Moreau

I drove up to South Glens Falls with Howie and we did some hiking in Moreau State Park. From the main parking area, we did a loop up to the Moreau overlook (Red Oak and Moreau Overlook trails), then to overlooks above the Hudson River and Spier falls (Ridge Run and Western Ridge trails), and back to the car (White Birch, Eastern Ridge, Ridge Run and Moreau Overlook trails). Covered about 8 miles on this sunny but cool afternoon. Trails were pretty much snow free which was nice.

Moreau

Leave it to Beaver

I did a short walk with Howie in the Pine Bush. Parked at the entrance off Fuller Road. Took the white trail and then the red loop trail. Saw a beaver and some geese in the lake. Walked about 2.5 miles altogether.

Pine Bush Rensselaer Lake

Mush, mush, mush

Took the day off and went to the Shawangunk mountains ("Gunks") with Howie. Parked at the Minnewaska state park main lot and started off. We did a loop on the Hamilton and Castle Point carriageways. The day was sunny and warm (reached lower 70's later in the afternoon). The trail conditions varied from dry, bare ground to mud to slush to 6-12 inches of mushy, mashed potato snow. A tiring hiking, but worth it for the interesting terrain and beautiful views. Total distance hiked was about 7.6 miles.

Minnewaska

Toga

The great weather streak continues. I went up to Saratoga with Howie for a couple of walks this afternoon. The first was at Saratoga Spa State park. Parked at the trailhead on Crescent Ave for the Hemlock Trail area. Followed all three marked trails (blue, white, and green), which looped through the mixed forest. One foot bridge had an odd collection of bones displayed atop the railing. Covered about 2.5 miles.

Saratoga Spa State Park

The second walk was at Woods Hollow Nature Preserve in Ballston Spa. Parked at the trailhead on Rowland Street. Followed many of the trails and roads through the preserve (yellow, green, red, blue). The highlight was the small pond which was starting to thaw out. A couple of ducks swam near the edge. The pine-needle covered forest floor was soft underfoot. Covered about 2.5 - 3 miles of trails.

Woods Hollow Nature Preserve

Let the sun in

Did another walk today with Howie. Went to the Pine Bush at the end of Washington Ave Ext and did a loop on some of the trails. Covered about 4+ miles on this nice and sunny afternoon.
Also, crocuses are starting to bloom. Spring is here!

Pine Bush

Spring Break

I took advantage of the warm, sunny afternoon and did some short walks with Howie. First stop was Thatcher Park. There was quite a bit of snow up on the Helderberg escarpment (about 1-2 feet)... especially when compared to down in the valley (virtually none). I didn't venture too far from the parking area....walking in the mushy snow was too much work.

On the way back, I stopped at Whitbeck Preserve. Walked the loop trail (about 1.5 miles). No snow here, but some mud.

Whitbeck Memorial Grove

Later in the afternoon, I went to Peebles Island and did the loop trail around the island (about 2 miles). Lots of brown, rushing water in the Mohawk river.

Peebles Island