Through a series of unforseen events, the planned day climbing at the Gunks became another JenFu-Solo-Hike, which was not a bad thing at all. Sure, I would have very much enjoyed tackling the vertical rock faces with friends, but solo-hiking has an appeal of its own for me.
I packed about 20 pounds of camera gear into my pack along with some water and a bagel and hit the trails. I wasn't quite sure where I was going to go. Sometimes that's the best way. The wild flowers weren't in bloom yet by some blossoms on the trees added accents to the blue sky. The trails were empty but my head was not. I spent much time moving quickly, letting the mind travel here and there as well. At one point, I found myself on a trail that did not agree with me...but after a short detour through the woods, I found the climber's trail. Climbers use the term "trail" quite liberally, but the one at the top of the Trapps is not that bad. It is exposed here and there but for the most part, one only needs to be careful to avoid the deer droppings.
I found a quiet ledge and to reward myself for a brisk pace all day by taking a nap. As I dosed off, I saw hawks dancing above and below me with Skytop Tower as a backdrop.
When I woke up, I realized one important thing...make sure that your leg is not "asleep" when you try to scramble off the ledge!
I made it back to my car in pretty good time for a 7 or 8 mile loop and made the trip back to NJ. Realizing that my entire dietary intake today has been from Dunkin' Donuts (bagel sandwich, toasted almond coffee, plain bagel, chai), I'm very much looking forward to my sushi dinner with a dear friend tonight.
Happy Easter and Day-After-Tax-Day.

Two extra photos of "friends" who kept me company while I napped on the ledge.