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Dec 06 2025
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 Guides 76
 Routes 198
 Photos 10,258
 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Sourland Mountain Preserve TrailsNorth, NJ
North, NJ
Hiking avatar Dec 06 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking9.71 Miles 1,787 AEG
Hiking9.71 Miles   4 Hrs   26 Mns   2.35 mph
1,787 ft AEG      18 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Observed at least two pileated woodpeckers in the same area as last November. Saw 2 flying over the gas line r-o-w. During the final lap and as I was making my way back to the TH I heard one of them drumming. No doubt it was the pileated, as there were also several making their clucking like sounds in that area, and it was where I saw them earlier, just into the forest.

Otherwise, cold and wintry. Not as nice as last year, but it was stormy overnight and last year was all bluebird days. Plus, winter is not novel, now.
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Nov 29 2025
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 Guides 76
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Kuser Trail, NJ 
Kuser Trail, NJ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 29 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking9.72 Miles 1,645 AEG
Hiking9.72 Miles   4 Hrs   15 Mns   2.47 mph
1,645 ft AEG      19 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Parked at the trailhead for the Kuser trail, which I might not do again as space is limited to about 3 cars. Also, while the forest was nice and is in much better shape on the east side of the hill, there are no open areas and no views to speak of. Time will tell if I repeat this, or a modified version of it.

I did a series of ups and downs and across the park and have now been to all 4 major trailheads, even if only starting from 3 of them. I finally understand how I could see so many people in the park when the Fiddlers Creek and SR 29 parking lots were empty. The lot at the east end of the Ridge Trail is huge and probably gets a lot of visitors.

Cold, clear and sunny, but a decent number of winter birds are around. Wrens, robins, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice all heard, and some sparrows and woodpeckers seen, too. All fairly common, actually. Still enjoyable.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation None
All done!

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Fiddlers Creek Light flow Light flow
Seemed light, but this could be hard to cross in medium or heavy flow if it was light.
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Nov 24 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Mt Tammany - Red DotUpper, NJ
Upper, NJ
Hiking avatar Nov 24 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking6.50 Miles 3,130 AEG
Hiking6.50 Miles   5 Hrs   16 Mns   1.42 mph
3,130 ft AEG      42 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Set out to hike, and achieved, over 3,000' of AEG for the day. Possibly the last time until late winter or early spring. I did laps using the upper half of the trail and found that more enjoyable than the laps from the TH. It's the steepest part of the trail which is nice. I think, if still in decent shape, I could do another lap and around 3500' in a hike, which would be great. I had to tack on some filler to get over around 2950'.

No telling how weekends are now, as weather has sucked recently, but today was great sunny conditions and yet parking wasn't crowded for the first time since April. Trail was busier than expected, but way better than last time. Leaves are off the trees.

Heard a pileated woodpecker calling near sunset at the bottom. Possibly two, one nearby that I saw after it took flight, and another across the valley other side of Dunnfield Creek.
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Nov 08 2025
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Switchback Trail - Yellow TrailWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Nov 08 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking6.86 Miles 1,405 AEG
Hiking6.86 Miles   3 Hrs   49 Mns   2.30 mph
1,405 ft AEG      50 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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The usual. Went a little further out on the ridge and that might be nice to hike when it is dry. Maybe out to one of the other THs.
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Nov 02 2025
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Kittatinny Loop, NJ 
Kittatinny Loop, NJ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 02 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking11.53 Miles 2,324 AEG
Hiking11.53 Miles   6 Hrs   16 Mns   2.04 mph
2,324 ft AEG      37 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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I waited to return until after leaf peeping season ended. It was still busy and the parking lot was full when I arrived, but I was able to get a space right away. Someone pulled out just as I came in.

I did a longer hike than the normal laps that I typically do at the western edge of the Kittatinny Mountains, although I also did a little extra on the red dot. I went out to another trail on the fire road and took that over to sunfish pond. I returned on the Appalachian trail.

I was optimistic about maybe seeing a bear or two, as I've seen lots of reports of bears out here and recent photos, but I did not see much other than squirrels, chipmunks, and white-tailed deer. Still, it was a very nice hike. I would likely repeat it this year, but may have to wait until next year depending on when I come back. The Sun is setting very early now and in a month it'll be before 4:30 p.m.

The leaves are 90% off the trees on the ridge and it has much more open feeling. Much of this hike is through very pleasant Forest that is a lot less pleasant when it's warm and humid in summer. It's probably at it's nicest in spring on a warm sunny dry day. Today was perfect early winter conditions, or late fall. The high was 58°. Maybe that isn't winter?

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Dunnfield Creek Light flow Light flow
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Oct 26 2025
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 Guides 76
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Switchback Trail - Yellow TrailWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Oct 26 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking6.61 Miles 1,394 AEG
Hiking6.61 Miles   3 Hrs   10 Mns   2.35 mph
1,394 ft AEG      21 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Nice weather, cool and mostly sunny with some clouds. Bathrooms were locked, possibly for the season. Had to wash my hands off at a hose tap after eating quite a few persimmons. Frost is ripening them up, which was good for me. Not so for the bears, but they can come another time.

Not too crowded.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
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Oct 26 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Washington Crossing State Park TrailsWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Oct 26 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking2.59 Miles 388 AEG
Hiking2.59 Miles   1 Hour   31 Mns   1.85 mph
388 ft AEG      7 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Back at the Goat Hill Overlook. Far more people than expected, possibly due to the fall color. Very much city people, but this isn't really a hike hard hike. I just like the forest and vistas.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
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Oct 26 2025
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Washington Crossing State Park TrailsWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Oct 26 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking1.20 Miles 77 AEG
Hiking1.20 Miles      35 Mns   2.06 mph
77 ft AEG
 
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Short walk at the actual park. Walked the road from the parking lot to the ferry house built in 1740. Nice garden.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Oct 16 2025
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Washington-Hawkins Bridge Loop, NJ 
Washington-Hawkins Bridge Loop, NJ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 16 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking6.98 Miles 105 AEG
Hiking6.98 Miles   2 Hrs   43 Mns   2.57 mph
105 ft AEG10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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A little loop hike on a cool fall afternoon with dry air and highs near 60. Pleasant, and enjoyable. Cut some logs for BBQ back home and loaded them into my vehicle before the loop.

I intended to make it longer continuing south from Godffrey Bridge down to 563 before heading back to my vehicle on the Tuckerton Rd, but it was getting late and I realized hunters were out. It was nearing sunset, so I didn't opt to finish by lamp. Just as well, as I did 7 miles and that is my upper limit for finding a flat hike enjoyable. I'm usually well past my desired end point when I do the 8 and 9 mile walks/ hikes.
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Oct 10 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Photos 10,258
 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Switchback Trail - Yellow TrailWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Oct 10 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking6.01 Miles 1,368 AEG
Hiking6.01 Miles   2 Hrs   45 Mns   2.40 mph
1,368 ft AEG      15 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Cool October weather was nice hiking weather.
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Oct 10 2025
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Washington Crossing State Park TrailsWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Oct 10 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking2.41 Miles 333 AEG
Hiking2.41 Miles   1 Hour   17 Mns   1.93 mph
333 ft AEG      2 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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A hike to several of the overlooks at the Goat Hill Overlook (no cocktus) which is technically part of the Washington Crossing State Park, even if a separate area. It was bought relatively recently to preserve it and keep the historic scenic views open to the public. These scenic views were used in the old war by both Americans and British to observe troop movements, and probably sunsets, too.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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Oct 04 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Switchback Trail - Yellow TrailWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Oct 04 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking8.46 Miles 1,940 AEG
Hiking8.46 Miles   4 Hrs   29 Mns   2.20 mph
1,940 ft AEG      38 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Warm. Humid, too. Not terrible, but it was a little hard to deal with after the last few days of high 60s and dry.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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Sep 28 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Photos 10,258
 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Tuckerton Mount Loop, NJ 
Tuckerton Mount Loop, NJ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 28 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking8.96 Miles 137 AEG
Hiking8.96 Miles   3 Hrs   26 Mns   2.62 mph
137 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
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Still a little early for fall walking here. You can tell it was a wetter summer and there has been recent rain. Needs to dry out.
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Sep 26 2025
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Apple Pie Hill Fire TowerWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Sep 26 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking5.13 Miles 325 AEG
Hiking5.13 Miles   2 Hrs   3 Mns   2.59 mph
325 ft AEG      4 Mns Break
 
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A little sand road and trail walking on a warm humid day. There was some trail work near the hill top and new signs for the Batona trail and the other one that runs to Batsto.
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Sep 21 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Mt Tammany - Red DotUpper, NJ
Upper, NJ
Hiking avatar Sep 21 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking9.87 Miles 2,290 AEG
Hiking9.87 Miles   6 Hrs   19 Mns   1.74 mph
2,290 ft AEG      38 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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Leaves are already coming off the ridge top hickory and birch. Went out a fair way on the fire road. Might like to hike out further.

Intended to catch a sunset at the overlook since I did last time, but clouds came in. It was cool and nice all day, otherwise.
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Sep 14 2025
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 Guides 76
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Mt Tammany - Red DotUpper, NJ
Upper, NJ
Hiking avatar Sep 14 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking2.94 Miles 1,180 AEG
Hiking2.94 Miles   1 Hour   31 Mns   2.13 mph
1,180 ft AEG      8 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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A quick sunset hike on the drive back. I planned this, but traffic was so horrendous I wouldn't have taken the NY Thru way south of I-84 due to the volume of NYC weekend travelers, and likely would have diverted over here, anyway. Driving was a nightmare, but it ended up okay as I did this and had a sunset on top. I never did that before and might like to do that again. I used to enjoy them on Piestewa all the time.

After the prior week I felt strong and went up fast. Nice to be like old times.
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sunset
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  1 archive
Sep 13 2025
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 Triplogs 2,343

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Mount CardiganDartmouth-Lake Sunapee, NH
Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee, NH
Hiking avatar Sep 13 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking5.26 Miles 1,995 AEG
Hiking5.26 Miles   3 Hrs   37 Mns   1.66 mph
1,995 ft AEG      27 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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I had been planning this hike for about a year. I kept seeing fantastic photos under bluebird skies taken from the summit, often of sunsets or ice and snow in winter. Well, of course despite the 7 days forecast when I left, it was overcast the entire time I was hiking this. It cleared out and was beautiful when back at the TH. I have to laugh at that, actually.

It was fine, the hike was still good, and the summit view about the same it just didn't have the conditions I wanted. I don't know what is what here, and there is not giant canyon to observe, so it probably didn't matter.

I still enjoyed the bald rock summit, and the scramble which was great. Hiking down the Manning was okay, too. I picked a few apples at the orchard nearby, which was also good. Cortland and Macintosh apples.

Of the 3 summits I did, I think I am least likely to hike this one again, due to the location, fire tower/development and crowds, but Monadnock also has big crowds on the weekend, so who knows. That summit was more natural and enjoyable. Baldpate was great, but a long trip and over 2 days drive. Unless I come out of Maine, in which case Baldpate is about 2 hours away!

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Bailey Brook Light flow Light flow
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  3 archives
Sep 12 2025
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Baldpate Mountain via the Appalachian TrailWestern, ME
Western, ME
Hiking avatar Sep 12 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking8.03 Miles 3,099 AEG
Hiking8.03 Miles   6 Hrs   32 Mns   1.49 mph
3,099 ft AEG   1 Hour   8 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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Highlight of the trip, for sure. High point, too. In fact, highest I have been in 16 months, and furthest north I have been since 2010.

I chose this due to it being a really neat summit. It was also a really great hike. Trail is nice and steep, and it feels like you're much higher, but that is due to the climate of the NE.

Lots of nuthatches here honking away as they consume spruce and fir seeds. It was enjoyable.

Trail traffic was higher than expected, but it was also most entirely AT hikers and this is probably peak season for the north bound crowd. A few sections and day hikers, too. I seemed to be the only day peak hiker. I had the summit to myself for a long while.

Old Speck on the other side of 26 was the hike most peakbaggers seem to do. It's a 4000 footer, which in this area is the main list hike. Like the 14ers of the NE USA. I hate lists, so I was happy they were over there. Trail runners and just regular hikers seemed to gravitate to it, which was fine by me. That summit is not anything as nice as this is.

This area is in a bad drought, so there was no water once above the first mile.

Camping at Grafton Notch Campground worked well. I recommend it.

Bear River is very low.
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Sep 10 2025
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Mount Monadnock via Birchtoft and Red SpotMonadnock Region, NH
Monadnock Region, NH
Hiking avatar Sep 10 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking6.55 Miles 2,124 AEG
Hiking6.55 Miles   4 Hrs   56 Mns   1.49 mph
2,124 ft AEG      33 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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First of my 3 summit New England trip hikes. I spend 2 nights at the state park campground, so I also hiked from the trailhead located near the campground; the Birch Toft and Red Spot trails. This added some miles and AEG, which was great. Otherwise, it is very short using the trails from the Park HQ.

Reported to be the most hiked summit in the state due to Boston being too close, I can see it being very busy. A quota exists to keep it from getting too crowded. I had company on top, but nothing severe as it was a Wednesday.

Very enjoyable day out. Trail was pretty scenic and easy. The summit is low, but feels high due to the bald nature and exposed rock.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Gilson Pond 76-100% full 76-100% full
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  4 archives
Aug 31 2025
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46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Switchback Trail - Yellow TrailWestern, NJ
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Aug 31 2025
JimTriplogs 2,343
Hiking8.01 Miles 1,832 AEG
Hiking8.01 Miles   3 Hrs   54 Mns   2.32 mph
1,832 ft AEG      27 Mns Break
 
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Excellent last day of August weather was not to be wasted locally, but because it is a 3 day holiday weekend, I didn't bother to repeat a trip to the Water Gap. I would think it is extremely crowded.

Managed a little more than I expected with 3 laps. 3 is plenty, and even 2 would be okay if I'm being honest, and I do something else interesting.

I Explored a little more, visited the stairs of the Summit Trail, and made a small loop on the red trail, which really wasn't that great. Not sure I'd do it again.

Had a solid month, actually, despite the humid summer weather the first 2/3 of August. The unusually cool dry weather is not unwelcome, but I wonder what it might mean for fall and winter. I do hope the weather is good enough that if I don't make it to NH and ME, I can at least do some Water Gap hikes that are fun.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Big bluestem
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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average hiking speed 2.1 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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