East Jewett Range(Catskills)

October 1st, 2019.  Today would finally be the day.  The day that I would finish my quest to finish hiking the hundred highest Catskill peaks.  I finally was able to secure permission, through Alan Via, to hike to the summit of the 3140 foot summit of the East Jewett Range, my last remaining peak on the list. This is an exclusive list that I have been working on for over three years now and I would have Alan and his dog Toby, my good buddy Jim and Jason(who himself is only 2 peaks short of completing the list) accompanying me along the way.  As I left the house this morning, heavy rain was falling, but the forecast was for clearing as the morning went on.  Luckily, when we met up the rain had stopped and there was actually a slight break in the clouds.  We met up with the land owner and thanked him for permission to hike and set out on a beautiful old woods road. 

From an open meadow, we enjoyed an early morning view of the ridge that we would be climbing to the summit.  The colors are really starting to come along at elevation. 

Sometimes it's nice to slow down and take in your surroundings, capturing a nice moment like this butterfly paying a visit.

As we neared the summit ridge, we checked out an area filled with rocky ledges in hopes of finding a view.  We were rewarded with small windows to the south, where the Hunter Mountain ski slopes and East Rusk were visible.

Once above 3000 feet, we began to see an increase in fall color.  where many vivid reds and yellows were beginning to pop.

We did not hit any spruce until the very top of the peak, which was spruce filled.  We poked around the summit area until we found a spot that we agreed on as the high point.  Fully covered in spruce, but it didn't matter.  It was the top!!  #102!!  

 I got to sign the CHH banner, which was quite an honor!!

Taking a moment to celebrate with Jim, who has been a great friend and constant companion on many of these peaks. 

Just off the summit, we left the spruce behind and emerged into a gorgeous high elevation meadow, where peek a boo views to the north were hidden by tree tops.

Alan and his dog Toby checking out yet another pretty grassy meadow.

Following in the footsteps of two Catskill legends(or at least trying to).

We basically followed old woods roads almost the entire day, with just a little bushwhacking mixed in.  A golden canopy of hardwoods made for perfect conditions.

I'm not sure exactly what it was about this tree, but I fell in love with it immediately.  Just looked like a perfect place to take a nap and enjoy the serene woods.

The colors of fall taking over above.

As always, what Catskill mountain would be complete without a stone wall?  A quiet reminder of the farming past of these mountains.

Toby leading the way into a large clearing down low on the peak.

We followed this old woods road out, which was nothing more than a wide foot path now.

From the meadow near the beginning of our hike, we now were able to soak in the vibrant fall colors under mostly sunny skies.  Quite a spectacular spot!

Quite simply, a beautiful day on a beautiful peak, with great company.  About 5 miles RT and over 1400 feet of ascent for the day. 

After many long days, trip planning, and getting landowners permission, today was a culmination of all of these efforts.  Completing this list was a labor of love and I am truly honored to be a part of this group of less than 60 people.  Thanks to Jason for coming along today, Alan for getting us permission and Jim for being a true friend and incredible hiking companion over these last few years.  I know many more adventures await and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.