The complete Torrey Memorial hike

For the third year in a row, I attempted to lead my club's annual hike to the Torrey Memorial. The first year we turned back very close to the memorial due to a thunderstorm. Last year we made the memorial but didn't complete the hike as planned due to pouring rain. So what would this year hold?

Good weather, and a complete hike!



I was also worried, I should mention, because I felt out of shape. I remember finding it a tough hike when I scouted it (to completion) last year. Somehow, though, it wasn't as bad this time. We may have hiked a little slower.

Much of the group didn't finish, although for the most part it wasn't about fitness. Some people had cars and needed to return to them; one hiker was doing the marathon in a week.

The hike went from Fort Montgomery to Central Valley, heading west across Harriman State Park, for nearly 14 miles, with a lot of elevation change.