ABOUT THE PARKS:
DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.04756, -74.25139
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| Upper lot off of Skyline Drive. Expect it to be full by 9AM if not sooner. |
TRAIL MAP:
HIKE DISTANCE: 2.8 miles
THE HIKE:
My 6-year-old granddaughter, Ellie, had been expressing an interest in "hiking like grandma" and wanting to see a castle. We can do that! To earn her Girl Scout family hiking badge this was the hike that covered all bases in addition to a big surprise on the trail! Ellie also wished she had a camera to take pictures like grandma. Amazon to the rescue for children's cameras for Ellie and 4-year old Harry who would be meeting us at Van Slyke Castle with his parents and 19-month-old brother, Teddy. As planned, Ellie spent the night at grandma's and we headed out early in the morning on Easter Day to begin the hike.
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| Lesson #1: All good hikers carry a map. |
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| With your back to Skyline Drive, right on the white Castle Loop Trail. |
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| Ellie asked for my old trekking poles and she used them throughout the hike. |
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| When the Cannonball Trail comes in from the left, we went right on white/red and would be returning from the left. |
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| White leaves red to the left and we would be staying with white all the way to the castle ruins. |
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| As taught by her grandmother, parents and the Girl Scouts, Ellie insisted we pack out the plastic bottle some irresponsible and careless person tossed in the bushes. |
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| Taking a break. |
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| Ellie learned that even though her backpack was mostly empty early on, it soon filled up with layers of clothing as the weather warmed up. |
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| Coming up on the stone tower. |
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| But first up to the overlook. |
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| Stone Water Tower |
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| Continuing on to ... |
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| ... the next overlook. |
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| Van Slyke Castle |
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| Taking a break while waiting for the rest of the family to join us. |
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| And here they come! |
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| New York City skyline view from Van Slyke Castle. |
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| Ramapo Lake from Van Slyke Castle. |
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| Now Harry and Ellie would come with me down to Ramapo Lake and we would meet up with the others in a bit. |
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| Going down the ladder from the castle to descend very steeply at times. |
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| Coming up on Ramapo Lake. |
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| Time to backtrack a bit to the intersection of white and red to meet up with the rest of the family where... |
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| ... the Easter Bunny had left eggs along the trail for the Easter egg hunt! |
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| The Easter egg hunt on a hiking trail was a huge hit! |
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| Continuing on the red Cannonball Trail. |
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| The children figured out that there are games on their cameras. |
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| Very awesome hikers who loved this hike and want to keep hiking with grandma. |
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| Back at the parking lot with cars hovering for a spot. |
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIE:
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARRY:
Hi Daniela. Really cute of your granddaughter. I hiked this trail way back in 2010 when I first adopted Abby. For some reason, I had the photos on an external hard drive and just yesterday printed some. We were so young. The only difference I see, is they put wooden steps up and over the stone wall that goes down to the lake. I remember we had to pick Abby up to get over the wall. Looks like you and family had a wonderful time. Christine
ReplyDeleteHow funny - the last time I hike that was May 2010! I did not recall that ladder being there and I would have remembered because Shawnee did not do steps or ladders. She was terrified of them. I remember I packed out a huge bag of trash from the castle area. Fortunately did not see any of that this time, just that disgusting graffiti. My granddaughter was even appalled at that.
DeleteHi, that is funny. We hiked there on September 10, 2010. There was a lot of green and vines all over the castle ruins. The structure was difficult to see. Another time I would like to go back, but for now just find something a little less difficult for Abby. Thanks.
DeleteImpressive group! Looks like they navigated the rocks well!
ReplyDeleteThanks! And yes, they did. There were a couple of face plants early on but they got up and continued on and became quite adept at it very quickly.
DeleteAwesome trip! Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteDaniela -- another excellent hike! (As always, you make me wish I was closer to North Jersey...would *love* to see this place for myself!)
ReplyDeleteEllie: If you are reading this (or maybe your awesome grandma would read it to you): You are da *bomb*! You look like a true professional out there...*well* beyond your six years! You have made me a true fan...all I can say is I cannot wait till your next adventure with grandma. GO ELLIE!! ;-)
That is so sweet of you! She reads very well so I will be sure to let her read your comment the next time she comes over.
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend the day!! Thank you both for your clean up efforts too!
ReplyDelete