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.

Safety First

Safety, Safety, Safety can not be expressed enough when it comes to hiking. I listed a few tips before you head out on your hike to avoid potential injury or death.

1. Plan your rout.
2. Tell a Friend or Park ranger what area you will be hiking.
3. Carry a first aid kit.
4. Always have plenty of water.
5. Know where shelter is on your rout.

These small but important issues before you begin any hike should always be addressed. Your  planning should encompass all aspects of your trip. These steps are just a few important ones that I like to think about before my adventures. Stay safe.

Millbrook Mountain

For the 4th of July celebration I will be heading out to Millbrook Mountain located near Kerhonkson, New York. According to All Trails web site the hike is roughly two and a half hours away, with a distance of 4.7 mile loop (http://alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/millbrook-mountain). One of the more attractive points in this particular hike for me is that Lake Minnewaska is along the trail, which means you can swim after a long hike. But if swimming is not what you had in mind the views alone are spectacular. Once complete this hike I will take more pictures to show the full feel of the trail.

Using Good Form While Hiking

When hiking, you should use good form and technics in order to prevent injury. When hiking people have a tendency to lean forward when walking uphill and lean backward when walking downhill. By doing so you will put a lot of strain on your back. Some useful techniques to remember while you’re hiking the trail is to have good posture and form. Be as upright as possible while on mild or moderate hills. With a steep decline you may require to lean ever so slightly, but be aware of how much weight is on your heels, which could cause your feet to slip out from under you. While walking up an incline, push upward and forward with your toes, while pumping your arms like a piston to propel your momentum upwards. For hiking downhill, relax your knees a little bit to allow them to absorb some of the impact.

If you have some stairs or a hill in your area, I’d suggest practicing before you go on a long hike. Don’t load your pack, but instead put just a little weight to get the feeling. Also wearing your hiking boots while practicing is also good idea since they are your foot wear of choice on the trail.

Real Estate Agents Are Useless

Not to offend rental real estate agents, but I believe I will with this particular post. I have a hard time understanding what a rental real estate agent actually does besides taking a phone call, opening a door, and printing out a generic contract. When I have done half the work by finding the listing, calling an agent and showing up to the rental. How does this warrant 10% of an annual rent? It doesn’t and should be outlawed. This isn’t to say a rental real estate agent shouldn’t be paid for their time, but the compensation should fit the position.

My idea is when the day will come where technology will supersede the agent. People will no longer have to haggle with an agent like one haggles with a used car sales person. Imagine a virtual app that will give you directions to the home, unlock the door for you and give you an audio tour. I sure can, this will cut agents out and probably lower the coast of the home, since agents over price homes to make the most money for themselves.

Twelve Foods To Eat For a Triathlon

Later this year I agreed to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund, a none profit organization that helps wounded, ill or injured Marines recover, and run in the New York City triathlon. I started my training by engineering a healthy diet plan that would give me enough energy and allow me to train as hard as can without feeling tired. I came across a particular diet in the Magazine called  Men's Health, but made a few changes to the list and combinations.

Food List

1. Irish Steal Cut Oats.
2. Eggs
3. Quinoa
4. Chicken
5. Sauerkraut
6. Steak
7. Sweat potatoes
8. Cottage Cheese
9. Blue Berries
10. Walnuts 
11. Almond Milk or Coconut milk
12. Whey protein

Moring

•  Irish steal cut oats ( Make sure to follow how to cook these. You will have to leave over night in fridge for them to be edible).
• One or two eggs. ( Boil or pan, doesn't matter)

Snack

• Milk and whey protein  ( I do this to get my protein and actually its a great treat )

Lunch

• 1) Grilled Chicken
• Sauerkraut ( I know weird but its low calorie and tasty)
•  Quinoa 

 Snack

• Milk (can be Almond or Soy) and whey protein

Dinner

• Steak (I just get a skirt or flank steak nothing to crazy and put some A1 souse on it) 
• Sweat Potatoes ( I bake them with some olive oil)

Late night snack

• Mix the cottage cheese with blue berries and walnuts.

Feel free to make changes to this particular diet with foods you enjoy. Keep in mind not to add to much but can substitute meat or chick for fish.  The diet is a high protein with low carbs diet. I have lost about ten pounds since I started my training and have more energy then before. Also Booze isn't mentioned here because if your training for an event you shouldn't be drinking.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge during the weekend is like standing online at Six Flags adventure park. I suggest if you need to scratch walking over the bridge from your bucket list, to go during the morning on a weekday.

Hiking Socks

Wearing the right pair of socks, while hiking, is just as important as the boots you use. Without a proper sock to protect your feet you will surely succumb to blisters that can ruin a hike. I suggest using a sock made of the material called merino wool. It will provide cushion, naturally wicks moisture, doesn’t smell, provides warmth in the cold, and helps keep feet cool in the heat. So when you’re looking at what socks to buy keep in mind merino wool.

Bear Mountian Inn

I found myself becoming more interested in finding out about Bear Mountain and what the park has to offer besides trails. I found that the park has a large Inn that was built in 1915. I searched on Wikipedia for more information but only found a short history of the park. I added the Bear Mountain Inn to better keep people informed of what the park has to offer.  

Bear Mountain Inn, was established in 1915, within the center of the park. The Inn is of an early rustic-style lodge. Bear Mountain Inn can still to this day be reserved for occupancy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_Mountain_(Hudson_Highlands)#Historic_events

The park as I've mentioned is a quick ride from New York City and features a beautiful rustic lodge to stay in while you seek out adventure in the surrounding areas.

Stretching

An important technique before you should partake in any activity is of course stretching. Without stretching before an activity your body will be susceptible to injuries. I myself am never stretched before a strenuous activity and am suffering because of it.

Just fifteen minutes a day can be spent stretching and will help your overall health. A few stretches I have found on the Whole Body Stretching Routines web page can be a good start, (http://www.sportsscience.co/flexibility/whole-body-stretching-routine/). I've also found that watching "Youtube" videos on how to stretch can be visually better because you can see the movements instead of having to imagine them. One set of videos  on "Youube" are by a man named Mathew Rosenberge. Mr. Rosenberge more informative video is of himself instructing for fifteen minutes as he performs multiple stretches, and can be found at, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6kADa5Gtzw). Also Mr. Rosenberge has several other videos that are just as informative. If you spend at least fifteen minutes a day stretching and warming up your over all chances of being healthier are improved.

The Town of Oyster Bay

 I traveled to Oyster Bay, New York this weekend to ride my bike because it has hills. Oyster Bay is a quiet town on the north shore of Long Island and is accessible by taking the Long Island Rail Road from New York City. The town itself is quaint, with small shops and restaurants to visit. These restaurants are located down along East Maine St. The beach can be found close by and is unique because it sits in a cove that is separated from the Long Island Sound, which is a calmer and warmer body of water to swim in. The beaches are accessible and usually not crowded, with lots of fun activities, to include volleyball, basketball and of course laying on a lawn chair watching the tide role in and out. I would highly recommend a morning trip here since the town is so close and easy to get to from New York City. 

More Bikes, Less Cars

I believe that more bikes and less cars would make for a healthier and cleaner way of life. Previously I posted about a short bike ride I took to Red Hook, Brooklyn. I mentioned that the Citi bike program, where you can rent a bike at designated stations throughout New York City, is an easy and convenient means of transportation. The Citi bike program is a way for New York City to be healthier and happier. 

With less cars on the road, we will see a decrease in pollution, stress, noise and deaths. I have no doubt  that vehicles cause pollution, less vehicles means less intoxicating fumes our lungs breath in on a daily basis. The stress levels of New Yorkers is always intensified by driving. Sitting in four to five hours of traffic to go ten miles will stress anyone out, especially if it is a daily commute. Less cars means less sound. Imagine the sound of no traffic horns or engines roaring down your street? As for deaths, motorist hit pedestrians everyday, a decrease in vehicles is a decrease in deaths. 

New York City is a good place to start when thinking about decreasing the number of vehicles. Not every person can ride a bike and this is why New York City will work because of the City's transportation system in place. With trains, bio fueled busses and bikes we will see a happier and healthier New York.

A Short Ride With Views

Today I headed out for a bike ride before the storm came. I am using a brand bike called, Specialized,  that was fairly cheep and rides great for the area. If you don't have a bike I would suggest the Citi bike programs that are located throughout New York City. I would also suggest that you come to the Brooklyn Heights area to rent them. Here you can find plenty of bike paths and less traffic to deal with. I believe you can find one right outside the 2 or 3 subway line stop called Clark Street, it is the first stop on the red line out of Manhattan.

Heading down towards the water front on Clark Street, you will find a beautiful bike path that will take you along Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and some of Carroll Gardens. The path has plenty of areas to stop for rest that will have small food vendors and plenty of water fountains if you run out of water. I ended up riding down to a part of Brooklyn called Red Hook, which you can get to from the bike path. If you follow Columbia St. south, you will come to Degraw Street, here you can make a right, following as the Degraw Street curves it will become Van Brunt Street, here it lead's you down to Red Hook, Brooklyn. I noticed a Fairway market, where they have a cafeteria. I stopped in for a snack and rested on some tables the market has set up outside.

 I ended up bringing my camera for some photos. I found that the area of Red Hook is filled with many scenic views of the Statue of Liberty, downtown Manhattan and some old buildings. With minimal effort I was able to travel to a part of Brooklyn, using my bike for what ended up being a perfect day.

Packs For Hiking

I mentioned in a previous post at, Morning Trip to Bear Mountain, about a  pack I used for an easy day trip. Here's the pack I used on the day of this particular hike. I bought the military style pack from 5.11 gear's web site (http://www.511tactical.com/bags-packs.html). I believe that the pack good if you're only going for more then a few quick day trips a year. This is only a suggestion to give someone a better idea of what packs can be used.

Morning Trip to Bear Mountain

Hello everyone, this will be my first post towards finding small adventures in or near New York City. I started the blog for one main reason, that is since my military service has left me with some bad joints (knee, hip and back problems), I've had to find alternate means of exercise. I have found biking and hiking helped me recover with minimal the least amount destruction to my body that say running could do. You might be asking yourself, where does one hike or bike around New York City? I have found some easy adventures that will take minimal effort that anyone should be able to do. Some adventures might just be walking outside to  take a stroll, which can be fun since you may end up in a new area you might not have ever explored. Others will be more in depth, which will take more effort in preparing for.

Our first adventure takes place on Saturday, myself, along with a few friends, decided that we wanted to go hiking. The closest trail I could think of is located in, Bear Mountain State Park, only 36 miles away. If you take the, George Washington Bridge to the Palisades Interstate Parkway North, you will come across the park fairly quickly. From here we parked at Anthony Wayne recreation area. Before we could set out on our hike, the first item on is to check our gear. Here are a few items to bring along.

1) Back pack(does not have to be fancy, school bag is fine),
2) Water,(about 2 two liters will suffice for a 3 hour hike, unless you need more).
3) Some snacks, (best is a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, they are packed with energy and are simple).
4) Camera (cell phone will do)
5) Map of the park, (Which can be found at an Easter Mountain or REI here in New York City.Also you on your drive up the Palisades parkway you will come across a gift shop that is right before your exit and they sell plenty of maps, plus the bathroom is clean and is should be used before your hike).
6) Good set of boots (in dry weather and taking the easy trails sneakers will be OK).
7) Bug spray and a first Aid Kit ( you never know).
Most of the listed items can should be found around your home, and if not then always ask a friend if they have any hiking gear you can borrow.

The trail I suggest is the, white trail, which is easily marked on trees and rocks, with white paint in the form of a square. The white trail will lead you to West Shelter mountain(See Pictures.) but you will have to travel up to the blue and gold trail which then breaks off to reveal a shelter on the west side of the West mountain. Here you can see a beautiful landscape of the Hudson river,with a back drop of mountains and if you look close you can even see New York City's sky line.

 This is a nice area to take a break. The hike only takes about three to four hours round trip, a fairly quick hike. I think the trail is about seven  miles all together. If you get a chance to explore this area of New York I highly suggest that you do so. Its free and the quietness of the park cant be beat. Enjoy your hike.

Pictures of the hike for a better idea of what the trail looks like. Fourth picture down you can see New York City, which gives you a clear picture of how close these trails really are.