A Hike with Lisa

Today we hiked with Marie's long-time friend Lisa. I met Lisa once before about 20 years ago. We met up at a different trailhead from where Marie and I walked last week on the Ontario & Western Rail Trail. We connected today to that hike.

The trail is 27 miles long (and I've now done 4 of them). Today's miles were different, so that is good, but the trail here is so close to the busy road that we could hardly visit for the noise.

This is pretty cool. The low hills in the background are just that- hills. One of them is called Morgan Hill. Directly behind them is the Ashokan Reservoir (link below), and behind that are the Catskills, and from there you can see the highest point in the Catskills, and the eastern end of the Finger Lakes Trail is up there.

There were occasional low berms between the trail and the road and various groups had adopted them to landscape. Not too much of interest in this season (some ornamental grasses that still look OK), but this caught my eye. This is a honey locust. However, this is not a typical growth from for a locust at all. This looks like it has been trained into more of a bonsai shape for landscaping purposes. I like it! I'd like to see it with leaves.

One of the underpasses had a nice mural that hasn't been defaced yet. (most of the interpretive signs were)

More errands. I actually did some editing work while Marie rested. Dinner and our game.

Miles walked in 2026: 68.1

Ontario and Western Rail Trail, Hurly north to Esopus Creek and back, 3.9 miles.

See Ashokan Reservoir Hike

Onward to Philly!

Marie and I packed up the car this morning and went to take a hike on a newly-paved rail trail near her. It was an Ontario and Western connector line. Nicely plowed and the sun had melted it clear. No snow pants needed! We wore jackets and gloves, but no extra layers on the legs. It was a welcome hint of a warmer season.

At one point we could see this other railroad bridge over Esopus Creek. I think it used to be New York Central, but I wasn't able to verify that just now.

Then we continued on our way. Most of my Philadelphia skyline pictures aren't good because they were taken from moving vehicles on the expressway. This one is no exception, but it proves we made it.

And here we are! Rachel, David, Marie and me. A smaller than usual gathering at flower show time, but that's OK!

We are doing the show on Monday so there will actually be a couple of calm days here. I'm ready for that.

We did manage to get in a decent walk. 3.7 miles.

Miles walked in 2026: 56.1
Kingston, NY, Ontario and Western Connector Trail, Washington St to Rt. 209 and back. 3.7 miles

See 1.4 Miles, 2 Counties