Leader of the pack

I led an Internet meet-up group on a hike near Lake George. Climbed Pilot Knob (to the grassy lookout point). Had a very large contingent (18 people), and there was also an ADK group of about 10 on the trail. I made sure everyone got out of the woods safely. It was a better day weather-wise than predicted...mostly sunny, warm with a nice breeze to keep bugs away. Trails are almost bone dry...could use some rain. Stopped for ice cream at Stewart's on way back. Mmmm... mint chocolate crumble.

Round-trip Distance: 4.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Pilot Knob

Van Wyck - The mountain not the expressway

Howie and I had a little adventure in the Catskill mountains. I climbed Van Wyck an Woodhull mountains. Started at the lower parking lot for the Sundown Forest camping area. After cutting through the camping field, I followed up Stone Cabin Brook. At one point, I slipped on a moss cover rock and fell square on my butt. Luckily my butt hit a rock that was flat and smooth. I clammered up the east bank to the old road which I followed for a couple miles before it petered out at around 2400 ft. Came upon a small plane engine at one point, but no other plane parts. Eventually reached the southern ridge of Van Wyck. The final push to the summit was steep, but short. Found the ledge with the good view. After a quick rest and snacks, I followed the ridge west over to Woodhull mountain. The highest point was marked with a rock cairn. (Actually two, but one was clearly higher than the other). Headed back down and finally picked up the old road above Stone Cabin Brook again. I followed it all the way down to the Roundout creek. There was no easy way to get across and following along the creek was not a great option. So, I took off my boots and waded across. Water was only six inches or so deep, but it was very c-c-c-cold. Followed CR 42 back down to my car. It was a very warm and sunny day...more like June than April. Bugs are starting to come out. A long day in the woods.

Summit Elevation: Van Wyck 3206 ft, Woodhull 3040 ft
Round-trip Distance: 10.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2510 ft

Van Wyck and Woodhull mountains

Overlook

Howie and I did a hike up Overlook mountain in the Catskills. It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon - sunny skies and temps in the lower 70s ... nothing like the weather forecast. The trail/road up to the summit was clear with no snow or ice. I climbed the fire tower and also checked out the airplane crash that is below the path that follows along the ledge. After the hike, I went to the Catskill 3500 dinner in Kingston to get my certificate. Howie was bummed that he didn't get one.

Summit Elevation: Overlook 3150 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.2 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft

Overlook

Round, Round, Get Around

Howie and I did a hike on part of the Taconic Crest Trail - it runs along the ridge between NY and MA. Parked near the last house on Madden Rd, then started walking up the unpaved road. Reached the summit of Rounds mountain which had good views ... though visibility was limited due to clouds. Continued following the trail to Rathburn hollow, and then turned back. There was still snow lingering on the northern slopes, but it won't be long before it's gone. On the drive back, I heard the Beach Boys song - I Get Around.

Summit Elevation: Rounds mountain 2245 ft
Round-trip Distance: 9.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2235 ft

Rounds mountain