Sunday, December 28, 2014

Hand Hollow

Went for a short hike with Benny this afternoon. Visited Hand Hollow Conservation Area near New Lebanon. Parked at the eastern trailhead on CR 9. Followed the green marked trail all the way to Meizinger Lake. Also did a short loop on the red trail. Trails were wet and muddy in a few spots, but not too terrible. Stopped for a snack at the gazebo. There were a few other people out trying to burn off holiday cookies. Benny got to meet Willie (of Williesmom who follows this blog). Quite the coincidence to meet someone from the Internet. Walked a bit over 3 miles on a gloomy day.
Hand Hollow

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Hayes

Visited a couple of nature preserves in Clifton Park this afternoon with Benny. First stop was Hayes Nature Park. Parked in the small lot off Moe Road. Walked most of the trails here - including the two loops. The trails are smooth and wide and paved with stone dust. But today, they were slippery with packed snow and ice. Someone had hung holiday ornaments in the branches of some trees along the way. This is a nice wooded area nestled in a neighborhood. About 1.5 miles of walking.

Afterwards, went to Vischer Ferry and did a short loop. Walked another 1.4 miles.



Saturday, December 13, 2014

Pine Bush

Went for a short walk with Benny this afternoon at the Albany Pine Bush. From the Blueberry Hill East trailhead, did a counter-clockwise loop on the yellow marked trail. Snow was already packed down from previous travelers. Nice that the sun made an appearance after a gloomy week. Walked about 1.9 miles. A much better alternative to malls and crowds.


Sunday, December 07, 2014

Rotterdam

Did some local hikes with Benny this afternoon in Rotterdam (near Schenectady). The first was at Old Maids Woods (Nature Conservancy). The trailhead is a little bit hidden off a NiMo access road. The entrance trail was a mess with blow down. Once up on the plateau, the orange blazed trail was clear, but it was still a bit of challenge to follow at times. Couldn't really get lost though  as there was a rail line on one side and the access road on the other. At one point, Benny picked up a scent and went into full beagle mode - sniffing like crazy. It was the first time I heard him baying. There was lots of deer sign in the open woods. Did a short loop and then went back down to the car.

 Next, we went to Great Flats Preserve nearby. There was a small windmill at the parking area. Followed the wide entrance trail (more of mowed path). And then the trail around the big swamp. Nice flat walk. Altogether walked about 3 miles on a very sunny but cold day.
Rotterdam

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Bonticou Crag

Did an easy hike with Benny today in the "Gunks" (Shawangunk Ridge) near New Paltz. Parked at the Spring Farms trailhead, paid the Mohonk Preserve hiking fee ($12!!!), and picked up a map. We took the Crag trail to the base of the cliffs on Bonticou Crag. There is a steep path that is a rock scramble to the top - which we didn't take. We went around to the east side and followed the easier Ascent Path. Surprisingly, we had the top to ourselves the whole time we were there. There were nice views, even on this cloudy day. Took a different route back to the car - using the Cedar trail and Cedar drive (carriage road). Had to pull over at one point and let 4 horseback riders go past. Altogether, we walked about 3+ miles with 700 feet of climbing.
Bonticou Crag

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Marlborough Man

Visited a couple of nature preserves in New Marlborough, MA with Benny today. First stop was Dry Hill. In addition to the lower loop trail, there is a newer trail that we followed to the summit of Dry Hill. It is a gradual climb most of the way until the final short steep climb near the top. There were quartzite ledges on the south face with some decent views.  Walked a bit over 2.5 miles with 200 feet of climbing.

Next stop was Questing Preserve. Followed the entrance road/trail and then the loop trail around Leffingwell Hill. Added another 2.0 miles with 300 feet of climbing. Had a very sunny, but cold day for our walks in the Berkshires. Seems too early to be seeing snow on the ground.
New Marlborough

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Wilton Wildlife Preserve

Went for an easy walk this afternoon with Benny at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve near Saratoga. Started from the Camp Saratoga trailhead on Scout road. Did a counter-clockwise loop on the blue marked trail (covering both sides of the road). This area is similar to the Albany Pine Bush. The trails are wide, smooth with relatively little climbing. Walked about 2.6 miles under cloudy skies.
Wilton Preserve

Saturday, November 08, 2014

Windham

Went out for a few hours and did some trail work today. I had a helper (Benny)  ... who was not much help. Worked on Escarpment trail from Route 23 up until the lean-to. Raked out the drainage channels and did some pruning here and there (mostly to remove little stumps). Met as many mountain bikers as hikers. It was around a 2.5 mile walk for the Ben-ster. Pictured is Benny on the boardwalk section just before the register.

 

Sunday, November 02, 2014

Veterans

Did a short walk this afternoon with Benny in Clifton Park. Went to the Veterans Memorial Park and Mooney Carrese Forest (adjacent to the Elks Club). Parked near the picnic pavilion. Followed the yellow/green trail through the old section (which is just mowed paths in an overgrown brush field) and then into the new addition of forest land (which is much nicer). The trail currently dead ends in an odd "cul de sac". Walked around 1.5 miles round-trip on this sunny but very windy day.
Veterans Memorial Park

Saturday, November 01, 2014

Hudson valley

Did some short walks with Benny this afternoon south of Albany and along the Hudson river. First stop was at Long View Park (Bronk farmstead) in New Baltimore. This is a relatively new preserve. Parked near the red barn on River Road. Followed the farm path (mowed path) through a meadow, the access road, and then the quarry trail down to the Hudson.

Drove a bit south and stopped at Four Mile Point Preserve. Walked all the short trails here: marsh viewing platform, river overlook, and down to a picnic area by the river.

Last stop was at Vosburgh Swamp WMA. Parked at the trailhead and followed the entrance trail and then a trail that paralleled the marsh. There were canoes stashed in a couple of places.

Altogether, walked over 2 miles on easy trails. Benny got lots of ticks though! Uggh!

Hudson River

Friday, October 31, 2014

Mysteries of Panther mountain's eastern ridge

Took a day off from work to go exploring in the Catskill mountains. I was looking at satellite images, as one is wont to do. I noticed a peculiar clearing about a mile east of Panther mountain on a little wart on its eastern ridge (elevation 2848). What created this clearing? Aliens? Zombies? I thought it was large enough that it might have some views even though it was a flat area. I decided to go check it out. I parked on Panther Kill Road just past a bridge at an unmarked area to pull-off (about a mile from Woodland Valley Road). I headed south up the ridge following a drainage and then started veering more westerly. It was mostly deciduous woods and fairly easy to navigate with the bulk of the leaves down. I reached a smaller clearing and then the large clearing. It was about 1-2 acres in size and had a thin layer of poorly drained soil with mosses, grasses and low shrubs. There was a close-up view of the summit of Panther to the west. Could also see the rest the Borough's range (Slide, Cornell, Wittenberg) above and through the trees. I explored a little more and found some partial views to the north from some ledges. I climbed a small boulder (glacial erratic) toward the back of the field and had some snacks. It was eerily quiet. I was half expecting the alien ship to touch down. I packed up and headed back. Took a little longer route going over the small bump to the east (elevation 2560). On the way down, I stumbled onto a nice woods road which eventually led to a couple of camps down by the road.

Round-trip Distance: 5.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1900 ft
Panther East Ridge

Sunday, October 26, 2014

I've been walking on the railroad

Did an easy walk today with Benny on the Albany Rail Trail. Walked the section from Hilton Road to Voorheesville Ave. About 2.3 miles round-trip on a breezy, gloomy afternoon. On the drive back, stopped at a farm stand and got a pumpkin.


Saturday, October 25, 2014

Plantain and Ashley

Climbed two small trail-less peaks in the southern Taconics (Berkshires) today. The first was Mount Plantain - name after the New England plant, not the banana like fruit. I parked at a trailhead on East Street - about a mile from the MA/CT border. The land east of the road is a conservation easement (Nature Conservancy). I followed the entrance logging road for about 10 min. Then turned right at a junction onto another logging road for another five min. (This road eventually leads to the AT near Sages Ravine.) I left the road and headed east uphill toward the northern end of the peak. It's only about 1/3 mile as the crow flies, but I am not a bird. So, I was not able to fly over the tangled mass of mountain laurel that covers this side of the mountain. Eventually I reached the top and it was much easier going. There was a lot of open grassy areas, but no great views - just a couple of views over the trees. I headed back down a different route (more to the south). Luckily, I picked up a hunters path which I followed for a while until I lost it - not far from the logging road though. It was a lot quicker to come down than going up.

Summit Elevation: Plantain 2088 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 425 ft

After reaching the car, I went across the street and climbed Mount Ashley. I headed almost due west until I reached the ridge. Then I turned south and followed the ridge to the peak. It wasn't too bad going. There were some swaths of mountain laurel along the way, but you could usually skirt around them on one side of the ridge or the other. They were interspersed with open, lightly wooded areas covered with grasses and ferns - mostly dead now and doing a good job of hiding all the rocks and other tripping hazards. It was a bit thick closer to the summit, but I think I just chose a bad route. Again, there were a few views over the trees - mostly to the east. After tagging the top, I backtracked back to the car.

Summit Elevation: Ashley 2390 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 720 ft
Plantain Ashley

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Look Deep into Nature

Visited two "new-ish" nature preserves in Rensselear County this afternoon with Benny. The first stop was Robert Ingalls Nature Preserve. The trailhead is on Garfield Road just west of Horse Heaven Road. There is a short trail (marked with yellow), that leads down to Black Brook and then loops back up. Less than 1/2 mile walk.

Next stop was at the Mud Pond Preserve. Trailhead is on Central Nassau Road (just east of Mud Pond Road). Followed the main trail (yellow markers) to the pond overlook, and then the Haley Farm trail (red markers). Added an additional 1.7 miles of walking on a cool, breezy day.
Rensselaer County

Friday, October 17, 2014

A Walk in the Woods

Left work a little early and did an easy walk with Benny at Schenectady County Forest Preserve near Delanson. We did a loop on the main blue trail, plus another loop on the newer green trail located at the back of the property. Lots of leaves down, but there still were some yellows hanging on. Walked about 2.8 miles on this late afternoon.
Schenectady Forest

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Bald

Went for hike in the Southern Adirondacks today. Climbed Bald mountain near Warrensburg. It is one of the Three Sisters. I had previously climbed the Middle Sister in the Spring. The last sister is Pine mountain (home of Hickory Ski Center). Parked at the end of Katts Corners Road. Followed the old snowmobile trail for about two miles. Where it split, I took the left branch that led up hill. After a short while, I left the trail and then headed up the southern side of Bald mountain. It was steep near the top and I ran into some cliffs. I thought I was hallucinating as I could hear voices that sounded close by. I headed around the west side of the peak and found an easier way up. Ran into a few kids that I had heard from below. The summit is surrounded by a semi-circular ring of ledges with views to the west, south and east. I explored the top and all the different viewpoints. I decided to go down a different (easier) route. Headed north and soon picked up an old eroded logging road. I followed it for a bit to an odd clearing. It seemed to be veering east, so I left it and continued down hill. I picked up another old trail farther down that led me straight back to the snowmobile trail. Then, it was a quick walk back to the car. Beautiful day out.

Summit Elevation: Bald 1980 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft
Bald

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Thacher

Took Benny to Thacher Park this afternoon to check out the foliage. Walked along the Indian Ladder Trail and part of the Escarpment. About 1.75 miles of walking. Lots of leaf peepers out today.
Thacher Fall 14

Friday, October 10, 2014

A walk in the Park

Went for a hike in the Adirondacks today. Climbed Park mountain in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness (near Schroon Lake). Started from the Pharaoh Road trailhead off of Beaver Pond Road. It was a bit brisk (46 F) in the morning, and I needed to put on a couple of layers. From the parking area, I continued walking along the road/trail for about 0.8 miles. Then, I turned left (west) onto an old road that follows the south side of Mill Brook. It was mostly clear (just a few blowdowns) and easy to follow. The road bed was well defined - even if you lost it momentarily you could find it again soon enough. After about 2.0 miles, I left the road and headed up the north side of Park mountain. It was open woods all the way up. Closer to the top, the terrain was steeper with a lot of moss covered rocks - slippery when coming back down. There were views to the west from a lookout near the summit (toward Schroon Lake). I continued on to the southern knob which had views to the south (toward Beaver Pond). Fall colors are past peak in this region, but there is still some nice pockets of color in the valleys.

Summit Elevation: Park 2011 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.6 mi
Elevation Change: 1300 ft
Park mtn

Sunday, October 05, 2014

Let it Beebe

Did a couple of easy hikes with Benny this afternoon in Columbia County. First, we did a hike up to the fire tower on Beebe Hill. Passed a bunch of people on the trail, but had the top to ourselves oddly enough. Walked around 1.8 miles with 350 feet of climbing.

Next, we stopped at the Schor Conservation Area. Followed the trails around the pond and on up to the overlook. Walked about 1.5 miles with 250 feet of climbing. A lovely Fall day for a walk-about - cool and with lots of bright sunshine.
Beebe

Friday, October 03, 2014

Off my rocker

Went for hike in the southern Adirondacks today near Wells. Parked at an unmarked pull-off on Gilmantown Road just past the bridge over Elbow Creek. Followed an old road for about 100 feet to the creek. Looked like a nice camping spot, but there was a "no camping" sign there. The road seemed to end here. I crossed the creek and headed up towards Mount Overrocker. The woods were mostly open deciduous trees with some witch hazel to contend with. Crossed a couple of old logging roads on the lower slopes. Reached the top and continued down the south side. There was a nice ledge just a short distance SW from the top. Could see Mt Orrey to south and Round mountain to the west. Then, it was a sharp drop down as I continued down to the col. I climbed the next un-named peak which didn't offer any views. Then I headed more westerly toward Round mountain. Dropped down to the col and the beaver pond nearby. Crossed a hunters path. Then it was a short but steep climb up to the top of Round. There were a couple of open, rocky areas. But, they were not sloped enough, so the trees blocked a lot of the view. I found what I figured was the true summit and then headed back down to the car.

Summit Elevation: Overrocker 2132 ft, Round 2431
Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1700 ft
Overrocker

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Holt

Went for a short hike/walk this evening with Benny at the Holt Preserve in Feura Bush. From the trailhead on Lower Copeland Hill Road, did a loop consisting of various colored trails. After stopping at the pond, followed the road back to the car. Walked about 1.5 miles altogether. In other news, it's tick season again. Pulled three deer ticks off Benny when I got home.


Sunday, September 28, 2014

Porter

Went up to the Adirondack high peaks area today to enjoy the near-peak fall foliage. I climbed Porter mountain via Blueberry mountain trail (from Marcy airport). This is one of three approaches to Porter (and definitely the hardest). Since this is not the typical route for this peak, I ran into fewer hikers. It was a very warm (for late September) and sunny afternoon. Fall colors were nice. Probably the toughest day hike I have done this season.

Summit Elevation: Porter 4059 ft
Round-trip Distance: 9.0 mi
Elevation Change: 3400 ft
Porter

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Partridge Paths

Went hiking with Benny at the Huyck Preserve. Parked at the trailhead on Wood Rd (off of Peasley Rd). Went counter-clockwise on Partridge Path Loop Three. There were some nice early Fall colors on this sunny, warm afternoon. Woods were very dry (ground was "cracked") and the creeks were barely a trickle. Lots of stone walls and open deciduous woods in this remote area. Total distance walked was 2.7 miles. Also, stopped at Partridge Run WMA on the drive back and visited three ponds there (that you could drive to).


Huyck

Friday, September 19, 2014

Middle of Nowhere

Took the day off and went hiking in the Adirondacks near Lake George. Drove the dirt road to Jabe Pond (off of Split Rock road). There was one steep spot where I got to test the AWD in my Subie. Wouldn't recommend that stretch in an regular car. Made it to the main parking lot and was the only car there. Took the trail around the north side of Jabe Pond to the farthest campsite. Then, bush-whacked west up to the top of Middle mountain. No real view from the summit, but there were some cliffs a bit south of the top, that had great views to the north, west and south. Catamount mountain looked real close.  Could see the cliffs across Fly Brook valley that I explored last year from Wardsboro road. After some snacks, I headed back down and eventually reached a swampy area and then a beaver pond in the notch. Continued east toward Jabe Pond and then around its south side. Eventually I picked up paths and then the trail again. I also did a short climb up Number 108 mountain. There were some minor views through the trees at a rocky clearing south of the top. After tagging the non-descript summit, I went back down to the pond and the trail which I followed back to the car. A sunny, but cool day for hiking.

Summit Elevation: Middle 1867 ft, No. 108 1640 ft
Round-trip Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1000 ft
Middle

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Pilot Knob Preserve

Took Benny on his first Adirondack adventure today. We went to Pilot Knob Preserve near Lake George. Did a clock-wise loop on the Orange trail to the view point with the Gazebo and back down. About 1.8 miles total with 640 feet of climbing. Nice cool day. Lots of other hikers out for this popular and easy hike. Benny did pretty well - though he was pooped out at the end.

Pilot Knob Ridge

Sunday, September 07, 2014

Lonely mountain there on the Corner

Did a short hike in the south Central Adirondacks today. Parked on Route 8 west of Cod Pond near a pull-out for a road-side camp-site. Followed the path from the campsite down to the East Branch of Sacandaga. Changed into old sneaks and waded across. The water was less than a foot deep. Got to the other side, put boots on, and headed uphill to the top of Corner mountain. It was a short, but steady climb to the summit. The woods were mostly open deciduous. At one point, stopped in a clearing and munched on some raspberries so I could feel more primal. There was a ring of open rock slabs on the South to East sides just below the top of Corner mountain. Took some pics of the surrounding hills and then headed back down. Great weather for hiking.

Summit Elevation: Corner 2349 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 1050 ft
Corner

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Getting High

Went for a short hike/walk late this evening with Benny at Thacher Park. From the trailhead on Old Stage Road, followed the trail/road to High Point and back. About 2 miles round-trip.


Friday, August 29, 2014

Unnamed (North Squaw)

Got a jump start on long weekend and went hiking in Adirondacks today. Climbed a small un-named peak in the Hoffman Wilderness near Exit 29. This peak is north of Wyman Hill and Squaw mountain, and only the elevation is marked on Topo maps (893 m). Bit of an isolated peak - it was an adventure just to get to it. First, I parked off Route 9 near the North Hudson town line at an unmarked dirt road. I followed the road west for about a mile to the Schroon River fishing weir. I walked the road, but it looks like it gets some vehicular traffic. I contemplated crossing here, but thought it would be too slippery. I went a few minutes south where the brook comes in from Squaw mountain. The river was a bit wider here, and I could see the bottom. I put on my water shoes and waded across. It was mostly knee high, except in one low spot where it reached my crotch. The water was cool and there was some mild current (around 1-2 mph). I got to the other side of the river and then followed the brook to the Northway (Interstate 87). There is a small pedestrian tunnel just south of the culvert for the brook. There were no real paths leading to this point, so I don't think it gets much use. I passed through the tunnel to the other side, and continued following the brook for short while. Then, I headed north and up to the ridge. There were a series of small ledges and cliffs all along the southern side leading up to the peak. The woods were fairly open as I picked my the route. Eventually I reached the top which had views to the east, south, west and north toward the high peaks. After a snack, I headed back down. Dropped off the ridge sooner and followed a drainage which eventually lead back to Squaw brook. Then, followed the same route back to the car.

Summit Elevation: North Squaw 2274 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1500 ft
Squaw

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Nose to the ground

Yesterday, took Benny to his first beagle meet-up. Today, went for a short hike on Vroman's Nose near Middleburgh, NY. Did a loop following the old carriage road to the top, and the other trail back down. Nice sunny day. Lots of other hikers out on the hill. Almost 2 mile round-trip with 450 feet of climbing.

Vroman

Saturday, August 16, 2014

"Benny" Hill

I've climbed Bennett Hill in Clarksville numerous times - and I usually don't blog about it. But, this time was special. I had a new hiking partner with me ... Benny the beagle. I got him from the local shelter (Mohawk Hudson Humane Society) about a week ago. He's a rescue dog that came up from the south (around Kentucky area) via the Rescue Waggin. He seems to be a well behaved, low key dog that is adjusting to life in upstate NY.

From the parking area, we took the green trail on up and then the yellow loop trail that goes around the top. Benny did pretty good on the leash, though he moves at a leisurely pace. The total trip was around 2.5 miles with 400 feet of easy climbing.
Bennett Hill

Sunday, August 03, 2014

Early Bloomer

Did a short hike this morning near Lake George. Climbed Bloomer mountain. Parked at the Deer Leap trailhead and then headed north into the woods. Crossed a small creek and then climbed up toward the ridge. Had to find a way through some steep, cliffy areas, but it wasn't too hard. Once on the ridge, it was an easy walk west toward the true summit. Crossed lots of deer paths and spooked a deer at one point. Only some partial views through the trees from the grassy peak. Backtracked and then climbed the lower eastern knob (elevation 1605). It had better views from some open rocky patches.  After a short snack, headed back down. Stopped at Northwest bay waterfall on the drive back.

Summit Elevation: Bloomer 1760 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.8 mi
Elevation Change: 850 ft
Bloomer

Saturday, August 02, 2014

Indian Kill

Went for short walk this afternoon at the Indian Kill Preserve in East Glenville (north of Schenectady). Followed the trail to the dam and then along the creek past two waterfalls. Continued until I reached a neighborhood (Whitbeck road?), and then turned around. A little over 2 mile walk. The trail system is a little confusing here and doesn't seem to match the map.
Indian Kill Preserve

Friday, July 25, 2014

Lucky number 13

Climbed some more small, trail-less peaks in the central Adirondacks. Parked at the trailhead for Thirteenth Lake. Followed the trail along the west side of the lake for about a mile to the intersection with the Peaked mountain trail. Then, I went off trail and headed north up the southern ridge of Little Thirteenth Lake mountain. Within 10 minutes, I started getting views from the patches of open rock. I continued along the ridge losing only 100 feet before the final climb up Big Thirteenth Lake mountain. There was a nice view from a rock promontory about 1/10 mile west of the summit. Had a close up view of Peaked and Slide mountains. The top of mountain was covered with raspberry plants, but I found only a couple worth eating. The bear must have gotten them all. He did leave me lots of paths to follow all over the mountain side. After a snack, I headed down southeast toward the trail. I then drove over to the Old Farm Clearing trailhead. Followed the easy trail along the east side of the Thirteenth Lake for a short ways to Elizabeth point. There were a couple of camp sites here and sort of a sandy beach. While sitting on a big rock by the water, I watched a kayak lazily paddle by. Felt nice with the warm breezes and no bugs. Waded my feet in the water before heading back.

Summit Elevation: Big Thirteenth Lake Mountain 2778 ft, Little Thirteenth Lake Mountain 2516 ft
Round-trip Distance: 4.0 mi (+ 2.0 mi )
Elevation Change: 1220 ft
Thirteenth Lake

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Final Farewell

I went out today to spread Howie's ashes in the woods. I chose Howard mountain in the northern Adirondacks as the spot - since we both had climbed it before (2012 trip report), and of course the name. Parked at the trailhead on Tracy Road in North Hudson. Followed the trail to Crowfoot pond for about 0.6 miles. Then, went off trail and headed SW toward the summit. Passed a small beaver meadow. Stopped at the summit to spread Howie's ashes and say a final farewell. Goodbye, Howie my little beagle buddy ... You belong to the mountains now. Afterward, I headed back down. Went past Little Howard Pond on the way.

Summit Elevation: Howard 1710 ft
Round-trip Distance: 3.5 mi
Elevation Change: 660 ft

After returning to the car, I literally went across the street and climbed Feeder mountain. This is another small trail-less peak. I traveled in a northerly direction climbing the ridge, and then turned more westerly as I got higher up. There were views from the patches of open rock along the way. Reached the top and then went down a more direct route. It was steep in spots with small cliffs to negotiate around, but made it back to the road about 1/3 mile away from the car.

Summit Elevation: Feeder 1653 ft
Round-trip Distance: 2.5 mi
Elevation Change: 590 ft
Howard

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Whip it!

Did some more trail work today. Just concentrated on the beginning section of the trail - it grows fast since it is more in the open. I purchased a weed whip at HD that I used for the first time. It's kind of like swinging a golf club - except that you have to repeat about a hundred times. But, it works better than using pruning shears.


Friday, July 11, 2014

Ross

Needed to clear my head after a long week - so what better way to do that than to go hiking. Climbed a small trail-less peak in the southern Adirondacks today - Ross mountain near Garnet Lake. Parked on Armstrong road at a small pull-off near where the snowmobile trail comes in from the east. Headed back down the road a bit and then into the woods. Cross a small creek and then within five minutes, hooked up with and followed an old road (shown on old topo maps). It was obvious at first, but I almost lost it after about 3/4 mile in an open area that was a sea of ferns. Luckily, I was able to find it again. There were overgrown areas on the road, but the road bed itself was obvious in most places. Seemed to get some use, but not a lot. The road ended after about two miles on the north side of Ross mountain. There were not too many signs left of the settlement that was once here. I found an old cellar hole and a rusty barrel in a clearing. At this point, I bush-whacked up the north side of the mountain. It was mostly open with the usual witch hazel, open areas with ferns, stinging nettles and thorny brush. Saw lots of deer scat, some bear scat, and also bear prints in a muddy spot. I reached the summit and checked the views from open areas along the south side of the summit which was covered with blueberry plants.  Unfortunately, there were not too many blueberries ... maybe the bear ate them all. The views were surprisingly good from this small peak. Mount Blue was prominent to the west with Garnet Lake below. Could also see Crane and other neighboring mountains. Had a nice sunny day for this short adventure. Bugs were not too bad - at the top it seemed to be  mostly house flies. On the drive back, stopped at Stewarts and got some Adirondack Bear Paw ice cream that was on sale ... seemed appropriate.

Summit Elevation: Ross 2677 ft
Round-trip Distance: 6.0 mi
Elevation Change: 1400 ft
Ross

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Trail Work

Did some trail work today on my section of the Escarpment Trail starting from Route 23. Several hikers passing by thanked me for my work. After finishing my section, I continued for another mile to the summit. It was a typical warm, summer day.

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


Friday, June 27, 2014

Peaked and Wyman Hill

Did a hike today in the Adirondacks. Parked at the Dirgylot Hill trailhead off Route 9 just north of Exit 28 in Schroon Falls. Bathed in some DEET, and then headed out. Followed the trail to the pedestrian tunnel (metal culvert) under the Northway (I-87). Continued on the dirt road to the first intersection. Turned right here (the left branch heads S toward Dirgylot Hill). At the next intersection, continued straight (the left branch heads SW toward Smith Hill). After a mile or so, the trail became more of a hunter's path. It was marked with occasional axe blazes. Soon, I reached another old road which leads up toward the notch between Wyman Hill and Peaked Hill. I followed this old road for a while and then headed SW up to the top of Peaked Hill. The woods were fairly open with some blowdown to contend with. There were nice views from the rocky summit. Got a close-up view of Hoffman and Blue Ridge to the west. To the north, could see many of the high peaks. There was also a view to the south toward Schroon Lake. I went back down and picked up the road at roughly the same spot I left it. Followed the road for a bit, and the left it again and headed NE up to Wyman Hill. There were some nice views, but not quite as open as Peaked Hill. After tagging the top, I dropped back to the road and headed back. The breezes kept the bugs from being too terrible. Nice sunny day for this adventure in the woods.

Summit Elevation: Peaked Hill 2286 ft, Wyman Hill 2211 ft
Round-trip Distance: 8.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2400 ft
Peaked and Wyman Hill