With much of the world on pause these past 3 months, most humans become more plump, grizzled, and shaggier versions of their former selves. While many of us have forgotten how to conduct ourselves in a civilized society, most of us have probably been wearing the same clothes for 3 days (no worries, your secret is safe with me!). But nevertheless, as I knew from day one, there would be a light at this very dark tunnel. The stay-at-home restrictions would eventually be lifted, and we’d all be dancing in the streets (socially distanced, of course) before we knew it. Well, that day finally came and based on my own personal guesstimation, all the human beings (along with their dogs, radios and kitchenware) in the Tri-State area descended upon Bear Mountain on this particular weekend, with a line of cars out of the park as far as the eyes could see (legend has it, as of this writing, many of these cars are still waiting in line to get into the park!).
When we first tossed around the idea of doing Melissa & Dave’s engagement session atop Bear Mountain, it was a much simpler time; people would stay at home, roads would be open, and we’d have the place to ourselves. But as it were, none of that would hold true for us on this gorgeous sunny day in Upstate New York. Earlier that week, we learned that the road leading up to Perkin’s Tower would be closed to vehicular traffic. I did some quick research on the hiking routes in the area and found a 1.7 mile trail to the top.
1.7 miles? Psh. I can do 1.7 miles. Naturally, these two young lovebirds would have no problems with it either.
Little did I realize…it was 1.7 miles straight up….with all my camera gear, no less!
Long story short, we eventually made our way to the top and shared some stories, ice cream and plumbing jokes along the way. I don’t think I could’ve asked for a more perfect couple, or a more perfect way to dust off my cameras and start photographing people again. Despite all the sweat and tears to get to the top that afternoon (tears mostly), I’d happily do this all over again :).
