you replace hunting with skiing and hiking, then we’re pretty similar. 



I also love being alone because I feel very self contained. I can preserve my peace much better this way. I don’t know how teachers have families and relationships. I mean I’ve obviously had relationships, but now that I’m not in one I’m amazed I sustained them for any period of time. All I want to do when I come home is not talk. Who would want to be around that? “Leave me alone I got a fevah,” is my entire state of being during the school year. 

Today’s IPA was Wrench by @industrialartsbrewing All their beers are 9/10.



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