Peek-a-boo

I took the day off and did a hike with Howie in the Catskills. Started from the trailhead on Peekamoose road. Climbed up the blue marked trail through a mostly deciduous forest. The sun shone brightly through the leafless trees. Reached the balancing rock (reconnoiter rock), and started to see snow. It got deeper as I ascended, but it was packed down. I didn't sink in too much, though it made progress somewhat slower. Reached the viewpoint at around 3500 feet and took a much needed break. After snacks and photos, I continued on to the real summit. Not much to see there as it is densely covered with confiers. Returned back to the start. It was another warm day out ... didn't even need a jacket most of the time. Saw nobody else in woods.

Summit Elevation: Peekamoose 3843 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.7 mi
Elevation Change: 2630 ft

Peekamoose

Alander

The nice March weather continues. Did a hike with Howie in the Taconic hills. We climbed Alander mountain from Under mountain road. Followed the Robert Brook trail up to the ridge, and then continued on the South Taconic trail to the summit. It was very sunny with a cool breeze. The woods were almost snow free, except in sheltered areas and on shady northern slopes. There was one large group at the top, but otherwise didn't see too many people out on the trail.

Summit Elevation: Alander 2250 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Afterwards, I did a quick walk at nearby Bashbish Falls and also at High Falls in Philmont.

Alander (Spring)

Ashokan High Point

I did a hike with Howie today in the Catskills. We climbed Ashokan High Point from Peekamoose road. The trail first follows along Kanape Brook on an old road. There was very little snow or ice left. The trail then turns left and climbs steadily to the summit which was once a fire tower site. The views were a bit hazy to the south. Continued on the loop trail and then back down to the car.

Summit Elevation: Ashokan High Point 3080 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2000 ft

Ashokan High Point

Pilot Knob

I went on a short hike near Lake George climbing Pilot Knob. There were mixed conditions in the woods with bare spots, ice, hard packed snow and soft snow. A little tricky down low with the icy spots. But, I used Stabilicers which helped a lot with traction. Howie had to make do with four-paw drive. Got to the sub-peak and stopped for a lunch break. It had clouded up considerably since the start of the hike. Headed back down and made it out safely. Howie met a beagle mix in the parking lot.

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

Pilot Knob