Who? Tom Jones. [Backpacking All 9 of Harriman's Stone Lean-tos]

Today I am sitting here writing this with a smile on my face. D and I crossed another one of Harriman's Stone Lean-Tos off our list. We had made a challenge earlier in the year to camp at all 9 before the year was over. Unfortunately life got in the way and we took a 4 month break from hiking/camping. With a break that long, it was nice to put the pack on and get our miles in. Originally we had a friend who was supposed to come with us, but he was unable to last minute, which meant a late start for us and not many hours of sunlight. I was grateful as a shorter trek was a perfect way to ease back into backpacking. Earlier in the year, hiking almost every weekend with a 30 lb bag had made my legs stronger. Taking 4 months off seems to have been enough time for them to revert back to what they were. On some of the ascents I found myself wondering why I enjoy these things. By the time we approached the shelter, I mentally cursed my quivering quads as we descended and ascended again.

First Overnight Hike/Backpacking Trip

Backpacking has been on my list of things to do for years now. I've written about my plans for it. I've read up on it (classic - "Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson). I've watched videos. My level of admiration and fascination with thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail is on par with my fascination with ultra-runners. As a hiker (and as a runner), it feels like these people are both superhuman and yet oddly attainable. If I put in the time, effort, and most importantly, the consistency and dedication, I took could be one of those epic people too. So I've fantasized about it for years. However, there were a couple things I allowed to get in my way. One was that I made excuses about the cost of equipment. About four years ago, I decided to begin investing and made a really preliminary purchase from Sierra Trading Post when they were having a sale. I got a 30L pack (Gregory Freia), a stuff sack, a 30-degree sleeping bag (Marmot), flashlight, and pocket knife. Plus I accumulated a couple of other camping things over the years (thermarest sleeping pad, percolator, etc). Another thing holding me back was that while I never had any issues hiking alone, overnighting or backpacking alone didn't always seem as obvious or maybe accessible. It was a longer time commitment, obviously. I don't know. Whatever the reasons were, it just never happened.

Lemon Squeezer x2 (Sort Of)

I know in my heart of hearts that I am happiest when I get a chance to get outside. These days it seems more and more difficult to make the effort, regardless of the fact that I know I'll enjoy it. This year, however, I've made a commitment to two longer hikes on the AT. The first one will be a 3 day hike in Maine. The second will be a 5 day hike from PA to NJ in August. So it's time for me to get my butt back in gear. My most recent hike was one I had done before, which happened to be my longest hike to date. That time I hiked from Elk Pen through Lemon Squeezer, past the Boston Mine, and then promptly proceeded to get lost. I was basically trying to follow this hike. By mile 9ish or so, Tyger was finally exhausted and I had to carry him for a bit. Compound this with the fact that it was August and the heat was not helping. Plus there were little gnats all in my eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. As miserable as it got, I was still proud of it. 

It was too bad that the only pictures I have from the first hike are low-quality ones from my last phone.

Harriman State Park: Silver Mine Lake

I was really surprised with this one. For a long time I've been meaning to explore Harriman State Park. The thing about Harriman though is that it is huge. The second largest state park in NY to be exact. With over 200 miles of trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs, an array of camping sites, boat launches, scenic lookouts, and more, it's a lot to pick out one spot to check out.

The Lake