Wrapup – last Saturday’s Hike of the Month

The actual hike was only one mile; 50 minutes in the snow.

it was the short loop – the Annsville Creek Trail – in the Hudson Highlands Gateway Park. It’s a few minutes from the Annsville Traffic circle and only about three minutes from the Cortlandt Colonial Restaurant. Besides being well-marked by red tags, there was a clear narrow trail, made by a snowmobile. 

It was my turn to come up with the hike, since Jeanne Marie had organized the first of the year – Turkey Mountain. Also in cold and wind! I figured that given the weather conditions, a short hike on terrain that we hadn’t visited before, would work. I would have preferred the longer, blue blazed hike in the same park, but the entry from Sprout Brook Road – there was no visible trail, and no blue tags.

This entry is at the end of Doris Lee Drive – L to R: Karen Riner, Brigid, Mike Riner, Jeanne Marie

Up and away –

the frozen and snow-covered pond

Annsville Creek –

Moving along –

Here you can see how close the trail is to Rte 9.

And it was here that I started to get suspicious that Brigid and Jeanne Marie had the same coat, in different colors. And I was right – from LLBean with a synthetic lining! Brigid inherited hers from the boys.

Here’s where we settled in for some tea – we’d brewed some tea on the first hike – very important. I had my msr pocket rocket stove, the propane, 2 quarts of water, and a 1 quart pot. Only issue – I forgot the tea bags … duh … DUFUS. Oh well. Made it up later.

Nice lids. And fashionable high viz red.

The four Horseman of the Apocalypse. And four nice lids. For those not in the know, Mike and I both went to Stepinac and were roommates at Fairfield.

Heading back – the snowy landscape is pretty stark.

Having blown it on the tea, the only thing to do was head up to The Stadium for a drink.

That’s a Guinness at each end (Farandas!), a Chardonnay, a Harp and a Black and Tan. Note seating arrangement with Jeanne Marie b/w Mike and Tom.

But Jeanne Marie then upgrades (quietly she thought) her seat – it is The Stadium – and joins Brigid and Karen! it was noted!!

A good day! Jeanne Marie is in charge of the next Hike of the Month, probably March 21st or 22nd.