We have had encouraging meetings with the NYC DEP concerning routing the trail off Rte. 129 into the woods just north of the New Croton Dam. This would be approximately .7 miles.  There is still work to go: a formal proposal to make, but we are encouraged.

the proposed off road adjustment

Even though we toiled this unusual summer sporting umbrellas and cold weather gear, we have checked many of our original painted blazes. They are in great shape, due in no small part to the paint, disabled-parking blue.

We also did the indoor work using Google Earth to divide the trail into 36 sections, each estimated at a day’s walk, roughly 10 miles.  Please look at the updated About the Hudson Trail page at the upper right of the screen. Please comment.

We went camping at the Cherry Plain State Park and drove up to the Grafton State Park. Everybody we met was enthusiastic and encouraging about the Hudson Trail and full of useful advice about the project. Much appreciation to Bob, Liz, Ranger Joe, and all the interns.

The photo shows the beauty of the area and is typical of the Rensselaer Plateau.

Cherry Plain State Park

The next photo shows a monument in Dutch Church, formerly called West Berlin.

Evangelical Lutheran Church marker

Bob took his grandson, a Cub Scout who lives in Florida, and other family, to Sunken Mine Road and to a side trail up Candlewood Hill for the 360 degree views. Here is Thor Gabriel putting up a marker.

Our group was small but lively and a good time was had by all. We saw many specimens of Natrix Sipedon (the Northern water snake) basking in the sun’s rays after a heavy rain: pictures of fauna and flora coming. Here is our photographer putting up a marker.

We will return to Sunken Mine Road with our new Voss markers. Please join us for the hike (about 2 miles round trip) and conversation about summer plans. We will have potables and depending on Jeanine’s mood, baked goods. Let us know you are coming and, if you are among the first ten, you will get a specially designed T-shirt.

Carol, Elizabeth and Bob went up the hill to Spitzenberg. Before the top of this mighty massif is reached, the Hudson Trail bends to the right. To the left is the steep ascent of the summit cone. At this magic spot, many things have taken place; to wit, there is the old sign, almost completely grown over.

Sign, circa 1937, erected by the CCC

The bunny shown below had writing on it suggesting a eulogy to a dirt biker. For us, it marked a happy day out hiking and trail blazing.

Where the Spitzenberg summit trail leaves the HT

On a spring break day in March, we tramped on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail through the Lyndhurst estate, now a National Historic Landmark. Our spanking new markers were put to the test as the broad field provided few trees for the task.

Here is a picture of a statue in front of the main building.

Please comment if you can tell us who or what the statue represents.

West view. Notice the snowbells peeking up under the tree.

View from the south.

The return of the grackles to Mt. Kisco has prompted us to start plans for the Spring and Summer. As you may already know, we are replacing painted blazes in the NY State portions of the South Trek with our spanking new markers.

The South Trek is composed of 7 sections, each a day’s march. The status of each section is:

1. Urban (High Bridge to Lamarine Ave, Yonkers): the 4+ miles from High Bridge to the Bronx-Westchester border is unmarked at present. The route is not difficult to follow except for the portion going through Van Cortlandt Park, which requires a map to negotiate. The northern portion from the Bronx border to Lamarine Avenue is marked, mostly in paint, and markers need to be tacked up.
2. Suburban (Lamarine Ave to footbridge over Rt. 117 in Sleepy Hollow): this section is in the process of having the proto-blazes replaced by markers.
3. Croton (Rt. 117 bridge to New Croton Dam): we are almost finished replacing the proto-blazes with markers. We have started the writing of the trail guide with this section.
4. Blue Mountain (New Croton Dam to Route 6): Since this section is Westchester County property and roads, the marking is painted blazes and is complete.
5. Gallows Hill (Route 6 to Bell Hollow Road): this section is marked completely in paint.
6. Fahnestock (Bell Hollow Road to McKeels Corners–Routes 9 and 301): The Hudson Trail here is marked in paint up through Bell Hollow to Sunken Mine Road where it crosses the AT. We will replace the blazes along Sunken Mine Road with markers. The route in the state park is under negotiation.
7. Highlands (McKeels Corners to the city of Beacon): the beginning of this section is marked to Nelsonville in paint. The portions in Highlands State Park are under negotiation.

We have only begun measuring the route using our measuring wheel. You know, folks, this is quite an adventure. If you want to join us in any of these activities (wheeling, putting up markers, painting, walking, or writing the trail guide), please let us know.

The very cold weather did not keep Elizabeth and Bob from putting up the new, state-approved, markers on the Old Croton Aqueduct.

Elizabeth and HT marker at the Old Croton Aqueduct

As the weather gets more pleasant, please contact us to go out. We are starting work on the Stissing Trek: north of Beacon.