Denise Vitale

A Turn on the Trail

by Denise Vitale

When I stand at the beginning of a long hike on a trail I’ve not traveled before, I am filled with the anticipation that is part excitement and part apprehension. I always move forward, towards the excitement of exploring another of nature’s gardens, but the apprehension of the unknown lurks behind. Where I know I can trust the North reading on my compass, one never really knows what lies on the trail ahead. I’ve gotten 7 miles into a 14 mile hike and come across a series of blow-downs every 10 or so feet that stretched for miles. I’ve had a friend twist an ankle on a rough section of trail, and the pace of the hike slowed to a limping hobble. Washed out bridges, wet, downward-sloping rocks on steep mountainsides and renegade ATV trails cutting the mapped trail system into incomprehensible intersections can turn a pleasant hike into a race with the fading daylight.

My explorations and meditations through forests, rock formations, watersides and meadows lead me eventually to working on the trails that have helped me find balance in a hectic life, peace in disturbing times and sanctuary from a demanding world. Like many who I have worked beside building staircases, repairing erosion damage and building bridges, I felt the desire to give something back. Spending time with those who’ve devoted years to tending the trails and who shift rocks with moves as natural as flowing water, I’ve come to understand how we, as the stewards of nature’s precious gardens, help her withstand the impact of our presence.

Now, my work on the trails is taking a new turn. For years, the northern reaches of the West Hudson area have had little attention on projects beyond what the maintainers can do because there has not been someone to step forward to organize the crews to do the work. So, with the same anticipation I feel when I stand at the beginning of a trailhead new to me, I’ve taken on the role of Crew Chief for the West Hudson North trail systems. Minnewaska State Park, Schunemunk Mountain, Black Rock Forest and Storm King all have trails in dire need of our help. We are at the beginning of building a crew to focus on these areas.

Are these the trails you hike? Is this where you find solace? Invigoration? Enjoy the beauty of our earth? Are you the maintainer for any of these trails? If so, we need you to help us on projects that focus on restoration, relocation and erosion control. There are many tasks to be done. You don’t have to be super human. You only need a willing heart, a bit of time, sturdy hiking boots and a pair of gloves. Not every project requires moving big rocks. There is pruning and side-hilling, tasks similar to tending a garden. If you look forward to a strenuous workout on weekends, come join us. There are projects that will challenge both your physical and mental strength. If you’ve always wanted to help but didn’t know how, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the skills. Since we are a new crew, each trip will be focused on both education and getting a job done. The complexity of our projects will grow as the skills of the team grow.

We will be the West Hudson North crew. There are sections of these trails that desperately need our attention. The amount of good we can accomplish will depend upon the number of you who step forward to help. Our schedule is listed in this issue of the Trail Walker, and online at NYNJTC.org or TrailsToBuild.com. Do you have questions? Are you ready to come join us? Call me (Denise Vitale) at 845-496-8198 (days or early evenings) or email me at WHNTrails@aol.com. I look forward to working with you.

V3 Last updated: July 26, 2004   Copyright © 1996-2005  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.