Sunday, November 23, 2008

Berkshire sampler

I led a small group on two short hikes in the Berskshire hills today (near Stockbridge, MA). The first hike was a loop on Monument mountain. The trail climbed moderately through an evergreen forest. We passed Inscription rock and the going got steeper for the final push to the peak. There were nice views at the top on this sunny but cold and windy day. A little tricky coming back down with all the downed leaves.

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

The second hike was to Laura's tower. There were several switchbacks which moderated the climb. Went up to the tower, but didn't stay too long with the breezes.

Round-trip Distance: 1.5 mi
Elevation Change: 600 ft
Laura Hill

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Pooch of Belleayre

I had today off, so I went hiking with Howie in the Catskills. We climbed Belleayre mountain (a ski resort). Started on Woodchuck Hollow road and followed the blue trail up. It was a gradual climb up an old woods road. There was a lot of bear poo on the trail, but luckily no bears. Reached the lean-to and stopped for a snack. Howie spent the bulk of the break time sniffing around the place. Continued on past the old fire tower site (nothing remains except some foundations) and along the ridge trail to the true summit. There was only a dusting of snow on the ground and nobody around. Took some ski trails back down (Roaring Brook and Cathedral Glen), and then a hiking trail to the old abandonned rail line. Followed the rail line to the road and eventually my car.

Summit Elevation: Belleayre 3429 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1970 ft
Belleayre

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Take me to your leader

I led two easy hikes today near Middleburgh. The first hike was up Vroman's Nose. It was a short walk to the top up an old carriageway. There were nice views from the ledges on this cool fall day.

Summit Elevation: Vromans Nose 1240 ft
Round-trip Distance: 1.8 mi
Elevation Change: 450 ft

The second hike was up to Middleburgh Cliffs. The road to the top was muddy, and unfortunately looked like it had been widened. There was also evidence of recent logging activity. Reached the top and noticed something odd ... there were power cords and christmas lights strung in the trees everywhere along the ledges. Took a different route down, which was a bit overgrown near the bottom with prickers. Stopped at the Carrot Barn on the way back for a cider donut and coffee.

Round-trip Distance: 3.0 mi
Elevation Change: 640 ft

Vromans Nose (fall)

Middleburgh cliffs

Friday, October 31, 2008

Waterworld

I took off from work early (do you see a pattern emerging?), and did a couple short local hikes with Howie. First, I went to Christman sanctuary (a nature preserve) and did the main loop trail. The creek had good flow from all the recent rains and the falls were nice. There was even some patches of snow in the woods! The next hike was at Plotterkill preserve. I checked out all three waterfalls from above and from below (which required some scrambling up and down the sides of the ravine). Got back to the car just before dusk.

Christman Preserve (fall)

Plotterkill preserve (fall)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

On Patrol

I went out to patrol my adopted section of trail (Mink Hollow). There wasn't too much that needed to be trimmed. I cut a few trees that had fallen across the trail. It was very wet out after all the rain we got on Saturday. Water was coursing down many sections of the trail and creek crossings were high. I eventually reached the lean-to (the end of my section), and then headed up the Devils Path to the lookout on Plateau. I took a quick break, tagged the summit and then headed back down as the sun was setting. Got back to the car just as it was getting dark.

Summit Elevation: Plateau 3840 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2360 ft
Plateau mountain

Friday, October 24, 2008

Falling leaves

I did too easy hikes with Howie this afternoon. The first hike was up Harvey mountain. Took the trail to the summit area and had some lunch. After, I went over to the state border marker, followed some unmarked trails and then took the unpaved road back down.

Summit Elevation: Harvey 2060 ft
Round-trip Distance: 3.5 mi
Elevation Change: 700 ft
Harvey mountain

The second hike was nearby up Beebe Hill. Followed the trail to the top, climbed the fire tower, then took the woods road back down. Most of the leaves were down, but there was still some color hanging on.

Summit Elevation: Beebe Hill 1760 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 300 ft
Beebe Hill

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Plattekill

Today, Howie and I climbed Plattekill mountain in the Catskills. We headed out from Platte Clove Preserve trailhead and followed the old Overlook road. Stopped at the first view point which was an old bluestone quarry. Howie was going nuts as there were chipmunks scurrying around. We then headed up the mountain first on an old road to a second quarry, and then off-trail to the top. Crossed over the summit to the south side where there were a series on ledges with nice views. Stopped at the best one for a lunch break. After eating a sandwich, continued bushwacking down to Echo Lake. Looped around the small lake, and then followed the marked trail back to the car. Also, did a short side-trip to Plattekill falls. Had a cool, sunny day for our hike. Many leaves were down, but there was still good color in the lower elevations.

Summit Elevation: Plattekill 3090 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1800 ft

Plattekill

Friday, October 17, 2008

More colors

I took the afternoon off and went up to Thacher Park with Howie. The foliage was very nice on this cool,sunny day. Afterwards, I stopped at Hannacroix Ravine Preserve and did the orange loop trail. Most of the leaves there seemed to be down. Walked about 4-5 miles altogether.
Thacher Park (fall)

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Back in Black

I checked the NY Fall foliage map, and it looked like the Catskills were in peak color this weekend. So, today Howie and I headed there. We did a loop hike over Blackhead and Black Dome mountains. It was a very sunny and warm day (near 70). Wearing a t-shirt and shorts, felt more like summer hike. The leaf colors were nice with lots of yellows and oranges.

Summit Elevation: Blackhead 3940 ft, Black Dome 3980
Round-trip Distance: 5.25 mi
Elevation Change: 2260 ft

Blackhead Black Dome

Saturday, October 04, 2008

We have reached maximum occupancy

I did a hike in Adirondack high peaks today with Mengis from work. We did a loop over Big Slide from the Garden parking lot. Went over the Brothers up to Big Slide and then down Slide brook trail and back out the Johns brook trail. It was a cool, breezy and cloudy day with some breaks of sun. At the summit there were a ton of people. I counted 30 (!!!) ... including a large group of college kids. The foliage seemed to be near peak color. There was even a little bit of snow at the top.

Summit Elevation: Big Slide 4240 ft
Round-trip Distance: 9.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2800 ft

Friday, September 19, 2008

Got an itch

With all the good weather lately, I've been itching to climb a high peak all week. So, I took the day off and headed up north with Howie. We got to the Elk Lake trailhead a little before 8 AM. It was a brisk 33 degrees (!!!). Had to break out the fleece and even gloves (at least for a litttle bit). Took the Dix trail to the start of the path to Macomb. The path takes you up part of a slide (lots of loose dirt and stone). Stopped at the top for a bit where we shared the summit with two other guys. They would be the only two people would see on the range. We then headed over to South Dix and East Dix. Murphy's law came into effect. Howie's retractable leash broke. Luckily, my pocket knife had a phillips head screw driver so I could take it apart. Got that fixed and noticed that water seemed to be leaking out of my pack. Thought it was the water bladder, but decided it was the bite valve. Luckily, I didn't lose all the H2O. After a lunch break, headed back over to South Dix for a quick nap, and then down the Lilian brook herd path to the Dix trail. From the pictures you can see we had a glorious day - blue skies ... no clouds.

Summit Elevation: Macomb 4405 ft, South Dix 4060 ft, East Dix 4012 ft
Round-trip Distance: 11.6 mi
Elevation Change: 3550 ft

Saturday, September 13, 2008

In a fog

I did a hike with Howie today in the North Lake area (Catskills). It was kind of a blah day, with lots of clouds and fog. We hiked the Harding Road trail up to the Escarpment trail. Continued past Inspiration Point (not too inspiring today), Sunset Rock, Layman monument and then the Laurel House site (an old hotel that was located at the top of Kaaterskill falls). Followed the horse trail back and then a path to Palenville overlook and back down. Walked about 10 miles altogether.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Buck the system

I extended the weekend and went on a hike today with Howie. We climbed Buck mountain on the east side of Lake George. It was a great day to skip work.
Surprisingly, we saw around 12 other hikers (and one dog).

Summit Elevation: Buck 2330 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1980 ft

Monday, September 01, 2008

High noon


Howie and I did a short hike in the Adirondack high peaks region. We climbed Noonmark mountain from the Round pond trailhead. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon for a hike. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera in the car.... but the images are forever etched in my mind. That's like poetic and stuff.

Summit Elevation: Noonmark 3556 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2000 ft


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Forget Obama and McCain

Late breaking news

(Click on the link. On the next page, click the "Play" button.)

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Dippikill

I went camping this weekend at Dippikill Wilderness Retreat with some guys from work. On Friday afternoon, we headed up after shopping for food supplies. All our gear had to be hauled to our one room cabin in push carts from the parking area. The cabins were pretty rustic - with no running water, electricity or gas. There was an outhouse nearby and a wood shed stocked with large logs (which needed to be split). The heated bathhouse was about a 0.2 mile walk away. Over the course of the weekend, we did some hiking, swimming, canoeing and lots of eating (including of course s'mores!).

Dippikill

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Nun-da-gao

I did a hike with a couple of guys (and Howie) near the Adirondack high peaks. We did a loop hike over Nun-da-gao ridge. Driving up to the trailhead, the weather looked perfect. But, after we started out, it soon started to cloud up, the wind picked up and threatened to rain. Luckily, it never did rain where we were, and later in the afternoon it cleared up somewhat. This was a nice hike, with good views at various points along the ridge. The path was narrow in places and soft underfoot. We got back to the car around 4 1/2 hours after we started.

Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Nundagao

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Everything must go!

After participating in a street-block garage sale (and dealing with people who spend their weekends going to garage sales), I went on a short hike with Howie in southern Albany county. We climbed Bennett Hill. The walk in on the green trail near the dairy farm had a distinct ... umm.. organic smell. Got to the top and took the yellow loop trail around to the scenic point (not much view with leaves on trees), and then back down. At a trail junction I took a (relatively) new red trail back up to the loop. All in all, we walked around 3-4 miles. Howie met three dogs on the way out.

Bennett Hill

Friday, August 01, 2008

Hadley

I took the afternoon off and did a short hike with Howie. We climbed Hadley mountain in the southern Adirondacks. It was warm out, so the climb up seemed more strenuous. Got to the top, had a snack, climbed the fire tower and took some pics. Could see a pocket storm off to the west. Headed back down the trail and it started to rain lightly ... which was actually refreshing. It never did rain hard. Got back to the car slightly damp, but in good spirits.

Summit Elevation: Hadley 2675 ft
Round-trip Distance: 3.6 mi
Elevation Change: 1525 ft
Hadley

Sunday, July 27, 2008

This post brought to you by the letter J

I led a group hike in the northern Adirondacks. We climbed Jay mountain ridge. It was a perfect day for a hike ... sunny and warm with a breeze which kept bugs from bugging. Moved at a slower pace than I'm used to, but I wasn't in a hurry. Decided not to go to the actual peak because of time constraints. As usual, Howie led the way.

Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2300 ft

Jay mountain

Friday, July 25, 2008

Rain, rain, finally went away

After 3+ inches of rain this week, I thought I would check out a waterfall nearby. Howie and I went to Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville. We did a loop hike around the lake ... about 3 miles total. A very nice afternoon to not be at work.

Huyck Preserve

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Dog Days of Summer

It was forecast to be a hot, humid day (in the 90s). So, I decided to do some short easy hikes in the Southern Adirondacks and hopefully try get to a lake to cool off. Howie had company on this trip (Cora).

The first hike was up Kane mountain. We went up the trail from Green Lake side. It was a short, easy climb. There was a fire tower at the top and the cab was open. Views were nice, but a little hazy.

Summit Elevation: Kane 2180 ft
Round-trip Distance: 1.5 mi
Elevation Change: 600 ft


Kane mountain

The second hike was to Nine Corner lake. We explored the paths around the lake and did some swimming ... Well Cora did a little bit... Howie doesn't swim... I just waded my feet. Walked about 3 miles. Dogs are now dog tired.

Nine Corner Lake

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Extreme to the max!


So, today I went with a group to the Adirondack Extreme course ... a high-wire adventure course set in the trees. After a quick safety introduction, you are set loose on a series of increasingly difficult courses. You wear a harness, and are always clipped in to a safety line, so there is no real chance of falling. But, it's quite another story when you're 50 feet in the air trying to move across swinging logs. When on the rope bridges, I had the Indiana Jones theme song stuck in my head. I made it through the first three levels (yellow, blue and red), but skipped the last one (black). It was a lot of fun, but not something I need to do again.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

This mountain is just Wright

I took the day off and did a hike with Howie today in the high peaks. Climbed Wright Peak from the ADK Loj. We ran into quite a few groups of hikers - especially young kids most of whom liked Howie. One even refering to him as sexy. Umm ... ok. It was breezy and cool on the top. Unfortunately, the sun never really broke out while I was there (it waited until I was back on the highway). I was able to check out the old airplane crash just below the summit.

Summit Elevation: Wright 4580 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2400 ft


Wright

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Howie's reward

After enduring poking and proding at the vet, Howie needed a reward. So, I took him to Thatcher Park. We walked along the Indian Ladder trail and the escarpment. Spent about an hour there on this nice sunny day.
Thatcher Park

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Brace yourself

I did a hike today with Howie in the southern Taconic mountains. We climbed Brace mountain via the South Taconic trail. The climb up to the ridge was steep in parts. The trail followed along a creek for part of the way which had several cascades. We passed over South Brace and then arrived at the summit of Brace. Rested and had some lunch. It wasn't long before a party of paragliders arrived. Stuck around for a while and watched some of them launch and glide around on the thermal updrafts. Continued on to the tri-state marker (where NY, CT and MA meet) and then returned to the car.

Summit Elevation: Brace 2311 ft, South Brace 2304 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft

Brace mountain

On the drive back, I stopped in Philmont to check out High Falls - a nice waterfall I had never been to before.
High Falls

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Trail Work

I recently adopted a section of trail in the Catskills. I went out today with the trail supervisor to learn how to maintain my trail. My section is the Mink Hollow trail from the parking area to the lean-to - about 3 miles in length. The trail is an old road and was basically in good shape. Most of what was involved was cutting back branches and small sapplings that were encroaching into the trail space. Took about 4 hours. I go back in the fall for another patrol.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Plotterkill

I did a quick hike with Howie this afternoon at Plotterkill Preserve. We did the complete loop on the red trail (about a 5-6 mile walk). Water level was very low. Howie took several dips in the creek as it was a bit warm out. There were a few mosquitoes out, but not too bad.

Plotterkill Preserve

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Rafting

On Sunday, I went white-water rafting on the Hudson River with a group. From the outfitters base, we took a bus to the put-in place on Lake Abanakee. It was very warm out, so didn't need wet suits. Carried the inflatable raft to the water and practiced our paddling. Then we went down the Indian River a few miles which took us to the Hudson. Stopped for lunch break (peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) at Blue Ledges - where the river narrows and there are steep cliff walls. Then, we continued on the river through a series of rapids. The total trip was around 16 miles and took 4-5 hours. It was a lot of fun.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Giant Steps

I took another day off from work and went hiking with Howie. We climbed Giant mountain in the Adirondack high peaks. It was a great day ... very sunny with blue skies. There was a strong wind (20 mph+) which kept any bugs away. Some patches of snow could be found off the trail just past the summit.

Summit Elevation: Giant 4627 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 3050 ft

Giant

Monday, May 26, 2008

Ich bin ein Berliner

I did a hike with Howie in the Taconics. We climbed Berlin mountain. Started on the MA side at the trailhead on Berlin Rd. Went up the "Class of 33" trail to the top and then back down the Williams College old ski slope ... which I would guess was an expert run judging by the steepness. It was a nice sunny and warm afternoon for a short jaunt. We saw nobody else in the woods.

Summit Elevation: Berlin 2798 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Berlin mountain

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Friday, May 23, 2008

While you were working

I got an eary start to the holiday weekend and did a hike with Howie in the Catskills. We climbed Panther mountain from the north. Parked at the trailhead on Fox Hollow Road and started out. It was a nice day - cool, breezy and partly cloudy skies. There were no bugs out and I saw only a few other hikers on the trail. I also got to try out my new digital camera (Canon PowerShot A590, 8 megapixels, 4x optical zoom).

Summit Elevation: Panther 3720 ft
Round-trip Distance: 9.8 mi
Elevation Change: 2600 ft

Panther

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Blodget Hill

I did a quick walk with Howie in the Louise Keir Wildlife Management Area - a small state forest just south of Albany. There were woods roads criss-crossing the area with some recent logging activity. We did a loop over the top of the hill and then back around the east side. There were some bugs around, but they went away when it started to rain lightly. Walked about 2 miles total.

Blodget Hill

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Stick out your tongue and say ahhhhhh

Howie and I did a hike near Lake George today. Did a loop over the Tongue mountain range. Started at the Clay Meadow trailhead and followed the trail up to the ridge. Continued along the ridge trail over Fifth Peak, French mountain and First Peak, and then back down to the tip of the tongue. Returned by the trail along Northwest bay. It was a nice day for hiking: sunny and warm with a light breeze.

Summit Elevation: Fifth Peak 1813 ft, French mountain 1756 ft, First Peak 1586 ft
Round-trip Distance: 12.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2800 ft

Tongue mountain

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Fruity Peebles

I did a quick hike/walk with Howie after work. Went to Peebles Island state park. Walked about 2 miles doing the complete loop.

Peebles Island

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Treadway

I lead another hike today. Climbed Treadway mountain in the Pharoah Lakes wilderness. Group size was more manageable this time (7 people). Rained lightly on drive up, but didn't rain much at all during the hike. It was otherwise cloudy and foggy which created kind of a surreal feel to the woods. No views at all from the top.

Summit Elevation: Treadway 2240 ft
Round-trip Distance: 7.8 mi
Elevation Change: 1000 ft

Treadway

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Leader of the pack

I led an Internet meet-up group on a hike near Lake George. Climbed Pilot Knob (to the grassy lookout point). Had a very large contingent (18 people), and there was also an ADK group of about 10 on the trail. I made sure everyone got out of the woods safely. It was a better day weather-wise than predicted...mostly sunny, warm with a nice breeze to keep bugs away. Trails are almost bone dry...could use some rain. Stopped for ice cream at Stewart's on way back. Mmmm... mint chocolate crumble.

Round-trip Distance: 4.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Pilot Knob

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Van Wyck - The mountain not the expressway

Howie and I had a little adventure in the Catskill mountains. I climbed Van Wyck an Woodhull mountains. Started at the lower parking lot for the Sundown Forest camping area. After cutting through the camping field, I followed up Stone Cabin Brook. At one point, I slipped on a moss cover rock and fell square on my butt. Luckily my butt hit a rock that was flat and smooth. I clammered up the east bank to the old road which I followed for a couple miles before it petered out at around 2400 ft. Came upon a small plane engine at one point, but no other plane parts. Eventually reached the southern ridge of Van Wyck. The final push to the summit was steep, but short. Found the ledge with the good view. After a quick rest and snacks, I followed the ridge west over to Woodhull mountain. The highest point was marked with a rock cairn. (Actually two, but one was clearly higher than the other). Headed back down and finally picked up the old road above Stone Cabin Brook again. I followed it all the way down to the Roundout creek. There was no easy way to get across and following along the creek was not a great option. So, I took off my boots and waded across. Water was only six inches or so deep, but it was very c-c-c-cold. Followed CR 42 back down to my car. It was a very warm and sunny day...more like June than April. Bugs are starting to come out. A long day in the woods.

Summit Elevation: Van Wyck 3206 ft, Woodhull 3040 ft
Round-trip Distance: 10.5 mi
Elevation Change: 2510 ft
Van Wyck and Woodhull mountains

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Overlook

Howie and I did a hike up Overlook mountain in the Catskills. It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon - sunny skies and temps in the lower 70s ... nothing like the weather forecast. The trail/road up to the summit was clear with no snow or ice. I climbed the fire tower and also checked out the airplane crash that is below the path that follows along the ledge. After the hike, I went to the Catskill 3500 dinner in Kingston to get my certificate. Howie was bummed that he didn't get one.

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

Overlook

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Round, Round, Get Around

Howie and I did a hike on part of the Taconic Crest Trail - it runs along the ridge between NY and MA. Parked near the last house on Madden Rd, then started walking up the unpaved road. Reached the summit of Rounds mountain which had good views ... though visibility was limited due to clouds. Continued following the trail to Rathburn hollow, and then turned back. There was still snow lingering on the northern slopes, but it won't be long before it's gone. On the drive back, I heard the Beach Boys song - I Get Around.

Summit Elevation: Rounds mountain 2245 ft
Round-trip Distance: 9.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2235 ft



Rounds mountain

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Gunked up

Howie and I did a hike in the Shawangunk mountains (also known as the Gunks). Parked at the upper lot in the Minnewaska state park. We did a loop hike to Gertrudes Nose. It was a nice sunny day with lots of views. Most of snow was gone ... just a few icy spots in the shade. Walked about 7 miles on a mix of old carriageways and foot trails.

Gertrudes Nose

Monday, March 24, 2008

Back to reality

I was getting used to the warm weather in North Carolina. But, I had a dose of reality today on a local hike. Took Howie to the Christman Preserve .... which felt like the Christmas Preserve. It's still "winter times" in the higher elevations around Albany. The trail was a bit icy to walk on. Howie had no problem with his four-paw drive. I on the other hand had to slide on my butt in a few spots. We had a nice sunny afternoon to enjoy the falls.

Christman Preserve

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Easter hikes II

The next hike was at Umstead State Park. We did a loop hike on the Company Mills trail. There was a lot of ups and downs, but nothing too strenuous. Another warm sunny day. Walked over 5 miles.

Umstead State Park

Friday, March 21, 2008

Easter hikes

I did a couple of hikes while visiting my sister in Chapel Hill, NC over the Easter weekend. The first hike was at Eno River State Park. We did a loop hike on the Cox mountain trail (which is really more of a small hill). Covered almost 4 miles.
Eno River State Park

Afterward, we went to Duke Gardens and walked around to check out the Spring flowers.
Duke Gardens