Monday, we head out to West Mountain State Forest for a trek among the trees to a quiet pond. We have a little trail finding difficulty but all ends well with a 6.13-mile walk. No bear but we do see bear tracks in the mud. The pond is lovely and as it is a weekday the trail very lightly used. Nice walk.
Tuesday it is off to Cat Rocks and on to Nuclear Lake along another section of the Appalachian Trail. This time we start at Dover Oak, the largest blazed tree on the AT. It Is a bit more challenging than other sections we have been on. There is a net elevation change of just 750 feet but we hike it as an out and back that crosses many ridges and valleys making the cumulative change closer to 1500 feet. I don’t think there was a level section! We catch a glimpse of a red fox shortly after we leave the trailhead. Along the way an out-cropping, Cat Rocks, provides a nice view of the valley and the rugged, rocky, and treed shoreline reflects beautifully in the still waters of Nuclear Lake. Rain is closing in and we are pretty tired so we save a walk around the lake for another day. Round trip totaled 6.5 miles. We are tired but content

It is another great morning and time to get out on a trail. Today we head for The Pawling Reserve just a few miles from our previous hike. Parking at the trailhead is completely empty, hooray! Preserve trails are a bit muddy with lots of up and down as we cross ridges but it is a beautifully peaceful hike. We are on the watch for deer as the preserve claims a problem with severe overpopulation but nary a one. Instead, as we sit for a quick drink break a big black bear lumbers out of the trees down the slope in front of us. He is chill, just passing through. When he encounters the trail, he must determine it is easier going and stays on it. In only a few moments that will bring him within 6 feet of us. We watch quietly with bear spray in hand; but, when he reaches the turn in the trail closest to us, we speak, “hey bear”. He glances our way then veers off the trail about 15 feet for long enough to stay clear of those pesky humans then returns to the trail and ambles on. Such a well-behaved guy. Love it!
Straight line distance this fantastic bear sighting is just 1 ½ miles from where we hiked with Willa. It is probably good she was not here today but she has seen black bears when with us before and been curious not afraid. It has typically elicited “woof, woof”. That would probably have worked to divert this bear as well as “hey bear”.
We opt to return to the trailhead via a section of the Appalachian Trail. It is not muddy but that is because it is rocky with nearly continuous rugged climbs and descents. Low spots do sometimes include a bit of rock hopping across streams. There is thick undergrowth so we do a bit of talking to the bears to avoid any surprises. Only mini bears (squirrels and chipmunks) for the duration of the trip. It is a fun day and at just over three miles not too taxing.
Oh, yeah. Lunch is empanadas from the food truck. The beef and black bean and buffalo chicken are both fantastic.

We get a sunny Friday and head out to try a boardwalk section of the Appalachian Trail that runs along the Swamp River and its wetland. This is a trail that was just too busy back on Mother’s Day. The boardwalk winds through tall cat tails with red winged black birds, orioles and sparrows chattering everywhere. Once across the river we enter a woodland area just alive with birdsong. It is a mostly level walk the first mile then climbs to a meadow. It is relaxing and pretty good birding plus it looks like we have found a great trail to introduce Willa to hiking with us. We are pleasantly surprised to find a food truck in the trailhead lot when we emerge. A pastrami Rueben and philly steak provide considerably more calories than we burned today but they are delicious.

We return to Fahnestock Park but this time along the Taconic Parkway side. Beach and pavilions are closed so there is little visitation in the area right now. It is overcast and rain forecast by early afternoon so we are looking for a little shorter walk today. We encounter a ranger and he recommends a loop hike that incorporates a section of the Appalachian Trail and “the best view in the whole park”. OK, lets do it. It is another great walk this time about 3 ½ miles and 550 feet elevation change. The view from the cliffs above Canopus Lake is great just as promised as are long views up the valley from the ridge. Rocky seeps and springs are lined with moss and bright yellow buttercups mark early signs of spring. The last section is a little too close to the Taconic and traffic noise a bit of a distraction but I definitely recommend this walk in the Spring.

New York stay at home orders allow for state park trails to be open for day use. It is cool but brilliantly sunny this morning so we decide to go exploring. We pick a trail along 9 near Hubbard Lodge in Clarence Fahnestock Park. When we reach the trailhead around 9:45 there are only a couple cars so it looks like we will have the walk mostly to ourselves. Nice. The walk starts creek side, climbs to the top of the ridge, runs the ridge, then descends to return along another babbling brook. It feels great to get out. Birds must think so too as we see lots of warblers and forest ground birds. There are great views from the ridgeline and the streams bounce down moss covered rock. There are even sections along the way where we completely escape traffic noise and find ourselves wrapped in silence. Awesome! This is classic east coast mountain terrain; rock strewn treed ridges and cuts. The canopy and forest floor are just washed with the green of spring and dotted with wild flowers. 5 ½ miles and 940 feet change in elevation, it is a perfect walk. We might just do it again.