“I find that the three truly great times for thinking thoughts are when I am standing in the shower, sitting on the john, or walking. And the greatest of these, by far, is walking.”

-Colin Fletcher

I believe that I have noted before that one of the best things about hiking in the Hudson Valley is how the terrain changes along with the change of each season. Today is April 30th and as you can see by the pictures, winter is out of the picture and spring is here to stay.

Today’s journey was a familiar one in Fahnestock State Park. Although it is a pretty short hike at 2.7 miles, it was nice to get out since I didn’t have the entire day to spend on the trail. Once again I was lucky enough to have my daughter join me (even though she said she had homework to finish!) and that always makes any hike that much better.

The start and end to todays hike. You have to love the AT!

“Although the vast majority of walkers never even think of using a walking staff, I unhesitatingly include it among the foundations of the house that travels on my back.” -Colin Fletcher

Runoff from Canopus Lake in Fahnestock State Park. 

The view on the 3 Lakes Trail.

If you look closely at the water you can see the rain. It lasted for 10 minutes.

3 Lakes Trail

In a couple of weeks this short part of the trail will be transformed into a lush tunnel of green.

I have hiked by this section on the 3 Lakes Trail and have never seen any evidence of beavers until today.

More work by the beavers.

The beaver dam.

A cairn where the 3 Lakes Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail. It seems to change every time I pass by it. 

The view on the Appalachian Trail.

Another view on the AT.

“Hiking and happiness go hand in hand (or foot in boot).”

-Diane Spicer