Saturday, July 31, 2010

Lazy hiker

I wasn't feeling too ambitious today. I did an easy hike in the late afternoon at Thatcher park area with Howie. Parked at the end of Ryan Road and did a loop consisting of marked and unmarked trails, old roads and paths. Stopped at both High point and the Hang gliders cliff. On returning to the parking area, I spotted a wild turkey. It start gobbling and wandered off. Walked about 4-5 miles altogether.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Berkshires

I did two easy hikes in the Berkshires (Massachusetts) this afternoon with Howie.
The first hike was on the slopes of Lenox mountain (Yokun Ridge North). I parked at the Olivia's overlook parking lot, crossed the road, and did a clockwise loop on the Burbank trail. Along the way, we passed a scenic "vista" (with a view to the west) and a small pond with very green water. It was a pleasant walk through some nice woods.

Round-trip Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Change: 540 ft

Yokun North


The second hike was a loop over Monument mountain. Overall, it was a short hike with a rewarding view and an interesting rocky path up and over the ridge.

Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 600 ft

Monument mountain

Monday, July 26, 2010

Jay

I took the day off and went hiking in the northern Adirondacks with Howie. We climbed Jay mountain. It was a fine day for this beautiful ridge walk. There was a nice breeze which kept the bugs away ... or maybe they were at the office. I picked a few blueberries, but they were not super sweet. After the hike, I had an ice cream cone at Stewarts (mint cookie crumble), and then stopped at Chapel pond to soak my feet ... as did Howie.

Summit Elevation: Jay Mountain 3576 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2500 ft

Jay

Sunday, July 25, 2010

After the rains

After a late afternoon rain shower, I did a short walk at Hannacroix Ravine Preserve in southern Albany County. I followed the 2.5 mile loop trail (orange markers). I thought the creek would have more water after two days of rain, but it was just a trickle. The air was still a bit humid, but nowhere as bad as yesterday. I can't wait until Fall for the flies to die.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Lucky day

This afternoon, I did some hiking in the Southern Adirondacks with Howie. First, we did a hike up Good Luck mountain. Followed snowmobile trails for a while, and then turned off onto the marked path up to the cliffs. It was a short, but steep climb. Nice views on this sunny, breezy day. On the way back, I followed an unmarked path down the north side.

Round-trip Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Change: 600 ft

Afterward, we did another short hike to Jockeybush Lake. The marked trail followed along the creek to the outlet of the lake. I took the crude path around the north shore to a nice spot to take a quick dip. Howie waited for me on the shore. Dried off and then headed back to the car. The round trip distance was 2.2 miles.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Work and play

I went out to maintain my one mile section of trail in the Catskills (Escarpment trail from Rte 23). Overall, it was in good shape. Just did a little snipping here and there. I got to the lean-to and had a snack. I decided not to climb Windham mountain since it was a little warm out. So, headed back to the car.

I took the back roads in southern Albany county to get home. On the way, I stopped at Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville to see the falls. Climbed to the top of the falls to check out the new viewing platform, and then headed over the lake outlet near the dam.

Afterward, went over to Partridge run to see two more falls.

Oh, Howie met another beagle today, as well as a young boy named Howie (Howard).
Huyck 2

Partridge Run

Friday, July 09, 2010

Heat wave

I did a short walk this afternoon with Howie at Thacher Park. We walked the Indian Ladder trail. It was warm, but not as bad as the past few days. One creek had a little flow, the other was completely dry. Not too many people were out.
In other news, I got a new digital camera. Apparently, my previous one did not survive getting accidentally dropped in water. My new camera is supposed to be water-proof, shock-proof, and idiot-proof.

Thatcher 3