Met up with my buddy Jim for another Catskill hundred highest traverse, this time in the far southwestern Cats, on a beautiful late January day. We first opted to bushwhack up 3177 foot Mongaup Mountain(which we had both previously summited).
Some ledges on the northeast side of the peak provided a nice framed view down over the Beaverkill valley.
Mongaup's summit is a large flat plateau, but we did manage to find this small man made fire pit near the middle of the summit.
The drop off on the east side of Mongaup is fairly steep in spots, making for a fun little descent down into the col, on our way to the next small 2863 foot bump.
One
of the reasons I love going off trail exploring....a small, pretty
meadow high up between Mongaup's two eastern summits,
With temps once again above freezing today, streams and drainages that were frozen solid have now began flowing (mostly) free again.
A final push up to the 2980 foot bump just west of Sand Pond Mountain, the last bushwhack part of the day.
Arriving at the blue blazed Mongaup-Hardenburg trail.
A look back at the 2980 foot peak just west of Sand Pond Mountain, as we begin a steep push up.
While most of the day was almost completely snow free, there were some protected spots above 3000 feet, where wintry conditions still prevailed.
The marked trail is very lightly used and therefore easy to lose in spots. Very little trail maintenance is done, so blowdown and missing trail markers can make it difficult to stay completely on trail.
The trail skirts the summit area, which was a short bushwhack off trail. Arriving at Sand Pond Mountain's 3062 foot wooded summit, we took a small lunch break.
Wandered the ledges along Sand Pond's summit ridge and managed to squeak out this sliver of a view to the northwest
A small ledge near Sand Pond Mountain's summit provided a nice view to Willowemoc's 3224 foot summit, our next destination.
An interesting swampy meadow just below Willowemoc's summit.
The 3224 foot wooded, nondescript summit of Willowemoc sits only about 25 yards off trail. My 81st Catskill Hundred Highest! 81/102.
A small window just east of Willowemoc's summit provided a glimpse all the way back to Mongaup, our first peak of the day.
The steep descent off Willowemoc, on our way north to the Beaverkill. Part of Mill Brook Ridge and Woodpecker Ridge can easily be seen through the bare winter trees. Balsalm Lake Mountain is seen rising beyond.
The swinging bridge which spans the historic Beaver Kill
The famed Beaver Kill, which is said to have been the birthplace for fly fishing in America.
Jim, crossing over the creek, putting a cap on another outstanding day in the Cats.
Arrived back at the spotted car after 11 miles and 2300 foot of ascent.
I've
driven by this dilapidated barn on Barkaboom Road countless times and
it always catches my eye. The overcast mid winter conditions seemed to
be a perfect fit.
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