Keepin' Cool

I did a bunch of small hikes on this warm day with Howie - all along the Route 8 corridor and all of which involved water of some form.
The first was the east branch gorge trail. I followed the unmarked path along the east side of the river. Passed a double cable crossing near the start of the gorge. Didn't need to use it. I took the eastern path all the way to Square falls and then returned.
The next hike was along the shanty brook path. Had to wade across the Sacandaga river near the start. The water was low so crossing was easy (though Howie begs to differ). Continued on a well-used foot path all the way to Shanty falls. There was a nice pool below the falls. I took a quick swim. The water was a bit cool. Returned back to the car after drying off.
The last hike was on a marked trail to Kibby pond. Mosquitoes were starting to come out at this point. Reached the pond where there was an old canoe and two metal row boats for general use. Didn't venture onto the pond, but took a short snack break before hiking back.
Nice day out to visit some new places. Didn't see anybody in the woods today. Walked about 7.5 miles altogether.

Sacandaga

Plattekill

Cllimbed Plattekill mountain in Catskills with Howie today. Followed the old overlook road/trail to the quarry view point. Took the herd path to the another quarry and then a short bushwack to the summit. Continued heading south down the other side and spent some time trying to find the ledge with the best view. Then, I headed east back to the main trail. Nice day out.

Summit Elevation: Plattekill 3100 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1270 ft

Plattekill mountain

Fathers Day weekend

While visiting family this weekend, I was able to get a few hikes/walks in central New York region.
On Friday stopped at Pratts Falls. Took the the Falls Trail down to the bottom of the falls and back up.
After that brief stop, I drove over to Labrador Hollow. Took the short trail to Tinker Falls. There was very little water going over the falls and too many bugs (I actually ingested one). Continued on the trail up Jones Hill. It was a steady climb (with around 650 ft of elevation change). Reached the hang gliders launch area where there was a nice view to the west and overlooking Labrador pond. Headed back down to the top of the falls and then out.
On Saturday, walked the Charlie Major Trail in Skaneateles.
On Sunday, went to Seneca Falls and walked the Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail. Nice easy stroll along the canal. About 2 miles round trip.

CNY

Lazy Sunday

Got a late start today and it felt too hot for climbing, so I headed over to Hannacroix Creek Preserve in New Baltimore. Hung out at the main falls and along the creek for a while. Walked around 3 miles altogether.

Hannacroix Creek

Deer and chipmunks and bears ... oh my

I did a short hike with Howie this afternoon. Hiked north on the Taconic Crest Trail from Petersburg Pass to the Snow Hole. Along the way, I heard some crashing noise in the woods. I looked thinking it was a person. To my surprise it was actually a black bear. He didn't seem to notice me. I tried to take his picture and then continued on the trail . Stopped at the snow hole for a sandwich break and then returned. On the way back I saw a white tailed deer run across the trail. Didn't see any people in the woods on this warm, breezy day. 

Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi

Snow Hole

Greylock

Did a hike on Greylock mountain in MA today with Howie. Drove partway up the mountain (you can actually drive all the way to the top) and parked at the Jones Nose trailhead. Did a loop hike: Jones Nose trail - Appalachian Trail (AT) - summit - Overlook Trail - Hopper Trail - CCC Dynamite Trail - Jones Nose Trail. The weather was good until I was heading down. Then, dark clouds moved in and started sprinkling lightly for a bit. On the plus side, no bugs at all today. 

Summit Elevation: Greylock 3491 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1800 ft

Greylock

Friday Stroll

Did a short hike with Howie at Plotterkill Preserve. Forgot to charge my camera so have no pictures, but I have been here many times before. Water level in the creek was low. Mosquitoes were out for blood, but DEET kept them at bay. Did the complete loop which is around 5+ miles. Nice cloudy, but cool afternoon for a stroll.