Monday, December 31, 2012

End of year

Did an easy snowshoe hike at Thacher Park this afternoon. Started from the Paint Mine lot and did a loop using various trails (red, blue, orange) in the southern portion of the park.The snow was pretty well packed down which made for easier travels. Covered about 4 miles altogether. Pictured is a small waterall near Hop Field lot.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Spruce Hill

Did an easy hike in Massachussets with Howie this afternoon along the Hoosac Range. Parked at the trailhead on Route 2 just past the hairpin turn east of North Adams. Followed the ridge trail to Spruce Hill. The trail was well-constructed with switchbacks, stone steps and bench cuts. There was a dusting of snow in the woods and only a few icy spots on the trail. Needless to say, I slipped on a small patch and fell on my elbow, but fortunately was not hurt. There were nice views along the way and at the summit. Had a cold but very sunny day for our trek. Only saw one other hiker and a dog.

Summit Elevation: Spruce Hill 2566 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.4 mi
Elevation Change: 800 ft
Spruce Hill

Sunday, December 09, 2012

Rand Mountain

Did a hike in the southern Adirondacks with Howie. Our destination today was Rand mountain. Couldn't drive all the way to the trailhead since Hope Falls road was closed where the pavement ends. So, I parked at the barricade and walked the road. After about a mile near a camp site, I started my bushwack heading in a SE direction. I was able to avoid any cliffs and it was open woods all the way up. After a short but steep climb, I reached the cliffs on the NW side of the mountain and stopped for a break. There were nice views to the west. Continued in a easterly direction until I reached the woods road. Took that to the third falls on Tenant creek. Followed the foot path past the other two falls eventually reaching the road which I took back to the car.

Summit Elevation: Rand 1780 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.0 mi
Elevation Change: 800 ft
Rand

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Champlain Canalway Trail

Walked part of the old Champlain canal trail in Halfmoon (from Upper Newton road to where the improved trail ends 0.75 miles below Brockwood road). It was easy waling on the stone dust path. Passed old remnants of bridge abutments and canal locks and walls. Covered about 5 miles altogether on a foggy, cool day.
Champlain Canalway Trail

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Blech

Did a short hike with Howie in the Catskills today. Climbed Overlook mountain near Woodstock. Sloppy walking up the jeep road which had a half inch coating of slush. Reached the summit and was in the clouds. Didn't bother to climb the tower. Ate my bagel sandwich and headed back down. Quite a few other hikers out on this overcast day.

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

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Rail Trail 2

Did another section of the Albany rail trail today. Walked from Upper Font Grove Road to Hilton Road. This section had a more rural feel than what I walked last week. About 2.9 miles round-trip under cloudy skies.