Sunday, May 29, 2011

Quietude

I did a hike in the Taconics today. Started on the Mattison Hollow trail (newer part). It followed along Kronk Brook part of the way up. Passed many small cascades, flumes and waterfalls. Got to the ridge and went north on the Taconic Crest trail. Hiked to the junction with Southeast Hollow trail. It was very quiet on the ridge. Just the birds, breezes and my breathing. Lots of ups and downs along the way added up to an appreciable amount of climbing. On the return, I stopped at the brook one more time to cool off. A very warm and sunny day. Unfortunately, there no were no great views. Just a few filtered views through the trees. Still, a nice hike.

Round-trip Distance: 11.2 mi
Elevation Change: 2530 ft

Mattison Hollow

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Summer stroll


I did a short hike with Howie this afternoon at Thacher Park. From Ryan Road trailhead, did a loop that included Hang glider and High Point. It was hot and sunny, but there was a nice breeze and it kept the bugs at bay. Walked 3-4 miles altogether.


Sunday, May 22, 2011

B-B-Bear

I did some hiking today in Pittsfield State forest in Massachusetts. Didn't have a map with me, so I had to wing it a bit. Parked at a pull-out on Route 20 and started out on the Beacon trail. It climbed steadily until reaching a plateau. Was walking and a ruffed grouse suddenly stirred to life. Then later I saw a black bear who realized my presence and took off. After that little scare, I continued on the white-blazed trail. It started going downhill, and then reached a highway. Noticed a red car parked there. Hey wait, that's my car! Somehow I had done a loop and not realized it. Walked about 2 miles.
Next, I drove over to the main entrance and parked in a lot. I started hiking on the Honowee loop trail not really knowing where it went. Eventually I started hearing running water and then could see a foot path not far below. I cut over to this path. It followed along the cascading brook nearly the whole way up. It was one of the nicest paths I have been on in a while. Nice and soft dirt path with little mud or rocks or roots. Eventually I reached the road and then a nice viewpoint. I then followed the Taconic Crest trail past Berry pond and then on to Tower mountain. I returned back and stopped at the brook to soak my feet. The water was very cold, so I didn't soak them for too long. Got back to car after walking an additional 6 miles or so. Had a nice day out on some new trails.
Pittsfield State Forest

Friday, May 20, 2011

Window of Opportunity

After a week of daily rain, I thought it would be a good idea to check out some waterfalls. So, this afternoon I went to Plotterkill Preserve with Howie. Started out nice with the sun making an extended appearance. I did the six mile loop visiting the three major falls along the way. There were some brief and light sprinkles at one point. Later in the afternoon, the mosquitoes came out and were looking for blood donations. Howie kept busy sniffing out chipmunks. The trail was fairly muddy, but my boots were up to the task. Got home, and it started pouring.
Plotterkill Preserve

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Working in the rain

Looked to be a cloudy, blah day. So, I did trail work on my section of the Escarpment trail in the Catskills (from Route 23 trailhead). There was a new section of boardwalk in the area that was flooded by the beavers. Also, there was a new trail sign for some multi-use (aka bike) trails. I did a lot of trimming back of underbrush along the trail. The fog came in, followed by light rain showers. Got a little wet. Poor Howie didn't have the benefit of a rain jacket. With the low visibility, I didn't bother going to the summit. Got to the end of my section (about 2.5 miles in) and then headed back to the car.
Windham

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Twin

I climbed Twin mountain in the Catskills today. The morning started out sunny, but by the time I arrived at the trailhead the skies had filled with clouds. Luckily, it didn't rain on our hike today. As a bonus, there were no bugs. On the drive back, I stopped at Plattekill Falls.

Summit Elevation: Twin 3643 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.2 mi
Elevation Change: 1890 ft

Twin

Friday, May 06, 2011

Huyck Preserve

I did a hike this afternoon at the Huyck Preserve. I followed the usual route around the lake. I also checked out a small cascading waterfall (~20 ft height) that was a short side trip (off trail along a small creek for about 0.2 miles). There are some new trails at the preserve this year. I took the Wheeler Watson trail past an old cemetery, around the "Race Tack" trail in a pine plantation, and then returned via Ordway trail back to the lake trail. Walked about 4 miles altogether. Bugs were out, but the breeze helped to keep them away.
On the drive home, I stopped at Thatcher Park and walked the Indian Ladder trail.
Huyck

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Panther

I did a hike with Howie in the Catskills. We climbed Panther mountain. Lots of nice views from the many stone ledges along the way (via Giant Ledge). No snow on the trail, but off the trail near the peak there were a few small patches of snow in the shady evergreen forest. We had a warm, sunny day for our trek. Bugs were starting to come out in the afternoon, but not biting yet.

Summit Elevation: Panther 3723 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.4 mi
Elevation Change: 1990 ft

Panther