16 February 2009

Hiking The Appalachian Trail

I'm way too much of a wuss to do something like through hike the Appalachian trail. Hell, I've never even gone camping, except for camping for sissies, where someone else sets up your tent and erects your cot and cooks your food. But I've always wanted to to walk over the Bear Mountain Bridge - and it's the spot where the Appalachian Trail crosses the mighty Hudson River.

So that's what we did today. We drove up to the western side of the bridge, parked and walked to mid-span and back. It was glorious - a chilly but perfectly gorgeous day.

Afterwards, we clambered down a trail, over a mini-suspension bridge over the Popolopen Creek and back up the other side to the remains of Fort Montgomery.

But hiking the Appalachian Trail? That was the high point for me.

18 comments:

S said...

i've been there. gorgeous. glad the weather cooperated today.

shrink on the couch said...

a former roommate invited me to accompany her and friend to hike the App Trail. I chickened out after thinking about it for all of 3 seconds. I think I would freak out trying to downsize my "must haves" down to backpack size. Let alone the actual hiking & camping & roughing it. '

I do like to camp, but I'd really like to have someone do my packing.

Anonymous said...

i fantasize about doing the whole trail someday

the mama bird diaries said...

So cool.

Now i feel really lazy on my couch.

flutter said...

sounds gorgeous

Very Mary said...

You are too ambitious for me. Just thinking about being anywhere near the trail and I break out in hives. Camping schamping. Give me a cushy hotel room with plushity robes.

Kyddryn said...

I used to dream of hiking the entire trail from start to finish - alas, the closest I've come is standing on a bit of it in North Adams, Mass. I fear it may be too late for me, but one never knows...perhaps some day I will haul myself along on creaky knees, a doddering, daft old woman on the trail...

Sounds like you had a lovely day.

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

Mental P Mama said...

I would do it if I could stay in a hotel every night and shower. It'd probably take about 3 years;) Love the shot!

rachel... said...

I'm too much of a wuss to even do that! I'm so NOT a camper.

Sounds like a wonderful day!

Kyla said...

Josh is a total outdoorsman. I am totally not. I only camp if there is a cabin, plumbing, and electricity available. I'm willing to part with the Internet in the interest of "roughing it", though.

That sounds lovely, though! Something I could even enjoy.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

It's wonderful to do something you've always wanted to do.

Gwen said...

Good for you, Magpie. I love hiking, as well. I love getting bundled up on a cold but sunny day and immersing myself in nature.

Anonymous said...

I love that bridge. When we drive home from New England I always vote to go out of our way so we can drive over it.

Do you live there and work in the city? Good lord. What do you do? I hope you both love it and are well paid for it, because isn't that a hike? Even by train?

I digress.

Congratulations on hiking the Appalachian Trail. Which is totally what I'd be telling people if I were you.

Mayberry said...

I just like the name "Popolopen." I'm going to be saying that all day.

Stimey said...

Do you know that my secret dream is to one day through-hike the AT? A friend and I hiked part of the trail in college and I badly want to go back and do the whole thing.

painted maypole said...

it's so great to do somthing you've always wanted to do!

Woman in a Window said...

Come on! You know you want to camp! If you can hike the trail and enjoy the beauty you can put up a tent and all the rest. Your daughter would love it!

The Library Lady said...

You're making me homesick for the Hudson. My mom grew up just outside of Peeksill and we spent a fair bit of time in the area when I was Miss M's age.

Long time since I've been to Bear Mountain. High school, I think. Ack!