It’s no surprise, especially to me, that I’m not exactly an outdoorsy girl. But since meeting Hal, I’ve spent more time exploring the outdoors than the first 25 years of my life. I’ve really enjoyed it since we’ve walked actual trails and hikes, not just nature walks, which I don’t mind either. Our top 3 most memorable hikes have been:
-Trek through Hook Mountain from Nyack to Haverstraw (10 miles that felt like 20)
-Trek to Pine Meadow Lake in Harriman Park (about 5 miles)
-Trek through the Palisades Park along the Thousand Steps and Giant Steps (no idea of the miles walked, but turned legs to jelly by the end)
It has been the most recent hike through the Palisades Park that has left the most lasting impression, along with a couple of bruises. The Palisades Park runs along the Hudson River, spanning from New Jersey into New York and consists of a number of trails and overlooks. It was actually at one of those overlooks where Hal proposed to me with a view of the city and the GW Bridge as a backdrop. Very romantic and very us.
So today, we decided to make the most of the day by going back to the Palisades and walking some of the trails we had yet to explore. We started at one of the overlooks that had a gorgeous view with a straight drop, hundreds of feet to rocks and water below. We then took the “aqua trail” towards the Women’s Federation Monument. I admittedly complained about the gooey mud that we encountered along our path, but little did I know that a little wet dirt was going to be tame compared to what was awaiting us.
Eventually, our path led us to a steady, somewhat steep decline down to the water, which we later found out was called the Thousand Steps (a most suitable name). Having reached the water at the base of the cliffs, we eventually stumbled upon the sign warning us that the next stretch, the Giant Steps as they’re called, was for highly experienced hikers and that proper gear was essential (to surviving it painlessly). After some debate, Hal and I decided to proceed forward into the unknown rather than back track up the steps which were multiplying in our minds as we considered that climb. So we trekked forth encountering a very challenging terrain that had me crawling, climbing and at times sliding across this lengthy rock scramble.
As we continued on what eventually became a 5 hour trek, we encountered more rock, high tide and flooded trails, steps ascending hundreds of feet up, and nature’s reward – a beautiful waterfall. When we finally reached the end, I never felt more triumphant. Hal and I had victorious smiles on our faces. I learned just how far I could stretch my will to achieve a challenge. And I learned just how incredibly supportive and patient Hal can be. We were in this together and it was a tremendous bonding experience for us. So if you’re looking to test your determination while bonding with a friend or loved one, I highly recommend you do it in mother nature, and perhaps the Palisades Park if you're feeling especially ambitious. This hike is not for everyone, but you may pleasantly surprise yourself when you find out it is for you after all.
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