Today…I hiked. Yes, I’ve been writing and reading and putting air in my tires, but mostly I’ve just hiked. Cue photo montage:
View Lake Minnewaska from the trailhead parking. Despite the beauty, the lake is naturally acidic (due to the rocks) and almost nothing lives there.
My normal route is to take the Lake Awosting Carriage to the Hamilton point trail, but lately I’ve been exploring the Millbrook Mountain path. Onward!
The Shawangunk range is defined by two different rock families: Shawangunk Conglomerate, one of the hardest rocks in the region and nearly impervious to erosion, and Martinsberg Shale, which is easily broken into dirt by the elements. The play between these rocks is the origin of the unique biological diversity of the area.
In areas of shale, the forest is thick and dark. There’s almost no undergrowth due to the thick canopy.
Alternatively, the conglomerate doesn’t support much of anything (except small chirpy birds on the lookout).
The view over the Palmaghatt Ravine. Not pictured the Black Ravens patrolling the skies and tossing ominous shadows over the rocks.
Another view, this time toward Hamilton Point.
These are Pitch Pines, the most common tree in Minnewaska. It thrives amongst the low moisture, low nutrient mountain tops.
Also seen: wild blueberries.
At the end of the carriageway, the trail becomes a little less…defined.
No complaints…
Toward the end, it does get a little harder.
And harder…
And harder…
But the end is worth it. (this is the far end of the Lake in picture #1.) Excellent hike! Total trip: maybe 5 or 6 miles. Not a bad morning jaunt.
