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Trails and their Tales

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Perserverance: Why You Need this to be a Hiker

You may be a new hiker looking to take your first steps into the great outdoors, or maybe you’re an avid hiker about to embark on a challenge, like the ones I discuss in my Balsam Lake Mountain Post. Wherever you are on your journey, perseverance will come into play.  Perseverance Definition: Before we discuss how persistence relates to hiking we must first define it. According to the Oxford…

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Take a Stroll on the Sing Sing Kill Greenway Trail

The Sing Sing Greenway in Ossining, NY, is a historic accessible path through a beautiful gorge and next to a peaceful creek.

Sing Sing Kill Greenway Trail Location – 95 Broadway, Ossining, New York, 10562 Trail – Sing Sing Kill Greenway Trail Trail Length – about .45 miles (one way)  Duration – 20 minutes The Sing Sing Greenway trail spans almost half a mile one way (At the end of my walk, my Strava app recorded I had gone .87 miles round trip). The walkway follows the Sing Sing Kill or Kill Brook. The trail,…

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Beware of the Red Meat Allergy as it Spreads

An allergy is emerging that may be still under the radar for many health care professionals and the public. It is caused by the saliva of a small parasitic arachnid that has been associated with the southern states but has found its way to the northeast. We are talking about the red meat allergy (Alpha-gal syndrome) or AGS which is transmitted by the lone star tick. Ticks Ticks, as we have…

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Mountain View Tote Bag

  Product Description: Made of 100% Polyester Strong Cotton Handles Boxed Corners Care: Hand wash – mix laundry detergent with warm water. Scrub with soft bristle brush or terry cloth. Air Dry Size – Large Large Height, in 18.00 Length, in 17.00 Width, in 3.46 Handle height, in 14.00 Handle width, in 1.00  

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Opulent Overlook Mountain - A Hike of Ruins, Fire Tower, And Views

Overlook Mountain Trail Location –  Woodstock, NY 12498 Trail – Out & Back Trail Length – 4.6 miles Duration- 2 hours 30 minutes The Overlook Mountain should not be confused with Stephen King’s ghostly hotel in his novel The Shining. But the mountain is home to some legends and lore of vampires, Dutch ghosts, and possible platform of a Natty Bumppo’s famous speech. Yet for all these tales…

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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - Species Spotlight # 10

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a common type of butterfly found in Eastern North America. They are a native species with a range from east of the Mississippi to parts of the Great Plains region. They have also been found in parts of Mexico and Canada. Often solitary, these arthropods are most active during hot temperatures. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Appearance: Eastern Tiger…

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Should Hikers Engage in Bushwacking- 4 Categories to Consider

Bushwacking is a more advanced form of hiking. It may conjure up images of machete wielding explorers or hikers holding paper maps while utilizing compasses to navigate (Maps and compasses are always a good idea!). But it really just means going off trail and into the woods. This can often build stronger confidence your ability as hiker, increase your exposure to new experiences with wildlife and…

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American Toad - Species Spotlight # 9

American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) are a common species of toad found in eastern United States and Canada. The American Toad is sometimes called the “Hop Toad.” These creatures can survive fragmented habitats and have been known to be one of the first species to reestablish after a fire or human caused disturbance such as clear cutting of a forest. Major predators of the American Toad consist of…

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3 Must Do Hikes for All Skill Levels Near Lake Placid

During the week of the fourth of July, I took a trip to Lake Placid, NY. While there, I explored some of the rich history, beautiful scenery, and excellent cuisine of the Adirondack region. The town of Lake Placid is quaint and embodies that mountain charm while also catering to the tourist perspective. Situated amid one of New York’s premier hiking destinations, I had to venture out and explore…

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9 Ways Hikers Can Lower their Carbon Footprint

Hiking can be a great time to reconnect with nature. And for most hikers and nature enthusiasts it is a time to reflect on the changing climate and ways in which we can help prevent further damage. That is why I would like to talk about 9 ways hikers can reduce their carbon footprint. Carbon Footprint Contributors: Carbon Footprint – Traveling to the Trail: One of the biggest contributors to a…

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Are Trekking Poles Right for You: Cost VS Benefits

Do you need Trekking Poles for a better hiking experience? Find out here if they are worth it or not...

Trekking poles are the two-handed modern version of the walking stick. As soon as we began walking upright, Homo sapiens used sticks as a means of assistance in movement and at times defense. In fact, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has an artifact of a walking stick from Ancient Egypt that dates back to around 2100 B.C. But it wasn’t until thousands of years later, in Finland, that we first saw…

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Great Blue Heron: Species Spotlight #8

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) are the largest heron species in North America and part of the family Ardea which includes herons, Egrets, and bitterns. Herons are found in wetlands such as shallow waters, swamps, and marshes. Their characteristic pose is standing with an “S” bend to their necks. When flying, the Great Blue Heron typically folds their neck so that their head is tucked back…

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Invasive Water Chestnut: Species Spotlight #7

The Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) also known as water nut, water caltrop, and bull nut, are an Invasive Species to North America. Originally from Eurasia and Africa, they are now common in the waters of the northeast United States in places like New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island to name a few.  History of Water Chestnut: The water chestnuts have been a source of nutrition since the…

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Choosing the Right Footwear for the Trails: 3 Options

Embarking on a hiking adventure can be a great way to connect with nature, challenge yourself physically, and enjoy new experiences. One of the many factors that can determine if you have a pleasant time on the trail is your choice of footwear. There are three popular options for footwear choices: hiking boots, trail running shoes, and regular running shoes. In this article, we’ll explore the…

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North American Elk: Species Spotlight #6

New Post! Check out this post and learn about an important and often misnamed animal of the trails.

The North American Elk (Cervus canadensis) also known as the Wapiti are one of the largest types of species belonging to the deer family. The name, Wapiti, comes from the Algonquin name for the animal which is Waapiti. The first half of the word, Wapi, means white, in reference to the animal’s white rump.  When settlers from Europe saw the Wapiti, they referred to it as an Elk, which is actually…

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A Super Simple but Tasty Hiking Sandwich: - JD HIKES

This Super Simple Hiking Sandwich is not only cost effective, but it will be a tasty treat at the end of your next hike.

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Tibbetts Brook Park - Spectacular Urban Hike with a Twist

Tibbetts Brook Park Location- Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704 Trail- Loop Trail Trail Length- 2.2 miles Duration- 45 minutes Our first urban hike trail that I’ll cover is called Tibbetts Brook Park. Situated in Yonkers, just above the Bronx, Tibbetts Brook Park seems like any other urban park, albeit with some interesting features, such as water rides, a huge pool, brand new sports field,…

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