PLEASE NOTE-THESE PEAKS ARE PRIVATE! WE SECURED CONSENT WITH LANDOWNER BEFORE HIKING
Headed out to the western Catskills with my buddy Jim to hike a couple more Hundred Highest Catskill peaks on a dreary, foggy, but mild(for January) morning. With consent to hike the peaks in hand, we headed over to a logging road to begin our hike up the east side of 3060 foot Irish Mountain. The logging road was lined with classic Catskill stone walls and even barbed wire. Elevation to start the day was about 1800 feet.
At first the logging road climbs gradually through a deciduous forest. The fog added a very peaceful feeling to the hike.
In all of my Catskill hiking, I'd have to say that the Delaware County peaks have the most stone walls I've seen.
Jim ascending via the logging road on about 2 or 3 inches of consolidating snow.
I simply cannot get enough of the beautifully hand crafted stone walls, which lace the lower slopes of Irish Mountain.
We left the logging road to take aim for the north ridge of Irish, climbing up through a thick fog.
The sun did its best to break through the clouds, and actually made for a very nice scene.
Arriving at the summit bump, a little above 3000 feet, we left the fog behind. Almost seemed like we steeped through the door into a different world.
With temps climbing through the 30's, we both were quite warm in all our winter garb. At the summit, we decided to lose a layer or two as we enjoyed a snack break. My 79th CHH.
Continuing past the summit, we took aim for our next destination. We passed through some prickers along the way, but without their mid summer bite.
We dropped down to about 2750 feet between the peaks, before continuing south towards Sultice. The ascent was mostly gradual, with one steeper push near the summit.
Unfortunately I got the lens wet, but here we are arriving at the 3289 foot summit. My 80th CHH!!!
We retraced our steps back off #80, heading back towards Irish Mountain.
The slopes of Irish are extremely steep, and with melting snow and a light mist, made for a slippery descent.
From a small pond just off the logging road near our car, we spotted a gorgeous view of the long ridge of Shultice and Irish.
Two more Catskill hundred highest peaks off the list. 6.5 miles RT with 1800 feet elevation gain.
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