Balsam Mtn. (From McKenley Hollow to Belleayre Ridge to Rider Hollow & back via Oliverea Mapledale Trail & Pine Hill West Branch)

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Balsam Mtn. (From McKenley Hollow to Belleayre Ridge to Rider Hollow & back via Oliverea Mapledale Trail & Pine Hill West Branch)



I've never taken McKenley Hollow to Balsam before so I figured I'd try something new. The steepness of the trail is offset by a lot of switchbacks which makes things easier on the legs. While the views aren't the most stunning in the Catskills, it was still a gorgeous sunny day. There is a blowdown on the Mine Hollow trail down by Rider Hollow, but other than that, the trails were in good shape. They're getting drier and less muddy.



I'm just trying my best to preserve some time for my personal projects. I think most people feel dissatisfied with their jobs not necessarily when the workload is too much, but when you're not appreciated for the amount of work that is being asked of you. I think that's something that teachers struggle with a lot because people think our summers are carefree. However, in city districts, there are new initiatives every year, which essentially means you're planning from scratch for the following year. How some teachers don't plan during the summer is beyond me. I wish I could do that without crippling anxiety.

The IPA of the day was Kaaterskill Krush by RIp Van Winkle Brewing (8/10).



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