Note to self: Make sure to look at map of trail BEFORE going on trail.
Here’s a little nugget of advice I have for anyone going on a hike. If your trail is described as a loop, take it with a grain of salt. The “loop” might refer to some grander scheme of things that the trail is only an insignificant part of, like life.
Loop trails are made up of more than one trail, so pay close attention when to switch blazes. So if you stay on the Red Dot trail too long, you come off the trail in Orange County. Your car will not be there, despite what the instructions said.
Also, be advised that when you wind up on the other side of the mountain, realizing you missed the loop, you will need to rely on either a keen sense of direction or the kindness of strangers to get you home.
Take care when choosing an appropriate stranger. Ideally, they will be middle-aged to elderly, and have lived in the area for nigh on 50 years. Do your best naive, city-folk impression and ask where Rockland County rooad 106 is. Upon hearing that it is “4 miles as the crow flies” over the mountain you just crossed, give him a blank stare. He’ll then give you directions on how to walk there on the sides of the highways. After he finishes, thank him for his help, and start walking down the path to the highway, where you will try your luck avoiding speeding cars in the waning light of dusk. The stranger should pick you up in about 5 minutes. Get in the car, thank him profusely, and thank God you remember where you parked.
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