Exposed Coral Shoreline

Located in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay has plenty to offer the wound be tourist.  Norwegian cruise line (NCL) operates this Island as a destination for some of it’s tropical cruises near the Caribbean.  Much of this island is currently undeveloped offering the opportunity to explore and do some fun tropical island hiking through the jungle.  While exploring the island, I’ve made a tropical island survival spoof video.  Enjoy!

Location: Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 25.824810, -77.910061
Duration: Freestyle, Up to you!
Length: Freestyle, Up to you!
Season (video): Winter
Weather Conditions (video): Cloudy
Trail (video): dirt paths or find an opening in the jungle & go!
State Park: NA
Trails taken: Dirt paths + bushwhacking
Difficulty: Easy on dirt paths, moderate through forest

Views: Natural beaches, Tropical & Jungle plants, Coral & Ocean

Access: You must take an NCL cruise that stops there
Recommended Supplies: Bottle of water
Safety Direction (if lost): Find the shore & follow it till you see a path

IFRAME Embed for Youtube

Grass Trail

Named after wildlife photographer Allan Cruickshank, the Cruickshank trail offers exception views of Florida’s marshland.  For birders, this is one of the premier bird observation locations in the entire country.  Countless migratory bird species inhabit this area all year round.  To add some excitement, the American Alligator & Bob cats can also been spotted in this area.  Hiking on the trail is safe as long as it’s done in daylight (park closes at night) and your attentive to your surroundings.

The trail winds around the marshland and is dotted with palm tress.  Located near Kennedy Space Center, NASA buildings can be seen from the trail and if you timing is perfect, you could even witness a rocket launch!  An observation platform and a photography blind are located near the parking lot for those who prefer not to venture to far in.

Location: Near Titusville Florida.
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 28.677406, -80.771554
Duration: 2-3 hours
Length: 5 mile loop
Season (video): Early winter
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny but cool Florida winter day
Trail (video): Alan Cruickshank Trail off of Blackpoint Wildlife Drive
State Park: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Trails taken: Alan Cruickshank
Difficulty: Easy

Views: Kennedy Space Center buildings, bald eagles, osprey, killdeer, pelicans, pintail, roseate spoonbills, great egret, wood storks, white Ibis, blue-winged Teal, bobcat, american alligators, marshland, salt marsh, mud flat, refuge impoundment

Access: Take interstate 95 towards Titusville.  Take 406 East Exit and continue over bridge (aka Max Brewer Memorial Parkway).  Take a left onto Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, and continue till Stop 9 (park besides bathrooms).  $5 vehicle entry fee
Recommended Supplies: Bottle of water & Mosquito repellant
Safety Direction (if lost): Follow the shoreline in either direction back to Blackpoint Drive

Day 2 video below. See Day 1 here.

Situated at the corner of 3 states this backpacking adventure takes us into MA, CT & NY all in one overnight adventure.  During our ascent of Mt. Frissell, we’ll cross the highest point in CT.  The Bear Mountain hike in CT has a plaque that states it’s the highest point but it was latter discovered that it is indeed here on Mt Frissell.  The week prior was filled with heavy rain so the trail was wet & there were many streams but the cool November air made for an excellent hiking climate.  A bridge was washed out crossing was more involved but not impossible.

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY on Route 9D
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 42.085898,-73.461695
Duration: 2 day overnight hiking and camping
Length: 15 mile loop
Season (video): Late Fall
Weather Conditions (video): Partly Cloudy
Trail (video): Alander Mountain loop
State Park: Mount Washington State Forest
Trails taken: Alander mtn. Trail, Ashley Hill Brook, Mt. Frissell Trail, South Taconic Trail, Alander mtn. trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Views: Alander Mountain, Brace Mountain, Mount Frissell

Access: Near South Egremont, MA.  Parking available at State Park HQ near the intersection of East & West Streets.  Near YMCA.
Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a full day hike or overnight (some resupply streams are available), snacks, Energy Bar, Meals, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Safety Direction (if lost): East

Day 2 video above. See Day 1 here.

Trail Map

Uphill climb

Situated at the corner of 3 states, this backpacking adventure takes us into MA, CT & NY all in one overnight adventure.  During our ascent of Mt. Frissell, we’ll cross the highest point in CT.  The Bear Mountain hike in CT has a plaque that states it’s the highest point but it was latter discovered that it is indeed here on Mt Frissell.  The week prior was filled with heavy rain so the trail was wet & there were many streams but the cool November air made for an excellent hiking climate.

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY on Route 9D
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 42.085898,-73.461695
Duration: 2 day overnight hiking and camping
Length: 15 mile loop
Season (video): Late Fall
Weather Conditions (video): Partly Cloudy
Trail (video): Alander Mountain loop
State Park: Mount Washington State Forest
Trails taken: Alander mtn. Trail, Ashley Hill Brook, Mt. Frissell Trail, South Taconic Trail, Alander mtn. trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Views: Alander Mountain, Brace Mountain, Mount Frissell

Access: Near South Egremont, MA.  Parking available at State Park HQ near the intersection of East & West Streets.  Near YMCA.
Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a full day hike or overnight (some resupply streams are available), snacks, Energy Bar, Meals, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Safety Direction (if lost): East

Day 1 video below. Click here for Day 2

Day 1 video above. Click here for Day 2

Trail Map

Lower Hudson Valley

Overlooking the Lower Hudson River, Mt Taurus (AKA Bull Hill) offers some great views of the Hudson Valley & surrounding area including the village of Cold Spring.  It offers a good day hike challenge while not being overly difficult or technically challenging.

While enjoying an excellent fall hike on the generously wide trails that the Mt. Taurus hike provides, my Journey took an unexpected turn when I mistakenly took a wrong trail but had a great time none the less!  See the video for more info and me getting lost (again)

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY on Route 9D
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 41.426543,-73.965379
GPS Waypoints: To Come
Duration: Day hike
Season (video): Fall
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny
Trail (video): Mt. Taurus aka Bull Hill to Breakneck Ridge
Difficulty: Moderate
Views: Hudson River Valley, Village of Cold Spring, West Point Academy

Access: From the Taconic parkway, take route 301 east towards Cold Spring till you encounter Route 9D in the Village of Cold Spring.  Go North on route 9D for a minute or two till you come across Little Stoney Point (Sign on left when Northbound).  A parking lot is on the right hand side of the street but you can also park on the the left hand side of the street if needed.
Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a full day hike, snacks, Energy Bar, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Safety Direction (if lost): West

Hiking Map

Abandone Mine Cave exploration

Boreal forests, natural beaches, abandoned mine exploration and more wild Blueberries then I could possibly hope to eat describe my incredible experience while hiking and camping the Cobre Lake trail in beautiful summer weather.  Follow along with me and my hiking buddy as we start backpacking through the forests of northern Ontario. We start out as the sun is setting and it’s raining. Later we try not to fall into the water as we cross log bridges and try to avoid bear hunters at the start of hunting season while wondering miles off the trail…

Location: Elliot Lake, ON
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 46.6355, -82.805
GPS Waypoints: To Come
Duration: 3 Day Camping trip. Can be a day hike if desired
Season (video): Summer
Weather Conditions (video): Rainy and Sunny
Trail (video): Cobre Lake Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 12 km
Elevation Gain: 200m
Views: Abandoned Mine cave, Cobre Lake, Lake Vasseau, Tenfish Lake and Blue Sky Lake

Provincial Park: Near Mississagi
Access: From Elliot Lake head North on Hwy 108 approx 12 km, continue north on route 639 for 20 km (you will pass Mississagi Provincial Park).  While traveling down a large hill, 1/2 way down there will be a small sign on the right side of the road indicating the Cobre trail.  Follow the dirt road and take a left at the fork.  Trailhead is near boat launch and marked with a trail sign

Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a full day hike (Lake water also an option if you bring filter or Water Purification Tablets), full meal(s), Energy Bar, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Common Wildlife Encountered: Bears, Deer, Moose, Raccoons, Loons
Safety Direction (if lost): West

Cobre Lake Map hiking and camping map

Last couple steps

In the heart of the Adirondack Mountain Range you’ll find Lake Placid which is best known for being a host to the Olympic games and is still an Olympic training center. Mt. Marcy, the highest mountain peak in New York State, is located close which seems very appropriate since it’s a challenging climb. Follow along as we climb this Presidential Mountain (Theodore Roosevelt) for a long day of hiking and overnight camping on this beautiful mountain.

While this is a very safe hiking for people of all levels, note the warning sign when you get near the top:  ”Warning, weather subject to severe change. Do not proceed beyond this point without proper gear.”  Near the top of this mountain conditions are similar to big mountains where weather can change quickly (High winds, bad storms, etc) so come prepared just in case.

Location: Lake Placid, NY
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 44.182, -73.964 (High Peaks Information Center)
GPS Waypoints: GPX CSV KML Google maps
Duration: Full Day Hike or Overnight.
Season (video): Summer
Weather Conditions (video): Partly Cloudy
Trail (video): Van Hoevenberg Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 14.8 miles (23.7km)
Peak Elevation: 5,344ft. (1,629m)
trong>Elevation Gain: 3,600ft. (1,097m)
Views: Adirondack mountain rages, Phelps Brook, Mt. Marcy Dam, Indian Falls, Mt. Marcy, Phelps Mountain, Table Top Mountain
State Park: Adirondack State Park
Access: Drive to the High Peaks Information Center for Parking ($10/day, 2011).

Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a strenuous full day hike (stream water also an option if you bring filter or Water Purification Tablets), full meal, Energy Bar, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Other:  Hardened Bear canister
Common Wildlife Encountered: Bears
Safety Direction (if lost):North

Building a Campfire

The knowledge of how to make a successful campfire a key skill for any overnight camping trip.  While there are many ways to make a good campfire one of the simplest and most effective techniques is the pyramid/tepee method of starting a campfire.

0. Find an appropriate place for the fire.  If there’s an existing fire pit use it rather then starting a new fire pit.  The fire pit should be built in an area that’s not going to catch the surrounding area on fire.  Ideally this is on a large rock or sandy area.  Using large stones to fence in your fire is an excellent idea to help ensure you don’t start a forest fire.
1. Start with a few handfuls dry kindling such as dry grasses, leaves or anything else easily flammable.
2. Using twigs, form a basic pyramid over the kindling.  Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
3. Using small branches, add onto the exterior of your twig pyramid.  Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
4. Using large branches, add onto the exterior of your pyramid. Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
5. Light the kindling in the middle of your pyramid.  The fire from the kindling should catch the small twigs on fire and on the chain will continue.
6. If it’s a windy day, be sure that it’s not blowing strongly on your kindling or else it may blow it out.  Conversely, if there’s no wind getting to it, blowing gently on your fledgling fire will help it along. Be sure to collect plenty of firewood before dark.  If your really smart you’ll collect a lot of burning logs prior to starting your fire so this way your not scrambling to keep it going.  If your burning softwood such as birch or pine, you’ll go through firewood quickly so make sure you have a good pile.  All that’s left to do now is enjoy your camping trip.  Break out the Marshmallows, Hotdogs & Smores!

   

Waterproof Matches 10 Pack



Emergency Fire Starter



Outdoor First Aid Kit

If by chance your feeling more adventurous and want to cook something more elaborate such as fish or a steak but do not have a pan, consider using a flat stone.  This stone can be placed on the side of the fire, on ashes of a fire or overtop of it using a fire bridge.

Crab at Fish Bay

St. John is an idyllic tropical island in the Caribbean known for it’s great beaches and hiking trails. While over half the island is national park, I decided to go off the trails and forge my own path. My goal was to start my trek on the souther part of the island (Fish Bay) and work my way to Camelberg Peak, one of it’s highest points. During mid hike, I was forced to reconsider my route and found myself taking a very different, but extremely satisfying course. See the video for the whole story.

Location: St. John’s USVI
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 18.322N  64.766W (Fish Bay)
GPS Waypoints: GPX CSV KML Google maps
Duration: Approximately 4 hours at moderate pace with time for sightseeing and rests.
Season (video): Spring
Weather Conditions (video): Cloudy
Trail (video): Follow the river NNW
Difficulty: Moderate
Views: Fish Bay, Stream, small waterfalls
State Park: Near Virgin Island National Park
Access: Take the ferry from St. Thomas (Red Hook) to St. Johns (Cruz Bay). Take a taxi or walk to where you want to start your hike.
Recommended Supplies: 3 x 750ml (20 OZ) bottles of water or sports drink (more during heat/summer), a small snack, map, compass & first aid kit.
Other: Day Hike, tropical island, stream, waterfall
Common Wildlife Encounted: Crabs, Iguanas and Birds
Safety Direction (if lost): Highway 10 runs East-West through the middle of the island, if your in the southern part of the island, head north.

   

Hydrapak Avila Backpack with
2 Liter Water Bladder Hydration Pack

TETON Sports Scout3400
Backpack with Water Bladder pouch

Camelbak 100 oz/3.0L MG
Replacement Water Reservoir

Map St Johns

Refilling water at stream

An hour north from the skyscrapers of New York City, join me as I backpack one of the best hiking loops in the United States overlooking the scenic Hudson Valley River near Cold Spring, NY.  This time I travel not only along the popular Breakneck Ridge route but also take an extended route via the Wilkinson Memorial trail.  The rocky cliffs and steep ascents prove challenging but extremely rewarding as does the chance to view what appears to be an old fort and Bannerman Castle. We’re greeted with many excellent views of the Hudson River including an excellent view of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge from a high wooden observation platform.

If your interested in a shorter hike of breakneck ridge, be sure to check out my Breakneck Ridge bypass hike here

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 41º 26.59′N, 73º 58.68′W
GPS Waypoints: GPX CSV KML Google maps
Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours at moderate pace with time for sightseeing and rests.
Season (video): Spring
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny
Trail (video): Breakneck Ridge and WIlkinson Memorial trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Views: Lower Hudson Valley, Westpoint, Newburgh-Beacon Bridge,
State Park: Hudson Highlands State Park
Access: Car Parking Lots and side of road are plentyful on Route 9D minutes north of Cold Spring and very close to trail head.  Metro North station stop extremely close but runs on restricted weekends/holiday schedule  only (Hudson Line).
Recommended Supplies: 5 x 750ml (20 OZ) bottles of water or sports drink (more during summer), a small snack, map, compass & first aid kit.
Other: Day Hike, Backpacking, Old Fort, Wooden Observation Platform, Bannerman Castle
Common Wildlife Encounted: Birds, Black Snakes (infrequent)
Safety Direction (if lost): West take you towards the Hudson and Route 9D.

Trail map

Directions

Breakneck Ridge Trail (White): The trailhead starts on the north side of the tunnel on Route 9D.  This trail is indicated with white markers/blazes.  You will start a steep rocky ascent but wherever there’s an area that requires some tricky climbing, there is a marked alternate path which you can take if you feel uncomfortable.  5-10 minutes into your climb, there will be a stone building to your left which has the inscription “City of New York Catskill water supply 1912″.  The stone building looks like an old fort and is abandoned. This first leg of the hike will test you but when you make it to the first plateaux the toughest part is behind you.  Continue on the white trail past the second and third plateaux.  After the third plateaux there will be a yellow trial on your left leading down.  Continue on the white trail which leads up a bit more until you get to the ridgeline.  While walking along the ridgeline, you will pass a pond (dries up in summer) and further on there is an unmarked path that leads off to the left (30 seconds off trail) and this affords another scenic overlook the Hudson River Valley.  Continuing on the white trail pass the red trail (breakneck bypass) on your left.  A while after you pass the red trail, the Notch trail (blue) will be on your right.  Continue forward on the same trail which will now be marked with white & blue blazes as the Breakneck Ridge & Notch trail join each other for a little over a mile.  The terrain continues relatively flat for the next few miles (with some smaller assent & descents). After over a mile the blue trail will part from the white trail.  Continue on the white trail (right). for another 0.5 miles until you meet the yellow trail.  Before you get to the yellow trail, you’ll be greeted by a wooden observation platform which provides an excellent view of the Hudson River and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
Wilkinson Memorial Trail (Yellow): When you reach the yellow trail turn left (downhill) and follow it for a short while until you reach where the Notch trail (blue) joins it and turn right (If you would like to see the Mt. Beacon Fire tower, turn right at the yellow trail and continue up the mountain about 15 minutes).  Continue to follow the blue and yellow trail for 0.5 miles.  Eventually the blue trail will lead to the left & the yellow trail to the right.  Follow the yellow trail.  From here you have two more significant ascents and about 2 miles till you each route 9D a couple minutes North of where you originally started.  If you parked in the main dirt parking lot or at the trailhead, go left (south) to find your car.  If you took the metro north train, go right  (north) to return to the train station.

   

Hiking Boot

Energy Bars

Crank/solar powered Flashlight with
AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio and Phone Charger (Black)

Hiking Tips for Breakneck Ridge

1. If hiking during late spring, summer or early fall, start your hike early in the day. The first section of the Breakneck Ridge is the most intense section of the hike. You’ll burn through a lot of energy & generate a lot of heat which can make it less pleasant if your hiking this section during the heat of mid-day.

2. While hiking the first section you’ll encounter several trickier climbing areas. If you feel uncomfortable with any of these climbs, look for the alternate paths which is usually marked with an X and/or the word alternate. All alternate marked paths will lead you back to the main trail within a few minutes so you won’t miss out on the main trail.

3. Be sure to bring enough water and/or sport drinks especially during hot days. Consider brining water and add powdered electrolytes to ever other bottle of water you go through. Your great hike can quickly turn unpleasant if you run out of water on a hot day.

4. You can hike this in running shoes but some of the climbing area can be tricky if you cannot get a good grip. Good hiking boots will provide the desired traction as well as keep your feet getting sore as you get further into the hike.

5. Bringing some light snacks will help keep your hike spirited and enjoyable.

6. Bring a camera to capture some priceless shots & memories!

7. Hiking alone can be great, but traveling with a good friend is safer & often more fun.

8. Be sure to bring a well marked map and compass with you. Being unsure of where you going and if your lost is never a good feeling.

9. Car parking in a dirt parking lot and on the side of the street is plentiful but if your coming from New York City, consider the Breakneck Ridge Metro North Train (Weekend and Holiday only) stop on the Hudson line.

10. Don’t forget to sign in at the Trailhead log book!

Hope you enjoy these pictures of the Breakneck Ridge – Wilkinson Memorial Trail.