Tomorrow night in Harriman...

[theonew]

I'm camping out in Harriman State Park tomorrow night, if any of you local folks want to meet up, shoot me an email or PM. Haven't decided on an exact location but it'll definitely be on top of a mountain so I should have reasonable cell phone service. The weather looks like it will be just about perfect

 

[andrew7978]

I was just up there a little while ago. You need to be careful about getting a campsite as there are limited places. First you can camp in a campground, but that is kind of boring. Other than that you are allowed to camp in leantos marked on the map or within 150 feet on these leantos in your tent. This information is directly from a park police officer. So I guess the I am just trying to say make sure you get there early so you can get the best sites.

 

[Ken C.]

I'm working tomorrow otherwise I'd be joining you. I'm 40 minutes away from harriman and visit the park frequently.

 

[theonew]

First you can camp in a campground, but that is kind of boring. Other than that you are allowed to camp in leantos marked on the map or within 150 feet on these leantos in your tent. This information is directly from a park police officer.

Those I think are more like guidelines. I've camped there many times in a spot of my choosing and have never had any trouble. I never leave trash, almost always use wood that is down, keep my fires under control. There's also a rule about dogs being on a leash but I've passed a few rangers who looked at me and the behavior of my dog and didn't say a word.

 

[theonew]

I'm working tomorrow otherwise I'd be joining you.

My hiking partner, you, Rescueriley :grumpy: Its a perfect weekend in July, call in sick I say

Luckily my dog has the day off so I won't be totally alone

 

[RescueRiley]

I've stealth camped in harriman many many many times and have never had a problem..Theo have a blast bro. There'e a rocy ridge over by green pond that looks like it has nice view and over looks the pond..and is close enough to the trail to get to but far away enough to not be found... Enjoy.

 

[theonew]

It's a real shame that no one came to visit me on this overnight. It was a great time. Here is what you missed:

An always enjoyable hike through the Valley of Boulders:

All you can eat, delicious blueberries:

A picturesque, mountaintop campsite which came with a pre-made fire pit:

and a pre-gathered supply of firewood (the next morning I felt guilty about using as much wood as I did and dragged up some deadfall to make ammends):

A chop-lickingly good dinner:

A nightcap accompanied by some fine cutlery:

24 hour security (though this particular guard, who has since been fired, slept the entire midnight to 6 am shift snuggled against me:

And a dramatic, misty but cool morning that turned into a beautiful day:

What you didn't miss: On the hike back out we encountered an area where we were literally descended upon by insects. Growing up we used to call them Horseflies; they are basically fast, but not agile, thick-bodied flies, that though easy to kill, have a very painful bite. They were more interested in Richard than me and at one point I ran my hand over his forehead and smushed 6 of them They're like kamikaze insects, nasty little b-stards. I've usually dealt with this situation by soaking a bandana in Deet and tying it loosely around his neck. But I swear the 30% Deet I tried had no noticeable effect. Thankfully 100% did the job nicely

 

[RescueRiley]

Good stuff brother..I think I know that spot When we eventually go hiking you got to show me your cave spot...

 

[tonym]

LOOKS LIKE WE MISSED A GREAT TIME! Excellent pic and thanks for sharing

 

[siguy]

looks like a great hike, love that pack you have on richard but it looks a tad large...like maybe it belongs on a lab or something?...

anyways, good that you got out at any rate:thumbup:

 

[NaturalWorld]

Looks like a great time & great companionship all the way (healthy dog, happy spirits, sharp knife)! :thumbup:
Dog-pack looks awesome; need to capture one, me thinks.
Gotta love blueberries, especially when fresh & along a hike tho' ya didn't carry'em.

Thought I'd just mention: back of map states that 300' within shelter is good to go, though I usually only tuck in those when I'm with friends & we're expecting rain or cold. Nothing but good times & no trouble to date. :foot:
Spent time with friends along Askoti on Thurs for a quick camp, and a walk with the lady along Suffern-Bear Mountain trail by the ruins & fire-tower today.
Wish I could say we walk as many miles as you!
I'm talking myself into carrying a camera, which should hopefully motivate more exploration.. batteries died before I reached the scenic view today.
Maybe one day you & Richard will see Nala & I out on the trails! I'll keep an eye out for your Barkie

Thanks for sharing your journies!

 

[theonew]

It's that particular picture that makes the pack look too big. We're on a uphill slant and he's in a bit of a crouch. It also doesn't seem to slow him down much at all though he only had about 4 pounds in it, which is less than 10 percent of his weight.

 

[siguy]

i see now...

he didn't seem to be a 40+ pound dog when i saw him...but i guess i'm not a good judge...

 

[WolfTracker]

Looks like a great time. Harriman was one of my favorite escapes along with New Paltz. After 10 years in the swamp, I can tell ya, I am really jonseing for some mountains... Enjoy what you have up there!