Vroman's Nose - a precarious precipice

The expanse of views from Vroman's Nose in Middleburgh, in Schoharie County, left me breathless in mid-September. In part, because I've started a new job, several new writing projects, welcomed my first grandchild into the world, have done some legal hand-holding for my middle daughter who was in a horrific car accident and because I've not made time to go for a "real" hike in the past two months.
As hikes go, Vroman's Nose is not difficult. The trails are extremely well maintained, easily accessed off Mill Valley Road via state Route 30, with plenty of signage; and once on your way, a rainbow of blazes to lead the way.

The hike was not pre-planned. I only ended up there because I agreed to take a surprise day trip to an unknown location for an unknown purpose a week before in the spirit of being an adventuress. The surprise trip was to the Adirondacks where I was to be gifted with a 13-pound Kevlar canoe after test-paddling on Lake Sacandaga. Having never paddled still water, always opting for rivers instead, I became so sea-sick, I nearly crawled out of the lake. 

The two and a half hour drive back to southern Delaware County, was a bummer - until my decision to take Route 30 to Route 10.
I'd never driven Route 10 past Stamford and though I was both headachey and nauseated from the canoe, I began to feel much better meandering through towns with names like Breakabeen, where all-things-ag are still a way of life.
I am a lover of water and I couldn't help but to wonder what the name of the stream was that ran alongside Route 30. I began to see signs for Gilboa, which made me think of reservoirs, which made me think of the Schoharie Creek, which made me think of pulling over to look up directions for the Gilboa Dam. I discovered I was in Middleburgh and a near-by attraction - Vroman's Nose - announced itself on google. How could I resist a hike on a nose?

The table-top is chiseled by glaciers and by visitors wanting to leave their mark.

The trail to the cliff-face includes passage along The Long Path, another hike I've been meaning to take. Not knowing what to expect I glanced at the map while at the trail head and unwittingly choose the steepest climb up.
Though the loop is not long, only 1.5 miles, there is a 700-foot elevation gain in 3/4 of a mile, which reminded me that I hadn't been hiking lately.

I was well-rewarded for the effort and am reminded once again that traveling without a map and not knowing where you are going, can be full of surprises.

*Between hikes, Lillian Browne writes about the environment, politics and crime in Delaware County. She is exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie. Follow her on Instagram @lillian.browne, on Twitter @browneinwalton or on Facebook.