On the Whispering Pines trail at Big Bend Preserve.

The main trail at Big Bend Preserve is bordered by pretty wetlands and meadows.

Our teen daughter draped their wet cooling cloth over their neck as we walked. Then, over their head. Next, across their face.

Have you noticed it’s been really hot lately?

Big Bend Preserve can be reached via Big Bend Road. Permitted uses include hiking, horseback riding, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Map: https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MoreauLakeBigBendPreserveTrailMap.pdf

The main trail at the newly opened Big Bend Preserve at Moreau Lake State Park, just north of the main part of the park, winds between pretty wetlands and flower-filled meadows, and is mostly open and sunny. Last weekend, that meant it was scorchingly hot.

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Our feet kicked up the dry, sandy soil, and the dust clung to our sweaty, sunscreen-covered legs. My own cooling cloth was still partly frozen when I pulled it out; my daughter eyed it enviously but decided the bright pink didn’t fit their “aesthetic.”

Besides bringing the pre-wet, half-frozen cooling cloths, I had also packed a 32-ounce water........

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