Week 19 - Irvington Woods, Irvington

Both Friday, and today I had the opportunity to take a late afternoon trek through an area of woods that is a short distance from my house. I drove to the hike only because its access is on Cyrus Field Rd., a picturesque circuitous street which I have unfairly renamed dead man walking rd... because although beautiful during the day, its long shadows and unlit path freak me out when passing through at night.
The Irvington Woods are very well blazed thanks to the Eagle Scouts, and provide a nice alternative to the flat terrain of the nearby Croton Acqueduct. The eastern border of the woods takes you by the roar of the SawMill Pkwy, no worries, it is easy to bypass it and veer West. Again, I did hike these trails late in the afternoon, but I was still surprised at how empty they were. Cooper and I were rarely interrupted by other hiking pleasure seekers. One man we encountered today was digging with a shovel, guided by a metal detecting contraption.
There is a hike called Hermit's Grave, which fulfills its promise. I came across this solitary headstone way up on the hike. He died in the 1920s, but his legacy lives on. I have more exploring to do in these woods, so stay posted...Good parking, and nice map of trails at entrance. We came across this Bear Grill (Man Vs. Wild) shelter and campsite. Check out the photos.

Week 18, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River

Just arrived back home after trekking a nature filled 4 mile trail with Adam and the kids. By far the longest trail this year, the hike was a loop that took us through laurel in thickly wooded areas, Huge Rock outcroppings, wetlands, and to the highest peak in the park at just under 900 feet (not quite Colorado). At times it felt choreographed, nature imitating art imitating nature. Stunning to the point that Sam said 'this is awesome lets just stay here for a while', when we hit an area that he likened to a scene in Shrek. Antonia trudged on, ruddy cheeked. And Adam was game after batting 2 for 3 in his this morning. He never did change out of his knickers.  We decided not to take any dogs today because Cooper has been too uncomfortable driving in the car, and Bingo refuses to walk. We missed them but they would have had to stay on leash, so that's no fun anyway. Fantastic hike, and a bit of work!

Week 17, John E. Hand Park, Teatown

We were planning on going back to visit Hardscrabble Wilderness Area, but somehow unwittingly ended up at John E. Hand Park. Crazy Good Divine Intervention. In Alphabetical Order, Adam, Antonia,  Cameron, Cooper, and Me. It was a gentle but consistent ascent to Bald Mountain (not such mountainous views), verdant and decidedly a wonderful way to spend Earth Day Eve.  The Green, and only marked trail is approximately 1.1 mile up, and then 1.1 miles back.

It was a pleasure to have a guest and a first time trekker with us, YAY Cameron!!