Sunday, December 11, 2011

Howie's Back

I did a hike this afternoon in the Catskills with Howie. Parked at the trailhead in Palenville and started up the old Harding Road. It was a cold day but there were no clouds and the bright sun made it feel much warmer. Toward the upper elevations there was a dusting and up to couple inches of snow. Stopped at Inspiration Point for lunch break and then headed back. It was nice to have my canine companion back on the trail.

Round-trip Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1530 ft
North Lake

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Five Rivers


I did an easy walk at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Didn't feel as guilty leaving Howie home since dogs are not allowed. Followed various trails including North Loop, Big Pine and Vlomankill. Walked about 3 miles altogether on this warm afternoon. Lots of other people out burning off extra calories consumed on Turkey day.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Stony Ledge

I did a short hike with Howie this afternoon just over the border in MA. From Roaring Brook trailhead, we climbed up the Stony Ledge trail to a nice view of the west face of Mount Greylock. Continued along Sperry Road through the campground. (There were actually some hardcore people tent camping.) Went back down the Roaring Brook Trail after a quick side trip to Deer Hill Falls. A splendid late fall day.

 Round-trip Distance: 5.6 mi
Elevation Change: 1460 ft
Greylock

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Windham

I went out to do maintenance on my section of the Escarpment trail. The creek near the trailhead flooded and destroyed the old bridge. There was a new foot bridge and a new section of boardwalk. The rest of the trail was in good shape save for some erosion in a few spots. Got to the end of my section and continued on up to the summit.

Summit Elevation: Windham 3524 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.4 mi
Elevation Change: 1740 ft

Windham 2

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Tawasentha


I did a short walk with Howie at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland. About a 2 mile loop.

Friday, November 04, 2011

Bennett Hill

I did a short hike this afternoon with Howie. We climbed Bennett Hill. A nice sunny, but breezy day.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Vischer Ferry

I did an easy walk this afternoon at Vischer Ferry Preserve near the Mohawk River. Walked along the old Erie canal path and went past remnants of lock 19. Did a 3+ mile loop under sunny skies. Trails were a little muddy from the melting snow.
Vischer Ferry

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Alander

I went on a hike with Howie in the southern Taconics. Did a loop over Alander mountain from Under mountain road. The day started out very cloudy, but cleared out shortly after I reached the top. Still some nice colors in the hills.

Summit Elevation: Alander 2250 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft

Alander

Friday, October 21, 2011

Copeland Hill

I did a short hike this afternoon at the Holt Preserve. Parked at the lower parking area on Copeland Hill Road. Headed into the woods and then followed the orange trail to the upper plateau. Took the Helderberg Overlook trail (blue) and then the green trail over to the pond. Went down the Ravine trail (yellow) and then did a loop on the Holt Trail (red). Forgot my camera today so don't have any pictures. The trees on the western slope had lots of yellow leaves. Spent about an hour walking on this gray, overcast day.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Picking Cotton

I did a hike on a section of the Long Path in Schoharie County today with Howie. Parked on Cotton Hill road. Followed the path to the top of Cotton Hill and the lean-to and then down the other side to Treadlemire road. Continued on to Durfee Road and then turned around. Kind of a blah day with lots of clouds and a few sprinkles. Many leaves are down already. Nobody else in the woods. Walked about 6.7 miles total.
Cotton Hill

Monday, October 10, 2011

Softcore


I did an easy walk late this afternoon at Thatcher Park. Followed the Indian Ladder trail and part of the Escarpment trail. Nice fall colors starting to show, but not peak yet. There were lots of people out enjoying the splendid weather.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Moose

I took the day off and did some hiking in the Southern Adirondacks. Howie and I climbed Moose mountain (near Wells) from Route 30. This mountain has no trails, so I had to bushwack (off-trail navigation using compass/GPS). I followed a small creek up to a marshy, flat area. I got tired of trying to find a way around it and just headed up the southeast ridge. There were a series of small cliff bands. Had to find a way up through them which involved some scrambling. Finally reached the summit and stopped for a snack. I followed along the ridge and visited a bunch of other ledges and open areas with nice views to the south. Back to the col, I took a bearing of almost due south. The sun was nearly in the same direction at this time, so navigation was as easy as following the sun! Reached the mucky area and skirted around to the west. Followed the creek back down to the road and finally my parked car. Nice Fall colors and perfect weather today!

Summit Elevation: Moose 1840 ft
Round-trip Distance: 3.0 mi
Elevation Change: 840 ft

Moose

It was early, so I did another hike nearby. Followed the path along Tenant Creek. Visited all three waterfalls. It was about a 4 mile round-trip.

Tenant Creek Falls

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Schodack

I did a couple short walks this afternoon with Howie in the Town of Schodack.
The first was at the Palmer Road Preserve. Followed the blue and red trails through a young, mostly deciduous forest. Some leaves already down.
The next stop was at Schodack town park. Did a loop on various trails near the Moordener Kill (creek). It was nice to get out and stretch the legs on this mostly cloudy day which had a few breaks of sun.
Schodack

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Start of Fall

I did a short hike this afternoon at Hannacroix Ravine Preserve. Fall colors are just starting to appear with muted yellows and oranges mostly. About a 2.5 mile walk under partly sunny skies. Mosquitoes are still biting ... ugh!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Colden

I climbed Mount Colden in Adirondack High Peaks today with Todd and of course Howie. It was a bit nippy when we started out at 9 am from South Meadows (in the 30's). As we kept moving, it started warming up and I shed some layers. We stopped at Marcy Dam and Lake Arnold for quick breaks. It was nice and sunny upon reaching the true summit. Fall is definitely around the color. Some trees were already starting to show some color. Didn't see too many people on the trails today. Frost has killed most of the bugs ... so yay for coldness.

Summit Elevation: Colden 4715 ft
Round-trip Distance: 13.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2700 ft

Colden

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Dippikill 4

I spent the weekend camping at Dippikill. We had the Garnet cabin which was near the road and close to the bathhouse. It had four separate bedrooms and a common kitchen/living area with stone fireplace. We did a short hike on Saturday and some canoeing. Also, spent part of the time teaching the guys how to play Texas Hold Em poker. It was a nice, relaxing time after a busy week at work.
Dippikill 2011

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Post hurricane

I did a hike with Howie at Plotterkill Preserve this afternoon. The water levels in the creek were not that high, especially given all the rain over the previous weekend (5-6 inches). With the wet August we just had, there were a lot of mushrooms and assorted fungi to be found in the woods. Trails were in good shape - just a little muddy with a few trees down. Walked about 6 miles total on this warm, hazy day.
Plotterkill post Irene

Friday, August 26, 2011

Calm before the storm


I went to Thacher Park this afternoon. Walked along the Indian Ladder and Escarpment trails under mostly sunny skies. First an earthquake, coming soon a hurricane ... what's next ... locusts?!?

Monday, August 22, 2011

CNY

While visiting family this weekend, I was able to do some short hikes at some nearby parks and preserves.
On Friday, an unexpected detour off the Thruway (due to a truck fire), led me to Oxbow falls park. Followed the main trail all the way to the frisbee golf course. It was a bit confusing with many unmarked side trails. There were some waterfalls in this park, but not much water flowing.
On Saturday, went to Fillmore Glen state park. Did a loop on the Gorge and South Rim trails. A nice cool spot to be for a warm afternoon.
On Sunday, made a short trip in the evening to Carpenter falls and ravine.
On Monday, stopped at Clark Reservation state park in Syracuse. Did a nice loop consisting of the Cliff and Lake trails. Tricky walking in some spots due limestone crevices. A surprisingly tranquil setting so close to an urban area.
Central NY

Friday, August 12, 2011

Bulls and Bears

I read somewhere that hiking was a good way to get your mind off the roller coaster ride that is the U.S. stock market. I figured I needed a real long hike for this remedy to work effectively. I started from the Garden lot Friday morning with Todd. Howie, of course, led the way. Our destination was Haystack mountain. It was a real nice day for hiking - not too warm with some partly cloudy skies and no bugs. The trail had a lot of water from the recent rains. We were able to finish this grueling hike in around 9 hours. Post-hiking activities included chowing down an 8 ounce burger and a chocolate milk shake.

Summit Elevation: Haystack 4961 ft
Round-trip Distance: 17.8 mi
Elevation Change: 3440 ft

Haystack

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Early Riser

I got up early this morning to try and beat the heat. Went up to Lake George with Howie and did a loop hike over Pilot Knob. Got to the top and had a quick peanut butter sandwich break. On the way down, I stopped at the brook to soak my feet in the cool water which was refreshing on this warm day. Had the woods mostly to myself as most people were headed to Buck mountain.

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

Pilot Knob 2

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Walk

This morning I did a short walk with Howie at Thacher Park. Walked along the escarpment and the Indian Ladder trail. A couple of birds were riding the thermals rising up from the valley below.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Post heat wave


I did a short walk this afternoon at Christman Preserve. There was just a trickle of water going over the falls. Walked about 2 miles on this warm day.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Mount Sigh

The last hike was a solo trek up Mount Si. This a VERY popular trail (think hundreds of other hikers on a summer day). It was pretty much a constant huff-and-puff up the trail as it wound its way up the mountain. Reached the top and it sprinkled for a bit. I didn't bother climbing to the true summit (the "haystack"), since it is bit of a rock scramble. After a lunch break, I headed back down. Another cloudy day, another Seattle hike.

Summit Elevation: Mount Si 4167 ft (attained ~3900 ft)
Round-trip Distance: 8.0 mi
Elevation Change: 3150 ft
Mount Si

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Twin Falls

The second hike was Twin Falls with my sister. A large group of kids were coming out as we started in. But, nobody was around by the time we reached the falls. About a 3 mile walk with some rain drops around.
Twin Falls

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Rattlesnake Ledge

I went to visit my sister in Seattle this past week. While there, I got out and did a few hikes. The first was Rattlesnake Ledge. Started out hiking in the rain, but the weather cleared out by the time I reached the ledge. It was a moderate climb on a nice trail with lots of switch-backs. Low clouds obscured the views a bit.

Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1160 ft

Rattlesnake Ledge

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Hunter

I did a short hike in the Catskills with Howie today. We climbed Hunter mountain via the Becker Hollow trail. It was a short, but strenuous climb to the top. Had nice views from the fire tower on this warm, sunny afternoon.

Summit Elevation: Hunter 4040 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.6 mi
Elevation Change: 2200 ft

Hunter

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Bennett

I did a short hike with Howie after work. We climbed Bennett Hill near Clarksville. Nice, peaceful 3 mile walk.

Friday, July 01, 2011

TGIF

I did some hiking with Howie this afternoon. From the trailhead on Route 2 near the NY/MA border, we took the Taconic Crest trail north. Stopped at the snow hole (snow is long gone), and then returned. Walked about 6 miles.
On the drive back, I stopped at Grafton State Park to kill some time (since I wanted to avoid rush hour traffic). We did a loop around Shaver Pond from the nature center parking area. Walked around 2 miles. Turned out to be a fairly decent day, with breaks of sun and some nice breezes.
Snow Hole

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Trail work

I went out today and did some maintenance on my adopted trail in the Catskills. Lots of new growth from all the May and June rains. Ran into someone from work that I knew which was quite a coincidence.


Friday, June 10, 2011

Cat Nap

I took the afternoon off and did a hike with Howie near Lake George. We climbed Cat and Thomas mountains. It was warm and sunny with some pesky skeeters. On the top of Cat mountain, there was a nice cool breeze. It was also very quiet (as opposed to Lake George village where the Americade is taking place ... picture thousands of motorcycles). Perfect place for a snack and a quick nap. Followed the ridge trail over to Thomas, and then the road back down.

Summit Elevation: Cat 1956
Round-trip Distance: 7.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1600 ft

Cat and Thomas

Sunday, June 05, 2011

Compromise

Howie was anxious to do another hike, but my thighs were still burning from our recent climb. So, we compromised and did an easy walk at East Greenbush Town Park. Did a loop on various trails in the surrounding woods (orange, yellow, white). Walked about 1.5 + miles altogether under ominous skies.

East Greenbush Town Park

Friday, June 03, 2011

One small hike for one beagle...one Giant hike for his owner

Nice day to take off from work. Howie and I did our "annual" climb of Giant mountain in the Adirondack high peaks. Followed the usual route up the Zander Scott trail. Weather was just about perfect ... cool (60's), sunny, no clouds, and a stiff breeze which kept away all biting insects. Many people commented on how good a hiker Howie was. No accolades though for his poor owner who straggled behind.

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

Giant

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

Friday, April 22, 2011

Earth Day

I did a short hike this afternoon at Hannacroix Ravine Preserve. Checked out the waterfall and then followed an informal path along the top of the ravine (east side). Crossed the creek and took the orange trail back. Walked about 3 miles altogether. Had a nice warm day with some sun for a change.
Hannacroix Preserve

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Barberville Falls

Had a short outing this afternoon to see Barberville Falls near Poestenkill. The 92 foot high waterfall was flowing very strongly. It was breezy out and when the wind kicked up, the mist would surround you. Also, I did a short (~2 mile) hike on the Ridge trail above the falls. The trail was a bit muckety muck (to borrow a phrase) after the recent rains. Be sure to check out the exciting video on YouTube!

Barberville Falls

Friday, April 15, 2011

Howie as my Co-Pilot

I took the afternoon off and did a hike with Howie. We climbed Pilot Knob near Lake George. Took the usual pine needle covered path up to the grassy sub-peak. It was a bit cool out, but it was nice to soak up the warm rays on this sunny day. There was still snow in a few patches, but for the most part it was snow-free. After a quick snack at the top, headed back down.

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

Pilot Knob

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Bennett Hill

I did a short hike after work. Howie and I climbed Bennett Hill. Nice sunny afternoon. Walked about 3 miles.

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Race to the top

I did a hike on Saturday with Howie in the southern Taconic range. We climbed Mount Race from route 41. Had a nice warm, sunny day for our climb ... T-shirt weather even. Followed the Race Brook trail up past the waterfalls. After the falls, there was 6+ inches of packed snow to navigate through in the pine forest. Got to the saddle between Mount Everett and Race and followed the Appalachian trail south. Not much snow at all on the ridge. Reached the summit and continued down the other side to a line of cliffs. Had nice views to the east into Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Summit Elevation: Race 2365 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.8 mi
Elevation Change: 1880 ft

Mount Race

Friday, April 08, 2011

Partridge Run waterfall tour

I did a hike this afternoon with Howie to check out more waterfalls. Parked on Ravine Road (CR 6) near Sickle Hill Road in the Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area. Started out on the Redbelly snowmobile trail, but ended up just following along the creek. There were a series of small waterfalls and an old stone dam (now breached). Continued following the creek through a pine forest, past a small pond and then finally reached Partridge Run Road. I stopped at the two main waterfalls on the creek along the road. Next, I followed the Wood Duck Trail over to Kingfisher Road. I wanted to check out "The Gulf" - a steep ravine on the map which looked like it might have some falls - and right near the head of the ravine were two nice ones! (which were not mentioned in any book!) The bottom of the ravine was narrow with steep side walls. I scampered back up and followed a path along the ravine (and well above the bottom). I passed a ledge with a view and then went downhill until I reached the edge of state land. I headed back up and returned to the car via the paved road. It would be neat to return and see if there are more waterfalls in the Gulf. Walked about 4 miles while exploring on this cloudy day.

Partridge Run

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Schoharie Valley

I checked out some waterfalls and did some short hikes in the Schoharie Valley today. Got to check out Creamery Falls in North Blenheim, Gilboa dam, Mine Kill Falls state park, and Crums falls (falls on Keyser Kill) in Breakabeen.
Also, did a hike to see all the small waterfalls on the tributary to Panther creek. Started at the top on Rossman hill road and hiked down almost to the bottom and then back up. There was still a bit of soft snow in the woods (up to 12 inches and more).
Afterwards, I did a short hike up Vromans Nose near Middleburgh.
Schoharie

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Nice respite

I left work a little early and went up to Thacher Park with Howie. I parked at the Paint Mine lot and we did a loop on some of the Southern trails. There was still quite a bit of snow still in the woods. Luckily the snow on the trails was packed down like a sidewalk. Passed several small waterfalls on the way up the hill. Next, I crossed the street to the overlook area and walked along the escarpment. Returned back to the car a tad weary after covering 4+ miles.
Thtcher

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Springtimes

I did a short walk this afternoon at Peebles Island state park. Followed the perimeter trail around the island. Some bits of snow here and there, but most of it has melted leaving muddy spots. Lots of other people out enjoying the fine weather. Walked about 2 miles.
Afterwards, I stopped at Cohoes falls and then Poesten kill gorge in Troy. Lots of water flowing at both locales due to the spring melt.
Peebles Island

Friday, March 18, 2011

Almost spring

It was a very nice afternoon (sunny and warm). I took off from work at lunch and did a short hike with Howie at Moreau State park. It's only 50 miles north, but there was quite a bit more snow than at home. The conditions varied from deep snow (2-3 feet) to no snow with mud. If you stayed on the path which was already packed down, you could keep from sinking in too much. Although, in a few places I sunk in up to my knee cap. I wore micro spikes to give me some more traction for the steeper parts towards the top. After a little huff and puff, I reached the overlook and took a short break before heading down. Saw nobody else on the trail. Everyone I saw was sticking to the paved (and plowed) road around the lake. Guess they don't like the mashed potato snow.

Round-trip Distance: 3.0 mi
Elevation Change: 800 ft

Moreau