Year End Pondering and Reminiscing

Obsessive Behavior
Any time I exercise I mark it on my calendar. I have different codes for each type of exercise I do, including swimming. I was switching my calendar to 2016 and went through my old one real quick to see my exercise habits for 2015. My calendar even showed December of 2014, so I knew I was keeping track farther back than 2015.

I found it interesting that I maintained an “active” lifestyle throughout the year. Even when I was working I seemed to get some walks and hikes in. I also know that even though I lost 20 pounds from April to August, today I weigh the same as I did at the end of 2014.

I began thinking… what is it I need to change to actually lose weight?

In 2015 I quit drinking soda, rarely ate out, and walked regularly.

What I didn’t do well, and have been struggling with for years, is eat enough.

I rarely eat when I’m alone. I am alone all the time.

I constantly count protein, carbs, calories, and sodium… Most days I could stand to eat more. Like 300 calories more. Also, I could really drink more water.

So even though I say, "I don’t make resolutions, I make life changes." I am going to do my best to eat bigger breakfasts… and do more yoga. Breathing deeply is rejuvenating.

My Look Back on 2015 Highlights

Coudersport, PA

Roosevelt Baths, Saratoga Springs, NY

Canfield Casino in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY

My friends in Montreal, Quebec

Logan and Nathan's leather coat project.

Primordial at Maryland Death Fest, Baltimore, MD

I got a new car! 2015 Kia Soul

Plenty of cat snuggles this year!

My friends at Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca, NY

Me and Michelle near the summit of Sleeping Beauty, Fort Ann, NY

I got braces!

View from our campsite on Indian Lake, NY

Me and my friends getting ready to hike. Trailhead was boat access only. Indian Lake, NY

Becky in Congress Park, NY. We kept our mischief to a minimum this year.

Onondaga Lake Park, NY. I got to see my friend Tambre for the first time in many years.

View from our hotel of the Charles River, Cambridge, MA

Mgła at the Middle East, Cambridge, MA

I up-cycled an old pair of jeans into a skirt.

Lock 19 on the Old Erie Canal. Vischer Ferry Historical and Nature Preserve, Clifton Park, NY

There were so many more excellent times in 2015 and it was really hard to choose photos. I tried to stay away from things I may have written about already.

Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve II

It's interesting how different a place can be in a years time... or less.

Becky and Andrew were visiting Nathan and I for a weekend in October, and we decided to go for a short hike nearby. I'm not sure who made the decision, but we ended up going to Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve. I hadn't been back since Nathan and mine's initial visit back in December 2014.

We parked at the same entrance on Pierce Rd.

Right away I was pleasantly surprised to see a map! It's a color version of the map I posted a link to in my original blog post about Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve.

Apparently, it was an Eagle Scout Project carried out in 2015 and this project meant something else... the trails were marked!

Different colored blazes with directional arrows... red (Fishing Trail), orange (Long Kill Loop Trail), and green (Spur Trails to Dwaas Kill)!

We walked along and saw a red blaze to the left, right before we reached Long Kill, but the path was seriously overgrown and I could not be talked into going that direction. I'm almost certain that we covered the same trails as Nathan and I did the first time.

We kept ending up at the railroad... but then we discovered a trail that ran along the Long Kill. It was nice to discover a different path, although I was hesitant. Probably rightly so, considering the path along the river was an orange blaze trail I felt was too overgrown to walk along in the beginning of the hike.

I'm not sure if it was just because the trees still had leaves on them that we didn't see any old abandoned cars, or if it was because someone removed them.

I don't know how far we hiked but it was moderately easy. I really only recall the one steep hill... It's a hill that calls you to climb it though. To see what's at the top, or to be more precise... what's on the other side.

I still haven't made it to the Dwaas Kill. I know though now to find the river, I need to follow the Fishing Trail or the green blazed trails... the orange blazed trails will never take me there.

To see more photos Click Here!
October 10, 2015 - Clifton Park, NY

John Boyd Thacher State Park

I have this book that I flip through often. I look at it to read about places I've hiked. I like to see what I missed, where I was, where I should have gone...

I also look through this book to find new places to go hiking. Planning adventures. Although planning isn't really the right word to describe how I prepare for a hike. It's more like... I want to go there. It's not too far away. Let's go!

The first weekend of May 2015, Nathan and I decided to go for a little hike. With so many choices living in the northern section of the Great Appalachian Valley, it's not always easy to decide where to go. We have an ambitious goal for the Adirondacks since they are so near, but the terrain is often challenging for me. I wanted something easier. I picked up my book and started looking for something close and spectacular.

Hiking New York: A Guide to the State’s Best Hiking Adventures

Capital-Saratoga Region - Honorable Mention
“This 2,3000-acre state park west of Albany boasts 6 miles of the famous Helderberg Escarpment – one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world – as well as Mohawk-Hudson Valley panoramas, a historic Indian trade route, echoes of Tory spies, and a Revolutionary-times paint mine. Waterfalls and mixed woods complement the limestone cliff landscape.
"The park’s premier Indian Ladder Trail wraps below the 100- to 200-foot-high light-colored platy cliffs of Helderberg Escarpment. Here the Mohawk Schoharie built a shortcut to the valley, placing a sturdy notched trunk against the cliff for descending and scaling. Today stonework steps pull that duty. The cliffs command eyes skyward with bulges, overhangs, flutes, fissures, clefts, and hollows” (pg 201).

I had found John Boyd Thacher State Park. I was eager to explore the Indian Ladder Trail based on the description alone. When Nathan and I got to the park, we stopped at the Cliff Edge Overlook before our hike and the view was amazing! I could see the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys, Adirondack Mountains in New York, Green Mountains in Vermont, Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts, as well as a portion of the Helderberg Escarpment. My pictures certainly don't do it justice.

View from the Cliff Edge Overlook (11/13/2015).

Helderberg Escarpment
A sign at the Cliff Edge Overlook read, "The Helderberg Escarpment probably takes its name from the Dutch helder bright or light, and berg, mountain. It was formed several hundred million years ago when a series of limestone, sandstone, and shale layers were gradually uplifted and then eroded by streams and weather. As softer rock was worn away, undermining the harder limestone above, blocks broke from the cliffs along vertical joints, leaving a perpendicular rock wall. Two limestone formations, the Manlius and the Coeymans (which date from the Silurian and Devonian geologic periods - almost 450 million years ago) make up most of the escarpment you see today. The altitude of the cliff, which ranges from 800 to 1,300 feet above sea level, is emphasized by the steep drop to the valley floors below.
"Historically, this area was crossed by a footpath used by the Schoharie (Mohawk) Indians. Beginning at Albany, the path led over the Helderbergs, down Fox Creek Valley and ended in Schoharie. Traditionally, an old Indian ladder used to lean against the cliff where the path descended, thus the name Indian Ladder Trail."

View of the Helderberg Escarpment from the Escarpment Trail (11/13/2015).

Quick Fact: The Helderberg Escarpment is the northeast edge of the Allegheny Plateau (NYSDEC).

The Hike
The farther it gets from the time I have visited a place, certain details are lost. For instance, if the weather wasn’t extreme (really cold, snowy, high humidity, or very hot) I don’t remember the exactness of how the day was. Also, if the hike is short and/or flat, I can’t remember whether the hike was "difficult." Being uncomfortable certainly sets the scene for me while hiking. Although I know I was excited about every geological feature I came across, I was having a hard time writing about my experience.

It was suggested by my friend Michelle to go back. Revisit the Indian Ladder Trail and see it fresh.

Indian Ladder Trail
November 13, 2015 - I parked at the LaGrange Bush Picnic Area and was pleased to discover an entrance to the Indian Ladder Trail at the edge of the parking lot. I must admit I was a little confused about where to begin. I thought I was entering the trail from the same place as when I visited the park in May with Nathan, but I was wrong. I actually approached the path from the opposite end I intended, but it made for a whole different perspective and experience. I was eager to get started. I wanted to rediscover the breathtaking features seen along the half mile Indian Ladder Trail including majestic waterfalls, underground streams, and limestone caves!

The weather was moody with intervals of sun and rain... but mostly rain. The park was nearly empty. In May, Nathan and I ended up exploring the park the first weekend the Indian Ladder Trail was officially open. I remember there were so many people out and about that it was difficult to take pictures without getting people you didn't know in them.

Minelot Falls (05/03/2015).
See the tiny people and snow?

November on the other hand, two days before the trail officially closed... I came across two people on the trail, nine people in the park total.

Minelot Falls - 116 ft. (11/13/2015).

I took my time, enjoying my aloneness at Minelot Falls. Appreciating the view of the valley from behind the waterfall, looking closely at all the underground stream outlets.

Behind Minelot Falls (11/13/2015)

Underground Stream Outlets beneath Minelot Falls (11/13/2015).

A sign nearby read, "Here, the Coeymans and Manlius formations are well exposed. Below them, along the base of the cliff, you will see a very thin rock formation called the Rondout. Consisting mainly of fine-grained dolomitic mud, the Rondout has eroded under the Manlius. The rust-colored stains in the rock are iron pyrite crystals that have oxidized, or rusted, from exposure to moisture. Iron pyrite (also known as Fool's Gold) was once mined here, giving rise to the name 'Minelot Falls.'
"Minelot Creek, like Outlet Creek to the northwest, has lost most of its water to underground streams. During spring thaw and after heavy rains, Minelot Falls is in its glory. Below, are huge boulders that the powerful falls caused to break away, carving out a gulch in the cliff."

Me behind Minelot Falls (05/03/2015). You can see plenty of the rusty color behind me in this photo.
The second picture up is what is seen from my point-of-view.

I continued on, trying to figure out the differences in the limestone formations that make up the escarpment. It seemed to me that there was a noticeable line of demarcation where the Coeymans and Manlius formations met. I'm far from a geologist, but I certainly did my best to learn all about the two limestone formations so I might stand a chance at telling them apart. I only know for sure that the Manlius limestone rests beneath the Coeymans limestone along this escarpment of the Allegheny Plateau. Although I'm still not 100% sure.

Line of demarcation between the two limestone formations (11/13/2015).

Stairs. I didn't remember there being so many stairs. Perhaps it was because I was so very alone along the escarpment, things seemed exaggerated. The cliffs seemed taller too. More towering. More foreboding. The dripping water had an eeriness about it and at times I thought I could hear the limestone cracking deep within the hillside.

Nathan with some stairs on the Indian Ladder Trail (05/03/2015).

Nathan on the Indian Ladder Trail (05/03/2015).
I am always making him pose near tall things for scale because he is 6' 6"

I went along and saw Outlet Falls. Although the drop of the water from the edge of the escarpment is spectacular, along the trail... beneath the falls... there is a fantastic underground stream escaping the side of the cliff.

Outlet Falls - 100 ft. (11/13/2015).

Underground stream beneath Outlet Falls (11/13/2015).

The bottom of Outlet Falls (05/03/2015).
On the left you can see water rushing down from the underground stream pictured above.

Leaving the falls, a bridge crosses the Underground Stream Outlet, fed by Thompson's Lake about two miles away. A sign nearby read, "As surface water seeps into the characteristic cracks and vertical joints, it eventually dissolves passages through the soluble rock, and underground streams form. Over time, the passages enlarge to form caves and caverns.
"A stream flows out of Fool's Crawl Cave here, at the base of the limestone, where it reaches a layer of rock that erodes easily. A similar underground stream is beneath nearby Outlet Creek waterfall. All these streams converge below with Minelot Creek and flow down to the valley, ultimately reaching the Hudson River."

Underground Stream Outlet also known as Fool's Crawl Cave (05/03/2015).

As I rounded the corner... the sight of a cave coming into view? It literally made me gasp. I mean, I was looking forward to investigating the caves, but approaching it from this different direction... Wow! It was daunting. Magnificent. It THRILLED me!!! I became giddy thinking that I could explore the caves without anyone around.

A sign nearby read, "Although this site was historically known as "The Bridal Chamber" or "Giant's Castle," the origin of these names has been lost" (11/13/2015).

In May, I only took photos of one cave. There are two caves across from each other along the trail, but there were far too many people swarming one of the caves, and I didn't wait around to see it.

Crevice Cave (05/03/2015).

The anticipation. Not knowing at all what I was going to see!

Approaching the "other" cave... (11/13/2015).

As I got nearer, excitement turned more into panic. What if there were bats? I spooked myself. The cave was a lot darker and deeper than I expected. I looked into the blackness of the cave. I couldn't tell how far back it went... My mind kept playing tricks on me. Having fear rise up in me and choke me. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t step forward. I couldn't explore. Maybe if I had a flashlight I would have gone in... No, I think it's safe to say (and you know this if you have ever seen me encounter bats) I would never have gone in the cave alone.

I took this photo with my flash on because I could not see very far into the darkness.

I continued on until I got to the stairs leading up to the Escarpment Trail. This was where Nathan and I started in May. I followed the Escarpment Trail back to my car making the hike about a mile loop.

Escarpment Trail
In May, Nathan and I had started our hike parking in the Minelot Pinic Area. We walked along the Escarpment Trail the opposite direction than what I ended up doing in November. Just like the Indian Ladder Trail, I had a whole new perspective coming from a different direction. As I walked I kept taking pictures... basically of the same thing, but it was as if each view was somehow better than the last.

Escarpment Trail (11/13/2015).

I passed Historical Markers for the Tory Cave and the Indian Ladder Trail, as well as signs about The Tory Cave and Thacher Point. Some new construction was taking place nearby. I had heard it above and could see it in the distance when I began, but I didn't realize it was actually New York State Parks building the Thacher Park Center.

Tory Cave Historical Marker (05/03/2015).

I am not sure of its actual location, but I think it's safe to assume the Historical Marker wouldn't have place where it is unless the Tory Cave was somewhere nearby. The Tory Cave is no longer open to the public.

Indian Ladder Historical Marker (11/13/2015).

Thacher Point (05/03/2015)

I passed the creeks that feed the waterfalls. The sun came out and teased me so. Making all the autumn colors bright just for a moment. Too soon, the clouds came and everything was dreary again.

Escarpment Trail (11/13/2015).

Eventually, I made it back to my car and the view compelled me to go to the cliff side at the crest of the hill.

View from where I parked at LaGrange Bush Picnic Area (11/13/2015).

The view was fantastic! I was so awed by seeing my entire hike before me. I could see Minelot Falls as well as the construction taking place where I came up from the Indian Ladder Trail and started walking along the Escarpment Trail.

View of my hike (11/13/2015).

-History of Thacher State Park

Voorheesville, NY - May 3rd, November 13th 2015

Distance Traveled ~1 mile.

Difficulty – Moderately Easy with Stairs

For more pictures from both hikes... Click Here!

Saratoga Spa State Park

I am curious. I am directionally challenged. I am determined.

I had some time to kill before work and I just happened to be in Saratoga Springs, NY. I was nervous to do something alone, but I desperately wanted to explore and have myself an adventure. I decided to check out the park around the Roosevelt Baths. After all, I had only ever been there when the ground was covered in snow.

I started at the entrance that had always been closed during previous visits.The trouble was, I didn’t have any cash to pay an entry fee. In fact, I didn't even know how much it would cost if I did have cash...

Luckily for me, there is parking right before the main entry gate.
I got out of my car to look at a park map, but was distracted by a Spring Pavilion right next to NY State Route 50. Of course I went to check it out.

Hathorn No. 3

A sign nearby read, “Saratoga is blessed with naturally carbonated mineral springs that originate in bedrock layers 100 to 1000 feet below the earth’s surface. Carbon dioxide gas in the water forces it to flow out through openings at or near the surface of the earth, creating both free-flowing and spouting springs.

Hathorn No. 3 spring was discovered in 1905. It was protected along with 17 other mineral springs in Geyser Park when New York State passed a bill in 1909 to create a State Reservation here. Today’s Saratoga Spa State Park encompasses the original Reservation land areas of Geyser and Lincoln Parks. Hathorn No. 3, Hathorn No. 2 (now capped), and Coesa were popular trolley car stops on Route 50. Hathorn No. 2 and Hathorn No. 3 had the highest mineral content of the original springs. Hathorn No. 3 mineral spring still remains a free service spring for the public.

An Arts and Crafts style pavilion was constructed over the Hathorn No. 3 spring in 1917, and a Tennessee pink marble fountain was installed the following year. In 2006, the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park restored the Hathorn No. 3 spring pavilion to its original design.”

While examining the park map near Hathorn No. 3, I saw there was a trail a few yards away. I walked over to see a lovely wooded area and a tree with a trail marker posted "5 mile trail." It was really hot out, and I'm pretty sure I said out loud, "I can't do five miles in this heat." I really wasn't prepared for a long walk. I didn't have water or sunscreen... so I made the final decision to go where I knew I could at least investigate the buildings around the baths.

Beginning by the Roosevelt Baths, I walked along the Spa grounds, looking at the architecture and reading inscriptions in the masonry. The expanse of green between the Park buildings added to the greatness of the buildings. A reflective pool was in the center.

I had a sense of calm walking the grounds, as I'm sure it was intended.

Simon Baruch Research Laboratory, aka Administration Building

Hall of Springs

Roosevelt Baths & Spa

The Hall of Springs

A sign by the Hall of Springs read, "Waters from the Geyser, Hathorn, and Coesa Springs were piped into the Hall of Springs for patrons to drink while they strolled or listened to live orchestral music. This building, which included a concert hall, a promenade, writing rooms, lounges, and a restaurant, became the jewel of the entire spa complex."

A sign posted by the Administration Building read, "The arcades allowed patrons to walk in any kind of weather. The 35 inscriptions on the gabled arches of all the arcades are taken from a poem, written between 1817 and 1819 by Rev. Reuben Sears entitled "Mineral Springs of Ballston Spa and Saratoga Spring."

The marble walkway of the arcades have aged over the years, but it is still so lovely to see and walk upon.

I was intrigued by two statues on either side of the main doorway of The Hall of Springs. I looked across the grounds to the Administration Building to see if the buildings were similar, but couldn't tell from my distance with the sun shining so brightly. Eventually, I saw that there were no statues in front of the Administration Building.

A sign near the Hall of Springs read, "The statues located in front of the building were originally part of a representation of the four basic elements: earth, wind, water, and fire. The female figure represents earth, and the male figure represents water. Lack of funding prevented the completion of the statues wind and fire."

Earth

Water

I continued my exploration. What I was hoping for was to accidentally stumble upon springs I hadn't seen yet. Every map I looked at made it seem like they were easy enough to walk to, but no matter which way I went I never came across any.

I did however walk around a building currently not in use. The top of the main door read, "The Roosevelt Baths."

The currently used Roosevelt Bath & Spa building, directly across from the one not in use, has no access to the back of the building from what I can tell. At least not accessible to the public. I am ever curious, so I looped around to the back of the building.

I kept walking, exploring and some how ended up by the golf course. I checked a park map again... and tried to see if I could get to a spring from where I was. Sadly for me, it didn't seem possible.

I went back to my car. I was planning on calling it a day. I was thirsty and so very hungry. An older couple stopped me to ask why the gates to work the ballet weren't open. I told them, I didn't know anything about a ballet. As I walked away from the couple, I saw a small group of people come out of the woods at the very edge of the parking lot.

A path... "5 mile trail." Nearby was a gravel park road going down a hill. I saw other people biking and hiking on the road, so I went on down the hill.

The Vale of Springs

At the bottom of the hill I saw a little bridge. I could barely contain my excitement, or get there fast enough to see the creek that flowed beneath it. I was taken aback when I looked up to see a spouting geyser! This. This? Was at the bottom of the hill where I had parked several times? I was amazed.

The Vale of Springs has a loop trail where you walk along Geyser Creek. I didn't walk the whole loop for several reasons. I was still thirsty, hungry, and the summer heat was taking its toll on my motivation. I had not planned to be out walking for so long. I also needed to be at work fairly soon. But the real reason is, I didn't read how short the loop trail was, because I didn't read the sign about the trail until I was at home.

Orenda Springs. I wanted to see it so bad and I would have certainly taken the time and put in the effort to see it had I known the trail... loop trail at that, was only a half of a mile!

I did however see Polaris Spring, State Seal Spring (which people were gathering drinking water from), Hayes Spring, and Island Spouter Spring.

Polaris Spring

Island Spouter Spring

Also, farther back in the picnic area there was a different spring, set apart from The Vale of Springs.

Karista Spring

A sign near the spring read, "Karista is the Iroquois word for "iron." This naturally carbonated spring is considered one of the strongest ferruginous, or iron-rich, waters in the world. If you look closely you can see the rusty colored oxidized iron deposits that the water has left behind. Karista ceased flowing in the late 1800's, when carbonic gas companies were pumping massive quantities of  spring waters from the area. Yet, out of 163 springs, it was one of 18 left open when private land became a State reservation. Although it was of the last springs to return, Karista had resumed flowing by 1915.

In the 1930's the Spa was looking for mud to use as treatment for arthritis. Geologists studied many areas in search of a rich humus that could only be found in a valley where leaves were allowed to decompose for thousands of years. They found this special, iron-infused mud near Karista Spring. The Spa began offering mud pack therapy to arthritis patients in 1937."

I found my walk to be very interesting and I'm glad I took the time to investigate a curious area in New York State. I am hoping one day I can share my discoveries with my friends and of course make it to Orenda Springs.

Saratoga Springs, NY - July 14th 2015
Distance traveled ~2.9 miles
To see my MyTracks route... Click Here!
To see all the photos I took... Click Here!