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