2019-11-16 - Freewalkers - Palisades Interstate Park Walk

I hadn't done a real hike for 5 months due to knee issues but figured a medium-distance walk with the Freewalkers in nearby Palisades Interstate Park was as good an opportunity to start again as any. Shout outs to all the friends I hadn't seen in at least six months - Peter, David, Ed, Nakis, Janet, Yan, Cory, Risa, Ian, Alex, and Gloria. I joined them on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge and we walked south together to enter the park through the southern end of the Henry Hudson Drive. We stayed on the drive all the way to the police station before turning back. One notable memory was watching one cyclist struggle to put his tire back on the wheel of his bicycle. We happily saw him pass us later on in the day.

David and I walked on ahead as some people took a break at the police station and court house. We stayed on the Henry Hudson Drive most of the way but decided to take a shortcut up to the Long Path since Risa was waiting for David by their car.

The Long Path was absolutely gorgeous and made for quick walking. David and I said goodbye to each other at Fort Lee and I went into town for a meal before driving home. What a great day. In fact, the Palisades was so beautiful that I ended up going back there three times in November, twice for cycling and once for hiking! 

Overall, I covered about 17 miles and 1700 feet elevation gain in 5 hours including breaks.