Clark

Went for an easy walk at Clark Reservation state park this afternoon in Syracuse. Did a loop using various bits of trails (Mildred Faust, Dry Lake, Big Buck, Long, Pulpit Rock, Cliff and Lake trails). It was a very warm day and Howie enjoyed cooling off in the lake.

Hike the Huyck

Went to an office picnic this afternoon. Then, I took Howie for a short walk at the Huyck Preserve. Stopped at the falls and then took the trail around the lake. Saw a deer in the woods. The water level in the lake was low. There is a nice, new bridge above the falls to replace the one destroyed by Irene. Nice day for a stroll.

Pilot Knob

Did a loop hike over Pilot Knob near Lake George. Tried to get an early start to beat the heat. Had the grassy sub-peak, and most of the trails to myself today. Looks like the ranger has covered the unofficial blazes on the trees and rocks with black and grey paint. Stopped at the creek on the way back to soak my feet in a small pool.

Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1460 ft

Lisha Kill

Did a short hike/walk this morning at Lisha Kill Preserve in Niskayuna. There is now a self guided audio tour with those funny bar codes on signs if you have one of those new-fangled smart phones. Howie met several other dogs including one beagle who was not as friendly as him. Walked all the trails - about 2 miles altogether.
 

Bennett

Did a quick hike this morning up Bennett Hill.

Pine Cobble

Did a hike with Howie in MA this afternoon. We did a loop over Pine Cobble. Went up the Pine Cobble trail to the rocky lookout. Some nice views, but the skies were kind of grey. Then, I continued on to the Appalachian Trail. Went down the '98 trail. Checked out a small glider wreck just off the trail.

Round-trip Distance: 4.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1420 ft

Pine Cobble

Canady Hill

Did a short hike in Schoharie County with Howie. Started on Cotton Hill Road and followed the Long Path up the hill and back down to Canady Hill road. Returned by the same route. Saw a couple of deer running about near the top. There were also some people camping in a clearing. Along the trail were a couple of giant ant hills (around 3 to 4 feet in diameter) ... weird. Had a nice cool sunny day for a walk in the woods(4.6 miles).

Cannady Hill

Acra

Did a clockwise loop hike over Acra Point in the Catskills today. The woods are looking better after recent rains. At least there was water available for Howie to drink.

Round-trip Distance: 5.0 mi
Elevation Change: 900 ft

Acra Point

Thacher

Did a short walk after work at Thacher Park. Traveled the Indian ladder trail and part of the escarpment trail. Howie sniffed out a chipmunk in the rocks. His howling reverberated against the cliff walls. Had a nice cool, dry evening for our stroll.

Dipper Brook Falls

Did a hike in the Adirondack high peaks today. Didn't climb any peaks though. Instead, went in search of more waterfalls. Started from the Giant trailhead on Route 73, but didn't take the trail. Instead, I followed Dipper Brook upstream. The water was low and you could just rock hop. After a while, I got tired of rock hopping and headed into the woods. Stayed mostly on the left side of the brook and quite a bit above it. I continued upstream for about half mile. There were two tall falls which were difficult to photograph. I was too far up above the brook and the walls of the ravine were nearly vertical. There was no apparent easy way down on this side, so I continued on up above the main falls. Stopped at a nice little pool for a quick dip. The water was very cold, but refreshing on this hot day. Continued on to Dipper pond and then headed back to the trail. Did a loop over the "Nubble" and then headed back to the car. Saw a couple of beavers swimming around in the Giant Washbowl.

Dipper Brook Falls

waterfalls sans water

Went to Christman Preserve this afternoon for a short walk. Not much water going over the falls - just a trickle. And the creek itself was pretty dry except for a few pools of water where the little tadpoles and fishies could hang out.