Harriman State Park – NY

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Starting this blog off with a gem of a photo felt only right. After all, it is much more graceful than the battle of NYC traffic.

I had stayed in the town of Peekskill, NY on the previous night. It was a beautiful 45 minute drive in ruthless NY traffic down to Long Island City/Queens. I was headed into Gotham to pick up two of my friends who flew in from CA.

It was long time coming… NYC here I come! I was on my way to not only pick my friends up, but to actually meet Navee and Megan for the first time. Navee and I friended each other many years ago through a mutual friend and have kept in touch. She recently introduced me to Megan, and the plans for this hike took off from there.

The 45 minute drive ended up turning into an hour and 15 minute introduction to morning rush hour in NYC. It was an experience I have only imagined, as I work with truck drivers who go into that mega-metropolis often. Not once did I ever think I would be driving my own vehicle there.

I made it to their hotel where I found them on the curb ready to go. After a short blissful greeting, we jumped into the car and headed off to Harriman State Park. It was just over an hour drive back up the same highway I just came down. So beautiful with the sun rising.

We were meeting two of their friends whom currently reside near Boston that were making the short trip down to hike with us.

We met up, parked, and started this amazing day together with laughs, and smiles.

Shortly after we began the hike, we came across this picturesque scene.

We graciously soaked in the moment (not literally) and moved on.

The plan was to hike the 6 mile loop around Pine Meadow Lake. It was a plan, which can always be altered. By choice, or by mistake. (Check your map more often when several trails exist!)

As we made our ascent, we came to some large stones and amazing features surrounding the area. We took several photos here.

After a short break, we continued on. We came to a small bridge and the three of us opted for a photo.

Little did we know, Navee had a diabolical plan of her own. Did I mention the chances you take when handing your trekking poles away at the most unpropitious moment? HA!

The laughs just kept coming.

We made the final leg up hill, and arrived at one beautiful spot on the lake.

It was here where we took a break from the hike, and caught some desirable rays of sun. It is also the location where I spotted a slithering water snake in the lake.

The first, but not the last of wildlife we saw this day.

Not too far up the trail, I nearly walked right into this beauty as it was laying down next to the trail.

We then came to this old structure.

From here, the trail got skinnier. It is also within the next mile or so, I chose the wrong trail and derailed. By the time I caught the mistake, we had gone just over a mile in the wrong direction.

Hey, what can I say? When you’re having fun, you seem to forget everything around you. Whoopsy!

On our way back around the lake, we came across this adorable family of Canadian geese.

Before you knew it, we made it back to the cars. After eight and half miles hiking, we quickly decided to go eat somewhere nearby. We then stopped at a small coffee shop, and I enjoyed a “Yoda” smoothie. It had pistachios and spinach, among other ingredients, and was so good.

From there, I took my friends back to their hotel. Oh, how could I forget. It was during the evening rush hour in NYC. Fun stuff, you should try it sometime. HA!

I want to leave you with this photo. It was the only one we got together. A lasting image of us at the beginning of the hike. What a glorious day it was.