Farandaville; walking the Bear Mountain Bridge & Brigid makes new friend

On a sudden whim we decided yesterday to walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge (which is part of the Appalachian Trail) and then a bit into the park, to the bear den. Total round trip distance was 2.68 miles and we took a leisurely hour and fourteen minutes. Here are some pictures, more tomorrow.

We parked about 100 yards north of the bridge on rte. 9D and walked back.

Of course some great views, which are really stunning in the fall.

The hump in the middle below is Popolopen Torne which is a spectacular hike itself. We did that hike (four of us) way back in May 2015 – Popolopen torne hike and I need to do it again.

Sign at the bear den but the bears weren’t out.

Here is Brigid’s newfound friend – over  four feet long!

Plenty of people watched and waited as he (she) slithered off the path.

Hessian Lake, in Bear Mountain Park.

Heading back we crossed the south side of the bridge –

Goofy…

This is more like it –  and a few more pictures tomorrow – trains, boats, Anthony’s Nose!