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.