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