Doing 35 on the Carriage Road

This past Saturday I turned 35.  Kind of a milestone birthday.  40 is now down-the-hill and while I’m not necessarily getting old, I’m certainly no longer at an age associated with youthfulness.

While most people stay up late celebrating a birthday alternatively, my day began at 5am.  The plan was to hike the Carriage Road at The Gunks, a five-mile loop, with both of our children (the carriage road is a flat gravel trail that can accommodate a big-wheeled stroller).  Along the way I was going to meet up with a friend and do a quick climb so my son could finally see me rock climb.  My friend from work, who actually has a place near The Gunks, joined us with her daughter who is my son’s age.

We arrived very early at the West Trapps parking lot in order to beat the weekend crowds.  The importance of getting a spot in this lot so early was stressed because it’s a relatively flat and short approach to the Carriage Road for the stroller vs. going up the famous Stairmaster in the lower parking area. 

Within a short time we reached the Frog’s Head Wall and my friend Mike had already set up a top-rope on the route Frog’s Head, 5.6.  We parked our strollers at the base of the approach trail and very, very carefully brought the kiddies up.  Hanging out under a cliff is not the place for children but I can assure you that they were being very careful looked after by two diligent and attentive mothers.  My ascent of Frog’s Head took only a few minutes.  I would call out and wave to my son and he kept yelling “UP! UP!” for encouragement. 

 

Frog's Head Collage

 

Over the next couple of hours we walked, talked, stopped, nursed, ran, fell, cried, laughed and even changed a few diapers.  Right around the last mile, both of the toddlers were fast asleep.  My 7-week old daughter, who spent most of the trip fastened to my wife via Baby Bjorn, barely made a sound except for letting us know she was hungry about half-way through.  But throughout, the weather and mood was very pleasant and the kids, and adults, all had a great time.

 

We finished the day with a stop at the Mountain Brauhaus.  Located right at the intersection of 44/55 and 299, I’ve passed this restaurant every single time I visited the Gunks and could sometimes smell wonderful food cooking as I passed.  The traditional home cooked German food and beer (killer Oktoberfest) did not disappoint! 

 

View from the trail

 

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