Arcadia National Park Maine

Over the summer I was given the opportunity to explore Arcadia national park in Maine. The park is located next to Bar Harbor Maine. Although far from New York I would suggest planning a vacation to Bar Harbor Maine and hiking the park.

Within the park I hiked several trails that all have unique parts to them. The one that I enjoyed was called Cadillac Mountain. An easy two mile hike to the peak with breath taking views of the harbor. After the hike I headed down to Bar Harbor where you can eat drink and enjoy the town.

Glacier Ridge Nature Preserve

I recently moved out to Long Island from Brooklyn and have been trying to find new places to hike. I came across Glacier Ridge nature preserve located in Farmington. Although the park is set up to be a great spot for Mountain Biking, the trails can be hiked.

The gear I took along on this particular hike was lite. I camel pack, and a few snacks where all that are needed. I also brought a camera and snapped some photos of the park.  I drove but you can take Long Island Rail Road which can be accessed at Pen Station.

Although a bit far from the city if you do not have a car, the park is worth seeing. I enjoyed my time there as always and hope you will to.  

Benefits of Hiking with Groups

Since the start of my blog I have gone over where to hike within a reasonable distance to New York city. I have touched on what type of gear you should use and what to pack for short day hikes. What I haven’t gone over is and like to discuss is the benefits of being able to pick up your pack and explore the parks of New York State.

Living in the city you can forget that there is an entire world out there with no roads, cars or subways. No one yelling or dodging taxies. With a short train ride, bus or car you can be whisked away to the mountains. Walking threw the trails where you will enjoy the quietness of nature and learn to appreciate just how wonderful and close these parks are.

There are groups within New York City where individuals who want to get away. One in particular is the New York City Hiking Group found on MeetUp.com As per their web page ,you can now sign up. It a good way to start since they are a social group who take beginners to experts. The hikes are scheduled and easy to follow along as to when they are coming up. Also people within the group will car pool which is great if you do not have a car.

Other avenues can to be to ask around your job or school and see who is interested in hiking. Sometimes you will be surprised to find many coworkers or class mates who are avid hikers. Or if you just enjoy the solitude of the wilderness then by all means go alone, but just let someone know where and when you are going to be safe.

In conclusion hiking can be a great way to escape from the confines of New York City. Bring a friend a family member or join a group to meet new people. Hiking has been beneficial to me and many others who forget that these parks are here for our enjoyment. Don’t let them go to waste. 

Wikipedia Mountain Inn

In my post Bear Mountain Inn, I posted a change to the Wikipedia page named Bear Mountain Hudson Highlands.  If you remember, the edit was made to the page's Events section. So far so good know one has edited the page.

Raising Money for the Semper Fi Fund

In a previous post I mentioned the need for nutrition while training for a triathlon (Twelve Foods To Eat For a Triathlon). The reason I am training for the New York City Triathlon on August third, is that I belong to the Semper Fi Fund Team and am raising money for the Foundations. About the foundation and best be explained here,

The Semper Fi Fund was created by a group of Marine Corps spouses nine years ago, and those same women run the Fund today alongside other spouses from all services branches, retired service members, all of whom intimately know the needs of our military families. We have been by our injured and ill service members' sides from day one, helping them as they navigate lengthy recoveries and rejoin their communities (Semper FI Fund). 

The Semper Fi Fund has helped me recover from injuries,  to show support and thanks, I have decided to raise money and participate on there team. I have included a website where you can donate or pass along to friends and family (NYC TRI ) , or come out to the finish line ( 72^nd Street Transverse mid-park) to support the Marines.

 

Hiking News

Every sport has a news section or website that keeps the public informed. News Discovery has a site where you can receive up to date news about hiking. In this particular link ( http://news.discovery.com/adventure/survival/top-10-survival-tips-every-hiker-should-know-131107.htm ), they have an interesting article about survival tips that every hiker should know.


The list includes everything from what to wear, what to do when you  encounter wild animals, what type of equipment to use and even discusses weather. If your looking for a site that has a wealth information, I would recommend using New Discovery.

Bear Mountian In Video

In earlier post about hiking Bear Mountain, I shared a few photos to give you a better idea of what the trails look like. In the video that is provided shows two people hiking the white and blue trails that leads up to the observation tower on top of Bear Mountain. The video will also give you a better sense of depth to the trail.

If you noticed in the short film the women hiker is using what looks like ski poles, these poles act as a type of  walking stick. The poles are much liter and easier to handle. The poles will also give you better balance, taking some  weight off your back while you go up and down the mountain will help. At the end of the video you will notice the hikers are inside the observation tower located on top of Bear Mountain. Here  you have will have a 360 degree view of the park.