Windham

Did another hike with Howie in the Catskill mountains today. Climbed Windham mountain from Route 23. Had very nice weather - blue skies and lots of sunshine. There was a few inches of fresh powder on the ground, but not enough to warrant snowshoe use.

Summit Elevation: Windham 3524 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.4 mi
Elevation Change: 1740 ft

Windham High Peak

Pine Bush

I took the afternoon off and went on a short hike with Howie at the Pine Bush preserve in Albany. Walked about 4 miles on various trails. There was 1-3 inches of snow with conditions varying from packed powder to slush to ice. Surprisingly, found mountain bike tracks in the snow.

Pine Bush Preserve

Wolf Creek Falls Preserve

Howie and I did a hike today near Altamont in a relatively new nature preserve - Wolf Creek Falls. I parked in the snow covered lot on Bozenkill Road. We did a loop in the southern half of the preserve using the white and gold (yellow) trails. The trails were wide and mostly flat. There was a fresh coating of snow everywhere which created a nice winter scene. Passed numerous stone walls which remained from the time the land was once used to keep sheep. Crossed the road over to the northern half of the preserve. Followed the red and white trails. There were some nice small waterfalls and cascades on Wolf Creek (which eventually empties into the nearby Bozenkill creek). In other news, my car was stuck in the parking lot. I called my friend who came by and tried to push while I drove, but that didn't work. Ended up using tow rope which got my Vibe back on the road.

Wolf Creek Preserve

Super (bowl sunday) hike

Howie and I did a nice hike in the northern Catskills today. Did a loop over Westkill mountain from Spruceton road. Parked at the first trailhead for the end of Devil's Path and started out. There wasn't much snow, but it was hard packed and slippery - mainly from the rain/ice storm event on Friday. I used the Stabilicers which gave me good traction. The trail took us to the notch below North Dome and then up to St. Anne's peak (unofficial name). Continued along the ridge to the wooded summit of Westkill. Had a lunch break at Buck Ridge lookout where there were great views on this sunny winter day. Headed back down the trail to Diamond Notch. There is a small waterfall here (about 10-15 ft drop). Got back to the other trailhead at the end of the road. Had about a 2.5 mile road walk left to get back car. Along the way, a neighborhood dog liked Howie and followed us (well him actually). As I was driving way, he chased for a bit, but couldn't keep up.

Summit Elevation: Westkill 3880 ft
Round-trip Distance: 11.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2350 ft

Westkill mountain