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The Timp Challenge - 11/99
Our backpacking trip to the Timp in Harriman State Park was great. The weather cooperated and we were quite comfortable on the trail. We struggled at first but as soon as we got our hiking legs back we tore up the trail.
Matt C. really came into his own on this trip. Like the rest of us he found day one a liitle tough. However, by the morning of day two he was the general moving his troops down the trail. His troops were only six scouts. I was disappointed at first at the poor attendance, but as the weeekend passed by I realized how easy it was on myself, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Carlson. What we lacked in numbers was made up in quality. Mike B., Rob C. and Keith J. provided the scout leadership.
The hike itself was first class. There were several overlooks that had great views. We had lunch at the Timp which is just beautiful. After lunch we pushed ahead to West Mountain. The trail was redesigned, making it just a little easier. It was well worth the struggle. The view from the top is magnificent. You see the valley below as well as both sides of the Hudson River. The town of Tompkins Cove is also visible as well as the towns along the river are all lit up. In the far distance you can see the skyline of Manhattan. It is truly a great place to spend the night. The next morning mother nature again treated us to a show. We watched as the entire valley was covered by fog. It began at one end of the valley and spread like a blanket until the entire valley was covered.
Our next backpacking trip is in January. If conditions permit, we might try to camp here again. We would come into West Mountain from a different trail. All are welcome and hopefully more scouts will accept the challenge.
- Mr. Buono
