Hackensack River Canoe &
Kayak Club
www.hrckc.org
The Not so Harriman Hike
by
Michele Paradiso
March 12, 2005
Originally, this hike was to explore the Pine Mine Swamp area
[Harriman State Park, NY] where you can still find the tailings of mines from
yesteryear.
The night before, Mother Nature had decided that she did not want to hike, or
perhaps she just wasn’t into mines. With a wave of her hand, she left us a four
inch blanket of snow that would make the hike somewhat unappealing for several
in the group. What was a new trip leader to do? A quick relay of phone calls
made it clear that the group wanted to do something. We had already prepared a
pot luck supper and I had a huge pot of meatballs simmering on the stove.
I remembered a wooded area that I had skied several times with a dear friend.
However, would I be able lead this group safely in and out of the park since I
am known to be directionally challenged? With my map in hand, our party went
forward. We were 3 on skis, 2 on snow shoes and one on crampons. We set out to
explore Beechy Bottom [Bear Mountain State Park, NY] where the remnants of
foundations from the original homesteads could be found scattered beneath the
brush.
The day couldn't be more beautiful. With the sun shining brightly and the
weather just at freezing, we explored the winter flora. We went up, we went
down, we transversed the AT and for some of us, glided into a rhythmic trance.
Four hours later much to my relief, we arrived safely at the parking lot. We
quickly departed for New City where an abundance of pot luck, fellowship and
good cheer was ours to share throughout the evening. Who knew!
Michele