We woke up early for a long and action packed day. After a series of rugged ups and downs, we could barely make out the New York City skyline on top of Black Mountain.
Again more ups and downs, and before we knew it we were on top of Bear Mountain. Up in the Perkins Memorial Tower I could again barely make out the squiggle that was NYC.
Now time for the descent. Twelve hundred feet of elevation change that equated to about nine hundred rock steps. Once we had fallen out of the mountain into Bear Mountain Recreation Area, I wanted to go back up. Hoards and hoards of people littered the sidewalks and picnic tables. To get to the Trailside Museum, we had to squeeze through droves of pool-goers.
At any rate, we had arrived at the most exciting spot of the day--the Trailside Museum AND ZOO!! At
the bear cage, or Bear's Den as they call it, we were at the lowest point of the Appalachian Trail, clocking in at 163 feet.
The zoo contained animals native to the area--bear, coyote, vultures, deer, to name a few. We arrived at the zoo late, which coincided with feeding time. This actually made the animals more lively.
Crossed over the Hudson River and hiked back up the mountain. Camped at Hemlock Springs Campsite and were joined by friends.
Surprised B didn't just steal a burger out of a baby's hands...
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