Hiking

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Links to me and for My Hiking Archive, (hikes in 2006).

07/22/08

Although I've been busy with summer camps since the beginning of this month I did manage a hike into Connetquot River State Park Preserve this past Sunday morning. Not really a hike though - more of a walk, a few miles at best. However, I did get a few photos and while walking a path upon turning a bend, and while in mid stride, I came within about 10 yards of a Vulpes vulpes, the Red Fox. Almost immediately it spotted me, turned around, and sprinted into the underbrush. Not my first sighting but always a welcome surprise, and this specimen looked big, with a nice color to its coat. There were also quite a few birds about and an annoying assortment of flies as well - it was a little before 9 am when I entered the park, and the sky was overcast. Below are a couple photos.

06/26/08

Had the best hiking experience of the year this past Tuesday with an experienced adventurer whom I've known for a comfortable while, but haven't had the opportunity to visit with for some time. We met years back when she asked to learn about bees, and since then I may have gotten the better end of the deal by way of the nature lore she's generously shared. It was a late start as the hundred twenty miles or so to where we were meeting was rife with construction delays on roadways and bridges, and we didn't get into the woods till about 1PM or so. However, We were but minutes into our trek and not yet at our destination, The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, when a short distance in front of my truck a Black Bear Sow with 3 cubs in tow bounded from the undergrowth on the far side of the road onto the tarmac. In a moments time she was aware of us watching, and off she ran full tilt into the forest on the near side with all 3 cubs struggling to keep up. There was no time for a photograph, and there wasn't a suitable place to leave the truck, but I did see her go about fifty yards in and effortlessly scale a tall pine in absolutely no time at all. Now I don't claim to know much about bear. My only experience came while attending nature classes, a long while back, when I was introduced to a little ball of fur and teeth weighing in at about 20 lbs. or so. I thought this bear was huge though, but my friend assured me she was on the tiny side. I sometimes wonder when, if ever, I'll be able to speak from such experience. I thought that this was probably it for the time and we might consider turning back, however, there was so much more to see, and do - not to mention quite a few calories to burn. Once inside the park I was introduced to "Buttermilk Falls", Wow!, not a thundering falls, but from afar the cascading water was very white, and the falls were extremely high; almost all of which we climbed without benefit of trail or path, through brush, around strewn boulders, and over unsteady slabs of shale. Along the way my companion introduced me to crayfish and frogs she found with studied ease. Thankfully I was able to keep with her pace and not appear to be unfamilair with climbing, but I did take the opportunity to photograph as often as I could. After all, that was one of the reasons for the trip. Truthfully though, I had come just to share the company and renew the friendship. And In not too long a time I just might relocate out that way. We unhurriedly soaked in the scent and feel of the forest, marveled at natures disarray, enjoying all the time the textures and color, relaxed upon shale slab and earth floor, marveled at the not too cool water, and even splashed it on to relieve the heat. The descent was exhilarating if uneventful, but fun as well, and we took a slow ride home following a road that was in no hurry to get us to our destination. And the days adventure lingered still as before dinner we strolled along Paulinskill Trail, a reclaimed railroad bed, and crossed a railroad bridge from which my friends son and others jump into the river during summertime fun. There's a beaver lodge on the far side of the river that parallels this trail, and I'm told to walk the length of the trail would be about 26 miles. I'll do just that one day, just as I'll kayak down the adjoining river sometime in late summer, after my summer camps.

06/16/08

Upon answering the phone this past Saturday morning I was asked where we might go for "a nice walk", with the prerequisite it be on level ground - no hilly terrain. As I hadn't been to Hecksher State Park in a while I suggested there, where the salt laden breeze off the bay livens the spirit some. If you're lucky you'll catch a glimmer of a red fox retreating into the woods, and there are the deer that although sometimes are well hidden seem, at other times, almost a nuisance. This days walk was, with the exception of needing to be ever alert to ticks, somewhat uneventful though. Much the same can be said of the arboretum as the spring blush of color is all but gone and, although certainly not drab, ones interest is more directed to the different textures and shades of the wide variety of arborescent flora on display. However, while relaxing in Adirondack chairs, on the great lawn, an Osprey found the tree that was providing us some welcome shade to its' liking and settled onto a limb directly above us. Shortly after what was probably its mate joined the first and seemed to beg to have their picture taken. I couldn't resist the opportunity.

06/16/08

Many of you are aware that I'm a beekeeper and this entry is about my bees. The day after my return from a recent vacation it rained, and if bees feel the need to swarm they very often will do so after a spring rain. So, it came as no surprise when, early the morning after my return, I heard the familiar sound of beating wings increasing in volume. Sure enough when I looked to find the sounds origin there were, all of a sudden, bees flying everywhere, thousands of them. It lasted but a few minutes, until the swarm gathered on the branch of a convenient Maple tree close by, and it wasn't long before I set in motion a plan to retrieve them - they were after all mine (most beekeepers are very possessive of their bees), and install them in a new hive. Eventually I did hive them, however, the limb they had chosen for their bivouac was somewhat inaccessible, and required considerable tree trimming.

An emerging swarm is truly a sight to be seen and heard, and can be, usually is, somewhat frightening to the uninitiated. However, recently swarmed honeybees (other than the Africanized version) are quite docile, and only interested in protecting their queen and seeking out a new home.

What enticed me to report this is that honeybees have been dying in large numbers, and years ago I decided to not use any medications on my bees. I've been concerned for their welfare, and bothered them not at all for the last few years, leaving them to their own designs. What a welcome surprise to find they were so healthy and their numbers had grown so that not only did a primary swarm come from this hive, but a secondary and a tertiary as well. The second swarm was gone before I had the opportunity to gather it, but I was successful with acquiring the third, and quite happy about the entire episode.

Can't wait to observe what becomes of them. I hope you enjoy the photos I took, and if you've an interest visit my bee pages at my other site N8ture.com,.

05/14/08

Today, Wednesday, my friends Tony and Joan, and I, headed out to Blydenburgh County Park which is on the east side of Veterans Memorial Highway, in Smithtown, across from the H. Lee Dennison building. The plan was to complete a walk around Stump Pond that Tony and I had started on Monday. The literature states the pond is 167 acres and the walk around it is 5 or 7 miles depending on which trail you choose. This being our first trip in the park we did a three and a half hour hike and I'm sure we exceeded the longer of the two distances as we meandered a bit, even exiting the park prematurely and skirting its boundary by Croft Road for a while. There were no maps of the park and the trail markers left much to be desired, but still it was a fun hike, and the weather couldn't have been better. However, I'd definitely call it a lake and not a pond as it is truly enormous. There's much to view here as well. There are hills, woodlands comprised of oak, hickory, tupelo and white pine, and, of course wetlands.

Blydenburgh

05/14/08 This past Saturday, the 10th. of May, I was reminded, by my friend Liz, there would be a fine art exhibit at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. I attended the exhibit and was quite impressed with the photographs of Brian Stone of Brooklyn. For a glimpse of his work you might visit his website. I like to think we may view art photography similarly. While at the arboretum I took the opportunity to visit a few favorite spots and take some photos of my own. And although I wouldn't classify this as a hike I did stroll about for an hour or so. B.C.A.       05/11/08               -----------              Happy Mothers' Day              --------- This has been a busy week. Sunday started it off with a 3.5 mile walk through The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, in Shirley. There's really only one trail to follow though. You can choose to walk the entire loop which is 3 miles or cut it short at the half way point. The trail is well kept and level, and this time of year I've found the park to be quiet and calming, though with little wildlife to be seen. On monday my hiking pal Tony and I headed north to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, in Smithtown, where there is just about everything you could want from nature: Freshwater wetlands, ponds, upland woods and streams, and the opportunity to hike, fish, bike, cross-country ski and horseback ride. About 3 hours of hiking and photographing was just enough to tease though, so I'm determined to return very soon. This is the same park I've written about in my kayaking journal. The Nissequogue Rivers' source is in the Park from where we begin our semiannual river clean-up. Almost at the other side of the world is Manhattan, and Tuesday was a perfect day for a ride into the city so I hopped an off peak train from Sayville and spent a few hours walking the streets of The Big Apple. Each time I visit the city I walk a different route. This time I went through Gramercy on the east side, down to the Williamsburg bridge, which spans the East River. For some reason I felt the need to walk the bridge, which I did, and was very surprised with the amount of foot and bicycle traffic, in addition to subway and car/truck traffic. From there, at Delancey St., I walked to the west side, through the village, and then north, back toward Pennsylvania Station for the ride back home. How many miles traveled, I haven't a clue. Wertheim     Caleb Smith     Manhattan, N.Y.C.     05/02/08 A friend recently asked what it was I did that kept me so busy, and I wasn't able to provide a satisfactory answer. Much of my time is taken by thinking. Someone once suggested I just thought too much, however, when my dad was alive he and I would talk about such things, and, after I had mentioned how quickly time seemed to pass he, being 30 years my senior, said "if you think it goes quickly now, just wait until you reach my age". I suppose that is the way of things. I mention time as I've let much pass since my last entry, and I've been quite busy: this past week recuperating from the prior week when I had charge of a dozen young people, 10 boys and 2 girls ranging in age from 8 to 11. It was my Discovery Camp, at the Islip Grange, in Sayville. If you've an interest in what we did at camp then click here. Since my last entry I've had other adventures as well: I visited the lake by the Oakdale merge, for a photo shoot, as well as the Connequot River, Suffolk County Parks entrance by Timberpoint, in Great River, and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum just next door, entrance off 25a. Upper Yaphank Lake, and Prosser Pines County Park. Oakdale Merge     Camp photos taken by children, a bleached tree, and remains of a predator kill - with childs shadow     Lower Yaphank and Prosser Pines   04/03/08 Last week even though the weather wasn't especially good we did manage to get in a couple walks, but just to places close by. On Thursday, as mentioned below, we walked through Bayard Cutting Arboretum, and the day was cool with a little drizzle at times. Our walk was leisurely and we stopped occasionally to capture a little of nature. As yet there's very little color, but everywhere we noticed buds just a smidgen away from bursting. An absolute plus for visiting this park is the cafe situated in the main building, and after our walk we enjoyed tea and a snack there. On Friday we did what's become a customary walk through Hecksher State Park. Each time there though we vary the route taken and find ourselves surprised by the different scenery. Saturday we traveled to Caleb Smith State Park, and, attired in wet suits we participated in our yearly Spring clean-up of the upper Nissequogue River. I've written about it on the kayaking page. Bayard Cutting Arboretum     Heckscher State Park     Upper Nissequogue River     04/01/08 Continuing with the catch-up phase of this journal, Six days later I was in Manhattan, having taken the L.I.R.R., and walked from 34th. St., and 7th. Ave. to 10th. Ave. then over to 55th. St., where I took this photo. From there I walked further north toward the park, and along the way took this photo of the Hearst Magazine building. Needless to say each direction one faces in Manhattan there is something new to marvel at, such as this recent architectural addition, the Time Warner Building that stands out at the southwest side of Columbus Circle. Directly opposite at the northeast side is the entrance to Manhattan's famed Central Park where, although not evident by my photos, and due to the pleasant temperature of the day, people were everywhere. I intended but a very short walk through the park as it was getting late, but I did stop briefly to watch a couple negotiate the fare for a ride on a Hansom Cab, and from this point, leaving the park for another day, I strolled, leisurely, south to my homeward bound L.I.R.R. train. 04/01/08 Since my last entry I've learned an important lesson, the longer the time between entries the more difficult it is to catch up. I've been too busy, having been to Red Hook (on the southwest side of Brooklyn), and Brooklyn Heights (on the northwest side of the borough). During this same time period I also ventured into Manhattan for a photo shoot, hiked Heckscher State Park with my friend Liz and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum with my friend Marie. I also joined Liz and others on a clean-up of the upper Nissequogue River in Smithtown which I've dutifully recorded in the Kayaking Journal here. My trek started on Thursday, the twentieth. Venturing into Brooklyn I met up with Brian and Andrew (a brother and cousin who are also two of my hiking buddies). Our first stop was along Shore Parkway for a photo shoot by the Verazanno Narrows with the bridge of the same name. The Narrows are where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's an area south of where the East River merged with the Hudson by Manhattan's Battery Park, and where the river is squeezed between Staten Island on one side and Brooklyn on the other (with Liberty Is., Governor's Is., and a couple small Islands in between). Our next stop was in Red Hook where my great grandfather had a tailor shop. We stopped to purchase lunch at the Fairway Market which is an integral part of the renaissance of Red Hook, and the market is so huge it has got to be seen to be appreciated. The view of the Hudson, from where we ate lunch at the market, is superb. After our repast we drove north, through neighborhoods that conjured up many memories, till we reached the Heights where I captured this photo of a ferry approaching its terminal, and this one from the promenade by Montague St.   03/13/08 Time, it seems, goes by pretty fast. Well, at least it does for me. So far this month I've hiked the Greenbelt Trail north, on the west side of the Nissequogue River, through the County and then the State park across the hills and along the beach to the Smithtown ramps. I've taken photos along south shore beaches, and hiked around the San Souci Lakes that mark the divide between Sayville and Bayport. And yesterday, while in Brooklyn, I first stopped at the Marine Park Nature Center then met up with family. Together we took a short ride, and walked along beaches that are part of the Federal Reserve of Fort Tilden. Still, I've plans for a hike by Sunken Meadow and another on Nassau's north shore later in the month. This entry is a catch up for me as I've been too many places and devoted too little time to record them here. Last week I, and my hiking buddy Tony, hiked a good two hours along the trail that begins on the north side of the Smithtown Landing Country Club parking lot (off Landing Ave. in Smithtown). You're sure to notice a sign there declaring the path to be part of the Greenbelt Trail. The trail follows the Nissequogue River north and meanders through Arthur H. Kunz County park where there are ample opportunities for taking photos as there are views of the river and access to the shore. There's some nice exercise to be had traversing the low hills too and even an erratic or two to be seen. Between the northern most end of the park and the Nissequogue River State Park is a family neighborhood with a children's park and some tables and benches where one may stop to enjoy a brown bag lunch. This trail is a favorite of mine as I've taken many science classes on nature tours here. The photos below are of recent adventures. Nissequogue River State Park Sayville and San Souci   03/04/08 February, my favorite month, as I'm a pisces, ended with a trip to the city. ArtExpo, held at the Javits Center on the west side of mid Manhattan has become one of my favorite trips. And it qualifies as a hike as once I'm in the city I can't help but walk around a bit, often for miles. I made the trip by L.I.R.R. on Sunday, alone, and again on Monday with my friend Liz of Flowers by Liz. I've mentioned the ArtExpo before so I'll only say if you've the slightest interest in art then you don't know what you're missing if you haven't attended the expo. I'm very much interested in photography, and other forms of art as is Liz, and I was able to appreciate more from her added perspective. The weather was nearly perfect for walking in the city on both days, Monday being the better of the two though. On Sunday the sky was very clear and I wondered if I might, towards evening, be able to capture something different through the lens of my camera. Upon arrival at Penn. Station I walked to the west side, and 35th. St., from 7th ave. to the Javits Center, and an additional 2 hours viewing all the displays. After that I walked a square, going north about 10 blocks, then east to 8th. Ave., south to 34th. St. then west, back to between 10th. and 11th. Ave. With the sun going down and the days warmth being replaced by a chill aided by a strong wind I considered heading home. But then I saw what just might have been a reward for staying longer than originally anticipated. Being very satisfied with the days accomplishments I headed home only to realize the railroad was on weekend schedule and I had an additional hours wait for a train going east. However, there's much walking to do in the underground that is Penn. Station. Most of my walks/hikes in the past couple years have been in Suffolk County, a few in N.Y.C. (mainly Brooklyn and Manhattan), and I've covered quite a few parks, preserves and beaches from Montauk Point to Babylon. However, I've been neglecting much of Nassau County, and the three other boroughs of the city. Well, with the new year comes new directions and my first foray, on the island, past route 110. A short while ago I enticed a couple friends to join me on a trip to the Muttontown Preserve. It's been at least a few years since my last visit here and for no reason at all the thought of revisiting the ruins of King Zog's Mansion became something I needed to do. The preserve proper is located off Muttontown Rd. in East Norwich, and although it sounds like somewhere in Connecticut it's just a little west of where route 106 north from the L.I.E. reaches Muttontown Rd. The preserve is Nassau's largest, comprising 550 acres of fields, woodlands, ponds, and the grounds from two former estates (one being the ruins of King Zog's), and several miles of nature trails too. If you'd like to concentrate your visit on the area of the ruins then parking off the west side of 106 North, at the equestrian parking lot is best. It was raining while we were here and parts of a few of the trails were flooded, which made the day that much more interesting as I love the rain. Below are a few photos from our visit. 02/16/08 A couple journal entries below I mentioned it hadn't snowed yet. Well, I'm sure most of my readers are aware this week it finally did - the first snow of the new year, and what a meager snow it was too; just a couple inches, and it was gone the next morning a result of the 2.5 inches of rain that followed it. However, while on the PC, tweaking one of my websites, I happened to glance out the window at about 5 P.M. or so and noticed it coming down. Not wanting to miss out on an opportunity I quickly gathered up my equipment and was out the door in a flash, intent on photographing what may be the only snow we see before Spring. I sprinted over to the park and was pleased to see some children sledding down one of the gentle slopes, their parents watching from a short distance. I've noticed, in the past, how quickly some people arrive with children and sleds to take advantage of the fun to be had. Below are a few images recording the rare event - all taken at the Broadway Ave.Grange in Sayville (off Montauk Highway). 02/09/08 Just a little late in getting this hike posted. The other day I gathered a couple friends to join me hiking through Wildwood State Park where there are about 600 acres of hardwood forest with marked trails for hiking. With disregard of my inherent fear of heights my favorite trail skirts the high bluff that overlooks Long Island Sound, and in some places the path is quite close to the edge or, as a result of erosion, even missing. The day was bright, but rather cold, with the wind coming out of the west, and we had decided to walk along the bluff to enjoy the view of the shore bathed by the late morning sun. However, the beach looked so inviting we descended by virtue of a relatively uncluttered cut, and enjoyed the wind at our backs as we walked the entire beach, occasionally stooping to retrieve a glistening piece of sea glass and to capture a few moments on photographs - also to pick myself up after having slipped on the ice that seems integral to the ubiquitous stones that litter the sandy shore. Haphazardly placed amongst the stones of our north shore beaches there are also rather imposing glacial erratics to be seen here as well. Upon reaching the beaches eastern limit we found a welcome path leading up again to the trail on the bluff. We walked that trail awhile marveling at how the beach looked from so far above, but due to the harsh wind facing us head on we turned off to a kinder trail that led us through the somewhat warmer (and less windy) forest back to our starting point. Altogether we enjoyed about two and a half hours in the park, however, a serious hiker could complete it in much less time. 01/30/08 How very quickly the days fly by. We're well into 2008 already and what a surprising season it's been. Has there been any snow yet, I think not. I've been slow with resuming this notebook as my dad, at 91, died this past month. He had a long life and went easily. And so, the seasons continue, and it's back to recording the offerings of our natural world. I have been visiting the local spots such as the San Souci Lakes. I've written about this area in the past and as I live close by it's one of my favorite walks. They, the lakes - ponds actually, are part of the nature preserve in Sayville accessible off the east side of Broadway Ave. just south of Sunrise and near the fire department (just a small cutout with barely room for one vehicle to park). Another entrance is located where Old Broadway and Ronald Lane meet. There are meandering uncared for trails, and you've got to be watchful for the errant young person riding an illegal atv, however, it's a pleasant piece of nature bounding the wet area at it's extreme eastern end. The arboretum (Bayard Cutting) is close by, as is Hechsher and Connequot, State parks, and the small parkland just west of the Oakdale merge. Recently a friend and I walked from Bayport into Sayville's business district, on Main St. where there are uniquely upscale, and novel shops to explore. However, not my cup of tea, and after downing one of those teas, from a local coffee shop, we were off on the return trip; this time meandering south past the marina and along the short, shore area. I'm rarely without camera when on a walk and recent purchases of my photos has done much to encourage me. Below are some I've taken recently. 1/30/08 Photos from Sayville, W. Sayville and Oakdale. The natural beauty that is Long Island is everywhere, in any direction you choose to look. So for this journal entry, the last of 2007, I've decided to use photos exclusively, from a variety of nature areas throughout Suffolk County. I hope you'll enjoy viewing them as much as I did taking them.