ThisTrek.com

Yesterday we left the HoJo’s in North Platte Nebraska, and then had lunch (upon recommendation of Missy & Dave) at the A&W.  We tried the fried cheese curds… and they are things of evil.  Great to try once… but not something you want to make a habit of.  Yum.

We took to the road and got through the rest of Nebraska, and most of Wyoming.  From perfectly flat, to amazing rock formations in every direction.  It was amazing.  I don’t think the photos will do it justice.  It’s just something you’d have to see in person.

Last night we stopped and had “breakfast” at the TA rest area at a restaurant called “Fork in the Road”  I ordered the buscuits & gravy, and Shaman had the hash.  It was ok…  not like southern biscuits and gravy… but Shaman said the hash was good.

After that we drove 25 miles to Evanston where we decided to rest at the Hojo’s here… wher I am writing from now.

Today, when we take to the road, we’ll be hitting Utah and Nevada.  I can’t wait.

It’s been an emotional week to say the least.  Of course when you decide to sell most of what you own, and pack the rest into a van and a uhaul then head out west, that’s to be expected.

Our goal is to drive from NY to CA where Shaman will be taking some classes.  Originally we were supposed to be to Cali by the 6th, and since that was yesterday… you could say we are a little behind schedule.  That’s ok though… because we are not in a big rush.

Day 1 was pretty uneventful… we drove from our home for the last time with me crying my eyes out, which has become a daily ritual.  Not always due to sadness… just change.  I didn’t realize how much I had come to depend on a routine.  That is bad, and that is one of the things that I plan on changing about myself.

Our first stop was supposed to be in Michigan where we have family, but due to a late start, we ended stopping just outside of Cleveland at a Red Roof Inn for the night.  We chose the RRI because it was a pet friendly hotel.  The first hotel we stopped at was called “Best Value Inn America” - they wanted $60 for a room with one bed, and then $20 per pet… come on.   Red Roof only charged us $60 for a really nice room with 2 beds for 2 people and 2 pets… Nice!

After catching some Z’s we started to make our way to Michigan.  We arrived at our destination at around 5pm.  It was wonderful to see some family (Missy, Dave, Xavier, Zophia and a variety of pets)  They served us dinner and gave us a place to stay for the night.   When we were leaving, we decided to leave our long time pet Luna, an Indian Ringneck Parrot with Missy and family.  The kids simply adored the bird, and we felt that with what we were planning, it would be in Luna’s best interest to stay with a family rather than be a road pet.

We cried for a while, and it was very sad for both of us because Luna had been in our family for 9 years… and still is… which makes it a little bit easier.   We can go and visit whenever we want, and check in daily if we desire.  It’s much better than giving him to strangers… which was something we previously discussed.

Our cat Indigo is still with us.  He rides between us in the van, and sleeps most of the time.  When we stay in hotels… he is a terror all night long… nothing new.

After leaving Missy & Dave’s we made our way back through Michigan, and met up with i80 and drove through Illinois and stopped at the World’s largest truck stop, the Iowa 80… which is where we are now.  The Econolodge I am writing from has free WIFI and is also pet friendly.

In an hour or so, we will be hitting the road again… hoping the current storms stay far, far away.

I have been talking to my family every day on the trackfone we picked up… thankfully… because I miss them very much already.

I will check in soon.  Peace.

It turned out to be a perfect day by the river…  here are the photos from our Jet Ski/Picnic excursion at the Marina in Stillwater next to Admiral’s Bar/Pub.

I changed the setting on my camera, so the photos turned out to be smaller than usual… to view the full size picture - click on the thumbnail below, and then again on the smaller photo that you are taken to… that will bring you to the original photo size.

Enjoy

I have become obsessed with trails, and finding new ones to explore.  For quite some time now I have wanted to explore the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. 

Yesterday, Shaman and I took a bike ride from the Blatnik Park in Niskayuna to the Colonie Town Line.  It was a beautiful ride with amazing views.  The best part is that there is a asphalt trail… but it runs along side grassy paths… which, as we’ve come to know, is a lot easier to walk on than asphalt.

My bike isn’t really designed for trail riding, she’s only got 3 speeds… and to top it off, she’s more of a designer bike.  Not really functional.  (see photo)  Shaman, on the other hand, has an on/off road bike with 21 speeds… so taking hills etc was a lot easier for her.  I had to work twice as hard because of my bike.

I cannot wait to walk this trail… essentially what we’d like to do, is get dropped off at the Colonie Town Park, and then hike the trail.  We saw some amazing wildlife including different varieties of butterfly, and baby red squirrel.

 I’m trying to decide whether to start out with my sneakers or hiking boots… need to think.

We picked up a new pedometer today since our cat Indigo used our last one as a plaything… needless to say - it broke!  The new one is a TIMEX Step Distance Calorie Pedometer (see right) .

It was around $20, and was a lot more simple than the last one… but I think I like this one better… and it seemed a lot more accurate.

We tested it with a short hike around the Albany Pine Bush (red trail - white trail - red trail.  When we got back to the car the pedometer read 4.21 miles… Should be 4.5, but we’re chalking it up to an inaccurate stride.

My legs were really sore today… we hiked/walked a lot last week and then took a few days off.  Never again. 

Shaman wanted to hike the Plotter Kill… but I just wasn’t feeling it today.  I am eager to do the RT-5 walk from Schenectady to Albany…  so I wanted to do that.  Shaman really wanted to immerse herself into nature, so we compromised on the Pine Bush.  I notice, right after it rains, the sands become easier to walk on

It’s been raining for days, so I was expecting the trails to be a lot worse.  The day started out drab, but it really started to heat up once we were on the trail.  After a while it was down-right hot.  I did a lot of sweating, but I was anxious to log some miles.

Overall, thistrek hurt.

So I purchased some great wicking gear from SmallFart (you may know it as SprawlMart or something similar). And after breaking in my Asolo Stynger GTX Boots (about 50 miles or so on them now) and a couple pair of Eddie Bauer Convertible hiking pants. I have to say that no one should go trail hiking with out the proper gear. I am amazed at the difference proper gear makes in the comfort and in the end the total miles I can walk.

I grew up on a mountain top and hiked many miles in the many acres surrounding my family’s property. Sometimes hiking ten or more hours a day in shorts or jeans, a cotton tee shirt or tank top and sneakers. We never thought of proper gear on the hill, but man I wish I had this when I played sports in high school. I just might have been able to run that 7 or 8 minute mile. Well, maybe not. I’m a born hiker with a natural sense of direction and Special relationship with Nature.

But first a public service announcement ~

Of course you should always consult a doctor or other health care professional before any significant lifestyle change including change in diet or activity level and even taking over the counter medications and herbal or dietary supplements especially if you are unhealthy or significantly overweight. Those who have some form of health insurance have no excuse not to go. So go if you can and if you can’t then try and go anyway.

Now on to the gear guide ~

I feel that proper gear is NOT OPTIONAL when doing any kind of trail hiking in the woods. The reasons are many but suffice it to say I think that the average person in the U.S. is sufficiently inept in natural surroundings that this gear may just save their lives. If you think that is an understatement continue reading. However there are still affordable ways to get gear and you don’t need to buy everything at once. But you do need to prioritize and what follows is what I think is most important to have and why. We did not always go with the cheapest option available but tried to get the best bang for our buck in most cases. This is especially important if you are overweight and/or in poor shape when you start hiking.

First, and most important is proper socks and sock liners. I know it seems socks don’t matter or sock liners are unnecessary. What’s all this business about liners anyway??? But these two pieces of gear can greatly reduce the amount of hiking you can do at any one time and the enjoyment and productivity of any hike at any time.

Proper socks include moisture wicking capabilities and build in support in the arch and a seam on top of the toes (reinforced heal and toe with cushioning are always a plus too). They can be made of any material with these qualities. My personal preference is a wool poly blend warmth and wicking all in one.

Light, medium and heavy weight socks are required for four season hiking and most thru hikes due to elevation changes. Light and medium weight should be purchased by all in all climates as medium weight socks may be more comfortable even in 90F/32C degree heat. One pair of either light and medium or medium and heavy weight starting with those you will be needing for the current season you will be hiking in. That way if you start hiking in July, like we did, you won’t be spending money on heavy weight socks until October or later. Two pair of each should be bought for thru hiking or long distance backpacking rotated in a bounce box as necessary.

Sock liners : First let me be honest and say that I thought sock liners were unnecessary and a little over the top. Then I decided, after having suffered two of the worst blisters I have ever suffered through in my life while breaking in a new pair of work boots this spring, that anything that could help prevent a blister like that was worth the 5 bucks. So I bought a pair for each of us. These were on sale as well and I think they were about $8 a pair. I still think that’s a steal for the comfort and fit they provide me.

I have to say they do a great job of reducing heat buildup and pull the moisture away from your skin even when they’re soaked really quite amazing. They also offer support of the lower leg helping to reduce swelling, and there is absolutely no rubbing or chaffing. They really do offer blister prevention during the break in period of my boots on my day hikes. If they are less effective on a longer trail I will be sure to post. But as it stands right now they are a must have item. Two pair of these and up to four if you can afford it and that’s just for day hikes. You can be sure that we’ll go through many pair on a long distance thru hike. These should probably be added to mail drops along the way.

The right socks and liners can keep you walking and hiking pain free and in relative comfort. They can keep a good hike from going bad from a blister that won’t quit and help keep feet cool, dry and comfy. And a a pre-hike coat of anti-fungal creme does wonders as well. We’ll definitely be loading up on creme for any thru hikes we do. 15-25 miles a day 5+ days a week is a lot different than a 6 mile trail in an afternoon.

Second, a good pair of hiking boots. You can try the cheap $30 pair at small fart if it’s what you can afford. They actually seem like an O.K. starter pair and anything with a good tread and high tops is a good start. A solid sole and a good, hopefully removable insole to help achieve a custom fit are also good. Of course a Goretex liner and breathable upper are great for keeping feet as dry as possible.

We did not skimp on our boots in any way. Our boots were $145-$150/pair and are usually $180/pair so they were on sale and we saved some money but we did shop around. We had to get them at different places because no one place had both colors in stock in both sizes. We got our boots because we want to start the ADT in January and didn’t see the point of not getting a backpacking boot to start. This is just not a piece of gear to be cutting back on the quality. Since you have to lose a lot of weight for your feet to change size this piece of gear won’t need to be replaced due to weightloss. Even if you do buy the cheap boots saving up for a good pair of hiking boots should be first on your list.

Boots prevent foot fatigue and offer protection from rocks and sticks. The soles offer stability on uneven terrain and grip on slippery rocks. The high tops help prevent ankle injuries that can leave you stranded on a trail. Ours have already prevented many sprains and possibly a broken ankle for us both. For every 10 pounds overweight you are there are hundreds of pounds of force on your knees, ankles and feet. Good quality boots help build confidence and improve hiking skills which allow you to enjoy hiking more and more.

*If you are not overweight or are active and in good physical condition and have excellent ankle strength then you may want to consider a trail shoe. I prefer the stability of a high top personally and the Asolos are perfect for me.

Third, Now this is where personal preference takes over. If you are not physically active or are overweight prior to beginning then I believe that hiking poles should be the third item for consideration. However, if you are walking easier or more open trails or are in good shape then perhaps underwear and tees may be preferred. I went with the underwear first and Weck went with the poles. As comfy as I am in my under gear my knees are mad that I didn’t choose the poles first.

I know that there are those who hesitate at the necessity of poles and I can understand the thought but let me just say that poles saved Weck from a serious injury already. Plus you can use them to keep a pace and help propel you along the trail. You also get a full body workout while your saving your body. They’re another thing I thought wouldn’t matter, and I can see how they reduce fatigue in the legs and impact on the joints. And, now that I’m older and my knees are weaker and more painful, hiking poles really are not optional. Especially if it’s a long distance or really rough terrain. I don’t currently have any and I can feel the difference when I borrow Weck’s. They are the next piece of gear I’m going to be getting. I’m not sure what Leki’s they’ll be but they’ll definitely be Leki.

Again not an area to be skimped on. The good Leki poles are $140 and have a lifetime warranty against the aluminum tube breaking. They also have a shock absorbing system that helps reduce fatigue and ergonomic cork hand grips. All that and a bag of chips makes these poles worth the money. I have even read reviews of some that have had the Leki Maluku poles for more than 10 years. Sounds like a good buy to me.

The fourth, piece of gear should be a pack of some kind or you can buy some athletic wear instead. It really depends on the types of hikes or walks you’re going on. On paved or mowed paths like the Crossings or Great Flats you don’t need poles or packs. But on more natural trails like at the Lisha or Plotter Kills packs are way more important that athletic wear.

It can be a fanny/hip pack or a day/book pack. Anything that you can carry the necessities in. You can always wear cargo pants and stuff your pockets but you may not want to carry everything on you. A pack can be left in the car if at a more urban or populated area or unloaded at the trail to lighten the load. I don’t like leaving anything in the car personally. We bring what we think we will need to either find our way to help or to stay alive until help finds us should we get lost.

We had a couple of backpacks already that we each use as a day pack. Mostly to get ready for wearing additional weight on our backs but they can be very handy too. I wished we’d brought one on our Woodlawn neighborhood hike.

Tanks w/bras, compression shorts and tees from wicking materials were my first choice. Two of everything for under $50 bucks. Actually it was about $53 with tax. But that’s a whole weeks wardrobe for warm weather backpacking, except for the socks. That’s not bad. Weck got some stuff too. Compression shorts, tees and good athletic support bras were high on her list. So two of us got most of our summer hiking gear for around $100. That’s pretty cheap for gear.

*Make sure you get two different colors of your gear or tag them permanently so you can tell them apart. That way when you start doing weekend and week long hikes you can tell the dirty from the clean.

Next, is what goes into the pack. I don’t give these numbers because there’s so many and they are all necessary and relatively inexpensive.

A S.O.L kit for one or two should be carried on the trail at all times but is and absolute MUST HAVE when doing ANY trail hikes. Especially, if you are in a remote or lightly traveled area like Partridge Run. It’s in a waterproof pouch and will fit easily in a cargo pants pocket. It’s a Survive Outdoors Longer kit and if you are lost could mean the comforts of food and fire and at the very least warmth (emergency blanket), possible rescue (whistle), and compass if you have a map of the area (which you should) could give you the means to save yourself in an emergency situation. These are plenty of reasons to carry one just in case you do need it some time. The most important, I think, is that just knowing you have it for survival should you need it. That can mean a lot.

Sunscreen with the max SPF and a good quality bug spray are to follow. A few energy bars or trail snacks and a bottle of water or two are after that. Water being most important, purification tablets are a must and blister treatments and preventatives can mean more walking to find more water. Lip balm, sunglasses, maps and/or GPS (if you can afford one) and sweatshirt or light jacket are always good too. Extra socks and something to wipe your face with would be nice on longer or tougher hikes. A pedometer too if you like keeping track of the miles. We also found some small bug bite and poison ivy sprays at small fart and it worked great for my bee sting at Dyken Pond. And of course some biners for hooking things to your pack. Some rope a multi-tool and a hunting knife aren’t a bad idea either but a little gear at a time. Remember to buy gear that might come in handy on the types of trails you’ll be hiking.

Fifth and finally, outer and winter wear. These are the pieces you can pick up as Nature dictates, the weather changes or you find a deal too good to pass up. I found a couple of pairs of convertible hiking pants at a Peter Harris clothing store. One is even unhemmed so we can leave it a little long so that Weck can adjust them for her later on. Again trying to get the most bang for the buck. I just hope they’re a good enough quality to last that long.

I happen to have some rain gear from my motorcycle rider saftey course. It’s overall type pants, a jacket and a removable hood that snap. I think it’s not a bad idea to have some of this but I also think that gaitors and a rain pancho could be just as good. The rain gear gets hot and isn’t very well ventilated, so it sticks to you after a while. I imagine a pancho is much airier. I think the gaitors a good too because I think the longer you can keep your feet dry and comfy, the longer you can hike and enjoy the hike.

An adjustable tab sleeved button down shirt, some full length compression pants and long sleeved wicking tops are still on my to get list, but I don’t need them yet or they’re not on sale yet so I don’t need to find the money to get them either. I also want a trail hat for helping keep the sun off my neck and face and would also like some CoolMax .R. fabric to sew with the bandannas we bought to make some wicking head wraps to help keep us cooler. I’m sure I can buy them for like $5 bucks each but we can sew them for a buck or less ourselves. Again trying to save some money by doing some extra work.

Some wicking thermals for fall and winter hiking are on the list for my birthday in November. Perhaps sooner depending on the weather this year. Last year it was warm until late November it may be again. Who knows, we’ll see how it plays out. I’ll get my heavy weight socks then as well. I’ll get more liners and my second pairs of mid and lightweight socks when we start doing weekend and week long hikes in the next few months.
Well there you have it, the top five gear items and why they’re important for taking up hiking safely. Especially for those who are overweight and or in less then perfect health. You will probably need to spend around $1000 in a year’s time to be properly geared up for four season hiking. For around $2500 you could probably gear up two people for taking week long hike or backpacking trip if you do it right and buy a little at a time and on sale as much as possible.

And remember you can save on some things that you may need to change sizes in more often by getting them at small fart. But try not to skimp on things that don’t change size very often like socks and boots. Spend where it counts first and you won’t end up wasting money on gear you don’t use at all because you gave up hiking altogether. Learn to love the Earth, it’s our only home.

Be safe, be free, and have fun. Blessed Be~
Shaman

epa = empire state pass

Allegany State Park
There are two sections to the park: Red House at Exit 19 off I-86 (7 miles west of Salamanca) and Quaker Area at Exit 18 off I-86 (11 miles west of Salamanca).

biking, horseback riding, x-country skiing, cabins, campsites

80 miles of trails for hiking - some shared with horses & mountain bikers.

Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park
Take NYS Thruway to Exit 25A (I-88) to Exit 18 (Schenevus); Rt. 7 W to Co. Rt. 34 N; Co. Rt. 36A W to park entrance – Davis Rd.

Cabins, fishing, hiking, pavilions, picnic tables, scenic views, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, x-country skiing.

Open year round.

Bowman Lake State Park
Off Route 220, 8 miles west of Oxford.

Beach, biking, boat launch sites, boat rentals, camper rec, campsites, dumping stations, epa, fishing, food, hiking, hunting, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, rec progs, showers, snowmobiling, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Open year round.  Part of the park is open for deer hunting season.

Chenango Valley State Park
Route I-88 to exit 3, (Port Crane/Chenango Valley State Park) turn north onto Route 369, 4 miles to Chenango Valley State Park. Located 12 miles from Binghamton.

Beach, biking, boat rentals, cabins, camper rec, campsites, dumping stations, epa, fishing, food, hiking, ice skating, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, rec progs, showers, sledding, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Open year round from sunrise to sunset.

Cherry Plain State Park
Located 19 miles southeast of Grafton and 7 miles north of Stephentown, off NYS Rte. 22 on CCC Dam Road.

Beach, boat launch sites, campsites, fishing, hiking, ice fishing, pavilions, playground, showers, tent & trailer sites, biking, boat rentals, empire passport accepted, food, hunting, nature trail, picnic tables (handicap accessible) rec. programs, snowmobiling and X-Country skiing.

Chittenango Falls State Park
Thruway (I-90) west to exit 34, Route 13 south to park entrance.

epa, fishing, hiking, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground.

Open year round with restrictions… call.

Delta Lake State Park
Thruway (I-90) west to exit 32 (Westmoreland-Rome), north on Rt.233 to Rome, Rt.46 north six miles to park entrance. 

Beach, biking, boat launch sites, camper rec, campsites, dumping stations, epa, fishing, food, hiking, ice fishing, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, powerboats, rec progs, showers, snowmobiling, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Year round except camping - first fri in may - columbus day.

Gilbert Lake State Park
I-88 west to Rt.205 (exit 13); Rt.205 north to Laurens; county Rt.12 west to park entrance.

Beach, biking, boat launch sites, boat rentals, cabins, camper rec, campsites, disk golf course, dumping stations, epa, fishing, food, hiking, hunting, museum/visitors center, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, rec progs, showers, snowmobiling, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Open year round - deer hunting (bow only) in season.

Glimmerglass State Park
Thruway (I-90) west to exit 25A to I-88. One exit on I-88 to Duanesburg-Cooperstown exit. Rt. 20 west to East Springfield, county Rt. 31 south to park entrance.

Beach, biking, campsites, dumping stations, epa, fishing, food, hiking, ice fishing, ice skating, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, rec progs, showers, snowmobiling, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

All year.

Grafton Lakes State Park
Route 2, 12 miles east of Troy.

Beach, boat launch sites, bridle path, fishing, hiking, ice fishing, nature trail, picnic tables, recreation programs, snowmobiling, x-country skiing, biking, boat rentals, food, hunting, ice skating, pavilions, playground, showers, snowshoeing.

Grafton State Park has 25 miles of trails.

Green Lakes State Park
Thruway (I-90) west to Exit 34A (I-481 south); to Exit 5E (Kirkville Rd. east) follow Kirkville Rd. right on Fremont Rd.; left on NYS 290. Follow signs to Park.

Beach, biking, boat rentals, cabins, camper rec, campsites, dumping stations, epa, fishing, food, golf, hiking, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, rec progs, showers, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Year round - no winter camping

Hunt’s Pond State Park
I-88, exit at Rt.23 (Oneonta), west to south New Berlin. Right at light; follow Rt.8 for 2.6 miles; left on Hunt’s Pond Rd. for 2.9 miles to park on the right.

Boat launch for non-motorized boats only, campsites, epa, fishing, hiking, hunting, pavilions, picnic tables, snowmobiling, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

No established trails, but conservation land is available for visitors to use for hiking etc

all year - open for deerhunting in season.

John Boyd Thacher State Park
On Route 157, off Rte. 85, 15 miles southwest of Albany.

Biking, hiking, hunting, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, playing fields, rec. progs. scenic views, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, waterfalls, x-country skiing.

Max V. Shaul State Park
The park is located in the Schoharie Valley along Route 30, approximately 6 miles south of Middleburgh at the base of Toepath Mountain.

Campsites, fishing, hiking, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, showers, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Open mid-may to columbus day.

Mine Kill State Park
The Park is located in the Schoharie Valley on Route 30, 40 miles southwest of Albany. Route 30, 15 miles south of Middleburgh.

Boat launch sites, fishing, food, hiking, hunting, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, pool, powerboats, rec. progs., snowmobiling, snowshoeing, x-country skiing.

Open all year round - Bowhunting is permitted in season FYI

Moreau Lake State Park
I-87, exit 17S, South Glens Falls. The park is located 10 miles north of Saratoga Springs in the Adirondack foothills.

Beach, biking, boat launch sites, boat rentals, cabins, camper rec., campsites, dumping stations, fishing, food, group camping, hiking, hunting, ice fishing, museum/visitor center, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, playground, rec. progs, showers, snowshoeing, tent/trailer sites, vacation rentals, x-country skiing.

Open year round.  Camping from mid-may - mid-oct

Peebles Island State Park
The island located 12 miles north of Albany at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Access by Delaware Ave., off of Ontario Street, in Cohoes.  

Fishing, gift shop, hiking, museum/visitor center, nature trail, pavilions, picnic tables, snowshoeing, waterfalls, x-country skiing.

Open year round.

Saratoga Spa State Park
I-87 to exit 13N. Take Route 9 north for 3 miles to park. Or Route 9 and 50, Saratoga Springs.

Biking, fishing, food, golf, hiking, ice skating, museum/visitor center, nature trail, pavilions, performing arts theatre, picnic tables, playground, pool, rec. progs, snowshoeing, tennis, x-country skiing.

Open all year.

Schodack Island State Park
From Albany or I-787: take Rte 20 east; after crossing the Hudson continue to Rte 9J. Follow Rte. 9J south approximately 8 miles, past Castleton-on-Hudson, NY. The park is on the right.

Biking, boat launches, fishing, hiking, hunting, ice skating, nature trail, picnic tables, playing fields, snowshoeing, x-country skiing.

Open year round during the day

Thompson’s Lake State Park
On Route 157, 18 miles southwest of Albany.

Beach, boat launches, boat rentals, camper rec, campsites, dumping stations, fishing, hiking, ice fishing, nature trail, picnic tables, playground, playing fields, rec progs, showers, snowshoeing, tent/trailer sites, x-country skiing.

Open year round - camping mid-may though columbus day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We grabbed around 3.5 road walking miles by taking a walk though our neighborhood.  So much has changed over the last few years.

We rented on Union St. in Schenectady before moving into our home in the Woodlawn area of Schenectady.  We’ve been here for about 5 years now.  When we first moved in… the old Mohawk Mall was in a pile in the parking lot.  Still standing amongst the rubble were the mall anchors - Media Play, and Marshalls.

Over the last 5 years… the former mall has become a massive shopping center.  You’ll find a Price Chopper Super Market, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Payless Shoes, Target, a party store, a Lowe’s, Blockbuster, Ruby Tuesday… and many other smaller shops and eateries.

The Ingersoll Residence, which was a retirement home seems to be blocked off now that they’ve moved over to the Consaul Road monstrosity.  I only say that because I’ve heard rumors of a Walmart coming in over there.  Do we really need both a target & a Walmart.  That is a beautiful piece of property… it really would be a shame to see it overdeveloped.

We took some photos along the way to share our neighborhood with you.

 

I was expecting to feel achy and sore the day after our first 6 mile hike… but strangely, we were both feeling so good, that we decided to take on Dyken Pond on 7/15 - the day after.

Dyken Pond is located near Cropseyville NY To get to the trailhead take Rt 2 to Cropseyville - take a right onto Blue Factory Rd. (CR 79) There are signs here for Dyken Pond.  Go 2 miles and take a left onto Madonna Lake Rd (CR80) Go another 2.2 miles and bear right onto Dyken Pond Rd (unpaved) Take this road until it ends… there is another trail access point on the right before you get to the end… keep going 2.5 miles.

There was plenty of parking… and unlike the previous trails… this had a very parklike feel near the parking area.  There were bathrooms, an amphithreathre, picnic tables etc.  Everything you might need or want.

When we started out… we took the wrong road.  We started down the boat launch road… no big deal… we just walked back to the lot.  As it turns out, you have to walk up a grassy hill to get to the start of the Abbot Farm Trail. 

Be careful up there… when Shaman reached into a wooded stand to grab some literature about the farm, she was stung by a wasp.  Luckily she isn’t allergic, and the bite pen that we bought really helped with the pain and swelling.

After that, the hike was very nice.  We both trekked on without many pains or aches.  My feet were a little sore, but that is to be expected at my current weight.  I realize once the pounds start shedding off… my feet will hurt a lot less.

This trail was very branchy and rocky… it was fun!  It was hot in the sun, but we stayed really comfortable when under the shelter of the woods.

It just keeps getting easier, and I’m not bored yet.  Both very good signs.

Enjoy some photos.

Shaman and I took an amazing hike on Monday 7/14.  We went to a place called Partridge Run in Berne, NY.

The trailhead was located on Ravine Rd. with plenty of parking.  We were hoping there would be maps at the trailhead, but the folder was empty so we had to wing it.

This trail didn’t seem as traveled as the other’s we’d been on.  In the open areas, the grasses and weeds were very high, and I was a little concerned about ticks.  The other bugs were in full swing too, but we kept our bites down with healthy doses of bug spray.

The trails was made up of old roads covered in gravel and forest paths.  We visited many ponds on this trail and encountered many frogs, toads, and newts.

Stacy got a great picture of a dragonfly - see below. 

Near the end of the trail, we came to cr 13, and we weren’t sure if the trail crossed the road, or if we had to road walk the rest of the way.  Since we didn’t see anywhere the trail may have continued across the street, we took a walk on the road…which totally finished my feet off for the day.  It’s amazing how much more difficult it is walking on a hard surface.  Luckily, the trailhead came into view and we were saved

My pedometer read just about 6 miles when we got back to the car.

Shaman will probably have more to add later… here are some pictures from the Partridge Run Hike.