Gorgeous - hike up Sugarloaf, two days ago

With my hiking buddy Jeanne Marie, who unfortunately (for us) will be moving with her husband Damian to Charlotte in a few weeks. Sugarloaf is just north of Breakneck Ridge and one of my favorite, relatively short (3 miles round trip) day hikes.

When we arrived at the base on 9D there was a sign saying Sugarloaf summit was closed to protect the habitat. Probably because of two brushfires in the last 18 months.

We avoided these areas -

So... we went up the Wilkinson Trail (yellow blazes) and it went circled around the top of Sugarloaf came about 100 yards north of the summit.   These views are from there - just short of 900' in elevation. About three quarters of the way there I said to Jeanne Marie "We've been walking for 46 minutes, I used to get to the top in 42-44." And Jeanne Marie said "Tom be thankful you can still do it." Which of course I am very thankful for ...

A little closer - the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge -

The visibility looking north had to be at least thirty miles - all the way to the Catskills.

Since there were no signs on the north side, we ambled the few yards to the actual spot everyone knows Sugarloaf by - the tree with Storm King in the background.

Good thing Jeanne Marie had that nice bright top on -Bannerman Island below

on the way back down, trees and bushes starting to flower - sky incredibly blue.

We'd left my house around 10:45 and were back a few minutes after 2. Spent some of the time talking about Saint Teresa of Avila (really!) as well as our kids. Then in the evening, from in front of Farandaville a beautiful sunset across the Hudson - as I headed to the gym. What a great day!

 

 

 

Comments

[Regina Montana]

Love the shots and vistas from your hike up Sugarloaf. I definitely need to go there. We're all very sad that the Gagnons are leaving Croton. They will surely be missed. So nice that St. Teresa of Avila accompanied you both!

[Valeria Kondratiev]

Gorgeous! Wonderful views. I am sorry for you that your buddy is moving, but I’m also guessing she will miss such beautiful walks