Bear Mountain 2015

Last weekend I volunteered with the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference NYNJTC , I took a class on Building Stone Crib Walls (Trail U 1005). It was tough work.

The class and work project took place behind the The Bear Mountain Inn, shown above. Rooms go for 216USD per night (AAA/AARP rate)

A closeup of some Bear Mt. Inn stonework.

This was the view from the work project location. It was a beautiful weekend and there were lots of families out enjoying the great weather. This photo was early Saturday morning before the hordes descended. Even with lots of people in the park, it didn't seem over crowded.

This is some of the work done by the experienced volunteers. The Bear Mountain Trails Project will demonstrate all the different kinds of stonework one may come across on trails such as steps, stepping stones across small streams or marshy areas, retaining walls, waterbars, etc..

Another view of their work, a retaining wall.

This is some of the section of wall I was given to build, I didn't get very far. We were given instructions, some handouts detailing terms and proper technique and a lot of hands on training. It was a 2 day commitment and way too much thinking for me to do on my day off. Not to mention that rocks are heavy. I was so tired at the end of each day, I was sorry I had given Gina (the chauffeur, you met her here) the weekend off.

Current Blooms:
These are from the Rain Chain Garden.

Then and Now Photos of the Heathers, planted in 2013.

The Bayberry(right rear above) has died and been replaced with a Red Twig Dogwood. The Erica x watsonii "Truro" (center in below photo with mauve flowers) has exceeded expectations, but the rest of the plants are just fine. So far early spring pruning has worked out well. There is a purple Echinacea to the left that has done so well I may move it and back-fill it with another dwarf heather.

Beers in the Fridge:

Sixpoint Brewery's Resin is a very hoppy and very strong can of Imperial IPA at 9.0 % ABV and 103 IBU (bitterness scale). Not my cup of tea.

Meanwhile the Woodchuck cider is not a beer, but it is very good, sweet yes, but not bad when your in the mood for it. Very subtle raspberry flavor.