Brooks Lake Loop, Harriman State Park

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
12/8/2018	1 mile

Map: NYNJTC Harriman North
Parking: See directions
Directions: https://www.nynjtc.org/hike/brooks-lake-loop

We have a new family member, Krummholz! Krummholz may sound like an odd name, but its a term that means stunted windblown trees that grow near treeline. If you have ever hiked tall mountains, you may have seen them. They are twisted and wonderful. Sort of like bonsai, except formed by the forces of nature, not by humans.

We hope that Krummholz will grow into a hiking companion for us. We will do our part doing foundation obedience training, and hope that he learns a lot of the hiking part from Trek. Trek is an amazing hiking dog. He keeps track of both of his humans on the trail. He points out trail intersections for us. And when we do bushwhacks (hikes not on trails) up mountains, he is able to retrace our steps when we return down the mountain. He is able to safely hike offleash (though we have him wear a GPS tracker on many hikes). He doesn't chase wildlife. He runs towards us to be put on a leash when other dogs or humans approach. He's learned to patiently pose while we take photos of him. He's always up for a swim in a lake. These are the lessons we want him to help us teach Krummholz.

Since Krummholz is a baby, we must start with tiny hikes, while his body grows. Today we took him on his first hike, a short loop around a lake in Harriman. The hike is in a very suburban area. There is a playground and tiny dog park next to the parking area. The dog park had some sorry looking agility equipment in it. We didn't go in. It's a little tricky getting good photos of Krummholz - he's always moving!