Bear Mountain
After two days of eating too much and lounging around me and a few other Mountbattens took the bus an hour out of the city to Bear Mountain, NY. Fortunately there was no need to play dead as the mountains outnumbered the bears one to zero!
We were looking forward to some fresh country air and a bit of exercise. When we reached Bear Mountain Park we decided upon the 4 mile Major Welch trail. Its description 'challenging' was casually dismissed given we had a good 4 hours to complete the route (pronounced row-te by them American types). We followed the red on white markers along a gentle path next to the Hessian lake before we turned onto a steeper and rockier walkway. Little did we know that this was really was going to be quite a difficult little dander! It would go up and up and up......
After a few backtracks to pull people up onto the huge rocks that we were trekking across, a lot of huffing, puffing and Sarah's fantastic "Do you think they have mountain rescue?" comment we reached the summit and were treated to an 'only in America moment'; the soda vending machine! $1 refreshments all round, gazing in wonder at the view and smiles all round we realised we'd have to pick up the pace to be back down for the last bus.
We will admit to taking the easy road, literally a road, down but given the fact we lost the markers we were following and the rapid descent of the sun it was definitely the best and safest option. Passing deer could have been the highlight of the downward journey had it not been for the relief at seeing the park entrance 10 minutes before our bus was due to depart. All safe, sound and warm on the bus everyone was satisfied by a good days adventuring. Back home to rest our weary legs and enjoy some Chinese food. Job well done!
Up, up and more up!
Dan's plan reaps rewards - check out that spectacular view!
Enjoying a can of Dr Pepper atop the Mountain of the Bear
We were looking forward to some fresh country air and a bit of exercise. When we reached Bear Mountain Park we decided upon the 4 mile Major Welch trail. Its description 'challenging' was casually dismissed given we had a good 4 hours to complete the route (pronounced row-te by them American types). We followed the red on white markers along a gentle path next to the Hessian lake before we turned onto a steeper and rockier walkway. Little did we know that this was really was going to be quite a difficult little dander! It would go up and up and up......
After a few backtracks to pull people up onto the huge rocks that we were trekking across, a lot of huffing, puffing and Sarah's fantastic "Do you think they have mountain rescue?" comment we reached the summit and were treated to an 'only in America moment'; the soda vending machine! $1 refreshments all round, gazing in wonder at the view and smiles all round we realised we'd have to pick up the pace to be back down for the last bus.
We will admit to taking the easy road, literally a road, down but given the fact we lost the markers we were following and the rapid descent of the sun it was definitely the best and safest option. Passing deer could have been the highlight of the downward journey had it not been for the relief at seeing the park entrance 10 minutes before our bus was due to depart. All safe, sound and warm on the bus everyone was satisfied by a good days adventuring. Back home to rest our weary legs and enjoy some Chinese food. Job well done!
Nature's skyscraper
Up, up and more up! 
Lawrence leads the way
Dan's plan reaps rewards - check out that spectacular view!
Enjoying a can of Dr Pepper atop the Mountain of the Bear 
The Bear Mountain conquerers!
Me, Sarah, Nicola, Dan, Brenna, Lawrence and Insiya.
And not forgetting Jas who was taking the photo.
posted by Christopher Rath at 6:28 PM
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