tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85447942780142002952024-03-26T18:07:44.305-07:00Walking Man 24 7Adventures around the Capital Region area of New York State, as well as the Adirondacks, Catskills, Berkshires and VermontWalking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.comBlogger1163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-1422277933817768702024-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:002024-03-26T18:07:04.586-07:00Hand Hollow-East(Hand Hollow State Forest-New Lebanon, Columbia County)<p>Had a small window of time to get out this morning, so took advantage by visiting the Hand Hollow State Forest in the town of New Lebanon, a short ten minute drive from my house. Having visited each of the other sections of this newer State Forest previously , I decided today to explore the far eastern part, located just north of CR 34. Parked in the designated lot on the south side of the road(Elevation 980 feet) and to no surprise had the place to myself.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp53MTdtZh7LGvWU6k5cpJNFhwho9C-tI7HVRERZV6EjT6_Cm6evfvgqPWrIvntItOjSPk31BiCj57bIZ1KvAR3DDmjO5ZJmRy-aiAr819d9hef5PTXtiS_p9DklV0P3obEi0wULEORdv9r1LjdnOTym58bhd73QcyxwTv8hnsAo-f1r_o8s88D7LlRw4/s6000/IMG_6035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp53MTdtZh7LGvWU6k5cpJNFhwho9C-tI7HVRERZV6EjT6_Cm6evfvgqPWrIvntItOjSPk31BiCj57bIZ1KvAR3DDmjO5ZJmRy-aiAr819d9hef5PTXtiS_p9DklV0P3obEi0wULEORdv9r1LjdnOTym58bhd73QcyxwTv8hnsAo-f1r_o8s88D7LlRw4/w640-h426/IMG_6035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Crossed the quiet country road and immediately picked up a flagged path through the woods that ran parallel to a large meadow. Wasn't sure what to expect but it headed north where I wanted to go so I chose to follow it.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRUDRc-xUF4nC2zTui6SbL86QBUAvty6pKeuqTsn8-pnOdmPL9lTY28LbGlYvaLsj1MD0fxeZT3KBBe0F65Zl1D1_0-jy2i2DLOKDYU9D48s86PwBBM3liOv-pB16KHyeFQoe8vLD_q-J1vwl2gsYFrtgtBySV3PDKXyFNHLsJziKwAZhRWtrcO5Gxd0/s6000/IMG_6036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRUDRc-xUF4nC2zTui6SbL86QBUAvty6pKeuqTsn8-pnOdmPL9lTY28LbGlYvaLsj1MD0fxeZT3KBBe0F65Zl1D1_0-jy2i2DLOKDYU9D48s86PwBBM3liOv-pB16KHyeFQoe8vLD_q-J1vwl2gsYFrtgtBySV3PDKXyFNHLsJziKwAZhRWtrcO5Gxd0/w640-h426/IMG_6036.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>Crossing over a small stream.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRA1A2Yz4RdScsS47Fo6Y0B1hoVhKo-8n1xxnxYu49igs8LHSwVywI7YfWF4zvPWg2QJM42sMnO3WkLH7Znp1mRK7Zp5zOdRkr3upFSaZ2MiFfTVkeeZiLtk4gECzHMr7Kxdd6P0pm7sFhMEgkHTszlaKTJxdWfbcHsbAZPSqj4M4JvRbyuAm9znmfjY/s6000/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRA1A2Yz4RdScsS47Fo6Y0B1hoVhKo-8n1xxnxYu49igs8LHSwVywI7YfWF4zvPWg2QJM42sMnO3WkLH7Znp1mRK7Zp5zOdRkr3upFSaZ2MiFfTVkeeZiLtk4gECzHMr7Kxdd6P0pm7sFhMEgkHTszlaKTJxdWfbcHsbAZPSqj4M4JvRbyuAm9znmfjY/w640-h426/IMG_6037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Took a moment to check out the large meadow, which sits atop a small hill, and provides views towards the south and southwest at the nearby hills.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL4mmuqlu79vfMCIfudZASb0f6J3O7S_6UgIhtXSKjblm7iL0jLvnX336vIMRCKfYLcezEMKb1TfZWMzvSgt-8jdkiNFhWWtIi8bPehGTVblKcPe_JPNAscLSusbHAIyI-oMU9nlwEy2egRkOIwOCzdPL9dcLSLyGPFy1LPpEU1GAD8ARCXXZcQeglu4/s6000/IMG_6041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL4mmuqlu79vfMCIfudZASb0f6J3O7S_6UgIhtXSKjblm7iL0jLvnX336vIMRCKfYLcezEMKb1TfZWMzvSgt-8jdkiNFhWWtIi8bPehGTVblKcPe_JPNAscLSusbHAIyI-oMU9nlwEy2egRkOIwOCzdPL9dcLSLyGPFy1LPpEU1GAD8ARCXXZcQeglu4/w640-h426/IMG_6041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Back in the woods and continuing to gain elevation on the flagged route, passing by old stone walls.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRN6PAsaAF_G0KSW-VoWGBMTllQKv_9G5JuAQ-yh2U1Dq_7ww_ECasGsedwnZZhmXRWh9jKRQXcj_Dj0q6_hRh1WwjjNWVu88112i7cRJ8OyE189RUMFaeJ6ERGh2CM4_cBk5bwXgH3sF62lrOuUL0QdmTRFlOC6x-z3IqBNzC8VhR78x38xUN1w9d2E/s6000/IMG_6050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRN6PAsaAF_G0KSW-VoWGBMTllQKv_9G5JuAQ-yh2U1Dq_7ww_ECasGsedwnZZhmXRWh9jKRQXcj_Dj0q6_hRh1WwjjNWVu88112i7cRJ8OyE189RUMFaeJ6ERGh2CM4_cBk5bwXgH3sF62lrOuUL0QdmTRFlOC6x-z3IqBNzC8VhR78x38xUN1w9d2E/w640-h426/IMG_6050.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>The flagged route circles around a small high spot on the ridge before turning east and heading towards the true high spot on the ridge where it seems to promptly disappear. I hit the wooded 1350 foot summit anyway, enjoying the snow covered stone walls on the north slopes below the top.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ASE8Qdh263GAXUp3zv6sualoendc73FCAQV5A7Uy6qK60CmLI6QAPDXMOe4iU5hTOWsK8sG-f28Ire4l4A6XuCvmcOh4GPRGwOFpxnC1dyaJ7IzounIaKX-4u_sL1Jjq-iqtCMma839cPvtXLee8MYFhCZ6_kM2kTS6oU460mBn9c1gVD9giGeUf8Ts/s6000/IMG_6051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ASE8Qdh263GAXUp3zv6sualoendc73FCAQV5A7Uy6qK60CmLI6QAPDXMOe4iU5hTOWsK8sG-f28Ire4l4A6XuCvmcOh4GPRGwOFpxnC1dyaJ7IzounIaKX-4u_sL1Jjq-iqtCMma839cPvtXLee8MYFhCZ6_kM2kTS6oU460mBn9c1gVD9giGeUf8Ts/w640-h426/IMG_6051.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p>Explored the steep northeast slopes to the edge of state land below the ridge, with filtered views to the NE.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDInD0HineesOwajJq9EaFXGBDcFdkp9DYrzeCXFjtY1gfHZFd55I-iyiaeY20RKC07elX_5rc-ZAA9ByYI_CSJ8_J8sap3ylgDijfWfClFM8ysq0yIWArf6tC4KObNKTq0UkAjm_sj3L4UI5ow1FaCtvtPXTTWgkF3DE2l3bhkbW2bG9dnFsJmkvqWY/s6000/IMG_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDInD0HineesOwajJq9EaFXGBDcFdkp9DYrzeCXFjtY1gfHZFd55I-iyiaeY20RKC07elX_5rc-ZAA9ByYI_CSJ8_J8sap3ylgDijfWfClFM8ysq0yIWArf6tC4KObNKTq0UkAjm_sj3L4UI5ow1FaCtvtPXTTWgkF3DE2l3bhkbW2bG9dnFsJmkvqWY/w640-h426/IMG_6054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Continued SE towards another high spot on the ridge, where there was another open meadow, this one filled with prickers and lacking views.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOsoPGrFADYDaHlSwDa16rWgZFe1rHyLR0MSZyJlIHhZ_f8Oxn4mN-le18ypL1We9KhvozNhKaVbDFpmsOB-JkE8HetSWrP-juCO8Hn8tYQty1PHpPl3IGWPeNia1ldb3WGCZP_ZefHbu4kfyml17CdAlmWpBUrtbKgT2qtLM1WpHGYAAFuovB6zOnoQ/s6000/IMG_6057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOsoPGrFADYDaHlSwDa16rWgZFe1rHyLR0MSZyJlIHhZ_f8Oxn4mN-le18ypL1We9KhvozNhKaVbDFpmsOB-JkE8HetSWrP-juCO8Hn8tYQty1PHpPl3IGWPeNia1ldb3WGCZP_ZefHbu4kfyml17CdAlmWpBUrtbKgT2qtLM1WpHGYAAFuovB6zOnoQ/w640-h426/IMG_6057.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>From the last meadow I continued an easy bushwhack west around private property and back to my car. Total distance covered was 3.2 miles and 700 feet of ascent.</p><p></p><p>Map below. Red= P=Parking Blue X's=High spots on ridge that I hit Black X=Meadow with Views Black circle=Meadow with no view<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEFz5VzKIMw6dt1QJ_zp1Yx5cB0YAhA1bZkjkaUDi3WXkjF9eR54sYefAdGyDaLKOGPnrYWqC6lpiqDejgq9-Wkv1zeEJHLUgIBa_gerp28-y6x9QA1yyrUJCE5NB0JCXZ-fF4RF_O5m5f8XrVC3_EZoOHT22USz_xsg6Q-60UUwO1eDF7fOhSVjJXic/s628/hh%20sf.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="628" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEFz5VzKIMw6dt1QJ_zp1Yx5cB0YAhA1bZkjkaUDi3WXkjF9eR54sYefAdGyDaLKOGPnrYWqC6lpiqDejgq9-Wkv1zeEJHLUgIBa_gerp28-y6x9QA1yyrUJCE5NB0JCXZ-fF4RF_O5m5f8XrVC3_EZoOHT22USz_xsg6Q-60UUwO1eDF7fOhSVjJXic/w400-h396/hh%20sf.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p> </p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-63631027354075283852024-03-16T16:42:00.000-07:002024-03-19T16:55:34.592-07:00Brace Mountain's Western Ledges(Taconic State Park- NY)<p>After hitting Bear Mountain's east cliffs in Connecticut, I crossed over the Taconic ridge to the west into NY to hit some off trail ledges on Brace Mountain's steep slopes. I parked at the trailhead along Quarry Hill Road(Elevation 960 feet) where I caught a glimpse of the cliffs I was aiming for just above the nearby trees on private property.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsDtAnjISG-JKceXTWWZ4P3yo_QBS-bVGCHzCT65gUU4QSwqEjuet7ecQVOMKD06hJndUwod9egA8IaMZC8Jax6qratGfOv5BgXOPZtknhqSP3ghL1Bvvpq4B5sCQJo_Kfc80t7FDzYSlPAmjuHUB_VlV3AXgfk9i0OdDfBxjzk5Tzfkj6izTqz34L_U/s6000/IMG_5967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsDtAnjISG-JKceXTWWZ4P3yo_QBS-bVGCHzCT65gUU4QSwqEjuet7ecQVOMKD06hJndUwod9egA8IaMZC8Jax6qratGfOv5BgXOPZtknhqSP3ghL1Bvvpq4B5sCQJo_Kfc80t7FDzYSlPAmjuHUB_VlV3AXgfk9i0OdDfBxjzk5Tzfkj6izTqz34L_U/w640-h426/IMG_5967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>From the car, I followed the trail a short distance around the private property at the start of the hike, and then began my bushwhack north through wide open woods. The slopes grew gradually steeper until I hit an old woods road that aided my climb.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHQhNkwA9UngvPKSqRSMHsywGTy2zeiAtokh_VquT05ifBQd0pi4-Hn37X_TQOt4Aynl02_y7uZkDlNu78hRZVL90ORAsyWwwLIPhhY7-NluI4Iop5IvvZYteMKo7JH1V9P9v5HsuitfSwRlFeYfFnrZ10IGh2my5yrv7taqh2nk2kLYOTDk4AXHcgmY/s6000/IMG_5975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHQhNkwA9UngvPKSqRSMHsywGTy2zeiAtokh_VquT05ifBQd0pi4-Hn37X_TQOt4Aynl02_y7uZkDlNu78hRZVL90ORAsyWwwLIPhhY7-NluI4Iop5IvvZYteMKo7JH1V9P9v5HsuitfSwRlFeYfFnrZ10IGh2my5yrv7taqh2nk2kLYOTDk4AXHcgmY/w640-h426/IMG_5975.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Just above the woods road, the terrain becomes extremely rocky and steep.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa6SAsGs93UBJgKr0codfzjmc7QEs2RSII0ySNrFftqljV10sHrLHDOpL00WA-zGNBrK1Fwi_XWKN6kymmm4qpROhDu-bhIcDxHarWrcONNrOcH8_zIl1knpxhVvNQcgekcFCtvqn-gNTk8CtAiAsai6MgryCPn3VQFOXRmnxFFo0cBBBubX72ZJezzM/s6000/IMG_5976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa6SAsGs93UBJgKr0codfzjmc7QEs2RSII0ySNrFftqljV10sHrLHDOpL00WA-zGNBrK1Fwi_XWKN6kymmm4qpROhDu-bhIcDxHarWrcONNrOcH8_zIl1knpxhVvNQcgekcFCtvqn-gNTk8CtAiAsai6MgryCPn3VQFOXRmnxFFo0cBBBubX72ZJezzM/w640-h426/IMG_5976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Combining the woods road and a bushwhack, I made my way up to the first in a series of open clearings and ledges around 1700 feet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VanPp3t3T7dTFnv6MF2lQkKOWKoR1VOxloyBiOTo7csNJ1lMSdmUBjS1v3menJDgXg86qJHvql_flMjdCV-wID9q1uUX1wzcsyXD269I3uShadtiKyjIDG8mQwfvj4Noy-97iJqcWHmRHFQ4LRKUNdVkI63OVXM0kS5Icl4lEMxhj5jXbYwF3HMnaHc/s6000/IMG_5998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VanPp3t3T7dTFnv6MF2lQkKOWKoR1VOxloyBiOTo7csNJ1lMSdmUBjS1v3menJDgXg86qJHvql_flMjdCV-wID9q1uUX1wzcsyXD269I3uShadtiKyjIDG8mQwfvj4Noy-97iJqcWHmRHFQ4LRKUNdVkI63OVXM0kS5Icl4lEMxhj5jXbYwF3HMnaHc/w640-h426/IMG_5998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Although I was over 600 feet below the summit, the views from these ledges were nearly as good. This is a dramatic look west over the valley of Route 22 towards Round Ball Mountain, Gentian Hill and Kite Hill.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7E2ve73wOkEgEx6o66k9D2KqwkOoXTF-3a1Dqqk8BdLA8viV0DItig3yTGvCR0E4RYj-p8GniVFVeITuLKVLhi2ZXdM0c2yvl5e4lbGgRStgBDexQmd9x9uCY8c4N4oVFZkK7-nKGMWxCFW5qrqi3xj5NOgXgS0YYWSOcgnqJsrkye2TOd3ZEAtZyFU/s6000/IMG_6001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7E2ve73wOkEgEx6o66k9D2KqwkOoXTF-3a1Dqqk8BdLA8viV0DItig3yTGvCR0E4RYj-p8GniVFVeITuLKVLhi2ZXdM0c2yvl5e4lbGgRStgBDexQmd9x9uCY8c4N4oVFZkK7-nKGMWxCFW5qrqi3xj5NOgXgS0YYWSOcgnqJsrkye2TOd3ZEAtZyFU/w640-h426/IMG_6001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>From another expansive clearing further along, another grand view to the SW.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6F53zP_2WTT0FOw1luyFvGNiVsWk9mzCTDSdNPhO9Pv85povuzVjHmD2dJfPwxGJR64OcFjYPWj8e3lMlN52WwhyphenhyphenXj3M4WsbJH67-znSXb2JWidkA1wxo6MuvxRVndP0Dntm59tQTcJAc0vOfzxzFZLOgzkCaCwXCr41K6q11mmHFbTokAvVUiDYKRc/s6000/IMG_6002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6F53zP_2WTT0FOw1luyFvGNiVsWk9mzCTDSdNPhO9Pv85povuzVjHmD2dJfPwxGJR64OcFjYPWj8e3lMlN52WwhyphenhyphenXj3M4WsbJH67-znSXb2JWidkA1wxo6MuvxRVndP0Dntm59tQTcJAc0vOfzxzFZLOgzkCaCwXCr41K6q11mmHFbTokAvVUiDYKRc/w640-h426/IMG_6002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Sprawling view north towards the Harlem Valley with Taconic ridgeline to the right.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1zbl-frNzCk6GlzzPOWR_SYqaYvSArd8AJMtR6cgAhS2EdfVHa768vaB3CVEEsQuS1FCly49wbakDg6elb_JRpZ8_ltL_4ZFaJ67d-VmmG5nsuRuc4a_gmBZ5MJXxoS2UmLntVURn4XpTMCNa6QWyjNIOchMr6-pgcG7lirg2GsGoHKts5Rz05zY1NQ/s6000/IMG_6007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1zbl-frNzCk6GlzzPOWR_SYqaYvSArd8AJMtR6cgAhS2EdfVHa768vaB3CVEEsQuS1FCly49wbakDg6elb_JRpZ8_ltL_4ZFaJ67d-VmmG5nsuRuc4a_gmBZ5MJXxoS2UmLntVURn4XpTMCNa6QWyjNIOchMr6-pgcG7lirg2GsGoHKts5Rz05zY1NQ/w640-h426/IMG_6007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I explored several different clearings which each presented its own unique view. NW view with Fox Hill to the left.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY33-L9Tkw9P6ILSETtPFZfghuhw6FTupyHKJKEHrLH9e9r2LcxUmjPGLMSEonhVhrqXsOCzsCNddc_A6Q_jP0PTH3JTYJVL8Qb3DTjK7EeAVGJxwS5QQNf9vmMC7yVP8YiYK-d_RZFzW6kSTW-sPD4__YivTW8IWGABnRmk-egKxRO2FERyv9gGWW6T4/s6000/IMG_6012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY33-L9Tkw9P6ILSETtPFZfghuhw6FTupyHKJKEHrLH9e9r2LcxUmjPGLMSEonhVhrqXsOCzsCNddc_A6Q_jP0PTH3JTYJVL8Qb3DTjK7EeAVGJxwS5QQNf9vmMC7yVP8YiYK-d_RZFzW6kSTW-sPD4__YivTW8IWGABnRmk-egKxRO2FERyv9gGWW6T4/w640-h426/IMG_6012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Beginning my descent through ledge after ledge and view after view.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbMJsEIyKQI0MUL3pmmSGZ5FWNj6hsz_HA_pBeZJVaHzFwZ9YiNcNz48D_7wA7VIKvwgYc2rfEuuEXNyDG0d4_hJbLshi6WjFGBAWBIfF7BR-XoIW00ZR3M4ro9kPqq5P652xMj-sWB3EsCX4W-WG_Q-BD3uMkdIMnzC58zOjd9xiPXDXDfkYOgj-b_g/s6000/IMG_6016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbMJsEIyKQI0MUL3pmmSGZ5FWNj6hsz_HA_pBeZJVaHzFwZ9YiNcNz48D_7wA7VIKvwgYc2rfEuuEXNyDG0d4_hJbLshi6WjFGBAWBIfF7BR-XoIW00ZR3M4ro9kPqq5P652xMj-sWB3EsCX4W-WG_Q-BD3uMkdIMnzC58zOjd9xiPXDXDfkYOgj-b_g/w640-h426/IMG_6016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>One last, large clearing at about 1500 feet before I hit the real steep terrain. This last view SW takes in a north chunk of Dutchess County as well as the southern Taconic ridge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVCSsZ-qcfpgvEqJSbg-EpAUNMgbVPY2JDj5Y84ueZXtaki9qK64C88DdeU_ZS5gp73bsxy6yKooDWlQ2m_DLEZH6HVBuFLQx9c7GB6xCATvhQyWdEs65R5rD5I-Cy7N-Dp0eJiNHODKdNqtzf1NT1tJ1-BOxiwBFPor9cgVxy0u9RqZnFXILSnhx0_U/s6000/IMG_6031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVCSsZ-qcfpgvEqJSbg-EpAUNMgbVPY2JDj5Y84ueZXtaki9qK64C88DdeU_ZS5gp73bsxy6yKooDWlQ2m_DLEZH6HVBuFLQx9c7GB6xCATvhQyWdEs65R5rD5I-Cy7N-Dp0eJiNHODKdNqtzf1NT1tJ1-BOxiwBFPor9cgVxy0u9RqZnFXILSnhx0_U/w640-h426/IMG_6031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Instead of turning back to retrace my steps, I simply tried to complete a loop by dropping down SW in a direct line towards my starting point. A very steep and tricky descent brought me down to some easier terrain and a drainage crossing in the late afternoon sunshine.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk8ws77kFvSaNltD6V_4Ybewfn2ORzX8FnleT4ABdq3eQcdHUWi23KOv4jTScUhxbkXNUAqXAsWaSYVG-LrIn3Ig0xd1FIVJPS0-ThbOqQO-TB_WOPQ1w6_BuiZGhIjPibjzuN2el8ULqMWm8N6pRuT-9682AwqXJuGSYzGJn2scCE6rovoHYnFaPjSo/s6000/IMG_6034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrk8ws77kFvSaNltD6V_4Ybewfn2ORzX8FnleT4ABdq3eQcdHUWi23KOv4jTScUhxbkXNUAqXAsWaSYVG-LrIn3Ig0xd1FIVJPS0-ThbOqQO-TB_WOPQ1w6_BuiZGhIjPibjzuN2el8ULqMWm8N6pRuT-9682AwqXJuGSYzGJn2scCE6rovoHYnFaPjSo/w640-h426/IMG_6034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Once down low, it was an easy bushwhack through open woods to the trail and car. Covered about 2.3 miles RT, with 800 feet of climbing and roughly 98% bushwhack.<br /><p></p><p>Map below. Blue P=Parking at TH on Quarry Hill Road. Blue X=Large area of ledges</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMprZiHzQAOItrc8e5zEYeOUBavGSSlPcedP-Tc-lbYBM4ijCPQMtXJwc42IOC6L0YnvEmOnZupvSUuA1hWhxRYGDqqxdMrzj93O-jo3X1WTTn2wCnSNhGQ8QZ9z9Y7Bje2_UgShPagvrhUhDhGxe_PRBEn4DcYyF1e5uNOjLL_bNhuIia1hfLiQdH6k/s801/brace.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="801" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMprZiHzQAOItrc8e5zEYeOUBavGSSlPcedP-Tc-lbYBM4ijCPQMtXJwc42IOC6L0YnvEmOnZupvSUuA1hWhxRYGDqqxdMrzj93O-jo3X1WTTn2wCnSNhGQ8QZ9z9Y7Bje2_UgShPagvrhUhDhGxe_PRBEn4DcYyF1e5uNOjLL_bNhuIia1hfLiQdH6k/w400-h316/brace.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p> </p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-25853345499594713772024-03-16T16:39:00.000-07:002024-03-18T17:45:28.956-07:00Bear Mountain's Eastern Cliffs (Mount Riga State Park-Connecticut)<p>Decided to head east into the northwest corner of Connecticut to check out a long series of cliffs and ledges along the lower slopes of Bear Mountain's east face. Most of the hike today would be via trail, but the exploration of the the targeted area was all off trail. Parked at the Undermountain trailhead along Route 41(Elevation 760 feet) and headed west along the marked trail, slowly climbing up to the junction with the Paradise Lane Trail. From the junction I followed the Paradise Lane Trail to the Paradise Lane campsite. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuT_N1Ewr5t5dGn89ul4RfoGmEIn2wigxAlmoZFB3B3wmTvLLTsXmBH1WK8Q-nEny3OJgXsoag1T_Q7xraF3uAfM6PxloTTXBWP-qwmXuNfwGf0ELb9dq7NA2E1OUAY-qoZf9wnm8QwgnYOTIL3OgtIJJjOqh-Sv8zIJjNUB5YDGDyDoKkzPxUdmHQFc/s6000/IMG_5913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuT_N1Ewr5t5dGn89ul4RfoGmEIn2wigxAlmoZFB3B3wmTvLLTsXmBH1WK8Q-nEny3OJgXsoag1T_Q7xraF3uAfM6PxloTTXBWP-qwmXuNfwGf0ELb9dq7NA2E1OUAY-qoZf9wnm8QwgnYOTIL3OgtIJJjOqh-Sv8zIJjNUB5YDGDyDoKkzPxUdmHQFc/w640-h426/IMG_5913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Once at the campsite, I followed the well trodden path east over to a bear box and water source and then a nicely framed vista to the east.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHfHX5CBtamIslOoimAjehi8O2movMBY4crhS9BhmOn4NhorhszxRpGGYLTv5Vktg9xgZgDhz2KhxVrJf6uRKHSfbHkVQ5ME03m7qeebBTTPy_rTaIGSV_gVAE2CvGMERzAVbcB635jrRsVxz2s9eHwJjbiWMr1l20C2ZXQ-KthkkTsrRKJaAZfYE-5g/s6000/IMG_5916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHfHX5CBtamIslOoimAjehi8O2movMBY4crhS9BhmOn4NhorhszxRpGGYLTv5Vktg9xgZgDhz2KhxVrJf6uRKHSfbHkVQ5ME03m7qeebBTTPy_rTaIGSV_gVAE2CvGMERzAVbcB635jrRsVxz2s9eHwJjbiWMr1l20C2ZXQ-KthkkTsrRKJaAZfYE-5g/w640-h426/IMG_5916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>From the marked trail and vista, I continued south passing along a series of additional ledges and open views. There are many very nice vantage points to enjoy such as this clear view south towards Lions Head. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ2HkkR2lQgVHd3gIZK66W4JZNbOW-9L-g74CrhRKDBRlfkVq5y8GL5Sgk1A-bHBW-Abbzfa-IwDce6b3sGnwc7X9Z0uSjoBbq0Ka5iv2SERRoaPLbrAR8KNq7jYahwaee0ox0B02dQtzxUQizWtH2J85QJQIbAGUKPEm2HHUHkrXzuAeUxFBBHv2IqI/s6000/IMG_5920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQ2HkkR2lQgVHd3gIZK66W4JZNbOW-9L-g74CrhRKDBRlfkVq5y8GL5Sgk1A-bHBW-Abbzfa-IwDce6b3sGnwc7X9Z0uSjoBbq0Ka5iv2SERRoaPLbrAR8KNq7jYahwaee0ox0B02dQtzxUQizWtH2J85QJQIbAGUKPEm2HHUHkrXzuAeUxFBBHv2IqI/w640-h426/IMG_5920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>From another open ledge, looking NE towards Washinee Lake and Washining Lake.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROl-RDEHJ1EYCWNUkSh2AULaCMxKPWOIF17D8r3NtkbnrIoAdKVmJRbG7FPQto3akSm0f43fHZqGYdXnOH6PTYjIMfS95TWVjE_qsPIiGT5GZ-Ftnnh7HunDrEPsFfDAg1o9lYT2x9oF_nfVEVdyOJqJa0pVG0FsoNm8HFV0esGRaylWEGSwokczIeG4/s6000/IMG_5946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROl-RDEHJ1EYCWNUkSh2AULaCMxKPWOIF17D8r3NtkbnrIoAdKVmJRbG7FPQto3akSm0f43fHZqGYdXnOH6PTYjIMfS95TWVjE_qsPIiGT5GZ-Ftnnh7HunDrEPsFfDAg1o9lYT2x9oF_nfVEVdyOJqJa0pVG0FsoNm8HFV0esGRaylWEGSwokczIeG4/w640-h426/IMG_5946.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A great lunch spot with killer views to the SE, with Lions Head to the right.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mW_oC04gUuV2hNr_HrdHFLe6rR4LJNrVs4l08bE0FVLOqJYwi0V7SWxcrIWJJ9ya_yHBOq_ruxqA7dCXRPr1S32dI4_f1AFtSqp28-efNnbsG-Hdm60oR91K3-dtZkKgjVorUT1wk5gSrQORbxpmXZj7lHgqEaqEHhiMR5dv6y14wCt4rErZZuvG8LY/s6000/IMG_5941.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mW_oC04gUuV2hNr_HrdHFLe6rR4LJNrVs4l08bE0FVLOqJYwi0V7SWxcrIWJJ9ya_yHBOq_ruxqA7dCXRPr1S32dI4_f1AFtSqp28-efNnbsG-Hdm60oR91K3-dtZkKgjVorUT1wk5gSrQORbxpmXZj7lHgqEaqEHhiMR5dv6y14wCt4rErZZuvG8LY/w640-h426/IMG_5941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After enjoying the great views, I turned back up and over the ledges and towards the campsite, where I picked up another path north. I continued on this path north for a few minutes before beginning my true bushwhack towards a large set of cliffs. The woods were wide open and easy to navigate as I passed by this small vernal pond.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vpOs9NPDyWn1B7tGAUQuUfNhW15R-apfqq-JgBrw1Oc06e_gXVtf2wnBNLE6D0GG8FVn_Lnx3JOKqDincWCUi6704V2qJ1gpntnEU4MfWjqn5kxi46Cb5F17CLRVUYEXJ7D8G-NEY2J3qOHo3JEuSOopLnEfs4XaB7-BWO0mlok1542TmDXLDqqP4P0/s6000/IMG_5948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vpOs9NPDyWn1B7tGAUQuUfNhW15R-apfqq-JgBrw1Oc06e_gXVtf2wnBNLE6D0GG8FVn_Lnx3JOKqDincWCUi6704V2qJ1gpntnEU4MfWjqn5kxi46Cb5F17CLRVUYEXJ7D8G-NEY2J3qOHo3JEuSOopLnEfs4XaB7-BWO0mlok1542TmDXLDqqP4P0/w640-h426/IMG_5948.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Crossing over a small stream cascading down towards the edge of the cliffs below.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsYmiG7BwfnB45tcorR80ylD1i4GfKyOY345q0_EFwFNUya2oij6GHxp2sfy8lPVgWYjfdFuKz8KQvIcXkpPJvMKj0DJqdnbRU3nscNcie8HQeGxYt62djWW_gijy-9s2JpvTz_AXNVLn-u6rMZI9HVWu5lQ1gmEODVfPIMWY7McEMLnT6ja91tQOYfk/s6000/IMG_5949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsYmiG7BwfnB45tcorR80ylD1i4GfKyOY345q0_EFwFNUya2oij6GHxp2sfy8lPVgWYjfdFuKz8KQvIcXkpPJvMKj0DJqdnbRU3nscNcie8HQeGxYt62djWW_gijy-9s2JpvTz_AXNVLn-u6rMZI9HVWu5lQ1gmEODVfPIMWY7McEMLnT6ja91tQOYfk/w640-h426/IMG_5949.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Carefully made my way down to the top of the cliffs, where the views are quite striking. This is the view south along ridge I had just been on as well as Lions Head beyond.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MaEHkKZYMYGtdwiWnUSjr-d_3-Kg_8opv_YF7G7Vp0QkGAaNRQBqjn-ZrYPEYCLTvKVF3T52Aq2_y1YAM1_cSCc-snJc0M-IDVFpvpRaqSZTqqjLKm577lp6Zzg4-5LtPebgQePGmuNbTCn_HCY4iIgREFdrs9s8Izw2ROVVFDnVHc_LGT2Hx9ipaUE/s6000/IMG_5955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MaEHkKZYMYGtdwiWnUSjr-d_3-Kg_8opv_YF7G7Vp0QkGAaNRQBqjn-ZrYPEYCLTvKVF3T52Aq2_y1YAM1_cSCc-snJc0M-IDVFpvpRaqSZTqqjLKm577lp6Zzg4-5LtPebgQePGmuNbTCn_HCY4iIgREFdrs9s8Izw2ROVVFDnVHc_LGT2Hx9ipaUE/w640-h426/IMG_5955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>From these cliff tops, there is a sheer drop off to the east, which provides a nice view down over Fisher Pond and Washining Lake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGilg0kxT5-Zi95wtrriOyUmsxyqFGDletO3NdZNusG4F9njVHnrgBpuQZxW7YxaobEVWpsjjK4_5LP4ug9ahIJNmYpUQw05AqifK_JkVjY0YvMpYtHljk3TEb6dWTfHOplZ9ItIqX17LVY0UXFXE8A8ThvgSfGC9DN3emXfyShrFc-VImEY3bxgmNRo/s6000/IMG_5957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGilg0kxT5-Zi95wtrriOyUmsxyqFGDletO3NdZNusG4F9njVHnrgBpuQZxW7YxaobEVWpsjjK4_5LP4ug9ahIJNmYpUQw05AqifK_JkVjY0YvMpYtHljk3TEb6dWTfHOplZ9ItIqX17LVY0UXFXE8A8ThvgSfGC9DN3emXfyShrFc-VImEY3bxgmNRo/w640-h426/IMG_5957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After enjoying the views from atop the cliffs, I turned around and retraced my steps back to the marked trail and eventually my car. Covered about 4.4 miles RT, with over 800 feet of ascent.</p><p>Map below. Blue P=Parking Blue Circle=First set of Ledges and Views Blue X=Cliffs<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_eXMLH-rDrjUfWKPaR1L-XZaybgK4lGmhxTLJl5Dp1DS0LUCBBLteSPus0FWWxiRmwx7iqcpKqdTEAVhs7ousbWZzlBORslKbjCO9Hr7p7ONCajbjYoZuR1g8c9sloHq03Cdg16yEFM5ZJFQqViMhLAxPgjNxn3rHOssD3Xt6zUP0MnXM3xFzewJ9Js/s815/bear.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="815" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_eXMLH-rDrjUfWKPaR1L-XZaybgK4lGmhxTLJl5Dp1DS0LUCBBLteSPus0FWWxiRmwx7iqcpKqdTEAVhs7ousbWZzlBORslKbjCO9Hr7p7ONCajbjYoZuR1g8c9sloHq03Cdg16yEFM5ZJFQqViMhLAxPgjNxn3rHOssD3Xt6zUP0MnXM3xFzewJ9Js/w400-h330/bear.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-11108471546445273772024-02-27T16:26:00.000-08:002024-03-04T18:28:14.398-08:00Allaben Quarry(Shandanken Wild Forest/ Hunter-West Kill Wilderness-Catskills)<p>My second short hike for the day was a quick jaunt up to an old, abandoned quarry and tailings pile just east of Broadstreet Hollow. I parked at the Allaben Primitive Camping Area(Eevation 1125 feet) north off of Route 28 and headed into the woods, closely hugging the state property line, while climbing north.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbZEhS_llScHaJwoEqzpLUb5HNhFEyu6IKmMNBG270SCf1ua_OVPGvMAmkBejAg9pPjC0nLcbe71udHKHWy5_TqjWstgaNMPTIkk3YM1KHjsSgOxmCE1orbl3csvLX5Z017s-QR11fNtqIk4BMsc_7JjwgOlI4zxsxaD9gUOSSAfmsJKPrYEfbHbTYJY/s6000/IMG_5867.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbZEhS_llScHaJwoEqzpLUb5HNhFEyu6IKmMNBG270SCf1ua_OVPGvMAmkBejAg9pPjC0nLcbe71udHKHWy5_TqjWstgaNMPTIkk3YM1KHjsSgOxmCE1orbl3csvLX5Z017s-QR11fNtqIk4BMsc_7JjwgOlI4zxsxaD9gUOSSAfmsJKPrYEfbHbTYJY/w640-h426/IMG_5867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I veered right to the northeast through wide open hardwoods, soon picking up an old quarry road.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCyyV-9h9z9j__UpsXbOotWLTdUS9q-gP_fZ82lzTDx1gGOwQQEOp9h2Rk-9PUvPWoDy1oBz6x85Fb6Mv4t5v8tNtCKTwbqCFDXngSnFPDMpQIL-w-okX4dRrF2q3n6TjftXJW15fY6SjqCEhcbsUAdH-iOiYxUz-l0hNyCFTS_L65IS9WdySmPEEHw0/s6000/IMG_5872.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCyyV-9h9z9j__UpsXbOotWLTdUS9q-gP_fZ82lzTDx1gGOwQQEOp9h2Rk-9PUvPWoDy1oBz6x85Fb6Mv4t5v8tNtCKTwbqCFDXngSnFPDMpQIL-w-okX4dRrF2q3n6TjftXJW15fY6SjqCEhcbsUAdH-iOiYxUz-l0hNyCFTS_L65IS9WdySmPEEHw0/w640-h426/IMG_5872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Arriving at the first of three large tailings piles, around 1520 feet.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPsnUX8XGmfR90LPkP5ytYCUdUW7r1pINndJL2CJTChXFnEhfaTjX9qU_XICk6HrIeFmTqM_D1S20X_uO5WKG4_Az-1lEI0LlPzIXswGygcA4At-WcXUtofIltooqX-iBn-xv2fV4sV3FwO-_wYJSd31bsPl7rR10Z_CuUX6vDlzWEUzBS9qAIS57yqU/s6000/IMG_5875.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPsnUX8XGmfR90LPkP5ytYCUdUW7r1pINndJL2CJTChXFnEhfaTjX9qU_XICk6HrIeFmTqM_D1S20X_uO5WKG4_Az-1lEI0LlPzIXswGygcA4At-WcXUtofIltooqX-iBn-xv2fV4sV3FwO-_wYJSd31bsPl7rR10Z_CuUX6vDlzWEUzBS9qAIS57yqU/w640-h426/IMG_5875.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>At the top of the first tailings pile, I found a nice view north towards North Dome(left) and Saint Anne's Peak(right). Part of Mount Sherrill can be seen on the distance left.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmEPHdZ4q6aZ63YdqnI1A5qrLAZ8hVn5-zuqeSpS7QqZqPrJNJ28IIfsel4HvmMK3v6aVgw9qQW8eFqWYZrdTMrqeIlNEQ-pvQbAie4nOpvNaG2vf2vSBfSW0gtkJw8Sq2NB9qQZ40LoJbHw-qb-sUpvwM5E2xb7kqxj011Ww13OrYih0BifyYBIerkM/s6000/IMG_5876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmEPHdZ4q6aZ63YdqnI1A5qrLAZ8hVn5-zuqeSpS7QqZqPrJNJ28IIfsel4HvmMK3v6aVgw9qQW8eFqWYZrdTMrqeIlNEQ-pvQbAie4nOpvNaG2vf2vSBfSW0gtkJw8Sq2NB9qQZ40LoJbHw-qb-sUpvwM5E2xb7kqxj011Ww13OrYih0BifyYBIerkM/w640-h426/IMG_5876.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>SE view from second tailings pile across Broadstreet Hollow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRWwXHNSiEWniyfxDVeMK6mkw2_Wd6i6aWB9Z1O-wYwTpp3UQM7BoS0sZlIE3bY-BW24xi69oVVR4JTqGmVE3B23SlhktxZmjTTghUlKXKzoHFq7jNZ7lX0N1lQLwI9mtADrLNGo2cCs8YB7W00as5QFRVOElgkBENfXYqftflaLNyxE1zZznncH_FhE/s6000/IMG_5885.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRWwXHNSiEWniyfxDVeMK6mkw2_Wd6i6aWB9Z1O-wYwTpp3UQM7BoS0sZlIE3bY-BW24xi69oVVR4JTqGmVE3B23SlhktxZmjTTghUlKXKzoHFq7jNZ7lX0N1lQLwI9mtADrLNGo2cCs8YB7W00as5QFRVOElgkBENfXYqftflaLNyxE1zZznncH_FhE/w640-h426/IMG_5885.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>View south towards Garfield(left) and towards Panther's multiple ridgelines.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuhQWrZkPT9z-3yDD0dAltiXxE-aWBwZO-i6pxMMk-YUTcI5yqomyCrReU2a8kx90Y2nZszrtlgucV_dK2nwtmAwydEUaKt-H3Wrn98YPvLLKf2kLeF2xsoUxzCCMuWqiiUNLhWlmcnIMwkYJfW7yMiBox1oLFa3k-vvBZDbMyd3YOwhK847ZuT6D2A0/s6000/IMG_5884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuhQWrZkPT9z-3yDD0dAltiXxE-aWBwZO-i6pxMMk-YUTcI5yqomyCrReU2a8kx90Y2nZszrtlgucV_dK2nwtmAwydEUaKt-H3Wrn98YPvLLKf2kLeF2xsoUxzCCMuWqiiUNLhWlmcnIMwkYJfW7yMiBox1oLFa3k-vvBZDbMyd3YOwhK847ZuT6D2A0/w640-h426/IMG_5884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the viewpoints, I turned back south, following the old quarry road back. From there, a very short bushwhack brought me to the car.</p><p>Hiked a total of 1.4 miles RT, with over 400 feet of ascent. </p><p>Map below. Blue P=Parking Blue X=Quarry View<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGREcMUOL0aVEfz4wI5COasYx5dLDmzuP-tb9Tgw30HNMa8mpAJM3ALXXxbn8PT4RRr1jCDwtjfUxaDGObtPj83PWfa-8V5w9Yymw5wgJ3HW5BB6QMv3SohpZ8a0SL0eEJLsS9fe21b-5kSH2k8aBg_GujgGh5WHqXJ2iAGG63LwU7i68uLqs3w-BaCWg/s872/allaben.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="872" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGREcMUOL0aVEfz4wI5COasYx5dLDmzuP-tb9Tgw30HNMa8mpAJM3ALXXxbn8PT4RRr1jCDwtjfUxaDGObtPj83PWfa-8V5w9Yymw5wgJ3HW5BB6QMv3SohpZ8a0SL0eEJLsS9fe21b-5kSH2k8aBg_GujgGh5WHqXJ2iAGG63LwU7i68uLqs3w-BaCWg/w400-h283/allaben.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p> </p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-2097333644519921432024-02-27T16:25:00.000-08:002024-03-04T18:24:40.999-08:00Boiceville Overlook on Piney Point(Ticetonyk Mountain Unit DEP-Catskills)<p>Did a couple of short hikes and enjoyed some stellar views in the Catskills on an unseasonably mild February day. My first stop was to an open view on the west side of Piney Point, a peak I had previously climbed to the top of. Piney Point is a high point on the far west ridge of Ticetonyck Mountain and can be accessed from NYC DEP land. </p><p>I got started from a DEP parking area along Piney Point Road(Elevation 850 feet)and headed south ona well trodden old woods road, passing through several large patches of mountain laurel along the way.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBl4_foxFL2EAKs41UpZRC6SIH02AZ-ctXUVLZ2B8vg6AqzkCe0SKXwozweDyhtpb0x2FucufrPEq-ijpS7pfjPZyhGtE2UeimbQOMJfHgA3BznItPMV5tHVhGQH6k6FjoYIw4cDXRpUDO3pYz2C3g16upv_5unMJdILRS91nuRvDGpkvKfZPdHzGwwM/s6000/IMG_5851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBl4_foxFL2EAKs41UpZRC6SIH02AZ-ctXUVLZ2B8vg6AqzkCe0SKXwozweDyhtpb0x2FucufrPEq-ijpS7pfjPZyhGtE2UeimbQOMJfHgA3BznItPMV5tHVhGQH6k6FjoYIw4cDXRpUDO3pYz2C3g16upv_5unMJdILRS91nuRvDGpkvKfZPdHzGwwM/w640-h426/IMG_5851.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Where the trail turns sharply left, an unmarked foot trail heads right, climbing steadily towards the view spot.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThpq2KQ2TaNpFgIN7Jot12K1fR4FpH2hURrdQAiyoKl1uJowVjyjifuFJJwWtpUM3ZZ4-5HJ_dginGR-9lxq1DxyVOgUWLEncv8q6IB8iXuBoHJh3KBrSHpHwXhUAgwtkBovwvmAgFBViT6f2gy5Ti0F6LJQGj5t3FGsK9JiyKo_cHxW2HZtjH82QGZw/s6000/IMG_5853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThpq2KQ2TaNpFgIN7Jot12K1fR4FpH2hURrdQAiyoKl1uJowVjyjifuFJJwWtpUM3ZZ4-5HJ_dginGR-9lxq1DxyVOgUWLEncv8q6IB8iXuBoHJh3KBrSHpHwXhUAgwtkBovwvmAgFBViT6f2gy5Ti0F6LJQGj5t3FGsK9JiyKo_cHxW2HZtjH82QGZw/w640-h426/IMG_5853.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>A short, steep ascent finally brings you to the view point, which is quite striking and hard to miss. The view west down over Boiceville and towards Little Samuels Point, Samuels Point Cornell and Wittenburg is really nice!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN-3nmuWrkUpmUANSJgygSDrgZWv2ArfXu62u5r-CuyX32OKb3eaeQYuulO__yaBXWc_0fX5t-gyk8fqb1PPTDdzn-k1dx1aMNv0UB9I7poS6_1SIKzYhk4mqmQuC6jX8OFns11jLTe-f-WfDOBh57MQdtJ2fcxWN6dGsaMkU6GYbTDE3WKn9Fl5wdG4/s6000/IMG_5855.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN-3nmuWrkUpmUANSJgygSDrgZWv2ArfXu62u5r-CuyX32OKb3eaeQYuulO__yaBXWc_0fX5t-gyk8fqb1PPTDdzn-k1dx1aMNv0UB9I7poS6_1SIKzYhk4mqmQuC6jX8OFns11jLTe-f-WfDOBh57MQdtJ2fcxWN6dGsaMkU6GYbTDE3WKn9Fl5wdG4/w640-h426/IMG_5855.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>To the south/ southwest is a clear view of Ashokan High Point and the west end of the Ashokan Reservoir as well as Route 28A down below.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8mjEwwG59Q6Byt3Cl-KkPvQgcg_j5hKUSnaeaGhvlYKhljVh6uyN8aQxmZRuzMI5ktr_krF7btCH9qrMpBGJ_S6wam00WkGshneapIqKRGpHpASV4W-aRIbEn6r-VbMA3hm_lp6cKR7zafCeSK_GZezYB188nP46lDx7dOiRNlMUxDV6IlABmGn6cqs/s6000/IMG_5858.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8mjEwwG59Q6Byt3Cl-KkPvQgcg_j5hKUSnaeaGhvlYKhljVh6uyN8aQxmZRuzMI5ktr_krF7btCH9qrMpBGJ_S6wam00WkGshneapIqKRGpHpASV4W-aRIbEn6r-VbMA3hm_lp6cKR7zafCeSK_GZezYB188nP46lDx7dOiRNlMUxDV6IlABmGn6cqs/w640-h426/IMG_5858.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>The view is terrific and partially improved by some tree cutting, providing a nice look towards a shoulder of Mount Pleasant high above Boiceville and the Route 28 corridor. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvY4pDgVuQbDKRutVpIhAZ1aiIV8_3lDspIKBOM8Rx_i-g_eadGT3huh6W2UiKKiBQZ672xNJYVTiG7TAbTrg7vTjmDWT6ute05uX_MekB01cyrtVTEGQGWqY_MW95mF-rHZve1ys4wTdMQmncLiRfi0l6LWYUP2LYN4eWZrxyXyeU93ynTwxrI36S3s/s6000/IMG_5865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvY4pDgVuQbDKRutVpIhAZ1aiIV8_3lDspIKBOM8Rx_i-g_eadGT3huh6W2UiKKiBQZ672xNJYVTiG7TAbTrg7vTjmDWT6ute05uX_MekB01cyrtVTEGQGWqY_MW95mF-rHZve1ys4wTdMQmncLiRfi0l6LWYUP2LYN4eWZrxyXyeU93ynTwxrI36S3s/w640-h426/IMG_5865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Turned around and retraced my steps back to the car from there. A nice and easy 1.3 miles RT with 450 feet of climbing.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Map Below. Blue P=Parking Blue X=View<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXROJvDyxQ9-1qUgI-zVhUzPfxORr_jTQJ-u06E-UNjaXIaozB23Q-8g1P7cnRWnQoUU6Cu6iJ_FbAfNaVn9Y_2exx-i-KRWuP0dc68weKoZyEtTlZE7euzwsVb3jDtA9wXD8oV-2ERVK09-1Zcx-vKbsbI3__rhDRABRyDNokpLQzNBc7L8KcEcyI-A/s804/111.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="804" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXROJvDyxQ9-1qUgI-zVhUzPfxORr_jTQJ-u06E-UNjaXIaozB23Q-8g1P7cnRWnQoUU6Cu6iJ_FbAfNaVn9Y_2exx-i-KRWuP0dc68weKoZyEtTlZE7euzwsVb3jDtA9wXD8oV-2ERVK09-1Zcx-vKbsbI3__rhDRABRyDNokpLQzNBc7L8KcEcyI-A/w400-h264/111.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-71028099867245309522024-02-06T16:58:00.000-08:002024-02-06T18:19:27.462-08:00Unnamed Dunham Reservoir Peak(Grafton Lakes State Park-Town of Grafton, Resnsselaer County)<p>Took advantage of a brief window of free time by visiting an obscure, unnamed 1667 foot peak in the Grafton Lakes State Park. The sun was shining bright, but there was a crisp bite in the air to remind me that winter is still here(especially on the Rensselaer Plateau) as I parked along the south shore of the Dunham Reservoir(Elevation 1335 feet). A few feet away from the parking area I enjoyed my first glimpse of the Reservoir, which was completely frozen over-but didn't see any ice fisherman out there.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRZnx5znzqQRLsvMGNexj5G53bByH5b6e9Sk7KgcxP3umggdaRy1RTBDzOV7lqFbYpL6_QZdOmxq19nO63ywT1xwqf3IxGMxXn8Wvdq1sMWvSV2I99NzNxO8C_vGV4xQi2nD82sOkuf_LoOFwZ5qU-9ktKqNrmj0vJNMBGiaSy6vENeHRh4nExTzbZh0/s6000/dock%20lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRZnx5znzqQRLsvMGNexj5G53bByH5b6e9Sk7KgcxP3umggdaRy1RTBDzOV7lqFbYpL6_QZdOmxq19nO63ywT1xwqf3IxGMxXn8Wvdq1sMWvSV2I99NzNxO8C_vGV4xQi2nD82sOkuf_LoOFwZ5qU-9ktKqNrmj0vJNMBGiaSy6vENeHRh4nExTzbZh0/w640-h426/dock%20lake.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A short distance up the road, a marked trail meanders along the east shore of the water, but I chose to jump directly into the woods to begin my bushwhack instead. A short distance in, I crossed over the first of several small streams that flow downhill to the Res.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx4TRf1ry0lefjhyphenhypheng58ESMvMzlr3ZcGd8QWh7iV3OHcoqh9b7EOj1_4INqYP7eOUfCw-YbMEb1oDidsDhOUplljFPFkZc_LFQy0K98ah6154XrQZu5EC8XhAwjrm53qDkiywKXzFuXYWvgjXcncAAA1yGcAAS0ZaIyYFHHbe3HceO0YFyZzLI01LYAtE/s6000/stream%20crossing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzx4TRf1ry0lefjhyphenhypheng58ESMvMzlr3ZcGd8QWh7iV3OHcoqh9b7EOj1_4INqYP7eOUfCw-YbMEb1oDidsDhOUplljFPFkZc_LFQy0K98ah6154XrQZu5EC8XhAwjrm53qDkiywKXzFuXYWvgjXcncAAA1yGcAAS0ZaIyYFHHbe3HceO0YFyZzLI01LYAtE/w640-h426/stream%20crossing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I headed basically NE, crossing over the trail at one point, but maintaining an easy bushwhack climb through a few inches of snow. As I gained the main ridge, I caught filtered views down to the Reservoir and the small peak just SW of the water across Dunham Road.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDO1ppIL1gEDeaU-Qtqf2_yJ3XiQYoRFbxoajIPyanTF2O9vXjY179txDZK_V37lxmS5CemsUnBs6nU5KXfxHQElTVoxs6DP18hC1goycFpawZtgvmWoumniE6Ibt841TkgpOkh_I6Dd0UOb4uhZGFcTMMfH8Ce7S7cE71DMFsfqq_MW0sX6791teAqo/s6000/filtered%20view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDO1ppIL1gEDeaU-Qtqf2_yJ3XiQYoRFbxoajIPyanTF2O9vXjY179txDZK_V37lxmS5CemsUnBs6nU5KXfxHQElTVoxs6DP18hC1goycFpawZtgvmWoumniE6Ibt841TkgpOkh_I6Dd0UOb4uhZGFcTMMfH8Ce7S7cE71DMFsfqq_MW0sX6791teAqo/w640-h426/filtered%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once up high, it is an easy walk along the spine of the ridge, eventually arriving at the wooded summit, where more screened views can be found to the north.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPRdbVT5Mp4IRPkf_lJGug24X_LfesqN3MFjI_Em4X1vaUT6-BVlGimUY_PPeCCk-pGLyQwhCY9R2AqqtHMcv9WxDSyUIVJH5qkM_y2GQNYpk8Jl1tv1HZWYdROoqk-jO7kRgvrBbM3K4DIyIkCBktFOpk8DKQmeu20RShFVx2GCIH0zLEQNqg5xQfz8/s6000/summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPRdbVT5Mp4IRPkf_lJGug24X_LfesqN3MFjI_Em4X1vaUT6-BVlGimUY_PPeCCk-pGLyQwhCY9R2AqqtHMcv9WxDSyUIVJH5qkM_y2GQNYpk8Jl1tv1HZWYdROoqk-jO7kRgvrBbM3K4DIyIkCBktFOpk8DKQmeu20RShFVx2GCIH0zLEQNqg5xQfz8/w640-h426/summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A small but steep drop brought me down to a clearing just below the top, which provided a neat look back up at the summit.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qNY_4eadm8GSjba8PmJmNHkwOoUSaRj1Bg6cxEFb7PRiJMKOXv6KkgB5jpQMCEp1rbu0FZo_Md669cNL0AFQOKf8ediY_78Q9-gQPfp1Yc0_c0ZXqHqPaaYXHZteKQOPnyXFWpWFFGmxpJg6LSIgjr3zqkQ3KpEKjHyM7dnZW0De9DdXmYZecWx-7FY/s6000/clearing%20below%20top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qNY_4eadm8GSjba8PmJmNHkwOoUSaRj1Bg6cxEFb7PRiJMKOXv6KkgB5jpQMCEp1rbu0FZo_Md669cNL0AFQOKf8ediY_78Q9-gQPfp1Yc0_c0ZXqHqPaaYXHZteKQOPnyXFWpWFFGmxpJg6LSIgjr3zqkQ3KpEKjHyM7dnZW0De9DdXmYZecWx-7FY/w640-h426/clearing%20below%20top.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A straight drop west down the slopes of the peak, eventually brought me down near the waters edge, which I closely followed SW all the way back to the car. This is a view from a small bay and inlet area, with the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ice.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe0wyJpmXpL_593wvWZ-L4-8auTkpT5XDofadubvvZaEBJUqzCNh_0Sn9_mfL-qUbge16vGcqL9euiCnQcsExiJ3g_jh7IN62vWt_s6xmH_DV_Uh-QN0pIJjKyA57mKzpjR1Vp7EznFQUGI5ArmhrDFq-cW3jmCmSUyAVF9dIq7e1c9hDqG3MUUbf1xk/s6000/inlet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe0wyJpmXpL_593wvWZ-L4-8auTkpT5XDofadubvvZaEBJUqzCNh_0Sn9_mfL-qUbge16vGcqL9euiCnQcsExiJ3g_jh7IN62vWt_s6xmH_DV_Uh-QN0pIJjKyA57mKzpjR1Vp7EznFQUGI5ArmhrDFq-cW3jmCmSUyAVF9dIq7e1c9hDqG3MUUbf1xk/w640-h426/inlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>An easy bushwhack brought me back to the car, where I saw a lone ice fisherman heading out onto the water. Covered a little under 2 miles RT, with 400 feet of ascent.</p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Red X=Summit<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKOYx_qHvTM8nKhV2qrZ9DVswFoRo9l1umGnqIXjyrgt32TGZuf-_9GMQB8jxUPGjw8qVAGa799ceXY1tcdesdrkywGJFK1Xgwz9uhsnndvb5xijfxUgEOZTAOfCZuo3HSnfWmpMA8e3CGUNFYfFWowH_obdJeuOpWK8KwFJpcNHhspSeOx7v5x3bUw/s793/map.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="793" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKOYx_qHvTM8nKhV2qrZ9DVswFoRo9l1umGnqIXjyrgt32TGZuf-_9GMQB8jxUPGjw8qVAGa799ceXY1tcdesdrkywGJFK1Xgwz9uhsnndvb5xijfxUgEOZTAOfCZuo3HSnfWmpMA8e3CGUNFYfFWowH_obdJeuOpWK8KwFJpcNHhspSeOx7v5x3bUw/w400-h266/map.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-78727689924432583442024-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:002024-01-14T07:28:52.099-08:00Unnamed Misery Mountain Summit North Rathbun Hollow(Misery Mountain WMA-Berkshires)<p>Did a short bushwhack hike high up in a remote hollow on the Berkshires side of the Taconic ridgeline along the NY/ Mass state line on a mild winter day. Parked at the end of the public section of Rathbun Road(Elevation 1645 feet) and ascended north into a wide open meadow, passing by Mass Wildlife Management Area signage along the way. There was only about an inch or two of snow here, which made for easy going.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQZIjwC0B9K7fA9faKNxIjFm_22YvmAtXSEOl9CjjqqmRYhIA3aVUwfE18_k9ursVGKs-zfH1P2X4ON2Bp8RAYWKOn76eRFNcwxSamDbpSqeF-VsTkIz8c4tV7fMDWv_Ix1lArvUKMXAvG_tDoGAC_3jtXsoNwXzicoAAn29wNRwjudTl8Mzk-AmbX7k/s6000/wma%20sign.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQZIjwC0B9K7fA9faKNxIjFm_22YvmAtXSEOl9CjjqqmRYhIA3aVUwfE18_k9ursVGKs-zfH1P2X4ON2Bp8RAYWKOn76eRFNcwxSamDbpSqeF-VsTkIz8c4tV7fMDWv_Ix1lArvUKMXAvG_tDoGAC_3jtXsoNwXzicoAAn29wNRwjudTl8Mzk-AmbX7k/w640-h426/wma%20sign.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Heading up through the open meadow afforded nice views back south to the neighboring ridgeline.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWMfYyQhuKJYNwo67ZNMcV5gpDX3TOfWuYTE0SgB-qcSg0rBZVsas8gU724U95rVVGXl2TCSudBNyZW79bGN4C0BO9FfRbePLhx5cfzSK-0qOrFXnoqJ-U9FGsclajBy-cSFRetAXkKV1SQq19QaszkXpN06TBG8KGDp7pe7LYYbkvToUTtx_2UeL3gI/s6000/view%20back%20field.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWMfYyQhuKJYNwo67ZNMcV5gpDX3TOfWuYTE0SgB-qcSg0rBZVsas8gU724U95rVVGXl2TCSudBNyZW79bGN4C0BO9FfRbePLhx5cfzSK-0qOrFXnoqJ-U9FGsclajBy-cSFRetAXkKV1SQq19QaszkXpN06TBG8KGDp7pe7LYYbkvToUTtx_2UeL3gI/w640-h426/view%20back%20field.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I combined some bushwhacking with following a woods road as I made my way up the steep slopes. This woods road was wide and in very good condition(possibly the remains of some kind of failed development or private home-before being sold to the state?)<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC6C1hoh9Y5a6C0ERF-Dg9xZSBpJPgyWj26NIcu3yWcgtnioD-a35S86L2QWjWXZdSuvwQfSbzBdYXi_YAm4RmTPuwiFE3D3uitMUXiberkC1SRyrqTc2l2XfP5p06MaWMQA_VlwMWx3XOk768RGqgs1hG9aj0L3B0LKzUlDNv1fh8QmzjrKG4kzUf5k/s6000/climb%20woods%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC6C1hoh9Y5a6C0ERF-Dg9xZSBpJPgyWj26NIcu3yWcgtnioD-a35S86L2QWjWXZdSuvwQfSbzBdYXi_YAm4RmTPuwiFE3D3uitMUXiberkC1SRyrqTc2l2XfP5p06MaWMQA_VlwMWx3XOk768RGqgs1hG9aj0L3B0LKzUlDNv1fh8QmzjrKG4kzUf5k/w640-h426/climb%20woods%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Higher up near the ridgeline, I came across some handsome old stone walls. This spot was actually very near the NY state line.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS33KdgonBysFSRFKgTuDvIoUiPKiOsn0hDsQYbTzY96SaU0VXQNwNQONeKS_RS6O5uVlE9v0_diZ8F_wjfkM5Qaz7gw9v4d90UQHlFRYgPCNzFYs0N9gRTcfV4bmIZuadYjGhK47Znzbv5gXeMMns0OJr7mGlBRLPJrKj34Il5R2GY7HfTLYyj9R6VY/s6000/stone%20wall.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS33KdgonBysFSRFKgTuDvIoUiPKiOsn0hDsQYbTzY96SaU0VXQNwNQONeKS_RS6O5uVlE9v0_diZ8F_wjfkM5Qaz7gw9v4d90UQHlFRYgPCNzFYs0N9gRTcfV4bmIZuadYjGhK47Znzbv5gXeMMns0OJr7mGlBRLPJrKj34Il5R2GY7HfTLYyj9R6VY/w640-h426/stone%20wall.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once on the ridge, at over 2300 feet, I found some very good screened views down into Gardner Hollow and NE into Williamstown. Even at this elevation, there was no more than about 4 inches of snow to contend with.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjR5cjFLkZizNekYySC1JioYLh-giu8hG3eEsmhurfifq0RMPRtQBCZk44voX9hjeYBRYCh9M5tUpxy2EXcOtSEsypiGjvUPJngqhSd62jUr8K8aVP2uj56I92XcIEgtPrBfUgoLcyNAyTQCF1BETzfs9WqnrCrcLbBuh71JlspmznCFxH54p0y1tXdE/s6000/view%20ne.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjR5cjFLkZizNekYySC1JioYLh-giu8hG3eEsmhurfifq0RMPRtQBCZk44voX9hjeYBRYCh9M5tUpxy2EXcOtSEsypiGjvUPJngqhSd62jUr8K8aVP2uj56I92XcIEgtPrBfUgoLcyNAyTQCF1BETzfs9WqnrCrcLbBuh71JlspmznCFxH54p0y1tXdE/w640-h426/view%20ne.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the state line, I continued an easy climb west for just over 1/3 of a mile up to the 2543 foot wooded high point on the ridge. Mild temps were actually melting and condensing the snow, making for a little tougher going up high.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS_FgStMvg44U0iDKji_TE8bJ9hSi20Jo07DebdmG5OVgnFqg-_a_ODLZYQFS5deLgGiAE8WgNIDnhYNF5r0xvs9Hrn7bmVRH0D-FeGNw0Gnu7DZVfx7mf7usVOtbsLzI8Jd-fnDKMMTBR7i2DGeaaVXwljYhwtvXYZE_cCKUbnCJd64ZBEeNuwQ9KR0/s6000/misery.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS_FgStMvg44U0iDKji_TE8bJ9hSi20Jo07DebdmG5OVgnFqg-_a_ODLZYQFS5deLgGiAE8WgNIDnhYNF5r0xvs9Hrn7bmVRH0D-FeGNw0Gnu7DZVfx7mf7usVOtbsLzI8Jd-fnDKMMTBR7i2DGeaaVXwljYhwtvXYZE_cCKUbnCJd64ZBEeNuwQ9KR0/w640-h426/misery.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>From the high spot, I turned back east, retracing my steps down the ridge to a small but obvious little knob along the way. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ony8quHuEVK2MOdfa6At4fkJtejGE6qNCHkETgDUwKHhfNf2j-Ug8tAtTQ7jVEVlb01qTBlxCbiVSQvfpwDu2NWE4RZ_TDnEAcJftdGV8zQdc-niD-wDOUvuBUrV19XISeCdce5dmnzDhGicByAi_vnX4-3NZ-riSyKQYCjImN2CoDJ4dc5tMrZdkCc/s6000/summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ony8quHuEVK2MOdfa6At4fkJtejGE6qNCHkETgDUwKHhfNf2j-Ug8tAtTQ7jVEVlb01qTBlxCbiVSQvfpwDu2NWE4RZ_TDnEAcJftdGV8zQdc-niD-wDOUvuBUrV19XISeCdce5dmnzDhGicByAi_vnX4-3NZ-riSyKQYCjImN2CoDJ4dc5tMrZdkCc/w640-h426/summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This small knob sat at 2385 feet, and afforded more filtered views north into Gardner Hollow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjmYVF7f7An4-M50DInJkmv2mZGSdcRxpIcsMbx1N0I9eB3e6L7TgWPXLD-Dz1H7aYKuHH2gP-L36ByQW00VHE8MyV8IKtbqv07j4vCkb1e7H1KNwULuMpk7KNZtJJADo-2pcBruQFFeHJ42940eURueXXI2VNjp3b-9b9QPQZFFgFRjaBB4PNQOQIwU/s6000/garner%20hollow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjmYVF7f7An4-M50DInJkmv2mZGSdcRxpIcsMbx1N0I9eB3e6L7TgWPXLD-Dz1H7aYKuHH2gP-L36ByQW00VHE8MyV8IKtbqv07j4vCkb1e7H1KNwULuMpk7KNZtJJADo-2pcBruQFFeHJ42940eURueXXI2VNjp3b-9b9QPQZFFgFRjaBB4PNQOQIwU/w640-h426/garner%20hollow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>On my descent off the ridge, I stumbled upon a small man made pond not far off the woods road.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAJ4xkX6xIxxqMGVjtFFvEl_SEOHAGoETAyx9NdELzLMf1dYiykhA1-E5iCbWN84eY7n9Q_QLpsibnZMaf2Dx8qK1DGDDRIxTWW6at9lFkO6uXoK9aAFQKth24aTnl5Z5Zbygc1oipxEEK0vlspTwf-cGpw0n0see9aag0UlKoduz-9fvImZ4wx1ihcM/s6000/pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAJ4xkX6xIxxqMGVjtFFvEl_SEOHAGoETAyx9NdELzLMf1dYiykhA1-E5iCbWN84eY7n9Q_QLpsibnZMaf2Dx8qK1DGDDRIxTWW6at9lFkO6uXoK9aAFQKth24aTnl5Z5Zbygc1oipxEEK0vlspTwf-cGpw0n0see9aag0UlKoduz-9fvImZ4wx1ihcM/w640-h426/pond.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Back down in the meadow near the road, I found another, larger pond which sat near the very edge of state land high up in Rathbun Hollow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZJt07FDBy0KkAmkaC0HseOFZkDEwp-zHlIOFFX8gO405NCsw75vyshEACUE8t8VxoPdfC7r6KO2du78ALiI7lA3APbKI80gHm-j8dvrzCVhKHvTRbTP4011opp928tO2ryX7vhyhegE2okP1Bx65fUHEMqSwOdChMrDI-Wtqq7hV571SHo0w0uJpOns/s6000/field%20pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZJt07FDBy0KkAmkaC0HseOFZkDEwp-zHlIOFFX8gO405NCsw75vyshEACUE8t8VxoPdfC7r6KO2du78ALiI7lA3APbKI80gHm-j8dvrzCVhKHvTRbTP4011opp928tO2ryX7vhyhegE2okP1Bx65fUHEMqSwOdChMrDI-Wtqq7hV571SHo0w0uJpOns/w640-h426/field%20pond.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just prior to my arrival back at the car, I caught a nice view southeast over to Jiminy Peak's nearby ski slopes.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI1jyUqSfnynu_Q-Appdb4G2wE8fgEzJSzChV4ngH6mqaEh88JApsn0XCDgSpGkILj9ihn0LyeKPj-xHIccI-eCLdRxl8rPehjIict0HE4BTfVwnu37-JU7LnhGoQsj70pGSA8Afss-_SaqChq0iM9FyJiZVP-g8aoyBzHWR-BjdpieT-28fOB4fiNXA/s6000/lower%20view%20jiminy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI1jyUqSfnynu_Q-Appdb4G2wE8fgEzJSzChV4ngH6mqaEh88JApsn0XCDgSpGkILj9ihn0LyeKPj-xHIccI-eCLdRxl8rPehjIict0HE4BTfVwnu37-JU7LnhGoQsj70pGSA8Afss-_SaqChq0iM9FyJiZVP-g8aoyBzHWR-BjdpieT-28fOB4fiNXA/w640-h426/lower%20view%20jiminy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A beautiful winter day in a quiet little corner of the world. Covered about 2.5 miles RT, with 900 feet of ascent.</p><p>Map Below for reference. Red P=Parking Red X=Summit<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIAy0fYUElYk1Kt__wWAgM5tCre4BN5-t5YAdxaUwOhRlSGIOPdfHVQ5RgKT5rI8oTFkkV4P3zgmSvc7LisKVuh43l6Ah_SqMnSKdFEmYrWhKVlNSaGXjVd2ewdpyNBmNPrQNaSTovOJBA-HnDfbx8n7s8_1IPAI_RQD9TXEIGXIqij4A3x6lm6q6clU/s844/just.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="844" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIAy0fYUElYk1Kt__wWAgM5tCre4BN5-t5YAdxaUwOhRlSGIOPdfHVQ5RgKT5rI8oTFkkV4P3zgmSvc7LisKVuh43l6Ah_SqMnSKdFEmYrWhKVlNSaGXjVd2ewdpyNBmNPrQNaSTovOJBA-HnDfbx8n7s8_1IPAI_RQD9TXEIGXIqij4A3x6lm6q6clU/w400-h338/just.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p> <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-90414584722516034962024-01-02T12:03:00.000-08:002024-01-04T08:57:05.946-08:00Misery Mountain's Unnamed Ridge North of George Allen Hollow(Taconic Ridge State Forest, NY)<p>In the last few years New York State has acquired and preserved thousands of acres in the Taconic Mountains located along the NY/ Mass state line, meaning many more opportunities for exploration close to home. A large chunk of that land can be found on both the north and south sides of George Allen Hollow Road, connecting to already protected land to both the Berlin State Forest as well as the Taconic Ridge State Forest. Parking is not allowed along this one lane gravel road, but there are a few spots that you can get a vehicle off the road. </p><p>I parked at the edge of an expansive meadow(Elevation 1350 feet), right below a State Land sign and headed north through the meadow, with spectacular views up to the snow covered Taconic ridge above. Visible here is Misery Mountain, which is actually a long ridge comprised of about a dozen or so summit bumps. To the right is the newly acquired ridge line that I hope to visit soon.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKYthU2PQ7axUpN1RCb12HQw9nuOx26DIfuoh1PgQznjKO_rjSaEA88fdhWvUZGOcXCPqSi2vy9j7BMXH_cHlqcT_ZJQ04MsLZyLp0c74pUAb90DK51jtcxrTPehCagMVxRWc4nJomUNXdu0m8E1pcWRGM-csxQACBOrQh4LmeXbl4V27ZgCy57q3YV0/s6000/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKYthU2PQ7axUpN1RCb12HQw9nuOx26DIfuoh1PgQznjKO_rjSaEA88fdhWvUZGOcXCPqSi2vy9j7BMXH_cHlqcT_ZJQ04MsLZyLp0c74pUAb90DK51jtcxrTPehCagMVxRWc4nJomUNXdu0m8E1pcWRGM-csxQACBOrQh4LmeXbl4V27ZgCy57q3YV0/w640-h426/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Above the meadow, I encountered a barbed wire fence, which unfortunately slowed me down a bit as there was no way around it. Beyond that, navigation was pretty straightforward through an open hardwood forest. The first few hundred feet of elevation gain were gradual and fairly easy, with no snow at all until some very scattered areas around 1700 feet. Once on the nose of the ridge, I was able to catch a peek north down into neighboring Mattison Hollow through the trees.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zu6Zngh7DyUqEM-6U1bztw5W0ozBw_U4OGei3KYSYEYBup98APaCYAS0vyIAHUt6NCFkMroAncLP5989KTBbYP79tO1lKBbTr_HEjuWAO15VGZZPpFkGK9xgEMUKBTmiG6fb2aeZkmn-WFXDZA5-xsOp_u44k_Yz0rf03JmE2koMAqheBJ146JpUczk/s6000/no%20snow%20into%20mattison.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zu6Zngh7DyUqEM-6U1bztw5W0ozBw_U4OGei3KYSYEYBup98APaCYAS0vyIAHUt6NCFkMroAncLP5989KTBbYP79tO1lKBbTr_HEjuWAO15VGZZPpFkGK9xgEMUKBTmiG6fb2aeZkmn-WFXDZA5-xsOp_u44k_Yz0rf03JmE2koMAqheBJ146JpUczk/w640-h426/no%20snow%20into%20mattison.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Heading east up the ridge, with snow now lightly covering most of the ground over 1900 feet. This is a view back west with the Rensselaer Plateau visible through the bare trees.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXsH2dYzg1B9aEuOtrnzdIsqXQvpQZ6O04NZSAnqjnjQcvNF7uspfxe1xwC2y5jMEvOg10PDi2simQMkEnRMGOlhYAATVL8Rhj63vaysW0L88gz6Z812SYQrJ1jcajruwQHW_4idfJvBAR4PoRpKod345Do-ZDHWOSrj5ZfcG5uB7ln5NtVrfcybuMjU/s6000/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXsH2dYzg1B9aEuOtrnzdIsqXQvpQZ6O04NZSAnqjnjQcvNF7uspfxe1xwC2y5jMEvOg10PDi2simQMkEnRMGOlhYAATVL8Rhj63vaysW0L88gz6Z812SYQrJ1jcajruwQHW_4idfJvBAR4PoRpKod345Do-ZDHWOSrj5ZfcG5uB7ln5NtVrfcybuMjU/w640-h426/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>2000 feet seemed to be the actual snow line, where everything was covered in a coating of white. <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKB2Tgcnz8O_08F0aKVRBSiYc2NB02GjoFG9C0pJRpPdu5S1lrq0RVHNm48RD5m3NH2eaSqQpL-3xPAaj8Xk9rOA0vCwMBh_7o3BWQUff7DE0b6i4coKeDE55TjCg4H4nb5TEPdfzvPCD_ttsmumguFmrrIewAeZN9fzcgqxLgqSwkJhsI6inRMneryw/s6000/2000%20feet%20snow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKB2Tgcnz8O_08F0aKVRBSiYc2NB02GjoFG9C0pJRpPdu5S1lrq0RVHNm48RD5m3NH2eaSqQpL-3xPAaj8Xk9rOA0vCwMBh_7o3BWQUff7DE0b6i4coKeDE55TjCg4H4nb5TEPdfzvPCD_ttsmumguFmrrIewAeZN9fzcgqxLgqSwkJhsI6inRMneryw/w640-h426/2000%20feet%20snow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Somebody made themselves comfortable here....a nice, cozy spot where a deer had bedded down the night before.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b3IP-1jmiRMhw2Q3bmcvHOZGthFy7nSs_0BQQ56MX-DZov21j_Wg40X0FuR6jKBYXeB2V6vQuewLsubJ1VBKUGz_UjdWXYcyq1Tqb5heprEeaCEqwLDpVO1hvJmSrbMWjdCKJJPvLCfefrg0P9hZyOYMOwnx179T01Hogl40okKAwCVXQD3ytlvmSy8/s6000/deer%20bed%20down.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b3IP-1jmiRMhw2Q3bmcvHOZGthFy7nSs_0BQQ56MX-DZov21j_Wg40X0FuR6jKBYXeB2V6vQuewLsubJ1VBKUGz_UjdWXYcyq1Tqb5heprEeaCEqwLDpVO1hvJmSrbMWjdCKJJPvLCfefrg0P9hZyOYMOwnx179T01Hogl40okKAwCVXQD3ytlvmSy8/w640-h426/deer%20bed%20down.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A bit higher up the ridge, I stumbled upon a woods road, which I followed up towards the summit.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPJKwMeY7D18VcGCu0B26-JV3_djjCnMV4s0OTJUF7GYyjaWen_YyQ8fIKpqL2_axEXZUF2WuhMUooctgMFHt4JWxYt4Mz2O43uzZw_rp4Wc1LM2aKhPCIO6pq9I8P4mX9EbHnkDvObeTzXyEAOGDWMNeEnCHGD79X1rzzS0f4ft03uOzf-aALKLCRuM/s6000/woods%20road%20climb.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPJKwMeY7D18VcGCu0B26-JV3_djjCnMV4s0OTJUF7GYyjaWen_YyQ8fIKpqL2_axEXZUF2WuhMUooctgMFHt4JWxYt4Mz2O43uzZw_rp4Wc1LM2aKhPCIO6pq9I8P4mX9EbHnkDvObeTzXyEAOGDWMNeEnCHGD79X1rzzS0f4ft03uOzf-aALKLCRuM/w640-h426/woods%20road%20climb.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Nearing the summit in a wintry wonderland. It actually was quite nice to finally see some snow, as we have been mostly deprived down in the valleys.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXyLifDKleNgXTz4b-VBkp3AwQGAD73Sb582IzYQsQHeual0c-HtAeqKl39uYgKXU7hzlT-R40Jf-W2XKHQY02eqZhpYP3KknrgSBk-Dxbro9xBxuz8VP1g_mXlS4go2p08o7QpwaN3AKzn948svp5vomahTnquxkNvXeEv6fYJ3M1hyzaYcGTMdQsP8/s6000/snow%20near%20top.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXyLifDKleNgXTz4b-VBkp3AwQGAD73Sb582IzYQsQHeual0c-HtAeqKl39uYgKXU7hzlT-R40Jf-W2XKHQY02eqZhpYP3KknrgSBk-Dxbro9xBxuz8VP1g_mXlS4go2p08o7QpwaN3AKzn948svp5vomahTnquxkNvXeEv6fYJ3M1hyzaYcGTMdQsP8/w640-h426/snow%20near%20top.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Arriving at the 2410 foot summit, where a woods road continues down the other side to the east.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu0MIRAJJ85wC8jCEZjwFfRL9rF4ETvNlGM9hX4hep6-RzrhQmeBl3GXl-DutmpDLqlib_7qqeZNv4fAGRYSPRbsO30yoS6Lx40A2BsWNcQ6DsED0NyYeD47M_CUxVXXsZPyj4nmJAGJIBMYDG8lLKjrMM9x2K1_wKDAwlUzZI-tzC1f2k0QibzeSVMc/s6000/summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu0MIRAJJ85wC8jCEZjwFfRL9rF4ETvNlGM9hX4hep6-RzrhQmeBl3GXl-DutmpDLqlib_7qqeZNv4fAGRYSPRbsO30yoS6Lx40A2BsWNcQ6DsED0NyYeD47M_CUxVXXsZPyj4nmJAGJIBMYDG8lLKjrMM9x2K1_wKDAwlUzZI-tzC1f2k0QibzeSVMc/w640-h426/summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just off the summit, I found some decent views to the north, high above Mattison Hollow. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYlrye-fD2J2roA31n_FQRbf0Vx_IV-9QuPy9jlATJfplfI_lNXDpS_HauIdQ5ISgaF4sDNOa6XADCRXL9G6tbyjNCU9qi3bAU6IS_YDJLNPOElcZfpoejD3flgDrm3_vg-QeMOlDAYDjGgXrzOmhA-vbxbsIGpD-qTVYo62hPuJVjVkon7R_ieHblxw/s6000/view%20near%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYlrye-fD2J2roA31n_FQRbf0Vx_IV-9QuPy9jlATJfplfI_lNXDpS_HauIdQ5ISgaF4sDNOa6XADCRXL9G6tbyjNCU9qi3bAU6IS_YDJLNPOElcZfpoejD3flgDrm3_vg-QeMOlDAYDjGgXrzOmhA-vbxbsIGpD-qTVYo62hPuJVjVkon7R_ieHblxw/w640-h426/view%20near%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the woods road, just off the summit, this filtered view takes in the next ridgeline north as well as the main Taconic ridge to the NE. The snow covered branches only enhanced the vista.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVgUlBIpPJ3TCcKpduv8yvylQwnIXp4PuKjIte18lZVOcQO8agkYpZrCTHmONxNAGYJjjKwow7EHNKSVPnM1K8P-1Z-EQXDj53UdcFN1L21OEX0fZtXZ76WaEG8RWqFtVFWw3YjDbCJZ6aU2KBOr7cfSka9taBTwwNHapnbH4N46v_uR7FESy71Gt9ds/s6000/partial%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVgUlBIpPJ3TCcKpduv8yvylQwnIXp4PuKjIte18lZVOcQO8agkYpZrCTHmONxNAGYJjjKwow7EHNKSVPnM1K8P-1Z-EQXDj53UdcFN1L21OEX0fZtXZ76WaEG8RWqFtVFWw3YjDbCJZ6aU2KBOr7cfSka9taBTwwNHapnbH4N46v_uR7FESy71Gt9ds/w640-h426/partial%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>With more time available I would've loved to have explored further, but I had to turn around at the summit, heading back down towards George Allen Hollow. I utilized woods roads to aid in my descent.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4viwzJvS7mZXbsy89NzDqJSBG7XzBMoBA4BOMEbwe0KAnjUeXrm4y2QUYD4cPiaPDPYruMeA8e1xNt6_UCazXf0W-ymYQjWvHejLDo5KnQZDk22MjUUZc4sZ1D6dZwSZwSaL1PLCdjK1kKmPDXdGDCqgKS1yeAJaUEi7iMaCMGp3Cq4FvMOD8beklwg/s6000/woods%20road%20down.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4viwzJvS7mZXbsy89NzDqJSBG7XzBMoBA4BOMEbwe0KAnjUeXrm4y2QUYD4cPiaPDPYruMeA8e1xNt6_UCazXf0W-ymYQjWvHejLDo5KnQZDk22MjUUZc4sZ1D6dZwSZwSaL1PLCdjK1kKmPDXdGDCqgKS1yeAJaUEi7iMaCMGp3Cq4FvMOD8beklwg/w640-h426/woods%20road%20down.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Back down at the car, I took a moment to cross the road and check out the protected ridge south of the Hollow that I hope to explore soon. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GoPNHsZe8KUThfyIHZF0M89hqMVRjArKqKbWBgIDOQ7TjP39u1Yy65uY5d5GnnbcSXZnRuIvRJcFy98dwlRpaB7rwMfhSbgY51DGxFs8XJqtljcgbeGo3KeYOY5FFw5-bnwV8F8iVToMFqbf5nwi4wIcnpCu-Ehz-hoQDc4Nw-DzmzGMquAp1JAtiDA/s6000/end.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GoPNHsZe8KUThfyIHZF0M89hqMVRjArKqKbWBgIDOQ7TjP39u1Yy65uY5d5GnnbcSXZnRuIvRJcFy98dwlRpaB7rwMfhSbgY51DGxFs8XJqtljcgbeGo3KeYOY5FFw5-bnwV8F8iVToMFqbf5nwi4wIcnpCu-Ehz-hoQDc4Nw-DzmzGMquAp1JAtiDA/w640-h426/end.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Covered a little over 3 miles total, with 1100 feet of ascent. </p><p>Map Below. Red P=Parking Red X=Summit <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NpKJbUXCzxZeZRlLswQH7sxPrmo2AqnQigFUY_MHljphEW_py374MQPC0u6ESAGddrs3Qsj9FTIM_m58goxPtHqOKmeQjRgNOPhzV2w7R5aogosSCuXduuTUeU048nqQESpa8Zrvan3P9TJ9qDi6KcaV-TA-Wxj0rPGyO9Liq8mRkmQCAOI5wOcHZug/s1011/hollow.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1011" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NpKJbUXCzxZeZRlLswQH7sxPrmo2AqnQigFUY_MHljphEW_py374MQPC0u6ESAGddrs3Qsj9FTIM_m58goxPtHqOKmeQjRgNOPhzV2w7R5aogosSCuXduuTUeU048nqQESpa8Zrvan3P9TJ9qDi6KcaV-TA-Wxj0rPGyO9Liq8mRkmQCAOI5wOcHZug/w400-h238/hollow.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-90883717650140880452023-12-22T15:00:00.000-08:002023-12-29T09:18:21.323-08:00Stony Clove Ledges on Plateau Mountain(Indian Head Wilderness-Catskills)<p>After my morning hike up Pine Mountain near the Schoharie Reservoir, I decided to drive a bit further south into the heart of the Catskills to visit an area of ledges located high above Stony Clove Notch on Plateau Mountain's west slopes. There are actually a series of ledges ranging from about 2300 feet to 3100 feet and are a short but challenging bushwhack off of the Devils Path. From Notch Lake, the lowest set of ledges are clearly visible across Route 214.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S33cfd6CIUtb4F4ry3-GIyXxFJ2ONXT0J2V642QbUG_ipvYTH0h8TFbd0wnxjlgvTsIbXsDRl_UkPWktulktCWHyyGAygbnZqFOcdxIXjWYdYTQrPGcJU8SfB3zz70heD2SVFXBTSL2toljJquH-R52XXvVuSfAAKwWyEb1nKc8O4Qb3SDzGEdmOtGI/s6000/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S33cfd6CIUtb4F4ry3-GIyXxFJ2ONXT0J2V642QbUG_ipvYTH0h8TFbd0wnxjlgvTsIbXsDRl_UkPWktulktCWHyyGAygbnZqFOcdxIXjWYdYTQrPGcJU8SfB3zz70heD2SVFXBTSL2toljJquH-R52XXvVuSfAAKwWyEb1nKc8O4Qb3SDzGEdmOtGI/w640-h426/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I was surprised to find only two others car parked at Notch Lake when I arrived at the trailhead(Elevation 1990 feet) on a pleasant winter day. Crossing the road, I picked up the red blazes of the Devils Path and quickly began to gain elevation as I made my way up Plateau's lower slopes. At about 2300 feet, the trail turns east, but I left the trail and continued north along a steep area of ledge bands. Within just a few minutes I already had very good screened views down towards Devils Tombstone and I even stumbled upon some rock climbing ropes here.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCgq1t0YEaz2XNypW37Zzp3qjYHCAlodAbSCgkdKdW8HSjGXOKDJHE_MB6vnpWq06hgGd4gWJKSOCAd7TXiLwf2VUMlipLKSrzemnP5shNGXy2xjrurtScdck1AKcEYc5ilHiLZN-xXPkAeAdZe3R76HQmr8eVSvhBE0-LnXTNK6o4IE76OMGN1hXqtc/s6000/IMG_5629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCgq1t0YEaz2XNypW37Zzp3qjYHCAlodAbSCgkdKdW8HSjGXOKDJHE_MB6vnpWq06hgGd4gWJKSOCAd7TXiLwf2VUMlipLKSrzemnP5shNGXy2xjrurtScdck1AKcEYc5ilHiLZN-xXPkAeAdZe3R76HQmr8eVSvhBE0-LnXTNK6o4IE76OMGN1hXqtc/w640-h426/IMG_5629.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>It has been a fairly mild end of fall and beginning of winter, which usually means lots of ice in the mountains. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMr3znKRMbiGeNuhmgGrrBLgLvk8_HH8dVN8c5ApkEuh6KUwPTkpilhnY6ApSENMuhFl8fvk5JIJVMuINLNDFXIZ4gh0ztCjGnsiOS-NQb60FcDtclyRKNjdekSriHsPudcuz74vCmWLzotjIEvEJy51fck6OB1A22e18Sfx2oU-dVwSIWqZH0N6dza0/s6000/IMG_5654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMr3znKRMbiGeNuhmgGrrBLgLvk8_HH8dVN8c5ApkEuh6KUwPTkpilhnY6ApSENMuhFl8fvk5JIJVMuINLNDFXIZ4gh0ztCjGnsiOS-NQb60FcDtclyRKNjdekSriHsPudcuz74vCmWLzotjIEvEJy51fck6OB1A22e18Sfx2oU-dVwSIWqZH0N6dza0/w640-h426/IMG_5654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>As I made my way up through numerous ledge bands, the terrain became more and more dramatic. At about 2600 feet, I spotted a rough and tumble area of loose boulders and talus slopes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-o6iwgnm3sB32HiEobOVDJnNy4KmrliJuFe5B1TgkNWjxj36DRbGY2CH0YlUzUjEV0A6XsQEo_rJVKv1rcUlFemrnrf0Kg0oo9yjNE5d8d6zZCLkeJP-ZgdQBSpmNmuDyTkkOcTuh_cPMClGj8jaXtC7Ix9xU7iOv6L1B0rX5HjivgpfBdxXOjFPYJ0/s6000/IMG_5649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-o6iwgnm3sB32HiEobOVDJnNy4KmrliJuFe5B1TgkNWjxj36DRbGY2CH0YlUzUjEV0A6XsQEo_rJVKv1rcUlFemrnrf0Kg0oo9yjNE5d8d6zZCLkeJP-ZgdQBSpmNmuDyTkkOcTuh_cPMClGj8jaXtC7Ix9xU7iOv6L1B0rX5HjivgpfBdxXOjFPYJ0/w640-h426/IMG_5649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I carefully made my way over to the talus slopes and found my first unimpeded view of the day, looking south down Route 214 towards the tiny community of Edgewood.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jwb57sC1mc9wPq_-F1hU_hTfZKcQvv6izEKZpptrCvcD3gIDAdGAHLZ6zhNeygZyijQRiC2FscBFh3qVraqRYKJKf5tyTXhz1LMS1J0xhpOnyZpCLBRV1jr7T5dJ2cBdN4gHfv5X0ysiILMk6pM9UQ3PBU2CHKK1KPQCTHFtYhg11OX5AgIYZqS66_w/s6000/IMG_5658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jwb57sC1mc9wPq_-F1hU_hTfZKcQvv6izEKZpptrCvcD3gIDAdGAHLZ6zhNeygZyijQRiC2FscBFh3qVraqRYKJKf5tyTXhz1LMS1J0xhpOnyZpCLBRV1jr7T5dJ2cBdN4gHfv5X0ysiILMk6pM9UQ3PBU2CHKK1KPQCTHFtYhg11OX5AgIYZqS66_w/w640-h426/IMG_5658.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>From the same spot, Hunter Mountain's steep east facing slopes tower directly across Stony Clove Notch. There are some good views from some off trail ledges over there as well.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE0EZpR1bwwQgFf31DuF0tBe8_84t3kFRBu0n1BxrONUKoIDajmY3nFOyIye5QzgqxWB1-7Xii3T0jHxZl3V6d7ET9M8HrkaVCghsGok5Q0zQmOMKMKaBH9WZPsL9wvxVachAICoIEe6Dqd0-ZHfggYbKzqPKvl3olbKIqkccvj9aQkgsTP1j0xaZcaM/s6000/IMG_5659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE0EZpR1bwwQgFf31DuF0tBe8_84t3kFRBu0n1BxrONUKoIDajmY3nFOyIye5QzgqxWB1-7Xii3T0jHxZl3V6d7ET9M8HrkaVCghsGok5Q0zQmOMKMKaBH9WZPsL9wvxVachAICoIEe6Dqd0-ZHfggYbKzqPKvl3olbKIqkccvj9aQkgsTP1j0xaZcaM/w640-h426/IMG_5659.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p></p><p>As I fought my way up through the steep terrain, the view south grew a little broader by the minute.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1vKjyh9r-2FZMJm9EnslTZLU4HkiBR_CeH7d3_sq77UwhQPNpMNdFX_pIvqyo0eXZcu49kCVoY7hy54mnuVsXL29C3p0RJqTfYQWDx1w00v27tTtBohweMClgLYjEH8FOdFbr4OGH_MbhoNkXgUiDFMIp1MMUYWnbxJbJu4AnxYD3-2FmXxJc7oGci8/s6000/IMG_5664.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1vKjyh9r-2FZMJm9EnslTZLU4HkiBR_CeH7d3_sq77UwhQPNpMNdFX_pIvqyo0eXZcu49kCVoY7hy54mnuVsXL29C3p0RJqTfYQWDx1w00v27tTtBohweMClgLYjEH8FOdFbr4OGH_MbhoNkXgUiDFMIp1MMUYWnbxJbJu4AnxYD3-2FmXxJc7oGci8/w640-h426/IMG_5664.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>I continued a very challenging ascent up through a series of dizzying ledges and cliff bands, which were a bit scary in spots.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8rBA4GK5r_N-CRqsbYkf4-2OdGRxO2DLQQvF0Wn6OvdIw3sCZbiRFOjrGIq0JpJuYXPMeM9qwLh2NJ_RwwuvezWOWrmGrIeVz_NxVjr-jzBHJNcZsE9yMkgOJUAyMxp3BhoYGxiNQNQuuyBrmz-YAyg7NgkvfVqslUPKvWiwPUCE66myBqKMoLUitVw/s6000/IMG_5667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8rBA4GK5r_N-CRqsbYkf4-2OdGRxO2DLQQvF0Wn6OvdIw3sCZbiRFOjrGIq0JpJuYXPMeM9qwLh2NJ_RwwuvezWOWrmGrIeVz_NxVjr-jzBHJNcZsE9yMkgOJUAyMxp3BhoYGxiNQNQuuyBrmz-YAyg7NgkvfVqslUPKvWiwPUCE66myBqKMoLUitVw/w640-h426/IMG_5667.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p>A small shelf provide a nearly vertical view down into the Notch. Scenes like this were quite common on my way up the mountain and I had to struggle to find a chute up in spots.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQSMzTBZAXNv1akVtDFDH-r2Wjl5PmS2wbGP0ZgNXqwmzrBYP1JVBaUc8LzCN_y8XTfiiEixT0ErmG6WJbx99XPobvq3MLUPjo_8L3emkIlf4ISW0CMWwT9NZelhpoQ5hL5c6usT8krod6xdjkiLjZyJ6MFMsqAj5oZqZiqtMywpGY5DHwquEp_oXag8/s6000/IMG_5668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQSMzTBZAXNv1akVtDFDH-r2Wjl5PmS2wbGP0ZgNXqwmzrBYP1JVBaUc8LzCN_y8XTfiiEixT0ErmG6WJbx99XPobvq3MLUPjo_8L3emkIlf4ISW0CMWwT9NZelhpoQ5hL5c6usT8krod6xdjkiLjZyJ6MFMsqAj5oZqZiqtMywpGY5DHwquEp_oXag8/w640-h426/IMG_5668.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>At about 3100 feet, I turned back south towards the trail, hugging a steep area of ledges. One spot in particular provided the best vista of all....perhaps one of the best I've seen in the Catskills at all. A small rock ledge perched high above the valley made it feel like I was on top of the world. A shoulder of Hunter Mountain sits to the right of Route 214 with Silver Hollow Peak just beyond.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxLZ5aKGe5Vu_4VcjBAIrGLBCvlIvXWYdH66D5kSWgfiX_PIlqPPnneRolOewB6uNrk2kich5auu9xjXt8auj3CrW7A-5zo3_6pU4-BoNFZjudJEgzW2G_mTgV7hHaVVTFvajAs_AmGWI9KkCXGxwiXx0zSgFhsrWkxMTLyT5E5AYo4O9juMwpO8F6R4/s6000/IMG_5685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxLZ5aKGe5Vu_4VcjBAIrGLBCvlIvXWYdH66D5kSWgfiX_PIlqPPnneRolOewB6uNrk2kich5auu9xjXt8auj3CrW7A-5zo3_6pU4-BoNFZjudJEgzW2G_mTgV7hHaVVTFvajAs_AmGWI9KkCXGxwiXx0zSgFhsrWkxMTLyT5E5AYo4O9juMwpO8F6R4/w640-h426/IMG_5685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I sat and marveled at this vista for almost a half hour, finding it hard to drag myself away.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81fgnSezp5rc1t6N551yM1PtrFSPgnpgzB1cGi_1yOLZiYGfOx19p4C5P0SmKkMIcKK504dZun-VoqBys2n00gf0gtdHKQ8AJtK_OU2siqytA_0dselhDTAioe2eXjCJVhqlcucPn82uY-SydmHTC0LtnBcVykFNa0YeydafpUrHJzO9EAUFgnjvJFOo/s6000/IMG_5681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81fgnSezp5rc1t6N551yM1PtrFSPgnpgzB1cGi_1yOLZiYGfOx19p4C5P0SmKkMIcKK504dZun-VoqBys2n00gf0gtdHKQ8AJtK_OU2siqytA_0dselhDTAioe2eXjCJVhqlcucPn82uY-SydmHTC0LtnBcVykFNa0YeydafpUrHJzO9EAUFgnjvJFOo/w640-h426/IMG_5681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the open ledge, I made my way steeply back down to the marked trail and from there it was an easy trail hike back to the car. Hiked a tough 3 miles RT with over 1200 feet of elevation gain. One of the scariest but rewarding bushwhacks I've undertaken in the Catskills. </p><p>Map Below. Red P=Parking Red X=Vista Blue X=Furthest point north on my bushwhack</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn9mZWehKZmHNX7MIzGLym6ZJgOA6jv24mjUYloF0nhg6fcLrxq5FVhgCIwp73T2f5fqRZaSnSDsGhY3O95gepRS2yMWyD_TBkqSngwpLilqCLTXJV504WuivrvbVhD4QwIOMbFa0lMMM_5BT9uM12jIWPPTlvPSxogb5gKADguqvHaxtcyVUjMskRDU/s876/stony%20clove.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="876" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn9mZWehKZmHNX7MIzGLym6ZJgOA6jv24mjUYloF0nhg6fcLrxq5FVhgCIwp73T2f5fqRZaSnSDsGhY3O95gepRS2yMWyD_TBkqSngwpLilqCLTXJV504WuivrvbVhD4QwIOMbFa0lMMM_5BT9uM12jIWPPTlvPSxogb5gKADguqvHaxtcyVUjMskRDU/w400-h253/stony%20clove.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-14063597577281736502023-12-22T14:59:00.000-08:002023-12-28T17:45:11.218-08:00Pine Mountain(Pine Mountain Unit(DEP)-Catskills)<p>Headed south to explore 1924 foot Pine Mountain, an obscure peak nuzzled between Route 30 and 23 just east of the hamlet of Grand Gorge. The mountain sits on NYC watershed land and is really just a small peak with a long, flat plateau on top. My access point today was from scenic dead end Van Aken Road, where public land is nestled among the rolling pastureland of an active farm. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri1JHn4HdISzOSjJoex_oF3wvE2aoamJ3iyl5z7vcwMykqRH-u7J9pZl6p5NX3IMyYmYZMmF7_vR0aFlA9lUhAODX5sNZmoLXGmne5-N7_UHkEIHO9o96u4yR5AEsQ3mTCR6L4c0DuMhWTe-9EP7yDqgS4f3cFnwNFBxpTm2bC0Kkymf6MRdRuYK8K64/s6000/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri1JHn4HdISzOSjJoex_oF3wvE2aoamJ3iyl5z7vcwMykqRH-u7J9pZl6p5NX3IMyYmYZMmF7_vR0aFlA9lUhAODX5sNZmoLXGmne5-N7_UHkEIHO9o96u4yR5AEsQ3mTCR6L4c0DuMhWTe-9EP7yDqgS4f3cFnwNFBxpTm2bC0Kkymf6MRdRuYK8K64/w640-h426/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I parked on the shoulder of the road(Elevation 1380 feet), just past the public land boundary, where an opening in a barbed wire fence provides the point of entry. Within just a few moments of climbing through the open pastures, a great view west beyond the working farm opens up. Grand Gorge sits snug in the valley between Irish Mountain(left) and SE Morseville Range(right), with much smaller Jump Hill down below. In the distance to the far right is some of part of the rest of the Moresville Range.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZUTrVKUQXSR21_YrrdQsx9nHchv5zK3Rfpyat-FrDOKEbNrTMqJ43edvNkdWq6jBcrwr8eT6GH_EyI-u_14GINh3JvymjOirDnjkAW4XL11KG4lRI3SF8RU0rIF0kNK6hI5MvUatr0kw4ZbjaEhCbT_GTOr9gTpmxrVGZnE6aZdn-LlB4pcPDMFRqh8/s6000/IMG_5581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZUTrVKUQXSR21_YrrdQsx9nHchv5zK3Rfpyat-FrDOKEbNrTMqJ43edvNkdWq6jBcrwr8eT6GH_EyI-u_14GINh3JvymjOirDnjkAW4XL11KG4lRI3SF8RU0rIF0kNK6hI5MvUatr0kw4ZbjaEhCbT_GTOr9gTpmxrVGZnE6aZdn-LlB4pcPDMFRqh8/w640-h426/IMG_5581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Beyond the open pastures, I hit the open woods, where the mountain's namesake pine trees began to take over. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZJyiuWu4GZ1-HajYM3trzf3v_N-QMzkB2mXMZKFO61X-AYjYN9g754yX4_t318djilp-HTHYhcZlA1j8ACi3e-NV56KujJ0zpKTRBsKGBGXV94j-nkSQMb0RsTHQ98CoTPICISW2Si7YXfqHYeZURaCHasPN7NoocUH-Mrp0iwikKpdI310L0-I8bRI/s6000/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZJyiuWu4GZ1-HajYM3trzf3v_N-QMzkB2mXMZKFO61X-AYjYN9g754yX4_t318djilp-HTHYhcZlA1j8ACi3e-NV56KujJ0zpKTRBsKGBGXV94j-nkSQMb0RsTHQ98CoTPICISW2Si7YXfqHYeZURaCHasPN7NoocUH-Mrp0iwikKpdI310L0-I8bRI/w640-h426/IMG_5585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A steady but uneventful ascent brought me up to an enormous meadow at just over 1800 feet. The meadow is quite open and flat and seems like a perfect place to spot a deer, which is exactly what I did when I arrived here.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP0lrJCopeu-LaAPLZeuFmfqjEKzLij2U67GnDd0OjQMvtTmYPni1cM-cxiw7uH-IvLzSQcUQfvNZEuY5c9Agxh2tPfYa4ovXQcO1LsR041NRdGjSk4T7XNnBDjhB0kn-aLGuUSc6hvtzxsjQDBOaaXJj-25Cw6XQEkOyU48RFEBK_0mCLi5D8VUXQgo/s6000/IMG_5591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP0lrJCopeu-LaAPLZeuFmfqjEKzLij2U67GnDd0OjQMvtTmYPni1cM-cxiw7uH-IvLzSQcUQfvNZEuY5c9Agxh2tPfYa4ovXQcO1LsR041NRdGjSk4T7XNnBDjhB0kn-aLGuUSc6hvtzxsjQDBOaaXJj-25Cw6XQEkOyU48RFEBK_0mCLi5D8VUXQgo/w640-h426/IMG_5591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A few yards past the open meadow sits a large vernal pond, which had a light coating of ice on this frosty morning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGh_VX11BQYCl_qvp_iPGsfjUFh6wE4Uw7MoZ89D73KvzOw8BKI66r85Pj25cJbkuTSfoppsgZFQaG5oSSSZZ2nmi0lx2N1NJbvB6SoqqBFWDZMm-jrwsW5jWLDXUsJMpOUdZiEVBoL_XFodhWwJWGat24UoSpdgT4Gxza312oVmzbzbWgAvuItaCgBE/s6000/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGh_VX11BQYCl_qvp_iPGsfjUFh6wE4Uw7MoZ89D73KvzOw8BKI66r85Pj25cJbkuTSfoppsgZFQaG5oSSSZZ2nmi0lx2N1NJbvB6SoqqBFWDZMm-jrwsW5jWLDXUsJMpOUdZiEVBoL_XFodhWwJWGat24UoSpdgT4Gxza312oVmzbzbWgAvuItaCgBE/w640-h426/IMG_5595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I circled around to the western shoulder of Pine Mountain, where I found some impressive, enormous old wolf trees in a clearing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5iPq98dBzhQcsN7v0_HJ_mF1nSCvWWCsHtdbRvjoAJWo09zflz7q3tKgt5_suM91jQNqx3yNkPaFtddNQII9ax6Y8kCHHzFe0_mOoR8Uk-iAyQ7CRfnu2e-wD8YGm1HM8CvWCbDnfYIGpb0gHGGUcAUUZ6OVj1wHa8G59UrJjaFXdPO6y-A5_wPQTZw/s6000/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5iPq98dBzhQcsN7v0_HJ_mF1nSCvWWCsHtdbRvjoAJWo09zflz7q3tKgt5_suM91jQNqx3yNkPaFtddNQII9ax6Y8kCHHzFe0_mOoR8Uk-iAyQ7CRfnu2e-wD8YGm1HM8CvWCbDnfYIGpb0gHGGUcAUUZ6OVj1wHa8G59UrJjaFXdPO6y-A5_wPQTZw/w640-h426/IMG_5599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Continuing east through the open woods, I made my way past a maze of stone walls and woods roads to arrive at the plateau like, pine covered 1924 foot summit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk2VthNbD2ZmE5ikZUq8SsugJlulatkilX_Bqhr6-5lBiEKV8bqhV87qQbJi6gU58U4-dB3kckORgGAINFfBEPg5SnAHgp5B2TY9KNP6nfBfrm5_ktT2uyldPbUV-2DhVGN9A0t8ucc4VDxAfVNWXplPKydxJSo6jK33UMTPcgwzweHtmHKSwtIHp1KQ/s6000/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk2VthNbD2ZmE5ikZUq8SsugJlulatkilX_Bqhr6-5lBiEKV8bqhV87qQbJi6gU58U4-dB3kckORgGAINFfBEPg5SnAHgp5B2TY9KNP6nfBfrm5_ktT2uyldPbUV-2DhVGN9A0t8ucc4VDxAfVNWXplPKydxJSo6jK33UMTPcgwzweHtmHKSwtIHp1KQ/w640-h426/IMG_5612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>On the descent, which I kind of zig-zagged my way around, I stumbled upon the remnants of a small, old, long abandoned quarry.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3rnxUkEvKX67r2nVMoMG8eRtkI_5R3Ww9FPtVmlZn_Mm1oyRLZ5uqenSP3nUpM96anKA1UhM22ahlCiWmvie0_ujKtb-a3RLDyTfy0V_CS_g2PgC8wp9s8U4ULUx1IcnTicVIPpOao0oJSDmXIuULH6beWjozYDA6Ru97sNHdRB29DnOPAUFp0_AD6k/s6000/IMG_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3rnxUkEvKX67r2nVMoMG8eRtkI_5R3Ww9FPtVmlZn_Mm1oyRLZ5uqenSP3nUpM96anKA1UhM22ahlCiWmvie0_ujKtb-a3RLDyTfy0V_CS_g2PgC8wp9s8U4ULUx1IcnTicVIPpOao0oJSDmXIuULH6beWjozYDA6Ru97sNHdRB29DnOPAUFp0_AD6k/w640-h426/IMG_5616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A light coating of snow on the tree branches overlook this stone wall on the steep southern slopes of the mountain. Stone walls literally dotted nearly every corner of the mountain I hit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK-Sm39gqGN-IsaZ6SWgcGIC6kAmO31gPU2lmSaETo3gNdjZvDVj-KI5e-4G7tU9N2Lx1GVaNj6daLnb0pKsilkdESrHuLQ5sIg4zGnOtYamqQGulHvFIecAi7FksAos4Ogj_EiOKh_HhlsmRv7QhEVgjgzRL9PR7suZky9ViaOIJyS0asM8hG8WY7fE/s6000/IMG_5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK-Sm39gqGN-IsaZ6SWgcGIC6kAmO31gPU2lmSaETo3gNdjZvDVj-KI5e-4G7tU9N2Lx1GVaNj6daLnb0pKsilkdESrHuLQ5sIg4zGnOtYamqQGulHvFIecAi7FksAos4Ogj_EiOKh_HhlsmRv7QhEVgjgzRL9PR7suZky9ViaOIJyS0asM8hG8WY7fE/w640-h426/IMG_5621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Eventually made my way back down to the open pastures and accompanying great vista into the western Catskills. By this time of the day, the sun had melted away all of the morning frost and warmed the temps into the mid 30s.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbthIfIQAVYSVL3EJFvXUyoObyG9HCbCOa-weGi4WiKGFu38_4d7Oz9wgSnopujfwHyT7H7wQdqSQKkDjs6nWKphPmyawXpu3rOVxiHQmAlNsY4ZX-oAzckaHZCTHh8NNZ54Zm3SUz6lVFiXrPH01Ne-n__Syk8yDbzOvlJE-0yk-GBz2kejSmmZ9_xMg/s6000/IMG_5622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbthIfIQAVYSVL3EJFvXUyoObyG9HCbCOa-weGi4WiKGFu38_4d7Oz9wgSnopujfwHyT7H7wQdqSQKkDjs6nWKphPmyawXpu3rOVxiHQmAlNsY4ZX-oAzckaHZCTHh8NNZ54Zm3SUz6lVFiXrPH01Ne-n__Syk8yDbzOvlJE-0yk-GBz2kejSmmZ9_xMg/w640-h426/IMG_5622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A nice and easy day of meandering around in the woods for a total of 2.8 miles and over 600 feet of ascent. Map below. Red P=Parking Blue X=Summit<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_r6bUxb8r3H5n20hd8NRHzt7KnoR90YuJzpp15twEjPef1BNxxMcu2bOlS8nhx9lz8wflQjt3HBy20Ue7hXwg59oX8nUl8Gc0CagHvPB21prnymEGc6S02pCqDLe6dWjA_VIJbF3RLzoE-4Qs8V-n2p3bgp950rwQE3Vy0isXh6I8xLneJ0RBYRMHBo/s887/pine.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="887" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_r6bUxb8r3H5n20hd8NRHzt7KnoR90YuJzpp15twEjPef1BNxxMcu2bOlS8nhx9lz8wflQjt3HBy20Ue7hXwg59oX8nUl8Gc0CagHvPB21prnymEGc6S02pCqDLe6dWjA_VIJbF3RLzoE-4Qs8V-n2p3bgp950rwQE3Vy0isXh6I8xLneJ0RBYRMHBo/w400-h269/pine.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-49749777826523617202023-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:002023-12-15T16:52:33.595-08:00Mount Pleasant SE Knob(Traver Hollow Unit-DEP/ Slide Mountain Wilderness-Catskills)<p>Headed down to the Catskills to do a little off trail exploring to an unnamed 2125 foot high point on Mount Pleasant's far SE ridge, utilizing both NYC Watershed land and State land. Parked in a small DEP pull off on Traver Hollow Road(room for one car), elevation 950 feet, and headed northeast into the open woods. The slopes were steep and littered with fallen leaves, which made for a somewhat slippery ascent. Thankfully, as I neared the top of the ridge over 1300 feet, many of the leaves were replaced by flat rocks that made for easier climbing.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhJ4b8Ik-FH8dfWprK27ll5ko3YJs1s4qR9utsuH8iOufhAezy7p-aeWI6D85PMTz1oZ_9fbikwYsaRL4FkbDGw2jhzoJd1F12sSzUlOrC-6R7_uq_rEwxw8XhHryUln-rstjNzbLNjgJz1vAwDamFCo4-s0-nyqcgg_m74kj8g63j7WfzcG9jYpuv5I/s6000/%231.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhJ4b8Ik-FH8dfWprK27ll5ko3YJs1s4qR9utsuH8iOufhAezy7p-aeWI6D85PMTz1oZ_9fbikwYsaRL4FkbDGw2jhzoJd1F12sSzUlOrC-6R7_uq_rEwxw8XhHryUln-rstjNzbLNjgJz1vAwDamFCo4-s0-nyqcgg_m74kj8g63j7WfzcG9jYpuv5I/w640-h426/%231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Once I emerged atop the ridge, the woods really opened up and provided some very good screened views east towards the Ashokan Reservoir.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6I8MjAe_SdOmdmEOqDv1x9xIIBI29GKP85_F_oWLV-I5Uo85HWL6ccPBKIpF97BbA92pjskGyvQ6D1E3mdd1yl0-yDGi3pjmC7R2F0V890MF4evWP3AGknC3q-bDorM57qadwnVSTFLzAS5_rdH2-20VoRHAqu-UQR6BTmb57W9u430YqGL8PpctPo/s6000/res%20thru%20trees%20ridge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6I8MjAe_SdOmdmEOqDv1x9xIIBI29GKP85_F_oWLV-I5Uo85HWL6ccPBKIpF97BbA92pjskGyvQ6D1E3mdd1yl0-yDGi3pjmC7R2F0V890MF4evWP3AGknC3q-bDorM57qadwnVSTFLzAS5_rdH2-20VoRHAqu-UQR6BTmb57W9u430YqGL8PpctPo/w640-h426/res%20thru%20trees%20ridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From an open ledge above the steep NE slopes of the ridge, I found great views over Boiceville and Route 28, with Piney Point and Ticetenyck just beyond.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPVFzHFGpDFX4y0NwYC9Y8odU0Mxf1dyX4Ruk9CUCHj2gBMjLXPhLfY9NrF5NqO-FXscxT1UGYcqNkyr7kOt0RuOGkpk2EFlqfjv69tnHaOotZodtFJI_oPam7T4dPc9Idco5RjwYCKdAaEFgdRJF7VkoLArdVKb7o-wWYTWlHj7tIm29EBPvwyx1tdU/s6000/view%20boiceville%20from%20end%20ridge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPVFzHFGpDFX4y0NwYC9Y8odU0Mxf1dyX4Ruk9CUCHj2gBMjLXPhLfY9NrF5NqO-FXscxT1UGYcqNkyr7kOt0RuOGkpk2EFlqfjv69tnHaOotZodtFJI_oPam7T4dPc9Idco5RjwYCKdAaEFgdRJF7VkoLArdVKb7o-wWYTWlHj7tIm29EBPvwyx1tdU/w640-h426/view%20boiceville%20from%20end%20ridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the same ledge, looking north towards Mount Tobias.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYftSbslGNgixnbJmLuWlf1vSGe2jNqfYAXnzYWLQJfEgQi_DuR4lY9Nt-RYUIzJVc-49hPJ1SK-Faz3F2CDxnaOY1QNl2662_EVKRsTN4CNyftnlQgZguePZzdMZKGmvRIZ4QM2hXsPGKxDdB6CTubBOhN7oyJd3qb28zV9Xiy3kcjE6-S9sGL0HB1Q/s6000/same%20ledge%20view%20north.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYftSbslGNgixnbJmLuWlf1vSGe2jNqfYAXnzYWLQJfEgQi_DuR4lY9Nt-RYUIzJVc-49hPJ1SK-Faz3F2CDxnaOY1QNl2662_EVKRsTN4CNyftnlQgZguePZzdMZKGmvRIZ4QM2hXsPGKxDdB6CTubBOhN7oyJd3qb28zV9Xiy3kcjE6-S9sGL0HB1Q/w640-h426/same%20ledge%20view%20north.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Heading up over the top of the ridge again, I stumbled upon-literally-the best seat in the house. A stone seat propped up with a killer view towards Samuels Point.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthER4Z1qKynkFSpNuaXerukHGmO7Fuoyf9SwGsfXdxa9fz-S02Gv7UV66bgDMmz7_6qZ64-ClVLPwn8GsA4WwuwkJWlmAw-sTkVOfyRvLXi84O3Qvt_uznonhXgUA2FhUU_jAmEfSubegA_NxS-iL0a3PYbUp3vbX_vFTuEtNNVomIIGQyiHe6snJico/s6000/best%20seat.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthER4Z1qKynkFSpNuaXerukHGmO7Fuoyf9SwGsfXdxa9fz-S02Gv7UV66bgDMmz7_6qZ64-ClVLPwn8GsA4WwuwkJWlmAw-sTkVOfyRvLXi84O3Qvt_uznonhXgUA2FhUU_jAmEfSubegA_NxS-iL0a3PYbUp3vbX_vFTuEtNNVomIIGQyiHe6snJico/w640-h426/best%20seat.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A few yards away from the stone seat, I enjoyed this view of Samuels Point with the top of Wittenburg poking out high above Traver Hollow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipE9_7rnGgaBivoWq6qArZctEct6HLSlBBOeStMsdjiyCZy0SgWMolgn_oRAXg848GcTnNfDOQoSPpneZMYyZfyt0qJNDyDsLNZ-nqOwccVEiKBNFXOiJ3MnQoV9qF-hK6KPsrNdL6v7y6Qh3Vzu9aoS4Ezzkb5JmmYGZRH3Il5QmBvfHujDHJS7hStU/s6000/sams%20point%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipE9_7rnGgaBivoWq6qArZctEct6HLSlBBOeStMsdjiyCZy0SgWMolgn_oRAXg848GcTnNfDOQoSPpneZMYyZfyt0qJNDyDsLNZ-nqOwccVEiKBNFXOiJ3MnQoV9qF-hK6KPsrNdL6v7y6Qh3Vzu9aoS4Ezzkb5JmmYGZRH3Il5QmBvfHujDHJS7hStU/w640-h426/sams%20point%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Directly across Tracer Hollow rises Little Samuels Point(left) and Samuels Point(right).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04UFap7RS4QzikkQBc7FU-ezkCZQPDhHoZmhsiq4Vquky_vce9PYZAELr9G1-_9eIIkbWBCshTWcuvno9-6FwnKiBZTGX8-s51yyCB_2It_HGNs_tEyajq4NsHaSi52wDlU_cW4j51slkT5iao4s748HtB4_BMkraFwP9uXWDhme-4mCFdQgn2zQ9LQk/s6000/up%20close%20sam.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04UFap7RS4QzikkQBc7FU-ezkCZQPDhHoZmhsiq4Vquky_vce9PYZAELr9G1-_9eIIkbWBCshTWcuvno9-6FwnKiBZTGX8-s51yyCB_2It_HGNs_tEyajq4NsHaSi52wDlU_cW4j51slkT5iao4s748HtB4_BMkraFwP9uXWDhme-4mCFdQgn2zQ9LQk/w640-h426/up%20close%20sam.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Continuing on my way NW up the ridge, I soon encountered mountain laurel, which became increasingly thick on the ridge line. Staying just off the ridge to the north, the woods remained nice and clear though.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGR78cas7tgK22dzh23FIVCjptukTIsqDtiggevlrMKa9hI38QqkhsXPVS7uCSNX1Omj5uGDiXbMcDiw1V1lUFv8w4V5ZZVtngYl-wIKY3hqOtQhcTEnXn-Sl-DRYcyomZ-ul_3eh6EidTU0zhb3c4-6iZAF5Ef2gKlEEiSh7shEuINzpYwOj3wUsN80/s6000/laurel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGR78cas7tgK22dzh23FIVCjptukTIsqDtiggevlrMKa9hI38QqkhsXPVS7uCSNX1Omj5uGDiXbMcDiw1V1lUFv8w4V5ZZVtngYl-wIKY3hqOtQhcTEnXn-Sl-DRYcyomZ-ul_3eh6EidTU0zhb3c4-6iZAF5Ef2gKlEEiSh7shEuINzpYwOj3wUsN80/w640-h426/laurel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>My intention was to ease my way down the north slopes of the ridge, through a deep cirque, and then onto an old quarry at about 1150 feet. The woods remained very open and easy to navigate with no snow or ice to contend with. In no time at all I found the old quarry I had been searching for, as well as a few other abandoned ones too. From the top of the quarry, the views east over the Ashokan Reservoir were quite nice. A unique vantage point for sure.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWlEiXW3FQo8mKEoWtcxUwjrXQu0Qr81ic7jqrTAnJAirLaQCyafqaiw8ZhME26xxcdsJkjpPJiLk5CdAJJZk69lnURCw-WDewfjdDnKcTyzCFNBUHWLr8EjrECT42B4-wvxm57RC0FtSp8SxYa2BEPXAo1ywKaViqEuc3f-iz1CPYYGNU6IS1Wb6AoQ/s6000/best%20quarry%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWlEiXW3FQo8mKEoWtcxUwjrXQu0Qr81ic7jqrTAnJAirLaQCyafqaiw8ZhME26xxcdsJkjpPJiLk5CdAJJZk69lnURCw-WDewfjdDnKcTyzCFNBUHWLr8EjrECT42B4-wvxm57RC0FtSp8SxYa2BEPXAo1ywKaViqEuc3f-iz1CPYYGNU6IS1Wb6AoQ/w640-h426/best%20quarry%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the top of the quarry looking NE over Boiceville and Route 28.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7GYSBw38fyvado3K3NLt-kZbvISPNF9rgGeWaYZZEHnsNfrMtT9UhjqC_Dy6QmiQi1ndf-jYomhMq_vwKHJd-KQIxZzn4eSY8Sr9NaVoSKBxaTSRtSVWn9_hHf7osboOLhRYhBtwC3CAuOfKU2l48WFJCLqcQ3ZMub4pF41ynuKKIpfhjIFDgIfqG4c/s6000/quarry%20viw%20rt%2028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7GYSBw38fyvado3K3NLt-kZbvISPNF9rgGeWaYZZEHnsNfrMtT9UhjqC_Dy6QmiQi1ndf-jYomhMq_vwKHJd-KQIxZzn4eSY8Sr9NaVoSKBxaTSRtSVWn9_hHf7osboOLhRYhBtwC3CAuOfKU2l48WFJCLqcQ3ZMub4pF41ynuKKIpfhjIFDgIfqG4c/w640-h426/quarry%20viw%20rt%2028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Carefully made my way down to the inside of the quarry and some impressive tailings piles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyBWMFJHdcqdiT3qjt85RxehQqWSt_dzdIVasS3_EvU62GJZMrxAdf4xZE0NdCMX5WvOxFsoUlrHQ1GOvujzEEhyphenhyphenKWbzZ1ICLAYVRysg25wf27iArNAZOAeaD9sLHQ5cjptXwFpLr_y4u93bGeREEiU6yfSm1QVzZEbPs4NLRhL3Q2iMI1dA3RJmv17U/s6000/quarry.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyBWMFJHdcqdiT3qjt85RxehQqWSt_dzdIVasS3_EvU62GJZMrxAdf4xZE0NdCMX5WvOxFsoUlrHQ1GOvujzEEhyphenhyphenKWbzZ1ICLAYVRysg25wf27iArNAZOAeaD9sLHQ5cjptXwFpLr_y4u93bGeREEiU6yfSm1QVzZEbPs4NLRhL3Q2iMI1dA3RJmv17U/w640-h426/quarry.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just above the old quarry is an overgrown former quarry road that climbs up through open hardwoods and sedge grass. I passed by at least one or two more smaller quarries just above this.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mfUL7BrBYhFjCGDm1Aqnr7ul_iwT21zuSodb8BwsdWppmvb2veZSwp5uu3MnPlS83bGTvh7yCZArQtjfi5LBZGdLjpwgNDITjBasMQ3jN0A3v2ysxmzPjK6Ij_wfVInUrrmksTTcW6tEimlScrOv146RYXn8untfMtcayhHNrQQtFRlpsu4xY_CqHPo/s6000/quarry%20rd.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mfUL7BrBYhFjCGDm1Aqnr7ul_iwT21zuSodb8BwsdWppmvb2veZSwp5uu3MnPlS83bGTvh7yCZArQtjfi5LBZGdLjpwgNDITjBasMQ3jN0A3v2ysxmzPjK6Ij_wfVInUrrmksTTcW6tEimlScrOv146RYXn8untfMtcayhHNrQQtFRlpsu4xY_CqHPo/w640-h426/quarry%20rd.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Followed quarry/ woods roads up to around 1600 feet, before the one I was on petered out to nothing, forcing me to bushwhack straight up the steep north slopes of the ridge. At around 1700 feet I began to encounter the first few patches of snow here and there.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErYk4RGG0gJ6hhcyDIjqbMPULoI-3P-gFINRxf6zHHBfKzW-oUbsqhb7ShrJK5jE6fwPA9Vybdq5T257BrJASwN5WnJNk7V4jfheE2sKpvHMv5qx46WhqVIjxYNDRfYhTWl0KfXYw9w7kGAFYPCEi39UR3k_MI1Rl6eTNUOGXwSqY55_WEYQSQh4eeNY/s6000/up%20up%20up%20to%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErYk4RGG0gJ6hhcyDIjqbMPULoI-3P-gFINRxf6zHHBfKzW-oUbsqhb7ShrJK5jE6fwPA9Vybdq5T257BrJASwN5WnJNk7V4jfheE2sKpvHMv5qx46WhqVIjxYNDRfYhTWl0KfXYw9w7kGAFYPCEi39UR3k_MI1Rl6eTNUOGXwSqY55_WEYQSQh4eeNY/w640-h426/up%20up%20up%20to%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A straightforward, steep climb up through open hardwoods brought me up to the 2125 foot summit, which is laced with mountain laurel. I found one small clearing at the top, which was covered in about an inch of snow. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzxvqmilOqtKR0P3brtCjkDIuLAVuhii4eq6s227TgFoas1sFelB3HkJMH-coR0GxUGC-leK2v3LEb9H66NR82qD_09JfawpshjkACgpuWB5F3x8Hm6GdAHZG5nT1bxy8-q1FeNIOBj5dP8vGgqIKSdemPLiFIb7fIEGBBbt-tX4LAw8ozqynmcM5HOc/s6000/summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzxvqmilOqtKR0P3brtCjkDIuLAVuhii4eq6s227TgFoas1sFelB3HkJMH-coR0GxUGC-leK2v3LEb9H66NR82qD_09JfawpshjkACgpuWB5F3x8Hm6GdAHZG5nT1bxy8-q1FeNIOBj5dP8vGgqIKSdemPLiFIb7fIEGBBbt-tX4LAw8ozqynmcM5HOc/w640-h426/summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the summit, I descended SE through several thick patches of mountain laurel, while hugging the state boundary line. There were many through the trees views but nothing too great to speak of.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhsxQibX0TGySpQMLfWoi6tV7ydZEzKtDrzhYMa3WxMM-R-1feCUZW738n9Q9CMeg1HdijLxUenbrMbikNrv-eypLtBX9db_qpDPc1Fr27T5K4ejCmVLs8aSiHBa88fOsF3SSgZW7h64V1Rxld8CTih-15duaSw5mt8Zw8XGFYNGQC6J3Y2iST9Zw6WI/s6000/descent.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhsxQibX0TGySpQMLfWoi6tV7ydZEzKtDrzhYMa3WxMM-R-1feCUZW738n9Q9CMeg1HdijLxUenbrMbikNrv-eypLtBX9db_qpDPc1Fr27T5K4ejCmVLs8aSiHBa88fOsF3SSgZW7h64V1Rxld8CTih-15duaSw5mt8Zw8XGFYNGQC6J3Y2iST9Zw6WI/w640-h426/descent.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>While under nearly 100% sunshine high up on the ridge, once I dropped back down into Traver Hollow, darkness and late afternoon shadows quickly swallowed me up. Sunsets come early this time of year-especially in the deep hollows.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNmJtAcP-nq02c6O0ec8THIbaxQsmUhCn0z3-EnmxFYf3rtwV5KdPizYysFFgpnDcKmohV1EhGXuRrhdeGQZ_JLD-clgIAbshyphenhyphenNCA_CE_9j8gdCLjYMH5y4CACUAH6laRHbh7BznpvtIjoQN6uZ4gHGMr_NXDlXw6OpUxKEVKLnuNsQH0P_kgOkFb61w/s6000/hollow%20pm.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNmJtAcP-nq02c6O0ec8THIbaxQsmUhCn0z3-EnmxFYf3rtwV5KdPizYysFFgpnDcKmohV1EhGXuRrhdeGQZ_JLD-clgIAbshyphenhyphenNCA_CE_9j8gdCLjYMH5y4CACUAH6laRHbh7BznpvtIjoQN6uZ4gHGMr_NXDlXw6OpUxKEVKLnuNsQH0P_kgOkFb61w/w640-h426/hollow%20pm.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Covered about 3.5 miles RT, with over 1600 feet of combined ascent. </p><p>Map Below. Blue P=Parkng Black X's=Views atop SE ridge Blue=Quarry Views Red=Summit Knob<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnuos1_cpgOBHw0LlwG_DkFdKvb6N11BP-hsChOHBTKIv0p-PESKCupxy5VnvTsf0WXegnEBDdHuSxAXvvO-i13uFZTrBAngSry2GoH_qHivnxWyk3di4ymsFcJwOGK4R599dO29Q59qi0QpitAi6zR0tAxKJeIvWSHFRH8bQbKAM6oxV95tekMEvHu0/s928/se%20mt%20pleasant.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="928" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnuos1_cpgOBHw0LlwG_DkFdKvb6N11BP-hsChOHBTKIv0p-PESKCupxy5VnvTsf0WXegnEBDdHuSxAXvvO-i13uFZTrBAngSry2GoH_qHivnxWyk3di4ymsFcJwOGK4R599dO29Q59qi0QpitAi6zR0tAxKJeIvWSHFRH8bQbKAM6oxV95tekMEvHu0/w400-h272/se%20mt%20pleasant.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-3268703707355131232023-11-30T17:12:00.000-08:002023-12-01T16:41:47.726-08:00Lawson Lake County Park(Town of New Scotland, Albany County)<p>Finally had a little free time Thursday afternoon to do a little exploring at Albany County's Lawson Lake Park, located off CR 109 in the town of New Scotland. It has been several years since my last visit here, so it was nice to rediscover these woods once again. Parked in the lot on Lower Camp Road just south of Lawson Lake(Elevation 750 feet) and then walked the service road to its end to check out the lake itself. This is the view north near the dock along the west shore.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24BShJJ7qertmtPwwKJrTglOjAOMpOIu5UAjbhPBNldZ6aEddsP76zLvjTn6svefZB9-o7OWjtV9ety74aiBVkS5DpARS7VFdGKYz9lS4AecwpxWjBZKvbW60vsib-MIajfIqWXA54eVlMQq83ClHwnXWbKdVtKCPgQ2-iAJvE8Q3FIwpkPlccRvPlQI/s6000/IMG_5458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24BShJJ7qertmtPwwKJrTglOjAOMpOIu5UAjbhPBNldZ6aEddsP76zLvjTn6svefZB9-o7OWjtV9ety74aiBVkS5DpARS7VFdGKYz9lS4AecwpxWjBZKvbW60vsib-MIajfIqWXA54eVlMQq83ClHwnXWbKdVtKCPgQ2-iAJvE8Q3FIwpkPlccRvPlQI/w640-h426/IMG_5458.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Backtracked south to the Loop Trail, and then broke off onto a yellow blazed trail, which hugs the southwest perimeter of the park. Even though I started my walk at about 2pm, daylight was already showing signs of fleeting in the late autumn woods.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGinGAJaQu3PipcJsq50pKWiVxRm-vpr7uHUt26w26sDr8ELT9NanK7jevzfGbrlp_YhLHlMgcx-U3T6OKNQfv8nBD5T-OPNnUJTPepoOA8_r7Br6L0mbTxM0AVDmyGzEwooZbHm-if8yIVdTad2g-FSI5S8EaTnJGR5r6aQS2IddA5Zaxj_XeOU7CCE/s6000/IMG_5452.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGinGAJaQu3PipcJsq50pKWiVxRm-vpr7uHUt26w26sDr8ELT9NanK7jevzfGbrlp_YhLHlMgcx-U3T6OKNQfv8nBD5T-OPNnUJTPepoOA8_r7Br6L0mbTxM0AVDmyGzEwooZbHm-if8yIVdTad2g-FSI5S8EaTnJGR5r6aQS2IddA5Zaxj_XeOU7CCE/w640-h426/IMG_5452.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p></p><p>After completing the western trails in the park, I crossed over CR 109 to the east side and picked up the Upper Camp Road. This service road climbs quite steeply up to a campsite with several cabins, before a foot path heads up to a red marked "Summit" loop trail. This trail hugs the outside of the small, flat summit of a 1003 foot hill, with decent views through the bare trees. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lhuVdEAZq8wDLTHUrb5dzyDhq-RcfWUztxngoufXbIYmBtM6q-70RiS9iEpiKpLcDKS7x0w5eCWVYdGOL4ZaPWzNIjuOyp8bj9PU700pycDm42Kh6s6ZCAdBU3B5NnQlOL4wRGGNCNIWJ5WJWixMnDmNylZwfWq792gM4mZOeZDy2ef3NgOKhqZ7W6w/s6000/IMG_5467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lhuVdEAZq8wDLTHUrb5dzyDhq-RcfWUztxngoufXbIYmBtM6q-70RiS9iEpiKpLcDKS7x0w5eCWVYdGOL4ZaPWzNIjuOyp8bj9PU700pycDm42Kh6s6ZCAdBU3B5NnQlOL4wRGGNCNIWJ5WJWixMnDmNylZwfWq792gM4mZOeZDy2ef3NgOKhqZ7W6w/w640-h426/IMG_5467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>From the red summit trail, I bushwhacked east, dropping down and crossing over a "Notch" trail on my way to a slightly higher hill.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_blp2u3tZnpImsM3AU8hUN3oRJjtc-NnvHY095mAPzXXVKjomz_oCRfE_ANrNsgfGQwwJKDPhLQWrbCbhd5qAl4nW2QpopWuQcxbLCGbeXfr0AEkDGy5ivI8yL72T31lqnNnY4YbK88WqLIeGrKj1BKNH9tKhkLkXxtVwwNAhlPpB5uebqgcSJmpd9U/s6000/IMG_5473.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_blp2u3tZnpImsM3AU8hUN3oRJjtc-NnvHY095mAPzXXVKjomz_oCRfE_ANrNsgfGQwwJKDPhLQWrbCbhd5qAl4nW2QpopWuQcxbLCGbeXfr0AEkDGy5ivI8yL72T31lqnNnY4YbK88WqLIeGrKj1BKNH9tKhkLkXxtVwwNAhlPpB5uebqgcSJmpd9U/w640-h426/IMG_5473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is no trail on this 1038 foot eastern hill, but the woods are quite open and easy to explore. Unfortunately, public land doesn't extend all the way to the true summit, although it does hit the summit plateau.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0thMw2qdYseZfU-A_qx2l5EJ2jCDVvdchUiqF9cqnQNI9Aja72mYmCOtJWtCIE4UIST50d3YEgThI2kPDZ30aT1EoFuw6E9aQqihTdI_PTXSD1bNMmwf6HIdKKt5H4F4927zo0y3PRtOQIqmtjEKVOb-Q5UVtp6oaVljJYYXhdtWhIpq4x1Aiu0aLIKE/s6000/IMG_5479.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0thMw2qdYseZfU-A_qx2l5EJ2jCDVvdchUiqF9cqnQNI9Aja72mYmCOtJWtCIE4UIST50d3YEgThI2kPDZ30aT1EoFuw6E9aQqihTdI_PTXSD1bNMmwf6HIdKKt5H4F4927zo0y3PRtOQIqmtjEKVOb-Q5UVtp6oaVljJYYXhdtWhIpq4x1Aiu0aLIKE/w640-h426/IMG_5479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Followed the edge of the steep western slopes of this hill, where I found numerous game paths but not much in the way of views. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5Uy3imhb-sQVNlG6Tphiu2n64qHAyULlPlx1XTdKowlg3u6fDjVucy5z1Cj5T2JlsQQ4w3ymF8UQPhqDnD1hI7ei0q3YUAsFlk3ssx0yImqzy9hZvDRSzORS55BApQaKlnNKadefd03WzcGcZmDpGycyRj6rBShm6iVmgjpU2hrEaaRkPBeyqggKKzA/s6000/IMG_5477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5Uy3imhb-sQVNlG6Tphiu2n64qHAyULlPlx1XTdKowlg3u6fDjVucy5z1Cj5T2JlsQQ4w3ymF8UQPhqDnD1hI7ei0q3YUAsFlk3ssx0yImqzy9hZvDRSzORS55BApQaKlnNKadefd03WzcGcZmDpGycyRj6rBShm6iVmgjpU2hrEaaRkPBeyqggKKzA/w640-h426/IMG_5477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Explored the hill all the way to the south edge of public land before bushwhacking my way back down to Upper Camp Road and eventually my car. A nice and easy 2.8 miles RT, with 500 feet of climbing. </p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5X3cuhd4y0dO24RcE3Stfg9WRijlC-N9Y8QmNTet2XJU0Q9h2UpmJSAqjfRXHAS__gtv2BuyRXoOEfLCoMM1xURsIBOXDz6kKh2bzLLkxflK94rNzMEbEPEHtGFK2V464dJVnZ85bv_NGbWZX-9ZxnMlOZMWkyO7HstOLYghgMLNvh8KdI4hcXKcdD9I/s468/map.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="416" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5X3cuhd4y0dO24RcE3Stfg9WRijlC-N9Y8QmNTet2XJU0Q9h2UpmJSAqjfRXHAS__gtv2BuyRXoOEfLCoMM1xURsIBOXDz6kKh2bzLLkxflK94rNzMEbEPEHtGFK2V464dJVnZ85bv_NGbWZX-9ZxnMlOZMWkyO7HstOLYghgMLNvh8KdI4hcXKcdD9I/w355-h400/map.PNG" width="355" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p> </p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-32352461791212923672023-11-16T12:56:00.000-08:002023-11-17T08:26:32.114-08:00Tawasentha Park(Town of Guilderland, Albany County)<p>We've all heard of common phrases such as "No Shave November", but this year for me has been "No hike November". Finally had a brief window of opportunity so did a short hike at Tawasentha Park off of Route 146 in Guilderland on a gorgeous mid November afternoon.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPNQcKpNuWkB9weCwv2-x5tQm7EwyUzqLeDWXx6fnzgAclPqXbHTkthBSRB_I9YnStnYfP3GcFuntVKAwrnfp_WpcrquggI4l-vD3DM9qIEM2PqXJg3QF0sk9VYOg80z3Us2jKk4SEaEqJaHtXMSHIOBy8XskuqLzsKT0r9I-IoEPKijrt5is4QuMLTk/s6000/IMG_5433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPNQcKpNuWkB9weCwv2-x5tQm7EwyUzqLeDWXx6fnzgAclPqXbHTkthBSRB_I9YnStnYfP3GcFuntVKAwrnfp_WpcrquggI4l-vD3DM9qIEM2PqXJg3QF0sk9VYOg80z3Us2jKk4SEaEqJaHtXMSHIOBy8XskuqLzsKT0r9I-IoEPKijrt5is4QuMLTk/w640-h426/IMG_5433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>There are several different colored trails that meander through the woods of the park, with the highlight being the ones along both sides of the Normans Kill.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiO99uOVh1__q5yDSfpO47qOgqaX3iDfC1-vj2CZgz56S9LEZec0p0zo0h2T2u99dy7LaWUrG3aGA6D-dMycBycAcLPh96BAk0sc40kh8wL5GVxxO2YMOAu0wzbstgDed4rRyjH3ClQ1lWlycI4MBY41JaVl30dv-a2djwgdcsLt0UmafuyXYyK1x1dw/s5936/IMG_5431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3957" data-original-width="5936" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiO99uOVh1__q5yDSfpO47qOgqaX3iDfC1-vj2CZgz56S9LEZec0p0zo0h2T2u99dy7LaWUrG3aGA6D-dMycBycAcLPh96BAk0sc40kh8wL5GVxxO2YMOAu0wzbstgDed4rRyjH3ClQ1lWlycI4MBY41JaVl30dv-a2djwgdcsLt0UmafuyXYyK1x1dw/w640-h426/IMG_5431.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Covered a little over 2 miles on a beautiful, short sleeve fall day. Shockingly only saw one other person in my travels.<br /><p></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-9706816328226312152023-10-31T16:54:00.092-07:002023-11-01T18:26:05.012-07:00Lookout Point(Mohawk Trail-Connecticut)<p>My second stop for the day in the Litchfield Hills of NW Connecticut was a short trail hike to Lookout Point on the Mohawk Trail, a large set of rock ledges easily visible from Route 7 in Canaan. I got started by parking along the Warren Turnpike(Elevation 575 feet) just north of the Housatonic Valley Regional High School and headed east on the trail. The start was a bit tricky, as I had to cross train tracks and then travel through a wooded area near people's backyards, before emerging at a road crossing of busy Route 7.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-npkGqvz3ehyplDqHz_f2zOpo76IakuPHwmpzw5MO2acs4MFPrDYJfcFhw57Xa4sE56bDoEn87xrBKf8J7mHmbdToZ0Djr_SJkJZ3oQXdkcTq9ghnav5dQROTtva8IlPCZjwJ-Qfc2KsP1ng7h3aRuvOQQpAypztPY7HLeMWaa0bf1cs762mWNhwOcE/s6000/sign.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-npkGqvz3ehyplDqHz_f2zOpo76IakuPHwmpzw5MO2acs4MFPrDYJfcFhw57Xa4sE56bDoEn87xrBKf8J7mHmbdToZ0Djr_SJkJZ3oQXdkcTq9ghnav5dQROTtva8IlPCZjwJ-Qfc2KsP1ng7h3aRuvOQQpAypztPY7HLeMWaa0bf1cs762mWNhwOcE/w640-h426/sign.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Once on the east side of Route 7, the trail climbs quickly and becomes quite rugged. The ascent is short but relentlessly steep and rocky.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0xyzSFagmQcvm6n9Wz4tJJxz_iGIDWXY9o8HGrmp52LiNkwKvFhjhk2LNzyRg6EQcH715Ka7KPbzPzc2GnvpZPfONjiViMkiVzxglz3MPgdfUWhx72pAJWm-i_MsHHQvx85aQn-_X-3N_AovQ4vot9T70yf-pzVt5Ba39GVmPnVI_gOO4OF_p8rOKAE/s6000/lookout%20trail%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0xyzSFagmQcvm6n9Wz4tJJxz_iGIDWXY9o8HGrmp52LiNkwKvFhjhk2LNzyRg6EQcH715Ka7KPbzPzc2GnvpZPfONjiViMkiVzxglz3MPgdfUWhx72pAJWm-i_MsHHQvx85aQn-_X-3N_AovQ4vot9T70yf-pzVt5Ba39GVmPnVI_gOO4OF_p8rOKAE/w640-h426/lookout%20trail%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once on the ridge, the trail mellows out nicely and becomes a gorgeous woods walk. A carpet of freshly fallen leaves made for perfect hiking.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x1lnJn5jyUBQB5By-Ao46qnSq6JmXuMrsSOcc5u9E5QAIw7mGcHYzSkNe7hUG0Zw4aqUtu4T276JJqdsyVvNqYC9jf0HODCD0fZy9bkHzBwR_x252Byqe-84n65sRIjQhgm3adAkT0KjHa4u75UGjb5MqZin6eizFY8mjsB00iWMkMBdQR18GFxbOB0/s6000/after%20the%20steep.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x1lnJn5jyUBQB5By-Ao46qnSq6JmXuMrsSOcc5u9E5QAIw7mGcHYzSkNe7hUG0Zw4aqUtu4T276JJqdsyVvNqYC9jf0HODCD0fZy9bkHzBwR_x252Byqe-84n65sRIjQhgm3adAkT0KjHa4u75UGjb5MqZin6eizFY8mjsB00iWMkMBdQR18GFxbOB0/w640-h426/after%20the%20steep.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After a very brief down and then up, I emerged at Lookout Point. The views south down the Housatonic Valley are very nice.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQaAebA_gYYt9cw5EOhQXmJJDV5DmEd9ICN8cOGwXhEjFY22iJfkNCsRF3QyOarefJuDjc2d-h0oJ-DbvDpMzPT_-m25U8XIPavMCZ217ln1EG1olSkKvd458beZVeaIsldpqxn4C4o5oO-CT3p-YKr8Nlnrt805aXuH427f9a6QrqLLrJg9TW8ywj1w/s6000/view%20s.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQaAebA_gYYt9cw5EOhQXmJJDV5DmEd9ICN8cOGwXhEjFY22iJfkNCsRF3QyOarefJuDjc2d-h0oJ-DbvDpMzPT_-m25U8XIPavMCZ217ln1EG1olSkKvd458beZVeaIsldpqxn4C4o5oO-CT3p-YKr8Nlnrt805aXuH427f9a6QrqLLrJg9TW8ywj1w/w640-h426/view%20s.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>To the west, the large, bulking mass of Sharon Mountain looms large above Route 7 winding below at its foot.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQgoSbrYgU0yE6Mq3Ri0jP8U5EYZxBp3d317Q5k1HGpFVmJsywnn_Rxqqlrhyphenhyphenr6UM6Qt2useIJVOwZZSpQTfiVPe3PCgUrZd6IOhBMGtRJcoL_JM2CFRTx5X5ZCpAkzy9_DpaSzfExLW8HkwD_Y21zQehcNrMQcGFUETHkETp4n7PBGrcWOd4yjv3AaA/s6000/view%20west.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQgoSbrYgU0yE6Mq3Ri0jP8U5EYZxBp3d317Q5k1HGpFVmJsywnn_Rxqqlrhyphenhyphenr6UM6Qt2useIJVOwZZSpQTfiVPe3PCgUrZd6IOhBMGtRJcoL_JM2CFRTx5X5ZCpAkzy9_DpaSzfExLW8HkwD_Y21zQehcNrMQcGFUETHkETp4n7PBGrcWOd4yjv3AaA/w640-h426/view%20west.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A fine place to kick back and soak in the views.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqXyrVYaRjP_QIzZ3jbL-yZ9N7tgV2_OlmFw3qvE-quDtTv0T2hjp5mlQid70BtBPh7V6zDt-_KRIV0BJHOw19kEOQjIRzD7egOppzxA5GD9kPYzNZxtK5SUZxfBrZmRuD5kp1W-P4Ck58WPdPLX8ZlCbAUnYfr3k6pUAI9NauAEYVy2IyJM2f_zUtog/s6000/total.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqXyrVYaRjP_QIzZ3jbL-yZ9N7tgV2_OlmFw3qvE-quDtTv0T2hjp5mlQid70BtBPh7V6zDt-_KRIV0BJHOw19kEOQjIRzD7egOppzxA5GD9kPYzNZxtK5SUZxfBrZmRuD5kp1W-P4Ck58WPdPLX8ZlCbAUnYfr3k6pUAI9NauAEYVy2IyJM2f_zUtog/w640-h426/total.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From Lookout Point, I retraced my steps back towards the car, including a very steep descent.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0bTjcmHUoQ1BBg-O9xXhKTr4w0pITpeUjImGedym9MccHlB_7uVEaV-oX2BBof5u_GARdUkGqXJaO3C5SezbbiX77NwOsQ07dU1An-PmToJk5jDNA-ml_f1DwsvvAPFi3a1Xmcd0T6TmauZyJmmCqy12UI8OorezbiA06dOduq7FfJlnefvcZauFaY8/s6000/drop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0bTjcmHUoQ1BBg-O9xXhKTr4w0pITpeUjImGedym9MccHlB_7uVEaV-oX2BBof5u_GARdUkGqXJaO3C5SezbbiX77NwOsQ07dU1An-PmToJk5jDNA-ml_f1DwsvvAPFi3a1Xmcd0T6TmauZyJmmCqy12UI8OorezbiA06dOduq7FfJlnefvcZauFaY8/w640-h426/drop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A pretty crossing over the outlet of nearby Childs Pond on a sturdy footbridge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHYgIDrhj_iI2LtSN4p2KzPWeh-jHlY57riXAuFfNiOTj0_6a5iY9xNH34xFY1K9T3QjpJ7hoKRHk1zvjjHHKQHqCHmKK19wPVl-p85wArdHaMdfQXpDx7b53dxbRCyi7Au2OqVY69k5yNZi2YdmcsFEM1SXJ9f7thvDwsVymd5Go7Ivp3uWW17C1sJY/s6000/footbridge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHYgIDrhj_iI2LtSN4p2KzPWeh-jHlY57riXAuFfNiOTj0_6a5iY9xNH34xFY1K9T3QjpJ7hoKRHk1zvjjHHKQHqCHmKK19wPVl-p85wArdHaMdfQXpDx7b53dxbRCyi7Au2OqVY69k5yNZi2YdmcsFEM1SXJ9f7thvDwsVymd5Go7Ivp3uWW17C1sJY/w640-h426/footbridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A nice and easy 2 miles round trip with over 600 feet of ascent. Short, steep but sweet. </p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Blue Line=Route taken</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHXgcupslNUysfdfxIFOX_hvrM2VrjtXiWjvwNHrdu3CegFiazDHZbGBWLq46goQAzy1VHrleDMds_Afmn0JaUetUYqE83Twh6g9-bh9US9HeQ58cty3hwZ9FnOavarFD9J9VGDg-TJAK0vPtLkPq-bcgscSwxt0fjV-_BpK6TE7Dml1HpmYZvpe3Cww/s812/look.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="812" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHXgcupslNUysfdfxIFOX_hvrM2VrjtXiWjvwNHrdu3CegFiazDHZbGBWLq46goQAzy1VHrleDMds_Afmn0JaUetUYqE83Twh6g9-bh9US9HeQ58cty3hwZ9FnOavarFD9J9VGDg-TJAK0vPtLkPq-bcgscSwxt0fjV-_BpK6TE7Dml1HpmYZvpe3Cww/w400-h315/look.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-39049687606191208232023-10-31T16:49:00.126-07:002023-11-01T17:00:02.631-07:00Mine Mountain(Housatonic State Forest-Connecticut)<p>Headed over to the NW corner of Connecticut to do a little exploring on a pleasantly cool Halloween. My first stop would be untrailed Mine Mountain in the Housatonic State Forest starting from Eggleston Road in the town of Sharon, where an unmarked pull off(elevation 900 feet) provides access for 1 or 2 cars. As I entered the woods, I was immediately greeted with a "Closed Area-No Trespassing" sign, but upon closer inspection it showed that it's only for April 15-October 17th for some reason. I was safe to proceed.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGENdS66X_6ECMKd9XXZAR4R0Qg5UV7-fGbmrLHzx5epcHAzISNL-ZGeM2vYjsnHGGdNcwQcbKvzQD2qtv1wd8P27VRQ6VkoTkGnWJ_KTBp1u4N8lOELHdsVqsYsqh28yQ_n6EsmUfT6Van_rWtsmWnCXed8hAQwOJYt4l3G6K2hQ9NREk6612c6ZfHtM/s6000/closed.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGENdS66X_6ECMKd9XXZAR4R0Qg5UV7-fGbmrLHzx5epcHAzISNL-ZGeM2vYjsnHGGdNcwQcbKvzQD2qtv1wd8P27VRQ6VkoTkGnWJ_KTBp1u4N8lOELHdsVqsYsqh28yQ_n6EsmUfT6Van_rWtsmWnCXed8hAQwOJYt4l3G6K2hQ9NREk6612c6ZfHtM/w640-h426/closed.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The climbing is steep right out of the gate but I was able to pick up a good hunters path up to aid the way. On my climb I passed by an enormous "Aircraft Carrier Rock" akin to the one in the Catskills.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_3bLga1A1Dvwi5fezJx4Ns5CEBrb5NMI4AcoX-VX9uJszfLXC5Q4r7CM4Oa5i0VN9cLq5ozzvNwS0ulJD6FX7e-2Rzcxsv7ylF8WrcVwNSBTq-AVc0H86gfCql6aI7UAyUmhErq4qNy4nIWdwIb77jSJjRMgb-_3ZGUcIJCwrJB7eozENaddvj0OJ9s/s6000/aircraft.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_3bLga1A1Dvwi5fezJx4Ns5CEBrb5NMI4AcoX-VX9uJszfLXC5Q4r7CM4Oa5i0VN9cLq5ozzvNwS0ulJD6FX7e-2Rzcxsv7ylF8WrcVwNSBTq-AVc0H86gfCql6aI7UAyUmhErq4qNy4nIWdwIb77jSJjRMgb-_3ZGUcIJCwrJB7eozENaddvj0OJ9s/w640-h426/aircraft.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mine Mountain consists of several small high points and I first hit the SW high spot which had filtered views and a lot of low brush.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJDuW8BWePwkgbh2wHZo8YvnAep0Splf3p8NxQUtOfXb6TO7cRtmsZtSKJnA0C8Qir3Yac1RM4sT2Kw3bAUXlDKXf9dvTrvLOCdk4hT5SomP_-9gFyASLTSiTbN2s4Gj320FyannYgicJ_Lu33nbmxV6UVVwlgoygGSlinQnArHH4KWE6uaHCkHSw1l0/s6000/west%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJDuW8BWePwkgbh2wHZo8YvnAep0Splf3p8NxQUtOfXb6TO7cRtmsZtSKJnA0C8Qir3Yac1RM4sT2Kw3bAUXlDKXf9dvTrvLOCdk4hT5SomP_-9gFyASLTSiTbN2s4Gj320FyannYgicJ_Lu33nbmxV6UVVwlgoygGSlinQnArHH4KWE6uaHCkHSw1l0/w640-h426/west%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the SW knob, I headed north to the NW summit knob, which was fully wooded. This is marked as the summit on some maps but is clearly not he high spot. From this knob, I proceeded east and then up a rocky slope towards the true summit.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_2JYOXkrswiaPzrNYzNwI08SB6Lrq5Zixk6RhsHbgyJfcXquIMDuxTk833mqKOiTe1Hs4L1xOJ0Vqn4yAux373Pv8sXnUcgeWY2XZOkRsl-vDogV63Fj2SgZ5RTn03LYNTGS5ewVsWguOlhXCkVrFbfRzHm8tmLrVpOwmLGH6o-XEArJ5-JVhd_jNAo/s6000/steep%20ascent.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_2JYOXkrswiaPzrNYzNwI08SB6Lrq5Zixk6RhsHbgyJfcXquIMDuxTk833mqKOiTe1Hs4L1xOJ0Vqn4yAux373Pv8sXnUcgeWY2XZOkRsl-vDogV63Fj2SgZ5RTn03LYNTGS5ewVsWguOlhXCkVrFbfRzHm8tmLrVpOwmLGH6o-XEArJ5-JVhd_jNAo/w640-h426/steep%20ascent.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The summit ridge was surrounded by mountain laurel, but the 1395 foot true high spot itself sits in a nice clearing.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsdi2WV3UvpMPPyNpkC-GTrGWOHu5n8CJvSpZkufQIXwUjysbqBHOcXDCME_41CYTyGUdtgn8rhQptRawYs_uXRFe8r7ZPsrrTHxM5KLJMtpzWJHuNq6XBeVe5HHHn6kIA0LeAg18t4Z23GG370mhsmtw4FcRheJwj1kh-SSXZ6acjqcfIoLq5c-qshc/s6000/true%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsdi2WV3UvpMPPyNpkC-GTrGWOHu5n8CJvSpZkufQIXwUjysbqBHOcXDCME_41CYTyGUdtgn8rhQptRawYs_uXRFe8r7ZPsrrTHxM5KLJMtpzWJHuNq6XBeVe5HHHn6kIA0LeAg18t4Z23GG370mhsmtw4FcRheJwj1kh-SSXZ6acjqcfIoLq5c-qshc/w640-h426/true%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the summit, I pushed east through some thick mountain laurel before hitting more wide open hardwoods and many through the trees views. There is one nice southeast facing view up the Carse Brook valley with Pine Swamp Hill on the left.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZWz6O6PFx9yYZp6XanW-5BjLWHd2z0a4I2Rm-ZZjpeftSukQVrwtK_nKbw8mLScHFv8v7EvjYqT5qF6YypTmGHMpQ6OojFsoiFu7mrdZvIK3kj0bD8RK37GprStfs9s4XAnCxVol7DblLbUTm6AdorOWcvd5vPKGl5oghQi3cNUYvwQZ_whxHLw51L4/s6000/IMG_5370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZWz6O6PFx9yYZp6XanW-5BjLWHd2z0a4I2Rm-ZZjpeftSukQVrwtK_nKbw8mLScHFv8v7EvjYqT5qF6YypTmGHMpQ6OojFsoiFu7mrdZvIK3kj0bD8RK37GprStfs9s4XAnCxVol7DblLbUTm6AdorOWcvd5vPKGl5oghQi3cNUYvwQZ_whxHLw51L4/w640-h426/IMG_5370.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>Although fleeting, there was a bit of fall foliage hanging on. Sometimes, if the conditions are right, the woods themselves can be even prettier than the long distance vistas. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6m6pENQLXl3qCBeAG2ZB_9foBVStQTVftysE7DDqXbd2AythDHZdYo2smGwPe09Zfhjz-qIqwptZKmvYGGr_dIcc7EELE3j17xmjV3G9B7Oc11syvVYL1-D8hoHNswkTi5Pa258gR1x3chjVo5sGvo5AMVheV6EbzAfKsHYJom9H6Wvfu31wx6cdVEk/s6000/pretty%20woods.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6m6pENQLXl3qCBeAG2ZB_9foBVStQTVftysE7DDqXbd2AythDHZdYo2smGwPe09Zfhjz-qIqwptZKmvYGGr_dIcc7EELE3j17xmjV3G9B7Oc11syvVYL1-D8hoHNswkTi5Pa258gR1x3chjVo5sGvo5AMVheV6EbzAfKsHYJom9H6Wvfu31wx6cdVEk/w640-h426/pretty%20woods.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>My final "high spot" on the mountain was the SE knob, which sits in a very large, grassy clearing.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVHN-EAP9EGUdsO9NzGBMk8tgiIiM-luqMvyV5DPW9dZ374YRFV6EXbxwh1JhwmstZ44HUq07ClaAbGmQU8r86H8lALKcKSqVCkBDpFPq2VINFivgbYlqiQcUDeQsRaUUMT2IT1vKnusitlCE9CJoW5QnnbDY5qPtD8rPBM0W0GThG31qgDxxXhYqO58/s6000/open%20climbing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVHN-EAP9EGUdsO9NzGBMk8tgiIiM-luqMvyV5DPW9dZ374YRFV6EXbxwh1JhwmstZ44HUq07ClaAbGmQU8r86H8lALKcKSqVCkBDpFPq2VINFivgbYlqiQcUDeQsRaUUMT2IT1vKnusitlCE9CJoW5QnnbDY5qPtD8rPBM0W0GThG31qgDxxXhYqO58/w640-h426/open%20climbing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The views from this knob are very open and quite nice. This is the view south.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOoleTPc0FU41w4sTKRFXegbhkE9s3mWguSbxldlU2iqcmw8yg4hmuIitSKF3DsHioIQkwCxiUXZ5uYjaEdqu7xQzbzokxLJykTBDNvX11vttq7LVFm2d2y2oU6dICT1edt7IaUGiMUtkjDnQTfCPRsmDNDYt69gJuyaSWh4UvN5F2HUrM6wpwY3mylw/s6000/view%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOoleTPc0FU41w4sTKRFXegbhkE9s3mWguSbxldlU2iqcmw8yg4hmuIitSKF3DsHioIQkwCxiUXZ5uYjaEdqu7xQzbzokxLJykTBDNvX11vttq7LVFm2d2y2oU6dICT1edt7IaUGiMUtkjDnQTfCPRsmDNDYt69gJuyaSWh4UvN5F2HUrM6wpwY3mylw/w640-h426/view%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>SE views.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz3E1Q_WeCveawYRawyInlb3BtqVxvk4Y5NoiuqRzN_EqWHVfvJ9qmFSB5FI7jq5Yw_cMlWL4aj2PXjVMIAYI3oxbXx5LzF3AakSrwGOwoQfalJqNJAd9R1QOUjh7PbUSNQYZ4tW194mklyVMGl9KmtPcDjfIpoulNx3DUuxEuLwBpa7hkzL4YGDRcjw/s6000/view%202a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz3E1Q_WeCveawYRawyInlb3BtqVxvk4Y5NoiuqRzN_EqWHVfvJ9qmFSB5FI7jq5Yw_cMlWL4aj2PXjVMIAYI3oxbXx5LzF3AakSrwGOwoQfalJqNJAd9R1QOUjh7PbUSNQYZ4tW194mklyVMGl9KmtPcDjfIpoulNx3DUuxEuLwBpa7hkzL4YGDRcjw/w640-h426/view%202a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p> SW views are a bit obscured, but still okay.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66Ab4NmHNF5AnhQD7RJ7yY-lbNeDuOX7NO_B5JSUvVZXXGh4OBcvtYyhPOB3uICESWhrPnMC9bEcs2-8WUBA7mfM5udRkEQtq28UfQiVABYk7ajjAYAB4AleuDOYQsZizA-takmNsJozsE57wGDwsweMOldpdRjnmIzMOiULQ89RLbodMJpneUDlhQIE/s6000/last%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66Ab4NmHNF5AnhQD7RJ7yY-lbNeDuOX7NO_B5JSUvVZXXGh4OBcvtYyhPOB3uICESWhrPnMC9bEcs2-8WUBA7mfM5udRkEQtq28UfQiVABYk7ajjAYAB4AleuDOYQsZizA-takmNsJozsE57wGDwsweMOldpdRjnmIzMOiULQ89RLbodMJpneUDlhQIE/w640-h426/last%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From an even broader and flatter rock slab, just below the other ledges, there are more scenic views to be enjoyed.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVc3FBw79HspGnLgwsjqlh9f624eyyURru1bkEMIMfSu7l7Mxeui8FPIxbN3y9yCU8YLgbogyMHKWrfdHfQL8TvdP31x95s_ug7mMST78CS7jsidX4oT9zH6cP3mwVVM5xa0RVblJV9BLjYN2RZfk6e5QLO59gMPyoan2ad7-FYQaicrky0UGhJLdp8M/s6000/lower%20ledge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVc3FBw79HspGnLgwsjqlh9f624eyyURru1bkEMIMfSu7l7Mxeui8FPIxbN3y9yCU8YLgbogyMHKWrfdHfQL8TvdP31x95s_ug7mMST78CS7jsidX4oT9zH6cP3mwVVM5xa0RVblJV9BLjYN2RZfk6e5QLO59gMPyoan2ad7-FYQaicrky0UGhJLdp8M/w640-h426/lower%20ledge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After enjoying the views, it was an easy bushwhack back down towards the car on Eggleston Road for a total of 2.2 miles RT and over 500 feet of ascent. A lot of bang for the buck on this small mountain. <br /><p></p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Red X's=Views</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYPRiNaSoQ8iQfA03qmYiUzf0dPru-Rf3W9xMk_6UfGJBzgz-T6sErnL3vt8ow6mMjJltQMxX4P1BEsguOjsxPsLZDIe3hfo3ZGwBMxjeuhWATh5MKvmbAulXt_Jp3eTt18ct7ef3lOl1Nhyphenhyphenmfu-LLVF4nwOBN9f5tCiaFwLV0KnI1nH4nJi5vBipX8/s852/mine.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="852" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYPRiNaSoQ8iQfA03qmYiUzf0dPru-Rf3W9xMk_6UfGJBzgz-T6sErnL3vt8ow6mMjJltQMxX4P1BEsguOjsxPsLZDIe3hfo3ZGwBMxjeuhWATh5MKvmbAulXt_Jp3eTt18ct7ef3lOl1Nhyphenhyphenmfu-LLVF4nwOBN9f5tCiaFwLV0KnI1nH4nJi5vBipX8/w400-h311/mine.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-11878161876577433572023-10-24T10:58:00.140-07:002023-10-25T08:53:19.987-07:00Huckleberry Point(Kaaterskill Wild Forest-Catskills)<p>Ventured down into the Catskills to do a short hike to Huckleberry Point via an unmarked but obvious footpath along the upper rim of Platte Clove. Being short on time, this was the perfect hike, with a lot of bang for the buck. Parked in an unmarked pull off along the north shoulder of Platte Clove Road(Elevation 1760 feet) and quickly picked up the "secret" path, heading east. The tread on path is quite obvious and easy to follow.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe4M9v6VrYb6kOPkri7RL9XDkZi87Wjrux9HfaUZ4zwRSGb62FLnD6392m_zYYnXKmDG9Ju8CwIhndqSXDGE0Ji6-5dcS_YR56aPOygMBuhngQh8YOOkYLm69IcpTQ9htESFTckrnpP39c84n_78Dj0A-Vd0iPALmbNpb3BpPECBErv4lzI3EgGyibuM/s6000/trail.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe4M9v6VrYb6kOPkri7RL9XDkZi87Wjrux9HfaUZ4zwRSGb62FLnD6392m_zYYnXKmDG9Ju8CwIhndqSXDGE0Ji6-5dcS_YR56aPOygMBuhngQh8YOOkYLm69IcpTQ9htESFTckrnpP39c84n_78Dj0A-Vd0iPALmbNpb3BpPECBErv4lzI3EgGyibuM/w640-h426/trail.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>Stone wall from an old quarry.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrI5CtvyH_9_aaxMyC7WZplTHZrj-rQbnFMvZsBFW6k-NjxQr1ckx2spyLmnuvlUIxPaUUP2kembC68sE-JvjChhjdDt2Ie52l9j6ZFd4akoBCFLT39e3bRXmrsDciyQK8XzBahwKZMM8hdTQ_m0YwMROA2xwSn2uspYWPwmT-S24oGhtbLX5XGX3r_Q/s6000/quarry.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrI5CtvyH_9_aaxMyC7WZplTHZrj-rQbnFMvZsBFW6k-NjxQr1ckx2spyLmnuvlUIxPaUUP2kembC68sE-JvjChhjdDt2Ie52l9j6ZFd4akoBCFLT39e3bRXmrsDciyQK8XzBahwKZMM8hdTQ_m0YwMROA2xwSn2uspYWPwmT-S24oGhtbLX5XGX3r_Q/w640-h426/quarry.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After a short, steep ascent I hit the first view point of the day from a small informal campsite, complete with stone seats and fire pit. This view takes in a unique view through Platte Clove, with Huckleberry Point on the left.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKqNiFKRcKsBRfQDg-3Xu2XDwdq04MqDP5UQXBcbHBGkONU47MYg1h7JcbVNJvfhx5zcWfEGf_w6xh07Z5BQDoKVaG92UQi1Ztz-t3nJ2Zcl10wwd_zg3hKD13Vxp5q6QpR52_hlj5NitJg8od9DIIqe5_fulz-o6l-55Dsvlew7MhSOQ88D9YWibhw4/s6000/first%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKqNiFKRcKsBRfQDg-3Xu2XDwdq04MqDP5UQXBcbHBGkONU47MYg1h7JcbVNJvfhx5zcWfEGf_w6xh07Z5BQDoKVaG92UQi1Ztz-t3nJ2Zcl10wwd_zg3hKD13Vxp5q6QpR52_hlj5NitJg8od9DIIqe5_fulz-o6l-55Dsvlew7MhSOQ88D9YWibhw4/w640-h426/first%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>There are numerous great views along the edge of the Clove, with fleeting fall colors adding to the display.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq71d0rn-HiFxObFYm_t2AX_RTby_k-QvbSO5aRQTFy6tvSCgqRQcCA-ydtAPNk9ujOliDJSSniF67hrQ3Dh7lcl1JDZdpTC2n5N9dgVzwC1eZdZBe7nZqPEJtuDpCcT465oXZm36VdaOtNeCnM71QjTk5EdHaHBZ8W2iLypR0_plpHosBn0yRfkWa94w/s6000/views%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq71d0rn-HiFxObFYm_t2AX_RTby_k-QvbSO5aRQTFy6tvSCgqRQcCA-ydtAPNk9ujOliDJSSniF67hrQ3Dh7lcl1JDZdpTC2n5N9dgVzwC1eZdZBe7nZqPEJtuDpCcT465oXZm36VdaOtNeCnM71QjTk5EdHaHBZ8W2iLypR0_plpHosBn0yRfkWa94w/w640-h426/views%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This unmarked path, while much more scenic than the marked trail, is also not for the faint of heart.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj250IenkFqjQ-KrZFsdVc3uYG8cYNi8Uf_SMROtzTpoKBIJoQv6qhTkvqD9SVUhjUBXsKlv24OWbSAvxLQrXHtwMx11hbFweHiibMzYNJ4o6L07zMN1Wb_zrbD238P4N1Yl4a7fTYWBL7BX0fIGnwXgmvBRp7fW0bFQtBRlacOdUnbY5iFGEDotWzBKME/s6000/edge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj250IenkFqjQ-KrZFsdVc3uYG8cYNi8Uf_SMROtzTpoKBIJoQv6qhTkvqD9SVUhjUBXsKlv24OWbSAvxLQrXHtwMx11hbFweHiibMzYNJ4o6L07zMN1Wb_zrbD238P4N1Yl4a7fTYWBL7BX0fIGnwXgmvBRp7fW0bFQtBRlacOdUnbY5iFGEDotWzBKME/w640-h426/edge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">After about one mile, the path meets up with the marked trail at Huckleberry Point. The views here are nothing short of spectacular, looking south towards Plattekill Mountain and Overlook Mountain just beyond.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC8MM-yjiGWInHaKyhL7VVX-OvSdMUrcnUkMSZSfnXayS8ROTVQbumZ8H7QQ4F23Nvjp3oEXoNA2KoNI_U-2Ut3Tg4zyqCIRjeU9G34Y2kFl_iqrI-c6JsgS1CnUlrxvJGoYFkeLR96fXSRfrjz0NFpIozh7b2IGnYGNCYV-DKJTlyq4ID9R9rTzIl84/s6000/hucklberry%20pt.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPC8MM-yjiGWInHaKyhL7VVX-OvSdMUrcnUkMSZSfnXayS8ROTVQbumZ8H7QQ4F23Nvjp3oEXoNA2KoNI_U-2Ut3Tg4zyqCIRjeU9G34Y2kFl_iqrI-c6JsgS1CnUlrxvJGoYFkeLR96fXSRfrjz0NFpIozh7b2IGnYGNCYV-DKJTlyq4ID9R9rTzIl84/w640-h426/hucklberry%20pt.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Looking SE from Huckleberry Point, across the Hudson Valley, with the lower portion of Platte Clove far below.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnJIWPn0Lu2TrGrTvLaj9NcOQrnU9PgedZKial3tEY6FZGrZdcgbsAqZDJkKuupjGnowNcCUuXQrD8Qlv3erduDR4DkD6ji5PAxG9TCc279p8TNdKWQpGl9Ke2F_t0RRuPNMQiMQD-4QuDIzq3-RS4i-zz6wOU7iEe0L_jlLxEE73Ryga6vH2er1mc7w/s6000/se%20from%20point.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnJIWPn0Lu2TrGrTvLaj9NcOQrnU9PgedZKial3tEY6FZGrZdcgbsAqZDJkKuupjGnowNcCUuXQrD8Qlv3erduDR4DkD6ji5PAxG9TCc279p8TNdKWQpGl9Ke2F_t0RRuPNMQiMQD-4QuDIzq3-RS4i-zz6wOU7iEe0L_jlLxEE73Ryga6vH2er1mc7w/w640-h426/se%20from%20point.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I continued along the edge of the escarpment to the east/ northeast, following on again off again herd paths and hit a few more good views and ledges. This is the view due east with the Hudson River easily visible running north-south.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9M8MIevOUHxCxjSSwaibdFe9fB5kIuX-WgRZoz2N6tX05Zno8DirXUykQnw6RGMkJ4YWWbJsD2BGRyDUrrghtKdTODeopzhNELHARWfU49z3XEZ1KjtBkZYK2FNCXUkCNubPdw5N7MRPOaXSYP5Wchw4P9mf1nL5005hpd4wHPcoxJ5Ml7bFhbCpmF0/s6000/east%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9M8MIevOUHxCxjSSwaibdFe9fB5kIuX-WgRZoz2N6tX05Zno8DirXUykQnw6RGMkJ4YWWbJsD2BGRyDUrrghtKdTODeopzhNELHARWfU49z3XEZ1KjtBkZYK2FNCXUkCNubPdw5N7MRPOaXSYP5Wchw4P9mf1nL5005hpd4wHPcoxJ5Ml7bFhbCpmF0/w640-h426/east%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A bit further north along the escarpment, I came to this grassy ledge. Believe it or not there was a small fire pit on the other side of this boulder, only a couple feet away from the edge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AOq79Ik1rWLMeoOLBBQ6lhxDOIH70vlxPtsrefiI3Aabjmish-fGqPz2oo-KWkPc2pIFQedSrI5hE6dQCawGB22BlqmLf20Q6_b-qTrzGA9yQYU6TZjD_guF_hWWEFhbkUWOJpffLW6f9adtj2jCm86zG42-JRiu4VDC_eY08eI1pa27EICL_0wrsvk/s6000/boulder%20view%20east.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AOq79Ik1rWLMeoOLBBQ6lhxDOIH70vlxPtsrefiI3Aabjmish-fGqPz2oo-KWkPc2pIFQedSrI5hE6dQCawGB22BlqmLf20Q6_b-qTrzGA9yQYU6TZjD_guF_hWWEFhbkUWOJpffLW6f9adtj2jCm86zG42-JRiu4VDC_eY08eI1pa27EICL_0wrsvk/w640-h426/boulder%20view%20east.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After taking in the east facing views, I back tracked to the unofficial path and followed it along the edge of the Clove, taking in the breathtaking views and foliage. This view captures Indian Head, Twin and Sugarloaf Mountains across the Clove.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrPrL_m3Xa4dt-dYe6AOmAo9FPr18D15yDSzk9k6hZXr6N6IkkH0YQ7MI1Qp3Ss-55CGIidkVI5eEtCT0QqWaQoHwrIM5xs7ZoFEH0BsZoIckfuPY5FPEPZc8Uuqb4ebkZPECcjG5TOslMCFYjimmu9FLIe9LnqH69r0g5g2YrXPOtUIPbUCRt_6aH88/s6000/colors%20popping%20return.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrPrL_m3Xa4dt-dYe6AOmAo9FPr18D15yDSzk9k6hZXr6N6IkkH0YQ7MI1Qp3Ss-55CGIidkVI5eEtCT0QqWaQoHwrIM5xs7ZoFEH0BsZoIckfuPY5FPEPZc8Uuqb4ebkZPECcjG5TOslMCFYjimmu9FLIe9LnqH69r0g5g2YrXPOtUIPbUCRt_6aH88/w640-h426/colors%20popping%20return.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A nice and easy hike back through the colorful woods got me back to the car in no time.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdqFioEPIkjJbyGye8HNy2AZS35InkMZAuFVTg0g-Y7IuE7wa5IW4MYRXY1-yaYFZc2jo_KjnI_oXSwQ8ngpOvH7Mu8YJyNGGjWzKhC26kbH3CqPR0yI7uCPLM85BvSSio2cWdqrGRlEshirFyM8hc8bA-Jl-rX-PkWZRHaDqlNvfCwLEDbjnJrJIafc/s6000/path.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdqFioEPIkjJbyGye8HNy2AZS35InkMZAuFVTg0g-Y7IuE7wa5IW4MYRXY1-yaYFZc2jo_KjnI_oXSwQ8ngpOvH7Mu8YJyNGGjWzKhC26kbH3CqPR0yI7uCPLM85BvSSio2cWdqrGRlEshirFyM8hc8bA-Jl-rX-PkWZRHaDqlNvfCwLEDbjnJrJIafc/w640-h426/path.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Covered about 2.2 miles total with 600 feet of ascent. A much shorter, easier, and better alternative than the marked DEC trail. Didn't see another person the entire hike.<br /></p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Blue=Tracks<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFujTx4xi859gVatClYf4IAOYDdFf9s6TB8RC9UN1J6kvJHRDWG13KEEPKYZXjlo7zzGxs-oCgkHu5IOBxbDzckRvhswqGPEacdtRF0esmPTvmPQG23p_qd2_4JF4ef2diLtyb63cce9UsJ9QcSc-XF-GFEOyxYohcQXx98s4_oHOEPGyM0UqUzWvwFhU/s892/huck.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="892" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFujTx4xi859gVatClYf4IAOYDdFf9s6TB8RC9UN1J6kvJHRDWG13KEEPKYZXjlo7zzGxs-oCgkHu5IOBxbDzckRvhswqGPEacdtRF0esmPTvmPQG23p_qd2_4JF4ef2diLtyb63cce9UsJ9QcSc-XF-GFEOyxYohcQXx98s4_oHOEPGyM0UqUzWvwFhU/w400-h275/huck.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-21903109286836907772023-10-18T12:27:00.252-07:002023-10-22T16:49:17.072-07:00Hot Point(Florida State Forest-Berkshires)<p>Headed over to the Berkshires to do a little exploring north of Route 2 along the Hoosac Range to an open ledge known as Hot Point in the little known Florida State Forest. Utilized an unmarked woods road off of Route 2 to park my car a short distance in. (Elevation 2010 feet). From there, I continued on foot north along the rough, damp and muddy woods road under cloudy skies.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRiZWCtwTBUMTWOBnFJb33Y1WOepFFk2DkrqxmgvxWWDM3m7kOys7P4KwsXvZydnNykVGq-tNUGVdHw_0P9Jx_sCpfNDMz8Tl0i0wQzVgxnoyXePx8xoUlTmKhASFJwZKAeky0OkHQ8-jwGlEXi-69tcsWibneUOCdD3dj8DRK8BQDdkwTZALZ0agFlA/s6000/road%20walk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRiZWCtwTBUMTWOBnFJb33Y1WOepFFk2DkrqxmgvxWWDM3m7kOys7P4KwsXvZydnNykVGq-tNUGVdHw_0P9Jx_sCpfNDMz8Tl0i0wQzVgxnoyXePx8xoUlTmKhASFJwZKAeky0OkHQ8-jwGlEXi-69tcsWibneUOCdD3dj8DRK8BQDdkwTZALZ0agFlA/w640-h426/road%20walk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After about 3/4 of a mile on the woods road, I bushwhacked a short distance east over to a sprawling beaver pond.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f1P22ENNJ8r-MNXhdF_e065TjL3qKkz5ysOLd11phJd4hhn6ZGRqmuZ_0htHHEblhm05dXUa58k0MahBZ63y3FWaI1X1STL7uJUcleEL7MoWPOM_7OTP3J1XqvF21mVXbNq3jDj6F4KTTJWJOXVXFs0p6xmbZQX-IRgxbEWIzAyFi8NoHU-gUWuKlRw/s6000/pond%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f1P22ENNJ8r-MNXhdF_e065TjL3qKkz5ysOLd11phJd4hhn6ZGRqmuZ_0htHHEblhm05dXUa58k0MahBZ63y3FWaI1X1STL7uJUcleEL7MoWPOM_7OTP3J1XqvF21mVXbNq3jDj6F4KTTJWJOXVXFs0p6xmbZQX-IRgxbEWIzAyFi8NoHU-gUWuKlRw/w640-h426/pond%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>There are actually two large beaver ponds here, but the northern one sits on private land, so I crossed the wetlands between the two to stay on state land. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxF0Ocfr09pg4SVkYsYkC_L8rs-aOlofsRiviTvRdaC5CTd45dTo4XycDM7Wihxobaq8a2Hpn-LvIeU3fWrktzzYKKyE3S3rA92gXpkiP14-4E0FVWwWir9K0LwqOFt55T5rdVgyVp2w1cB6CJEZLg7UNpVIDpnKQdlp9vMKrUrCX5rDOyiFfo50kx8Y/s6000/between%20ponds.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxF0Ocfr09pg4SVkYsYkC_L8rs-aOlofsRiviTvRdaC5CTd45dTo4XycDM7Wihxobaq8a2Hpn-LvIeU3fWrktzzYKKyE3S3rA92gXpkiP14-4E0FVWwWir9K0LwqOFt55T5rdVgyVp2w1cB6CJEZLg7UNpVIDpnKQdlp9vMKrUrCX5rDOyiFfo50kx8Y/w640-h426/between%20ponds.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Continued my bushwhack north for another 3/4 of a mile, criss-crossing more woods roads along the way before beginning my descent west off the steep slopes of the Hoosac Range. Crossing a small but fast rushing drainage just prior to the big drop.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTxK-u_E1Trl-7ZPjBwG-H4Ir2xw7_V2oNwX0daXr59cExEn8R9Bgl12PfDxu0iowvZtEO4YnttcmNsablOr6J0gWR9C3iOgJEHM5Z59FzUuxCAfH7Tz3u8audrezQzF-ia9gduvc5jNTPe966kFfhjjEZxm8R3kLhJT1gut6GauuqFggQmKxj7VlSpA/s6000/brook%20falls.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTxK-u_E1Trl-7ZPjBwG-H4Ir2xw7_V2oNwX0daXr59cExEn8R9Bgl12PfDxu0iowvZtEO4YnttcmNsablOr6J0gWR9C3iOgJEHM5Z59FzUuxCAfH7Tz3u8audrezQzF-ia9gduvc5jNTPe966kFfhjjEZxm8R3kLhJT1gut6GauuqFggQmKxj7VlSpA/w640-h426/brook%20falls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Due to the odd layout of state land, I was forced to bushwhack back south another 4/10 of a mile, while dropping 300 feet on some very steep slopes. This was by far the toughest part of the entire hike.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5uoQUD8catT6byNL4Dc1t7nf7tJ4hHgeud8q4g3a_lazHSdIjhYebE5frinMv4ioT3wXXT2dISmQghyphenhyphenZFMMmO_UC4Xw8U5eP4SRU-cuLXAULq2hEgcZPmyLjMWXrtipjhfuu1fkSpLs9U0Rp0xlZRPtgRFdhjaXX6EHJ7s79GYPqSTZn-yuKCXvcBds/s6000/steep.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5uoQUD8catT6byNL4Dc1t7nf7tJ4hHgeud8q4g3a_lazHSdIjhYebE5frinMv4ioT3wXXT2dISmQghyphenhyphenZFMMmO_UC4Xw8U5eP4SRU-cuLXAULq2hEgcZPmyLjMWXrtipjhfuu1fkSpLs9U0Rp0xlZRPtgRFdhjaXX6EHJ7s79GYPqSTZn-yuKCXvcBds/w640-h426/steep.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Sitting unassumingly at about 1800 feet of elevation, high above the rugged slopes carved out by Canyon Brook is a wide open rock ledge called Hot Point. The view west/ southwest towards the Greylock Range is spectacular.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGGnts4ieqBA1CsKpfVdV4Kx1Un4-jz0BdY04ug7uj2cs0ReoaYRLx16xGZeaeQi3T3MYrh3KZflvZxbTg5pi4PSCVzY4f4cYM0KjGsix93O1sq78KzJDseWQBcaPeJ_QZYdQ3gglzxLYDhNajJ3o5cdlK1XHJ1EwqUEej2KcgWItQkWw-KivJ_zrCD8/s6000/hot%20point%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGGnts4ieqBA1CsKpfVdV4Kx1Un4-jz0BdY04ug7uj2cs0ReoaYRLx16xGZeaeQi3T3MYrh3KZflvZxbTg5pi4PSCVzY4f4cYM0KjGsix93O1sq78KzJDseWQBcaPeJ_QZYdQ3gglzxLYDhNajJ3o5cdlK1XHJ1EwqUEej2KcgWItQkWw-KivJ_zrCD8/w640-h426/hot%20point%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This view looks more southerly with the fall colors clinging to the Hoosac Range, as well as the Greylock Range fighting off some low clouds to the right. A careful eye can pick out Ragged Mountain's long ridge just in front of Greylock.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAGA0KjPj-Tkw5jtg9GQgwP4a34I4UyppUxVgLylGmql5gFTrAzO834XTHKY4udghpVZl7W6Df4ZKFT-Gxq2d8QM09wWIj9VS2HidIktb0lLuDV0-XT5aA0WBQN14d5X37nYto2aaF5XDvNH2mE-X_tKgPUaRV3FnqiTr4aRkWunJSMMBK_B7zRoUXY/s6000/hoosac%20greylock.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpAGA0KjPj-Tkw5jtg9GQgwP4a34I4UyppUxVgLylGmql5gFTrAzO834XTHKY4udghpVZl7W6Df4ZKFT-Gxq2d8QM09wWIj9VS2HidIktb0lLuDV0-XT5aA0WBQN14d5X37nYto2aaF5XDvNH2mE-X_tKgPUaRV3FnqiTr4aRkWunJSMMBK_B7zRoUXY/w640-h426/hoosac%20greylock.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The west view from Hot Point, with the Greylock Range(left), North Adams down in the valley and Bald Mountain(Clarksburg State Forest) to the right. The Taconic Range is in the distant center.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMzOyPhg7mRDS4RAtOCu2w520vv39NpJwbOr4gJVOyy0vE1AdZL8Pq1kRw_I7cHZFFBm_-qsfFw70YIz_uiy0Lt4xbNqonp3Rwt1M1AUEwGa7X0cIwqqo8Wwaamc6uy4fnS4NhneOwbZtems0Hc-bSX-QWoFJhucyRkbVWG7oKAJPu8W9Hn0j1os1mdM/s6000/north%20adams.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMzOyPhg7mRDS4RAtOCu2w520vv39NpJwbOr4gJVOyy0vE1AdZL8Pq1kRw_I7cHZFFBm_-qsfFw70YIz_uiy0Lt4xbNqonp3Rwt1M1AUEwGa7X0cIwqqo8Wwaamc6uy4fnS4NhneOwbZtems0Hc-bSX-QWoFJhucyRkbVWG7oKAJPu8W9Hn0j1os1mdM/w640-h426/north%20adams.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Surprised to find a sign at the point.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp6jNWTKWzGy-wIvdO7-PIy4o0jUH6c2l8ltcMrlBYlwHcgoDtxWHz2zyfihjMIHZgTR4eGthHeco0c3d9bK84K5UXJZE8BaK2SBiyRwuySWqicC4uMuveATWwmJR9KaYiNIUBZIyCWioeiSjIl2oaXt9O0CZWPjFySKMe-jxQQRqBFyxT1-G_SKrtH8/s6000/hot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp6jNWTKWzGy-wIvdO7-PIy4o0jUH6c2l8ltcMrlBYlwHcgoDtxWHz2zyfihjMIHZgTR4eGthHeco0c3d9bK84K5UXJZE8BaK2SBiyRwuySWqicC4uMuveATWwmJR9KaYiNIUBZIyCWioeiSjIl2oaXt9O0CZWPjFySKMe-jxQQRqBFyxT1-G_SKrtH8/w640-h426/hot.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>After enjoying the views from Hot Point I headed back north, bushwhacking my way up through open hardwoods, and passing by some interesting rock formations.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZaTGaZ-KbWPVwjLeXQdWeLAp-KKJdZGWBrxGcZRdKkdf9Afaa-IZCYUzd2dbwvbaaiUPRC6-0OOaK2luAB93-yWzLLAFrJzDK7XLbIh_4o5QKRVG0oSBYhbIuVLAGGX0NYbLwf0pC3ZBmMT4ef7Ku0t4jaSmt8uIjaW5dkla02EZlPJEbjG-ElTvNPk/s6000/massive%20rocks.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZaTGaZ-KbWPVwjLeXQdWeLAp-KKJdZGWBrxGcZRdKkdf9Afaa-IZCYUzd2dbwvbaaiUPRC6-0OOaK2luAB93-yWzLLAFrJzDK7XLbIh_4o5QKRVG0oSBYhbIuVLAGGX0NYbLwf0pC3ZBmMT4ef7Ku0t4jaSmt8uIjaW5dkla02EZlPJEbjG-ElTvNPk/w640-h426/massive%20rocks.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>In a small clearing, back up over 2000 feet, I found some more nice views west over the Clarksburg countryside and into southern Vermont. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmGJdLlI3iugZzngE_lg5OrIkur0EDnDWz1N3HIjfTzNnAU-mIFDXyRcN0yZ_aH2sb9CYInk2jOa57e2zICG0PqeZxfoXIUnSXohMRifbeLSBPUwksfDUaP0EO2hBnuqSEEkUeaUielzlypF2aMYT_zh9L7ylsebdrNkgwmJxwN8R6FxkmOkLya2VCUA/s6000/north%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmGJdLlI3iugZzngE_lg5OrIkur0EDnDWz1N3HIjfTzNnAU-mIFDXyRcN0yZ_aH2sb9CYInk2jOa57e2zICG0PqeZxfoXIUnSXohMRifbeLSBPUwksfDUaP0EO2hBnuqSEEkUeaUielzlypF2aMYT_zh9L7ylsebdrNkgwmJxwN8R6FxkmOkLya2VCUA/w640-h426/north%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>SW views from the clearing, partially blocked by one tree.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVMyZWcFGybiNxItw3AM6PwXlO52MARcaEfpf3H5m3d8mKa1GLR6YVK5GOSkjl7iqJ4JdP94ALJ64TqGGfbm47Fqg6OJXLzMOUlVKnNNfcSBjyIXfgcdijJr8LSXcvOk3xuv_ubqDco_fVeRs0oAU1h5BOZ8T2TDFlPGAxcE4BiiBjoVpespWeTWVNuI/s6000/field%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVMyZWcFGybiNxItw3AM6PwXlO52MARcaEfpf3H5m3d8mKa1GLR6YVK5GOSkjl7iqJ4JdP94ALJ64TqGGfbm47Fqg6OJXLzMOUlVKnNNfcSBjyIXfgcdijJr8LSXcvOk3xuv_ubqDco_fVeRs0oAU1h5BOZ8T2TDFlPGAxcE4BiiBjoVpespWeTWVNuI/w640-h426/field%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once back over 2200 feet, it was a nice and easy bushwhack east to a series of woods roads that headed south.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kFUACnjDCyXhh_N103kNeng38KlJx_DZa1NkYlAD5Z9jRsGUbgi65B4pbllu-wqxCMw6B3EkIeACFboBypMdS0hYNGn8clfKI38ugCa2cy3tX3_2YsbnJO6QP5Dx-c2k29RclAQCRbCY5qRJZQxr8RBV_A_LdgLs2eOL569evILaSHZ7bz6HjJNsAqU/s6000/woods%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kFUACnjDCyXhh_N103kNeng38KlJx_DZa1NkYlAD5Z9jRsGUbgi65B4pbllu-wqxCMw6B3EkIeACFboBypMdS0hYNGn8clfKI38ugCa2cy3tX3_2YsbnJO6QP5Dx-c2k29RclAQCRbCY5qRJZQxr8RBV_A_LdgLs2eOL569evILaSHZ7bz6HjJNsAqU/w640-h426/woods%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A woods road crossing over Canyon Brook.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5L0Tcc_IaCuKZYVolYEP2y-w6tBJW_lioxkxL4bqd1AH29FZkszEpoKYRPSb5cEu6Tjidh1xiuHMgo0dqqWZLfUm9U_MPS2q_0kfq_cPs-cu9IxXs_5kCMoChlxe7DehTwF5BJjxXVUMdIAGbTP2RkDGXrBoW7d-ILhrvZXOiwXqVDTOWoy_bQyLja4/s6000/stream%20crossing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5L0Tcc_IaCuKZYVolYEP2y-w6tBJW_lioxkxL4bqd1AH29FZkszEpoKYRPSb5cEu6Tjidh1xiuHMgo0dqqWZLfUm9U_MPS2q_0kfq_cPs-cu9IxXs_5kCMoChlxe7DehTwF5BJjxXVUMdIAGbTP2RkDGXrBoW7d-ILhrvZXOiwXqVDTOWoy_bQyLja4/w640-h426/stream%20crossing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Autumn splendor deep in the quiet forest. While tame here, Canyon Brook comes thundering down the Hoosac Range's steep west slopes less than half a mile from here.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHuKg4spxOfBm_Xk05_e8iYtZvH8z7GmwdUwqhz-kqRHj33fHP1zidbcxoqabg-FAMLT6_u9GCaKney9CN5cZpOmki1DBNR4z_boKQiynNHi7xt0YdAwlLh36-jaAwGebJrkBIXj9CS_S4iVU-EU97MWkbkFBs6dUYXYCWrvlgYXZP7D_sYcHsannB00/s6000/crossing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHuKg4spxOfBm_Xk05_e8iYtZvH8z7GmwdUwqhz-kqRHj33fHP1zidbcxoqabg-FAMLT6_u9GCaKney9CN5cZpOmki1DBNR4z_boKQiynNHi7xt0YdAwlLh36-jaAwGebJrkBIXj9CS_S4iVU-EU97MWkbkFBs6dUYXYCWrvlgYXZP7D_sYcHsannB00/w640-h426/crossing.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Continuing my way south, from the edge of state land, I was able to get a through the trees view towards the fully private, northern beaver pond. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPGvgdLb7YK9OxtEH56azCD3sVhSCqCo-2tlhMn2jER6R0bvURcIZQUziQ72sUPNeB4AvKFTt7LRq0-kpH_Se25Uc_MT78b_4O1VgGUCZxluiNP9XsA9eN3eKBogy9KuGOvxAG6pDqCyYU30pXdlHUxLtZWMhO0z2Wa7J77waZ-oM-DSwhDuPzDFGWyk/s6000/thru%20trees%20pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPGvgdLb7YK9OxtEH56azCD3sVhSCqCo-2tlhMn2jER6R0bvURcIZQUziQ72sUPNeB4AvKFTt7LRq0-kpH_Se25Uc_MT78b_4O1VgGUCZxluiNP9XsA9eN3eKBogy9KuGOvxAG6pDqCyYU30pXdlHUxLtZWMhO0z2Wa7J77waZ-oM-DSwhDuPzDFGWyk/w640-h426/thru%20trees%20pond.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Firmly on state land, I enjoyed exploring the east shoreline of the large, southern beaver pond.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuj7zUIh8lR7jiVfp10dgo17QBotCPH3ABKDeCd5pQrbKVdQFmPSMty2bWX9Gc8Cmek5JlC1xG8hviaLb_iVyM0GtMi6bKJo8rWIADM7XKa2YQwHMwuwJ_kx7eY3hoixpgS6maWSm5KFMGX0Aiab2oOaBDacNIQ-ma5ckzTOsAd9CRHN1ZRcaSWAhAFM/s6000/end%20day%20pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuj7zUIh8lR7jiVfp10dgo17QBotCPH3ABKDeCd5pQrbKVdQFmPSMty2bWX9Gc8Cmek5JlC1xG8hviaLb_iVyM0GtMi6bKJo8rWIADM7XKa2YQwHMwuwJ_kx7eY3hoixpgS6maWSm5KFMGX0Aiab2oOaBDacNIQ-ma5ckzTOsAd9CRHN1ZRcaSWAhAFM/w640-h426/end%20day%20pond.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Combined a bushwhack with a myriad of woods roads to make my way back to the car for a total of 4.2 miles RT, and over 800 feet of total ascent. Unfortunately the clouds never broke up as they were forecast too, but the nice views and remaining fall foliage more than made up for that.<br /></p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Red X=Hot Point<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd58m2rmvjsxlqkNHOb2PhHQE-BpeUQITm1dsFQ5bosf_hF2-uV3uubEkgcHRDf05m-1-w5QQbj1RJT-f2WghBb1hfyRVJdzexRHxzjMGLoaVPW3hm2IEXbQ4nwSPoXoYOBSnD9KmSwnhCLQjUmfoH8F58Ym4DEC_eXl4RWabgLbp0gXUEFeRx4Cx8fg/s673/hot%20point%20map.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="670" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd58m2rmvjsxlqkNHOb2PhHQE-BpeUQITm1dsFQ5bosf_hF2-uV3uubEkgcHRDf05m-1-w5QQbj1RJT-f2WghBb1hfyRVJdzexRHxzjMGLoaVPW3hm2IEXbQ4nwSPoXoYOBSnD9KmSwnhCLQjUmfoH8F58Ym4DEC_eXl4RWabgLbp0gXUEFeRx4Cx8fg/w399-h400/hot%20point%20map.PNG" width="399" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-18167774838130936772023-10-13T13:28:00.131-07:002023-10-13T20:47:49.264-07:00LeClaire Hill(Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest/ High Peaks Wilderness(Dix Mtn Tract)-Adirondacks)<p>My second hike on this beautiful fall day was to 1833 foot LeClaire Hill, another small, obscure peak south of the High Peaks from Blue Ridge Road. There is no formal parking to access this peak, so I squeezed my car off of the shoulder of the road and ventured northeast into the woods(Elevation 1210 feet). After about 1/4 of a mile of bushwhacking I arrived at a crossing of Niagara Brook. This proved to be a little tricky, but I did manage to make my way across, utilizing a fallen tree to aid the way.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPiszbrYjC0Cy11_GbADDMmCfpsF9rHypDLARgvrSEz8d-KTGLjQQ3NI19FaVE3vRVLsbJs6zUxr1-rqFX4Ak6IRVmXwLiqoinNj1w1yHUJO17leFjNy_mFWYhKeOxjc73swImTdNmofwZTKXYPRvdb6CEfm2OtYKbOuOm7HkFa3Jtyf7SN4-Jw8QZLQ/s6000/niagara%20brook.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPiszbrYjC0Cy11_GbADDMmCfpsF9rHypDLARgvrSEz8d-KTGLjQQ3NI19FaVE3vRVLsbJs6zUxr1-rqFX4Ak6IRVmXwLiqoinNj1w1yHUJO17leFjNy_mFWYhKeOxjc73swImTdNmofwZTKXYPRvdb6CEfm2OtYKbOuOm7HkFa3Jtyf7SN4-Jw8QZLQ/w640-h426/niagara%20brook.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p> The woods were very open and inviting, and mostly deciduous. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNShrC4FOvHmtLdoYFp-CLFbCDfRMAUDd0b-9TgwESKaD8cF0oXH5J8zTaA0_GA8KG5YLPab99nEFy0eCRhPGotnOc31Jvm_4boOAjh4URRDYQ1XqKTWf5ieCpgiS5C8Oh4H4MrSA89C-qtXp-giVdqgN71Bhxoadw_M4LHt891wGLKhYK9XE6LxizfgY/s6000/some%20green%20bushwhack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNShrC4FOvHmtLdoYFp-CLFbCDfRMAUDd0b-9TgwESKaD8cF0oXH5J8zTaA0_GA8KG5YLPab99nEFy0eCRhPGotnOc31Jvm_4boOAjh4URRDYQ1XqKTWf5ieCpgiS5C8Oh4H4MrSA89C-qtXp-giVdqgN71Bhxoadw_M4LHt891wGLKhYK9XE6LxizfgY/w640-h426/some%20green%20bushwhack.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The fall foliage, while past peak, was still ablaze in color and quite nice.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl2hgNgm89UeQkBodXaZVLS98EzjIdZsolIVlyx2Q-vpNiFsiTxO-Z3GnkAGi_AF6kOQxzFvlrkAvb6yZ4jOQfGoMx4brdSfIashIK7RMmsABmqB9tZBP2F7enrzV8KyQxGK5Qn9prFZN9ZKOzlDLboRwU7DD1Y7GgI0wIyxM8epeWmOAb6I3ZcDZ6fk/s6000/foliage%20woods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl2hgNgm89UeQkBodXaZVLS98EzjIdZsolIVlyx2Q-vpNiFsiTxO-Z3GnkAGi_AF6kOQxzFvlrkAvb6yZ4jOQfGoMx4brdSfIashIK7RMmsABmqB9tZBP2F7enrzV8KyQxGK5Qn9prFZN9ZKOzlDLboRwU7DD1Y7GgI0wIyxM8epeWmOAb6I3ZcDZ6fk/w640-h426/foliage%20woods.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I headed basically due NE up to a series of open viewpoints to the south and west. This is a view SW over the large buffalo farm along Blue Ridge Road, with Blue Ridge Mountain's massive profile looming above. To the far right are Hornet Cobbles and Washburn Ridge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cJ2iPZnkKoxIY2EIG_XMoVdYB-UN1Ty3a8S8gcfgsDaGN_lSJbnczSAgzL5fSX8MbtFOtN4VCXscLkN4pIcmPg_hGKnKP3yZbp6MhWC4SEbKiZIU-cKoPzDyNnuvSja_dhCLBmCcF6PRDW-UAaZYSNPpDtMN4mLRTR_EhHDKPgpMZ16P40M9IC1pLV4/s6000/south%20view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cJ2iPZnkKoxIY2EIG_XMoVdYB-UN1Ty3a8S8gcfgsDaGN_lSJbnczSAgzL5fSX8MbtFOtN4VCXscLkN4pIcmPg_hGKnKP3yZbp6MhWC4SEbKiZIU-cKoPzDyNnuvSja_dhCLBmCcF6PRDW-UAaZYSNPpDtMN4mLRTR_EhHDKPgpMZ16P40M9IC1pLV4/w640-h426/south%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A zoom view down to the buffalo farm, with mountains rising high above. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-HIu1yPt32KUKRSQPzODkUUTDo7BnARMXbEhjZ2ecl1tFAam6aXeiwOI8tsVW1dHxc75uPB9-LoP-4-W54fHEceouo3DqP-TFtr3RLV6t7UC8Jyp39AKGjqZFi1bQ2WiRWa49udtoPcnRFl3yuvYKxvbZVqGubo1HVC2as7plRKyEXA1jO7I2a1evdk/s6000/zoom%20blue%20ridge%20rd.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-HIu1yPt32KUKRSQPzODkUUTDo7BnARMXbEhjZ2ecl1tFAam6aXeiwOI8tsVW1dHxc75uPB9-LoP-4-W54fHEceouo3DqP-TFtr3RLV6t7UC8Jyp39AKGjqZFi1bQ2WiRWa49udtoPcnRFl3yuvYKxvbZVqGubo1HVC2as7plRKyEXA1jO7I2a1evdk/w640-h426/zoom%20blue%20ridge%20rd.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>There are multiple good viewpoints to the west as well, taking in Saywood Hill(left) and Three Brothers Mountain(right), as well as the colorful valley below.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hV4AlWh0SdDmlwoia21-Q1__wlA-BCTU_FIDY4Q0ax6s5-dqISu95zIEDfhVDfckHhJmTXLQKzN4rWjrygH0OGZtCehGKQfn1rKLFwLGrQqF4FnUbZ_rqBqraa2Oz3Zct5bsMmHW90vLokEB2mMeiw_Q4K_a1usyrHonIH53G-WAiuh8pJ4txSmvQT4/s6000/west%20view%20low%20with%20foliage.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hV4AlWh0SdDmlwoia21-Q1__wlA-BCTU_FIDY4Q0ax6s5-dqISu95zIEDfhVDfckHhJmTXLQKzN4rWjrygH0OGZtCehGKQfn1rKLFwLGrQqF4FnUbZ_rqBqraa2Oz3Zct5bsMmHW90vLokEB2mMeiw_Q4K_a1usyrHonIH53G-WAiuh8pJ4txSmvQT4/w640-h426/west%20view%20low%20with%20foliage.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>A broader view west with(L-R), Saywood Hill, Three Brothers Mountain, and Clear Pond Mountain peeking out in the distance to the right.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe48l3eeGQ8K9KD2aQpbtF-EZp7SA3vjb73Jb-a-iBzw4UGEr77DAo3zdUE7npPdSqnT9Wbf8vB6hXP-9A3F1QyAOpBlcu45jzLwCblO2xJ6YOGWlyn8iDAYj5CMVmhqbmgeKF2gruzbYQ3M-vLm9SYxNr-RgTRypGLeeaiQef2DpfYXOIC5E3GRB45t4/s6000/view%20west.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe48l3eeGQ8K9KD2aQpbtF-EZp7SA3vjb73Jb-a-iBzw4UGEr77DAo3zdUE7npPdSqnT9Wbf8vB6hXP-9A3F1QyAOpBlcu45jzLwCblO2xJ6YOGWlyn8iDAYj5CMVmhqbmgeKF2gruzbYQ3M-vLm9SYxNr-RgTRypGLeeaiQef2DpfYXOIC5E3GRB45t4/w640-h426/view%20west.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The amazing view SW, with the mountains standing impressively around Blue Ridge Road.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoAamtVapwnDEcBAzL5N-dm1AskgYAjahmv5LpX2vt8oVk8cR32uMIpHcPR-WyksnqHjEhcW5ynYAFvpS4FzMerNQTaLjSbrWH0FoOtYPX4UODRO3qZrNQgTSYR_kuplEAKtklbizspxX7mNZlCim5mTVUF-807p3lakaBSNoMXHdwt9sfdvSXpb7amo/s6000/open%20view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoAamtVapwnDEcBAzL5N-dm1AskgYAjahmv5LpX2vt8oVk8cR32uMIpHcPR-WyksnqHjEhcW5ynYAFvpS4FzMerNQTaLjSbrWH0FoOtYPX4UODRO3qZrNQgTSYR_kuplEAKtklbizspxX7mNZlCim5mTVUF-807p3lakaBSNoMXHdwt9sfdvSXpb7amo/w640-h426/open%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>From the open viewpoints, an easy bushwhack north brought me up to the wooded 1833 foot summit of LeClaire Hill. A small rock cairn marked the high spot.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_XOUMyfp-c3bEmDFHzGkWnYIBdCnn5Lk109zzv4ipYIXZ49rYkqC24QrxsNWyG-DnpAIRewGRkPQI-7qLwyz9Vw5LCUb_BmUKWh4jeyiEc0Ru4idPhYjCvrBdFgQSpwxP9nPkGFwOhsICnTbYN4jNMMcSgziLyx5r0w3izMH29s3MgjZDaKRDudw_vc/s6000/summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_XOUMyfp-c3bEmDFHzGkWnYIBdCnn5Lk109zzv4ipYIXZ49rYkqC24QrxsNWyG-DnpAIRewGRkPQI-7qLwyz9Vw5LCUb_BmUKWh4jeyiEc0Ru4idPhYjCvrBdFgQSpwxP9nPkGFwOhsICnTbYN4jNMMcSgziLyx5r0w3izMH29s3MgjZDaKRDudw_vc/w640-h426/summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After hitting the summit, I made my way carefully back down the mountain, leaning a little to the east to avoid the steepest sections of the peak. Back down at Niagara Brook, with the fallen tree that helped me across.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAN1WJbltl6M58sqjyK3UoJlsxFnPnIuzjzRxbdklYlm1GbI0HKIwvfzE4HUjDjknr2GPYNNVXDOCNkgg2rtENtSUdKvbxl5brXHr8X5rXhOmBYaM2nKYW5k_nOGAqmlrbQJRs0BfK284ePhqNV0pzNPrDsQbmAdOMWfLU1p_54vFKmkdNRBmzGXbFvk/s6000/niagara%20end.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAN1WJbltl6M58sqjyK3UoJlsxFnPnIuzjzRxbdklYlm1GbI0HKIwvfzE4HUjDjknr2GPYNNVXDOCNkgg2rtENtSUdKvbxl5brXHr8X5rXhOmBYaM2nKYW5k_nOGAqmlrbQJRs0BfK284ePhqNV0pzNPrDsQbmAdOMWfLU1p_54vFKmkdNRBmzGXbFvk/w640-h426/niagara%20end.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Covered about 2 miles RT, with 650 feet of elevation gain.</p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Red X=Summit<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoVpuOuflo90cgGJcMaJ7QsiuFpv1ZUUnLIgeKH_VntvV4ufqW3QIAbrGxYyooU5WNaIOG-inmNyk1_OZHih0Bq7MNrBanp4zAcVqQY_yMyZUBB2FKBTCK7A2GVtM3B_djMpMLQkuNlu6akDny0PBQKvumMae4kxuG4b-Z_xW6MMxrqWdf5rCRjX_rZA/s751/leclaire.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="751" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoVpuOuflo90cgGJcMaJ7QsiuFpv1ZUUnLIgeKH_VntvV4ufqW3QIAbrGxYyooU5WNaIOG-inmNyk1_OZHih0Bq7MNrBanp4zAcVqQY_yMyZUBB2FKBTCK7A2GVtM3B_djMpMLQkuNlu6akDny0PBQKvumMae4kxuG4b-Z_xW6MMxrqWdf5rCRjX_rZA/w400-h326/leclaire.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p> </p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-71923810080157865902023-10-13T13:27:00.131-07:002023-10-13T19:50:26.446-07:00Ragged Mountain South Summit(Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest-Adirondacks)<p>Finally had an open day to hike line up with a nice forecast, so headed north to the Adirondacks to see if I could capture some of the fleeting fall foliage just south of the High Peaks region. My first hike of the day would be to Ragged Mountain's 2325 foot southern, shorter summit-a peak that I had hiked several years ago. My previous visit to this small peak was in the spring, but I had remembered there being several open ledges with great views, so a visit in mid October promised to be really special. </p><p>I parked in the first lot along Gulf Brook Road(Elevation 1710 feet) and proceeded to walk the road, heading north for about 4/10 of a mile, enjoying the remaining fall colors.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStKIpGtHGAJQfGLDQ4v7ELMRnGXn7aWHiDjqNv7nF2QFuwsqNsag4-AiZoNsfnOAd6I2cYDfblGRHODRtVTZQI3dt-nMKnoFg3GDSbMYIniKfmi1WlAFzwQbaQYkfDa02vP0qtXSa-3vHV7Vx-H_RNnSd8Gwan22bK0dFIyfYW-tqQL7yEGb6SIYyeHE/s6000/gulf%20brook%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStKIpGtHGAJQfGLDQ4v7ELMRnGXn7aWHiDjqNv7nF2QFuwsqNsag4-AiZoNsfnOAd6I2cYDfblGRHODRtVTZQI3dt-nMKnoFg3GDSbMYIniKfmi1WlAFzwQbaQYkfDa02vP0qtXSa-3vHV7Vx-H_RNnSd8Gwan22bK0dFIyfYW-tqQL7yEGb6SIYyeHE/w640-h426/gulf%20brook%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>At a bend in the road, shortly after crossing over Gulf Brook, I began what I thought would be a bushwhack east into the woods. What I quickly realized was that there was a flagged route up to the south summit, which made for a very easy hike, although steep in spots.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjn6GdI18wt06gGGguDtIr7LTp93WNmF6qUtgELVA0yIPaKENEgTFeGAlRUet0hb7_Z7uV78fOfi6InPZ2sqx5ZalRZ8p8wIeBoHDYqZ6UfyxBgGABLxRZiRd9EkQec28DHkTv3HSNFBO_cOhqTQF6CagiUhRHqzgFevN1-kood1ovDmxc44c8o9Og_s/s6000/steep%20push.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjn6GdI18wt06gGGguDtIr7LTp93WNmF6qUtgELVA0yIPaKENEgTFeGAlRUet0hb7_Z7uV78fOfi6InPZ2sqx5ZalRZ8p8wIeBoHDYqZ6UfyxBgGABLxRZiRd9EkQec28DHkTv3HSNFBO_cOhqTQF6CagiUhRHqzgFevN1-kood1ovDmxc44c8o9Og_s/w640-h426/steep%20push.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>There are several layers of open rock ledges, with spectacular south and west facing views from each. This is the view west, looking directly up Blue Ridge Road, with Vanderwhacker Mountain way off in the distance. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9j4Qj61FJShkTZ8WlFWTDYIHvriPRJqZEViobLMyUcS1EJCLj4lBnWUpbMTKpeIp3IUfWkyxbAwTU6OMNNbjW2yTG_geYkuXascTTIVBtgJIyAYmtPxy4p6JmOqcX5ZWl6mWrQ4fy-vNG2xFIwq8YtvgEpdpNrJ_-pJ9UD5gRdQy6g0pv3edZPGYS_g/s6000/looking%20west%20up%20blue%20ridge%20highway.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9j4Qj61FJShkTZ8WlFWTDYIHvriPRJqZEViobLMyUcS1EJCLj4lBnWUpbMTKpeIp3IUfWkyxbAwTU6OMNNbjW2yTG_geYkuXascTTIVBtgJIyAYmtPxy4p6JmOqcX5ZWl6mWrQ4fy-vNG2xFIwq8YtvgEpdpNrJ_-pJ9UD5gRdQy6g0pv3edZPGYS_g/w640-h426/looking%20west%20up%20blue%20ridge%20highway.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Washburn Ridge and Sand Pond Mountain stand impressively to the south/ southwest across the Blue Ridge Road.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqWuxKrhnP6oGrnvKgNWxdF33R4ImPq8uA-FfD5yWRnRzH1ybG3WgGctD-0U9BMQwoVZVMNiEiwrdKc9XlVoLp0pEShhBNsO_y9cLqMget3bHnCeg7SAaDqnVuL7v3ypq7cIPeeanA11-fjBUHc5BMge8XomC6bpcE1ojpvoXFj7cS_EjTGdJO-b1FlQ/s6000/hornet%20cobbles.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqWuxKrhnP6oGrnvKgNWxdF33R4ImPq8uA-FfD5yWRnRzH1ybG3WgGctD-0U9BMQwoVZVMNiEiwrdKc9XlVoLp0pEShhBNsO_y9cLqMget3bHnCeg7SAaDqnVuL7v3ypq7cIPeeanA11-fjBUHc5BMge8XomC6bpcE1ojpvoXFj7cS_EjTGdJO-b1FlQ/w640-h426/hornet%20cobbles.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The view due south takes in (right to left) Hornet Cobbles, Hoffman Notch and Washburn Ridge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrAmQ9c5WgcqNWhglIoj4QGpBqRHFwlyZhw3w1AxxDScuSpCVULiE6nDqw_yUue-gjbvGODTqa9_hw0hhwSNgXr_aG-WpNurbJhVQEkZINcL34o14rp9oLdnTdW_UKfCj6f6Kf_Ty2YDSqmvczaBJur4rYA_Jr-rUpAIjDtaH7gtt67SnOyRSEGbRneI/s6000/south%20from%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrAmQ9c5WgcqNWhglIoj4QGpBqRHFwlyZhw3w1AxxDScuSpCVULiE6nDqw_yUue-gjbvGODTqa9_hw0hhwSNgXr_aG-WpNurbJhVQEkZINcL34o14rp9oLdnTdW_UKfCj6f6Kf_Ty2YDSqmvczaBJur4rYA_Jr-rUpAIjDtaH7gtt67SnOyRSEGbRneI/w640-h426/south%20from%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A glimpse NW to nearby Wolf Pond Mountain, an Adk 100 highest peak. Unfortunately this is the only view in this direction that I could find.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJk4-qKjMk_9sJmxB0uhXiumCHNrraD20OdsT_UGUbfMtAf2yWhELPQ9cstBYr_7S6qCeMR3NptgTx9bE6pOmztqvHMeNoLr7rZ9YOPpAUd5xtpV89Y-EyZCJN4_w09WsDImx7j3hVKQtXaNjvYgJ_kb0uZ8NZ89YAWqwpRlWguCbEFLbuLz7I0AKIsc/s6000/wolf%20pond%20mtn.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJk4-qKjMk_9sJmxB0uhXiumCHNrraD20OdsT_UGUbfMtAf2yWhELPQ9cstBYr_7S6qCeMR3NptgTx9bE6pOmztqvHMeNoLr7rZ9YOPpAUd5xtpV89Y-EyZCJN4_w09WsDImx7j3hVKQtXaNjvYgJ_kb0uZ8NZ89YAWqwpRlWguCbEFLbuLz7I0AKIsc/w640-h426/wolf%20pond%20mtn.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ragged Mountain's 2325 foot south summit sits less than 1/10 of a mile away from the ledges, but is fully wooded.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlBF27BPzQoS5bqOPscIZV7Ht9pYfQ5sC-KsGiVoe58v8Yx6YxpcO0EYt-6RNFTYAf5VfbvI5wirxNn5xrC804clz8D-I-E8yudKv7yf0AvtUoZG_vx_pS4eAFPAlSx3fwPfNCdLhy1lEmeDSXWkZy0vqvXy9y3a6kjAsyNAZ3TPZIUjhfkGB5A2z3wc/s6000/summit%20ragged.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlBF27BPzQoS5bqOPscIZV7Ht9pYfQ5sC-KsGiVoe58v8Yx6YxpcO0EYt-6RNFTYAf5VfbvI5wirxNn5xrC804clz8D-I-E8yudKv7yf0AvtUoZG_vx_pS4eAFPAlSx3fwPfNCdLhy1lEmeDSXWkZy0vqvXy9y3a6kjAsyNAZ3TPZIUjhfkGB5A2z3wc/w640-h426/summit%20ragged.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Exploring the wide open south facing ledges. The foliage was holding on a little better than I had anticipated, and combined with the bright sun made for ideal conditions.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSHhIuHS5yEuJ1J6uYrGI1-SghXWbaFqEQkktDUyv1VoyiVr6eRdKSAHn3PDDbpsphXfe7VCXZAGMb5jKGka29sB6AWe8PLVYBMsI-6cDx3gpGd-IarfI3d3BBCPIoO5jHhcggQYqDdqE7IbaHgu67jy-d9d_Fk6KwKFpz7JnTu8rzm04Cpq7ibfzJxA/s6000/summit%20cliffs.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSHhIuHS5yEuJ1J6uYrGI1-SghXWbaFqEQkktDUyv1VoyiVr6eRdKSAHn3PDDbpsphXfe7VCXZAGMb5jKGka29sB6AWe8PLVYBMsI-6cDx3gpGd-IarfI3d3BBCPIoO5jHhcggQYqDdqE7IbaHgu67jy-d9d_Fk6KwKFpz7JnTu8rzm04Cpq7ibfzJxA/w640-h426/summit%20cliffs.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>Looking back up at the open rock.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB3mk7QqC0AyImnDJbcHXZXdCiKPcUjXmsWKtpZcc6MBfG12RWDBXiK5whKHnLcL_zs58Q8FUPAuXFjnsToYJuZsJJXFdHeDQ0M_E4ii61u__sYx9VinXXlUWFF8LIhA-d0douTByB6n4QdGLjdqtFhYghzjq8qNcbgNQRD9t4CM2sX1iznWLbZ3ECMA/s6000/looking%20up%20ledges.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB3mk7QqC0AyImnDJbcHXZXdCiKPcUjXmsWKtpZcc6MBfG12RWDBXiK5whKHnLcL_zs58Q8FUPAuXFjnsToYJuZsJJXFdHeDQ0M_E4ii61u__sYx9VinXXlUWFF8LIhA-d0douTByB6n4QdGLjdqtFhYghzjq8qNcbgNQRD9t4CM2sX1iznWLbZ3ECMA/w640-h426/looking%20up%20ledges.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Instead of heading back down the way I came, I decided to simply bushwhack through the open woods more directly back to the car. Covered about 2 miles total, with 650 feet of ascent.</p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Red X=Ragged Mountain South Summit</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBtPc4hgOcYUDSBtqD3RitrMDE3mEqfeqwUi3tKHVasS0EmGuRdA_OXOslDWTfM51qJFLmj0SIuTwCKrydGY8sMOP0exmHGVuBzrHx_4a6poq5uYoLmy3BF8ekUoNgipJ1_kuSuoxfGytPggjvnBgodcQ-FwiGhAbQvt-DKUrXzfqMNJBOGH8UeY_g1E/s659/ragged.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="659" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBtPc4hgOcYUDSBtqD3RitrMDE3mEqfeqwUi3tKHVasS0EmGuRdA_OXOslDWTfM51qJFLmj0SIuTwCKrydGY8sMOP0exmHGVuBzrHx_4a6poq5uYoLmy3BF8ekUoNgipJ1_kuSuoxfGytPggjvnBgodcQ-FwiGhAbQvt-DKUrXzfqMNJBOGH8UeY_g1E/w400-h318/ragged.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-13136319725940041552023-10-10T13:25:00.153-07:002023-10-11T08:41:21.070-07:00Plattekill Mountain via Harold Roberts Road(Plattekill State Forest-Catskills)<p>Ventured out into the western Catskills to explore the woods and ski slopes surrounding the Plattekill Ski Area in Roxbury on a cool fall day. I have explored this area before but never from the State Forest access area off of Harold Roberts Road, so decided to check it out. There is a small, grassy-and muddy-parking area that sits just off the road, so that is where I got started(Elevation 2075 feet).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqMPN5h12kE8i1fI-jcUa2tl83S-btq5-BZSjDZf0hVznnpGYCX444vGYkCmWlOrXEWxhvCeK8PvABGCBoY_XdJ6a_5cHy2pg-kHpT3I0rgfUd7HTGx120OUF9cjR1NFDEGzTCzWAc_eanPtz92SvL9OQ2pQjRIdZINA22gJ8qEjQ2ieN2PxvtURw0hY/s6000/plattekill%20state%20forest.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqMPN5h12kE8i1fI-jcUa2tl83S-btq5-BZSjDZf0hVznnpGYCX444vGYkCmWlOrXEWxhvCeK8PvABGCBoY_XdJ6a_5cHy2pg-kHpT3I0rgfUd7HTGx120OUF9cjR1NFDEGzTCzWAc_eanPtz92SvL9OQ2pQjRIdZINA22gJ8qEjQ2ieN2PxvtURw0hY/w640-h426/plattekill%20state%20forest.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></div><p>A very good woods road, known as the Plattekill Turnpike, heads east, ascending steadily up the slopes of South Plattekill Mountain and passing by handsome old stone walls.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ENZ9HGL_s_FHYi2oaid_0Cbn5VzqoLORcsChGP1kD7Oza4SKpnDKYYbAO0oM6IYHou22KBSovAdzXrgOERPEc_hb-tLn5jpwRJS5MO9Cer4dGtuFRJS097BDuDYT9aPe4E5pDNRdC55mbr0aYc6qczhvk-VjQzgj6i-aswzcDWLfw2yp_ASttNGdp4U/s6000/stone%20wall.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ENZ9HGL_s_FHYi2oaid_0Cbn5VzqoLORcsChGP1kD7Oza4SKpnDKYYbAO0oM6IYHou22KBSovAdzXrgOERPEc_hb-tLn5jpwRJS5MO9Cer4dGtuFRJS097BDuDYT9aPe4E5pDNRdC55mbr0aYc6qczhvk-VjQzgj6i-aswzcDWLfw2yp_ASttNGdp4U/w640-h426/stone%20wall.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Turnpike climbs up the steep slopes of the mountain, utilizing switchbacks to ease the way, before leveling off at around 3000, and turning north into a saddle between summits.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qh1rXryBcm6jxYwSgQkRV-bcd1KxT6GNoSuz3epaR9xER1yMeYHkAq2V_LLSPLSfp3s6DTT_ft2FjvQabUpQOUA1xMkHdqAbyqauXJhO0iOIMTAotjcmLD2XtpxQbMz95OOFgOeelNvyLKOOGzqCcjioiGBglioJfhgZQYoae3nfzEpxzxr3uY87t3I/s6000/plattekill%20turnpike.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qh1rXryBcm6jxYwSgQkRV-bcd1KxT6GNoSuz3epaR9xER1yMeYHkAq2V_LLSPLSfp3s6DTT_ft2FjvQabUpQOUA1xMkHdqAbyqauXJhO0iOIMTAotjcmLD2XtpxQbMz95OOFgOeelNvyLKOOGzqCcjioiGBglioJfhgZQYoae3nfzEpxzxr3uY87t3I/w640-h426/plattekill%20turnpike.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just a few feet off the Turnpike I spotted this balancing rock, seemingly defying gravity.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hyphenhyphenXnPvHNew249Ie501MjlEGc6DJO5GrNeLgczhKYayiWbscGbxE38mZyhFIOINCZx024HgFwMTDgHv2ff3RuoKnZjtY0oP6Apw-S1Vu9TUyid5X_TYSSOnHiEVI2pZmtHcXaFh-U7IelSMYMe8OkSsSfV1kGrkP7b2jTPUAmsiE3FNlKP13R1v2DY9I/s6000/balancing%20rock.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hyphenhyphenXnPvHNew249Ie501MjlEGc6DJO5GrNeLgczhKYayiWbscGbxE38mZyhFIOINCZx024HgFwMTDgHv2ff3RuoKnZjtY0oP6Apw-S1Vu9TUyid5X_TYSSOnHiEVI2pZmtHcXaFh-U7IelSMYMe8OkSsSfV1kGrkP7b2jTPUAmsiE3FNlKP13R1v2DY9I/w640-h426/balancing%20rock.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After following the Turnpike for nearly 3 miles, I began a short but steep bushwhack up to the Ski Area.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S7H4YXqLtJHnkcM4NP6tKPxvVps__8Oea2DnwwrJx-7a4CtAVTFACvLAxhuAioch0CYR0wuE0f2IjcxQ1j2b9mPTTreHKKiN-faSvrwJmOWPRBWhHLyALzrxSyUvFYz79Z4zWArp-sBAbIxOOj5z2vSLOu6qqP9udSgfnY9WiFhmaLiMmK4VselxWnw/s6000/bushwhack%20up.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S7H4YXqLtJHnkcM4NP6tKPxvVps__8Oea2DnwwrJx-7a4CtAVTFACvLAxhuAioch0CYR0wuE0f2IjcxQ1j2b9mPTTreHKKiN-faSvrwJmOWPRBWhHLyALzrxSyUvFYz79Z4zWArp-sBAbIxOOj5z2vSLOu6qqP9udSgfnY9WiFhmaLiMmK4VselxWnw/w640-h426/bushwhack%20up.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After a little huffing and puffing I hit a good woods road, which was part of the Plattekill Ski Area.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1tXkohzZRnpDG0mc2YzN9vjFrwsq_cAST3iwngTlXAJ8UDAdfCCv_BG_F2YzzhlTSTJNuZlr7bXXpXi8xE38YYwySnzMtXdbJ6bKQbkGUe77TCmCFFIWMaEvdGC0u6XlqBwJS9JiKxEbD4D14qTG7gRsXISKZLQfKwRULx-PVRjIrpkx7NYDQRTTBXM/s6000/woods%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1tXkohzZRnpDG0mc2YzN9vjFrwsq_cAST3iwngTlXAJ8UDAdfCCv_BG_F2YzzhlTSTJNuZlr7bXXpXi8xE38YYwySnzMtXdbJ6bKQbkGUe77TCmCFFIWMaEvdGC0u6XlqBwJS9JiKxEbD4D14qTG7gRsXISKZLQfKwRULx-PVRjIrpkx7NYDQRTTBXM/w640-h426/woods%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Followed the woods road a short distance north, soon emerging at the first of several spectacular view points at the top of the ski runs. This is the view north, from well over 3200 feet.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBFtbS9vyCev8_qh9f-zDI0uO0RdCe73KePIZ7_Ca-092oXpecfMDD3cIELVAbildqw_3B8UkCpzqFUoZbgRicfebRgSQvrbTGtJmTGqWjqIHXrdQ44lbQGB7ENPVkEYDGSnRnVD4Y0XN5PlXp06fKOl-NnCGw55eF-yz0eUn9GPnKOx-Xr8S5HWz7p8/s6000/north%20ski%20slope.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBFtbS9vyCev8_qh9f-zDI0uO0RdCe73KePIZ7_Ca-092oXpecfMDD3cIELVAbildqw_3B8UkCpzqFUoZbgRicfebRgSQvrbTGtJmTGqWjqIHXrdQ44lbQGB7ENPVkEYDGSnRnVD4Y0XN5PlXp06fKOl-NnCGw55eF-yz0eUn9GPnKOx-Xr8S5HWz7p8/w640-h426/north%20ski%20slope.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>My favorite view of the day, looking northeast up Meeker Hollow. The skies cleared just enough to allow some of the colors to pop.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwTf3KN2TtohKbCXFKFLfhFjluAl_LiDX5kZaFNwviPYrH71MT1NPZvDyZMzvSY66O8HoJOd23XfbVukGEEavlQXwuYXcs4oho1HK1sg3ZfCo8i9OLeEv7hB7mrXWYj_r7A63a98iM2KThda20cMy_WVOukOyae0ec4lw2-GDGFd4DHibzxW3oMoVRDo/s6000/ski%20slope%20ne.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwTf3KN2TtohKbCXFKFLfhFjluAl_LiDX5kZaFNwviPYrH71MT1NPZvDyZMzvSY66O8HoJOd23XfbVukGEEavlQXwuYXcs4oho1HK1sg3ZfCo8i9OLeEv7hB7mrXWYj_r7A63a98iM2KThda20cMy_WVOukOyae0ec4lw2-GDGFd4DHibzxW3oMoVRDo/w640-h426/ski%20slope%20ne.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>With ferns ablaze, the view north towards Meeker Hollow Peak was hard to beat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PSY2Bd33_exYNEDGGeTLTTobGb-Be91y7-PJRLPUbRp6Jb9Y7_H5TCXGNORvC5KEjsbYiVfdcbm_7S2a7o5ym7lTD4j4hB8HLmnhZtCkb_b0BbOUXw56jg8xPdV3YsNtY97AWSz95Ljbl4acKr2dPoKT1llSVQimzc1-gnBQhCz5XI8W5iNjR58CBkk/s6000/ski%20slope%20north%20ferns.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PSY2Bd33_exYNEDGGeTLTTobGb-Be91y7-PJRLPUbRp6Jb9Y7_H5TCXGNORvC5KEjsbYiVfdcbm_7S2a7o5ym7lTD4j4hB8HLmnhZtCkb_b0BbOUXw56jg8xPdV3YsNtY97AWSz95Ljbl4acKr2dPoKT1llSVQimzc1-gnBQhCz5XI8W5iNjR58CBkk/w640-h426/ski%20slope%20north%20ferns.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A nearly vertical view down to Plattekill Ski Base.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1xygJAmvGA0IKg6u5R2NT2YRrmfO5o1KqTI8QsD6y9erfdu-gtIjsiqR_EOXMpx-jjxV8Nm8jy-rO1XOSRZga9kRXR94ISXzutJ7NHriv5lN_aEdMElfCw8ACBC7eqGMxOkVgGSarLfHQxIDP16iPSmgJrR9y8jILmmk7Y0yA_GyU5FZISBF1WgmjYc/s6000/vertical%20down%20to%20ski%20shop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1xygJAmvGA0IKg6u5R2NT2YRrmfO5o1KqTI8QsD6y9erfdu-gtIjsiqR_EOXMpx-jjxV8Nm8jy-rO1XOSRZga9kRXR94ISXzutJ7NHriv5lN_aEdMElfCw8ACBC7eqGMxOkVgGSarLfHQxIDP16iPSmgJrR9y8jILmmk7Y0yA_GyU5FZISBF1WgmjYc/w640-h426/vertical%20down%20to%20ski%20shop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A look north towards the top of one of the other ski slopes. I didn't go any further than this, having already gotten such amazing views.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQNeRhLKmHUh7wTkZoCqDnbx6cTwZcg6GwULFIiqGndSdBrVlYoQiiUq9kfGb8B_B1ijYJDcd1GtiBNzusuSygLF2-q_Hc1R6jVvnrhuM2lp5dL7MdDp2hfsuUbR_kGboQnFjRTl3gtD2RX8Iu2D6I5H6PSwL6qhOCpQ0QemqaicqrL6a9xE2zzpmnzw/s6000/view%20toward%20next%20ski%20ridge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQNeRhLKmHUh7wTkZoCqDnbx6cTwZcg6GwULFIiqGndSdBrVlYoQiiUq9kfGb8B_B1ijYJDcd1GtiBNzusuSygLF2-q_Hc1R6jVvnrhuM2lp5dL7MdDp2hfsuUbR_kGboQnFjRTl3gtD2RX8Iu2D6I5H6PSwL6qhOCpQ0QemqaicqrL6a9xE2zzpmnzw/w640-h426/view%20toward%20next%20ski%20ridge.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Retraced my steps back from the Ski Area to the State Forest, and eventually the Turnpike once again. For variety, I bushwhacked steeply down through DEP land and caught some, nice foliage framed peek a boo views over to North Plattekill's summit, where I had just been.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Pp-2xCaLpJzIx6h4HkLu9jQcZ0WfsdEdHn4O6y3l4WNv3_24RDsbQ5TFv5bndqNVOy65RNsMtkq3oI59E7GfDpncgklOpHHIAnrNCIIh6ScVnnUkcnbenXDlNNCw5eXLDIZen5c4vEXoYzj1hpcbn-9UJ6LTkhH9E-GgnhN3Zxc7m52GQs9AZ_i9uE/s6000/view%20toward%20north%20plattekill%20descent.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00Pp-2xCaLpJzIx6h4HkLu9jQcZ0WfsdEdHn4O6y3l4WNv3_24RDsbQ5TFv5bndqNVOy65RNsMtkq3oI59E7GfDpncgklOpHHIAnrNCIIh6ScVnnUkcnbenXDlNNCw5eXLDIZen5c4vEXoYzj1hpcbn-9UJ6LTkhH9E-GgnhN3Zxc7m52GQs9AZ_i9uE/w640-h426/view%20toward%20north%20plattekill%20descent.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once down low, I easily made my way back onto the Turnpike and back to the car. Just a few yards away from the trailhead, across the road from my car, I found this really nice view on DEP land towards Round Top-another Catskill Hundred Highest peak-that sits just to the west.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C0rAgdt_TRz86A4LKUTTRqPefoc54OHgjd17PHxNB5eLT-2LWENa8rI7EP0C3aTBr1U0G8sAN5K7RTbx-ffr8a-h_EFX6FRX2rX9K_xXxlPr0WFEZcx-L7D7LSbSB02A3W5tlMpaBgca1RDkOMd0QzI5eJKum8PkPm7h7eRwJI_frcefrXYESabMfyQ/s6000/view%20from%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C0rAgdt_TRz86A4LKUTTRqPefoc54OHgjd17PHxNB5eLT-2LWENa8rI7EP0C3aTBr1U0G8sAN5K7RTbx-ffr8a-h_EFX6FRX2rX9K_xXxlPr0WFEZcx-L7D7LSbSB02A3W5tlMpaBgca1RDkOMd0QzI5eJKum8PkPm7h7eRwJI_frcefrXYESabMfyQ/w640-h426/view%20from%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Covered a little over 7 miles total with about 1700 feet of ascent Felt great getting out on this wonderful fall day. </p><p>The drive home along Harold Roberts Road was quite satisfying as well, with this lovely farm sitting at the base of Burnt Hill's long ridge.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp2xCdo33MB4npbVH4AvcNNW0MtMizoaomeDwEnDf1rv3JGx8ZX55YUpzQvwURLG4xLrMTb73Qw3dZNqBPE_X-1-_WIImYajshqkrwa-FAGzQg3wzMED_IGkDiQOl6zOZlhLbFKvjREM6gJq1EsBgQkExqiQ5upw_duAExeEusK9WEEBuJwfvFYT626U/s6000/harold%20roberts%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp2xCdo33MB4npbVH4AvcNNW0MtMizoaomeDwEnDf1rv3JGx8ZX55YUpzQvwURLG4xLrMTb73Qw3dZNqBPE_X-1-_WIImYajshqkrwa-FAGzQg3wzMED_IGkDiQOl6zOZlhLbFKvjREM6gJq1EsBgQkExqiQ5upw_duAExeEusK9WEEBuJwfvFYT626U/w640-h426/harold%20roberts%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-45160300660202870552023-09-30T16:02:00.064-07:002023-09-30T16:16:34.760-07:00Bessie's Woods(Town of Sand Lake, Rensselaer County)<p>Visited the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance's newest preserve this afternoon, Bessie's Woods, located near the hamlet of Taborton high up in the Rensselaer County hills. Off and on rain all morning finally let up, so I headed out to explore these woods in search of early fall colors.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2Ozk9eSHAOxL6iz1kB89aUUnodsLH3y66pa0pCeUdZssgAdRVuBKkk_G9pcU90LLo1WjFlj3IAEFfG3e2Ra64aU3Rh_QqDE_TVP6l30R9QIipSd-9327kMyzXUhMEEvgVtdkaLRzkcOdauEHTTs9OCL-doGEMA2MUfAjW4c95tIzNcKV0skj4DTAaFw/s6000/kiosk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2Ozk9eSHAOxL6iz1kB89aUUnodsLH3y66pa0pCeUdZssgAdRVuBKkk_G9pcU90LLo1WjFlj3IAEFfG3e2Ra64aU3Rh_QqDE_TVP6l30R9QIipSd-9327kMyzXUhMEEvgVtdkaLRzkcOdauEHTTs9OCL-doGEMA2MUfAjW4c95tIzNcKV0skj4DTAaFw/w640-h426/kiosk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I took all of the perimeter trails at the preserve, which range in elevation between 1300 and 1600 feet, passing through dark hemlocks and open hardwoods.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4LsJNPXpsyHn7yiCF0QfQpIOIWmo5XfANvmYThIPqc31tS4pltF3Sbdg7AJzUCEkJTUmARLsBFxOBaP9xEFgHsxIhm6bzM5169bQfFziO70WNgx5F6dx2namLnrL52fGQBeY1x0Q4xmzXX-6KBUJjnzz9Ua7UfvlgqM2gneX_hFB1tRiT32teQ-_3YY/s6000/trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4LsJNPXpsyHn7yiCF0QfQpIOIWmo5XfANvmYThIPqc31tS4pltF3Sbdg7AJzUCEkJTUmARLsBFxOBaP9xEFgHsxIhm6bzM5169bQfFziO70WNgx5F6dx2namLnrL52fGQBeY1x0Q4xmzXX-6KBUJjnzz9Ua7UfvlgqM2gneX_hFB1tRiT32teQ-_3YY/w640-h426/trail.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Cruising through a sea of golden ferns near the site of an old homestead.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNaxafObd9zDLtScFajyCm9IvObCUG_tvR0NvxNs58Hb2pgrJLR74ULWp8mlMrr5APSBN-KKgA2qyNycD7tJhCzzRbpkKU6_IFzqDg39gpTQ_eUc2iHjjGT-OsFToIS6gLF1iOkq43R5etg-i0TxaJ58x5-L6Hna7nbkzYo4p1M7nUGViV4oMKtUtbqE/s6000/ferns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNaxafObd9zDLtScFajyCm9IvObCUG_tvR0NvxNs58Hb2pgrJLR74ULWp8mlMrr5APSBN-KKgA2qyNycD7tJhCzzRbpkKU6_IFzqDg39gpTQ_eUc2iHjjGT-OsFToIS6gLF1iOkq43R5etg-i0TxaJ58x5-L6Hna7nbkzYo4p1M7nUGViV4oMKtUtbqE/w640-h426/ferns.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Fall foliage is starting to take hold at these higher elevations.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWOZejltiDtY0W4uVsexJOce0uN7nNK24-zozf3zx_dfs4ciCC-dJAPbvH5Cqt7q1H6nUDAe-hnbaR9Z0jqULXTWBly5HrNMOnUsPcyf_q68ugNnU3tfgcoR9FPI0LwVu8YyEzt_1Khyphenhyphene9hHR62Yt43sXOgGnsvRLIy-YdLCipMiSIFAfos6cETSG_0I/s6000/foliage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWOZejltiDtY0W4uVsexJOce0uN7nNK24-zozf3zx_dfs4ciCC-dJAPbvH5Cqt7q1H6nUDAe-hnbaR9Z0jqULXTWBly5HrNMOnUsPcyf_q68ugNnU3tfgcoR9FPI0LwVu8YyEzt_1Khyphenhyphene9hHR62Yt43sXOgGnsvRLIy-YdLCipMiSIFAfos6cETSG_0I/w640-h426/foliage.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The recent wet weather has left some very muddy trails, such as this section along an old woods road.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3N1Sd5k-w54sRyP6L8CcJ_uu-9BMZhMjBYGrgr6XacrKdVMdo5VLgBGfiA9KfkdV5XhBSptlHIiOptl-_IukvEKG-5oRnwVwVJJ_n3_zNg4AV8vxyTiLdVHloLRByQV4T-Rw5f9X2q2D6fcZiEkHj0JSnMbrnBzjnPiofyqK3sKJYCk5iLDY0y1uhC4/s6000/muddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3N1Sd5k-w54sRyP6L8CcJ_uu-9BMZhMjBYGrgr6XacrKdVMdo5VLgBGfiA9KfkdV5XhBSptlHIiOptl-_IukvEKG-5oRnwVwVJJ_n3_zNg4AV8vxyTiLdVHloLRByQV4T-Rw5f9X2q2D6fcZiEkHj0JSnMbrnBzjnPiofyqK3sKJYCk5iLDY0y1uhC4/w640-h426/muddy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Covered about 2 miles at this quiet little preserve. Nothing too flashy or memorable-but a nice escape into the woods.</p><p>On my drive home, the Rensselaer Plateau's fall foliage was alive and well, with vibrant colors around every turn. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDh7Kof4q62__-Ot4p6mWQOokigj2NyqSQf-3pxMC-JuRgu7CQf9rMR5UAeHxnxV9cBgE25bBqDF_xTfeQpeEa7kc4YiIkXImYK1L0M-srGvsta_3MWcvjlJzF6ssDDoeFNeQ4QG3tpy4Nnr11NRQ6hwL0yjFfgBtSOhDcH1wz-fBf29Agij1xRc6KjM/s6000/maple%20swamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDh7Kof4q62__-Ot4p6mWQOokigj2NyqSQf-3pxMC-JuRgu7CQf9rMR5UAeHxnxV9cBgE25bBqDF_xTfeQpeEa7kc4YiIkXImYK1L0M-srGvsta_3MWcvjlJzF6ssDDoeFNeQ4QG3tpy4Nnr11NRQ6hwL0yjFfgBtSOhDcH1wz-fBf29Agij1xRc6KjM/w640-h426/maple%20swamp.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-86509312651110741062023-09-21T16:55:00.003-07:002023-09-21T16:58:57.834-07:00Schor Conservation Area(Town of Canaan, Columbia County)<p>Had a small window of free time so took advantage of a beautiful fall like day by doing a quick hike of the Columbia Land Conservancy's Schor Conservation Area. Shocked to have the place to myself for this quiet stroll along Joe's Pond and into the woods.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0Zir6h1WdfhxmGFv130EMRHpvBl4DixiFPPXSAJyver-zUX3VNoIxLIS2eLc7qzhvm0QCDxbQ2EFvJV-GcYs4dHHP9N7vqSqE0wBv85SI_Vp2sWHMqmxy-KBx8h372Y7SXD-iE4TfyurlpccIsCQhf5PJ_Jqx_Tzs0NFjbvBi51SnfjJ9sVVb7R5R44/s6000/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0Zir6h1WdfhxmGFv130EMRHpvBl4DixiFPPXSAJyver-zUX3VNoIxLIS2eLc7qzhvm0QCDxbQ2EFvJV-GcYs4dHHP9N7vqSqE0wBv85SI_Vp2sWHMqmxy-KBx8h372Y7SXD-iE4TfyurlpccIsCQhf5PJ_Jqx_Tzs0NFjbvBi51SnfjJ9sVVb7R5R44/w640-h426/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Paid a brief visit up to the summit viewpoint, where the Albany skyline and the distant Helderbergs can be seen on the distant horizon to the west.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclRmT8aFDoOE-2vee_z6vvCfDywg3WYXHiAKw54VT1xwfzG6jhYN-jhsUUbzdZ72wMQEoGaStZGI0Jg6WzXG0XNJbhKC3RmsA1Yaz2f67aqWVCLk1Xwcp-XsB6suTQ_3QY48TVORSHrROTgHWu7DkBOTesDwBPmYBbga1LZR0lgsthTcMBB3TUfzpxIY/s6000/schor%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclRmT8aFDoOE-2vee_z6vvCfDywg3WYXHiAKw54VT1xwfzG6jhYN-jhsUUbzdZ72wMQEoGaStZGI0Jg6WzXG0XNJbhKC3RmsA1Yaz2f67aqWVCLk1Xwcp-XsB6suTQ_3QY48TVORSHrROTgHWu7DkBOTesDwBPmYBbga1LZR0lgsthTcMBB3TUfzpxIY/w640-h426/schor%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></p>A nice and easy 2.5 miles, with just the slightest tinge of fall colors beginning to creep in.<br />Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-13434276442706741402023-09-13T17:19:00.003-07:002023-09-13T17:26:26.485-07:00Moose Mountain Pond, Bald Pate, Owl Pate(Hammond Pond Wild Forest-Adirondacks)<p>Bald Pate and Owl Pate are two untrailed peaks that lie in the heart of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest and have been on my radar for quite some time now. Tuesday presented me a rare chance recently for a full day of hiking, and with dry weather in the forecast I took advantage and headed out. This hike would be over 10 miles total, with 60 percent being trailed and the rest being bushwhack. I parked at the trailhead for Moose Mountain Pond off of Ensign Pond Road(Elevation 950 feet) in North Hudson and was the only car there at the break of dawn. To reach the peaks, I'd have to follow the blue blazed trail south/ then southeast to the pond for over 3 miles before crossing it's outlet and beginning a steep bushwhack up. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBvZhyeWUrMgUuqMyXQ3mTu-Ki3iZpsj7s_aHsXLO1J-SDhg5aM177FLw-toAoYq66YhEHP2mi93SW-dwN_gQR1l7VIfZ8VA7_W1vACc3wcTR9s8xio83b0_lbhCf7fE7WpT9hXEvIgh__IkLVlfeeVDDJFjAsJaFjJLukuO8NMnoG3VwJdPDulHADO0/s6000/start.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBvZhyeWUrMgUuqMyXQ3mTu-Ki3iZpsj7s_aHsXLO1J-SDhg5aM177FLw-toAoYq66YhEHP2mi93SW-dwN_gQR1l7VIfZ8VA7_W1vACc3wcTR9s8xio83b0_lbhCf7fE7WpT9hXEvIgh__IkLVlfeeVDDJFjAsJaFjJLukuO8NMnoG3VwJdPDulHADO0/w640-h426/start.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The trail is fairly uneventful, with minimal elevation gained and lost along the way. I made good time under humid, cloudy conditions stopping briefly to check out a nice small waterfall on Berrymill Brook along the way.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9lbGsvSpgDjuUlEuVJaRx8An5kf9-9jlUuAud0eF5DHJHIlZxTsJI3lZvmViCZ3WamHHkYHEFFJr9sKpyLNIlnFCpNRfKZ2Hn1saXEUQL0Nrd_MCz_Npyze6myGGPK8yYG1WRuMsE0zaUqxg5hHKYvqFr4ClfJ2hoFZV2BciLvMHUMQVhDl7Za4dFOc/s6000/falls.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9lbGsvSpgDjuUlEuVJaRx8An5kf9-9jlUuAud0eF5DHJHIlZxTsJI3lZvmViCZ3WamHHkYHEFFJr9sKpyLNIlnFCpNRfKZ2Hn1saXEUQL0Nrd_MCz_Npyze6myGGPK8yYG1WRuMsE0zaUqxg5hHKYvqFr4ClfJ2hoFZV2BciLvMHUMQVhDl7Za4dFOc/w640-h426/falls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>A bit further along is a nice spot to stop and soak in the view south across the Berrymill Pond from its outlet.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDqoHz5fNr-U3uHE6Urr8-x06LzXd0du2w1QaAY4xENAlGnS_i3h40CzsdP4O_0KtkRZQFETF3PQWto3WZ3lUqCbdtj7RTgMnTwhoY9J3hWSU5xbkKIqh51VYd1Oi6xQL0OiXIFO1RQocXYvb3vCOFfOgALQtwJHgZ83DEH8W2mpByn7V4htaEEK12gM/s6000/flow%20am.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDqoHz5fNr-U3uHE6Urr8-x06LzXd0du2w1QaAY4xENAlGnS_i3h40CzsdP4O_0KtkRZQFETF3PQWto3WZ3lUqCbdtj7RTgMnTwhoY9J3hWSU5xbkKIqh51VYd1Oi6xQL0OiXIFO1RQocXYvb3vCOFfOgALQtwJHgZ83DEH8W2mpByn7V4htaEEK12gM/w640-h426/flow%20am.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After 3.2 miles of pretty easy hiking on the trail, I arrived at the Lean To on Moose Mountain Pond. The Lean To is located in the northeast corner of the pond and sits back in the woods a bit, but a short walk brings you down to the water's edge and a great view of my intended targets-Bald Pate(L) and Owl Pate(R), both unfortunately obscured with low clouds. A lone loon welcomed my arrival and I sat in silence for a few minutes, soaking in the serenity.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3t0bWvKwTEOFVnjkN9oqBnN1vrngWb9rr3VjnBASaPlJuqH2qVtdD4I6npa7OfnBwAsi1BC0lpZ4YrwCCvwNP2puBxIU9PbSduy9kx4amy9oxsd6_unOTzp91YT5IVkqtzSXmJgrg7SKG64vnWmhm21KZSyV-YgZmWw4_59kKNJfR3aTW9_VuSkCU-c/s6000/pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3t0bWvKwTEOFVnjkN9oqBnN1vrngWb9rr3VjnBASaPlJuqH2qVtdD4I6npa7OfnBwAsi1BC0lpZ4YrwCCvwNP2puBxIU9PbSduy9kx4amy9oxsd6_unOTzp91YT5IVkqtzSXmJgrg7SKG64vnWmhm21KZSyV-YgZmWw4_59kKNJfR3aTW9_VuSkCU-c/w640-h426/pond.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>From the Lean To, I backtracked to the outlet of Moose Mountain Pond, where an easy rock hop got me across and into the woods at the base of Bald Pate. From here it would be about 900 feet of climbing in less than 3/4 of a mile. As I made my way through the open woods, I was shocked to stumble across pink flagging, which was a bit sporadic down low, but did eventually lead all the way up the mountain.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6ScZjCfBik-kBkHONvfBtM5VdWZheHljV5fzjeluoHFNXSGyVn9zny2jQvnY4tJkcmS4Qx1GH6Fkc2wZ3oxkR9RFD7Hept5vTQEJgISTWA28vL5Kgq4jhWFJiquC-_W0J22KGzrxqJ5-v9XmaF3UeDBaCz1yECgBgWXL_DEBcAZX4AiZiSu5gQmcVSw/s6000/flagging.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6ScZjCfBik-kBkHONvfBtM5VdWZheHljV5fzjeluoHFNXSGyVn9zny2jQvnY4tJkcmS4Qx1GH6Fkc2wZ3oxkR9RFD7Hept5vTQEJgISTWA28vL5Kgq4jhWFJiquC-_W0J22KGzrxqJ5-v9XmaF3UeDBaCz1yECgBgWXL_DEBcAZX4AiZiSu5gQmcVSw/w640-h426/flagging.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I chose not to follow the pink flagging, instead making my own tracks up the very steep slopes, working up a good sweat under the sticky conditions.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisQw1DKm6pz-7Zl5ZP1rA9TIjT4QLDp4fDl0gQNl7qS6DAP1L876BPakArBcTzPY2jEasc1ZKhe2C2sb7BWQOXDZUnlR6b5dDpaCjxNfus8pwj085uaGRH0cyEl7Ui8DjvAqJdp9jvJSLa19rX60oKJJumq61EjD2xg4tJDyFT7RUQzTHWxsmXjraVFE/s6000/climbing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisQw1DKm6pz-7Zl5ZP1rA9TIjT4QLDp4fDl0gQNl7qS6DAP1L876BPakArBcTzPY2jEasc1ZKhe2C2sb7BWQOXDZUnlR6b5dDpaCjxNfus8pwj085uaGRH0cyEl7Ui8DjvAqJdp9jvJSLa19rX60oKJJumq61EjD2xg4tJDyFT7RUQzTHWxsmXjraVFE/w640-h426/climbing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After hitting the thickly wooded 2148 foot summit of Bald Pate, I continued on to the long south and west facing ledges of the peak, finding a wall of clouds where open views should be.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWP9pxTArEPzUY_G4ah4xWCol0LaYGE9zrgwKLXy4QVI5Lq1mD3SFXDvCLfofj8TAgeAg2jcpHRJPdFaABLe7Yi_fdX0bi5U189EdSONxcVPve198qwSfmm-UjkPsg0eP_nz9ZfOnv7iupfK3ccquBMJqc3ZeWJenB9oOve1k5kAXzSTolECw8DifyQ0/s6000/bald%20pate.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWP9pxTArEPzUY_G4ah4xWCol0LaYGE9zrgwKLXy4QVI5Lq1mD3SFXDvCLfofj8TAgeAg2jcpHRJPdFaABLe7Yi_fdX0bi5U189EdSONxcVPve198qwSfmm-UjkPsg0eP_nz9ZfOnv7iupfK3ccquBMJqc3ZeWJenB9oOve1k5kAXzSTolECw8DifyQ0/w640-h426/bald%20pate.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I explored the open ledges, patiently hoping for the clouds to break and offer some views. My perseverance paid off(sort of) when clouds broke just long enough to provide a decent view NW towards the valley I had just traveled below.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCL2w1CEl-0AhhQAJGE455fi0bDiEBGOHOFvKjkId3h2JPHcaE5Qk0w473j5ca1XlyTkdXrOT9GDj1SP2_5C_KmZyoMqVem3Vml9pnZ3hf-5jxGMThftIh4UXI3q3WVLYnGK-5cd-ws0Gy-mTxTlaTTxmxdEhWYVLx1vsQ3LmraLMQ0_P1eZmTJSdjVU/s6000/clearing%20fog%20bald.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCL2w1CEl-0AhhQAJGE455fi0bDiEBGOHOFvKjkId3h2JPHcaE5Qk0w473j5ca1XlyTkdXrOT9GDj1SP2_5C_KmZyoMqVem3Vml9pnZ3hf-5jxGMThftIh4UXI3q3WVLYnGK-5cd-ws0Gy-mTxTlaTTxmxdEhWYVLx1vsQ3LmraLMQ0_P1eZmTJSdjVU/w640-h426/clearing%20fog%20bald.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Taking in the view of a hogback on Owl Pate(my next destination) where thick clouds refused to budge. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUdkvI-5GLGU_h6d0ziBNb48qOHB82KFLFb9z4nKrnZ9agxupVbObAJS9mibm84bHUE3aMTPW5M_XYQwHQt-BRRise3WCqpkTJE7gizXwOPRJNtiLVhX7EQmS8Y7bWp7Xz9t10y9YgJwOoS746OV0Ukyw5tBj5gTs92gnAue9ZdZe36X1Cpaiec1hNmI/s6000/towards%20owl.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUdkvI-5GLGU_h6d0ziBNb48qOHB82KFLFb9z4nKrnZ9agxupVbObAJS9mibm84bHUE3aMTPW5M_XYQwHQt-BRRise3WCqpkTJE7gizXwOPRJNtiLVhX7EQmS8Y7bWp7Xz9t10y9YgJwOoS746OV0Ukyw5tBj5gTs92gnAue9ZdZe36X1Cpaiec1hNmI/w640-h426/towards%20owl.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After carefully descending off of Bald Pate, I made my way up the hogback on Owl Pate and then onto the mountain itself, where it was a bit thicker than I expected, as well as being ringed with steep cliff bands. Unfortunately somewhere along the way, my Canon camera-which has taken years of abuse-stopped working properly and I was forced to use my cell phone for photos the remainder of the trip. This is the wooded 2448 foot summit of Owl Pate, sitting unassumingly in a thick area of spruce and deadfall.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixGX4u9p_egPnzU89E0QPakvjedshBO_ppmGwgDUfuLjSV5hHhQeF3YLtgC1zcXy15M2ftlP_X-IwhWgm1IurF4Gm3WuTAWCYeSJS9mZRgUApmqRp-rHuCDbooPHk4K2ZYdgSfuu2Mz3xZu2PsYPRUlS2PWDqpA046QoCACsgZ4qvwvYg19IOsqVGPuI/s2048/owl%20pate%20summit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixGX4u9p_egPnzU89E0QPakvjedshBO_ppmGwgDUfuLjSV5hHhQeF3YLtgC1zcXy15M2ftlP_X-IwhWgm1IurF4Gm3WuTAWCYeSJS9mZRgUApmqRp-rHuCDbooPHk4K2ZYdgSfuu2Mz3xZu2PsYPRUlS2PWDqpA046QoCACsgZ4qvwvYg19IOsqVGPuI/w640-h480/owl%20pate%20summit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just south of the summit is a broad area of ledges and views, stretching all the way down to Pharaoh Mountain(center high point) and a small stretch of Schroon Lake to the right.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArCKXKkNRug5DdZQo18kzkvvmVEU6cqZ3-QFqigx-hgySY2JBqMTB_M_Aa9FPSTiahatVblbV047yRZ-xQMk9H7WIkxuSfWi1s2HZz6WZsbe9KFqIB1MmUQhrCVm9iCZBsRti5e0rLqJ3TEeAn03IYe8s1F-71NT47_0Gln8ggUvgnEywBN9N3HqQNug/s2048/owl%20pate%20ledges.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArCKXKkNRug5DdZQo18kzkvvmVEU6cqZ3-QFqigx-hgySY2JBqMTB_M_Aa9FPSTiahatVblbV047yRZ-xQMk9H7WIkxuSfWi1s2HZz6WZsbe9KFqIB1MmUQhrCVm9iCZBsRti5e0rLqJ3TEeAn03IYe8s1F-71NT47_0Gln8ggUvgnEywBN9N3HqQNug/w640-h480/owl%20pate%20ledges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Numerous viewing opportunities from a series of small ledges.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4Hc9_AY98b9SkYgFAnN-2k3UDhiFAbFOtw_mPUyF9heikgkoZeeEudNPmcOZB1pcsZ2zV_H_lfKhs5W8A-elPhR_-wpx2GMzNGIQP1pgYTIykxxq4M220VEpO75P2CmLerfoHpK4lU7t1Yy1BRlW71RRTH_kL-OMDAdI2WgQL3lVipHJsaDzm6-vKSc/s2048/owl%20pate%20view%20rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4Hc9_AY98b9SkYgFAnN-2k3UDhiFAbFOtw_mPUyF9heikgkoZeeEudNPmcOZB1pcsZ2zV_H_lfKhs5W8A-elPhR_-wpx2GMzNGIQP1pgYTIykxxq4M220VEpO75P2CmLerfoHpK4lU7t1Yy1BRlW71RRTH_kL-OMDAdI2WgQL3lVipHJsaDzm6-vKSc/w640-h480/owl%20pate%20view%20rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>View due south out over Owl Pate Pond.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO90aZgf9F9IbMthpMCcBppWvXe57ZmLwAsxf1E2a8eh7FwSGzeWp90_eNEOLRBk67JF1WKGKPorwykZffJZzEuZqdNBdHshwHsXq9PT-09Q9-ep3UyRzRfeXlwWuy-LNOb1B0Mdf8HfkSU91_65UP9GbutMNIO2ygdhpCjp2b78gN4gjqTB_GjBkereI/s2048/owl%20view%20to%20pharaoh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO90aZgf9F9IbMthpMCcBppWvXe57ZmLwAsxf1E2a8eh7FwSGzeWp90_eNEOLRBk67JF1WKGKPorwykZffJZzEuZqdNBdHshwHsXq9PT-09Q9-ep3UyRzRfeXlwWuy-LNOb1B0Mdf8HfkSU91_65UP9GbutMNIO2ygdhpCjp2b78gN4gjqTB_GjBkereI/w640-h480/owl%20view%20to%20pharaoh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>SE view into the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness from a wide open area of ledges.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNKixnAMi6E1nUPnhEF1B_10r1CZpb8sql_FADTSdEJpFNyy6vsyjy0dU_ItlKcOi8GvbImr_Axe-98ItxP1OcElzYWokVpXAUksShb8tmzuS_jylsfjS5pkCSWaSnfb8IiFWu81jGG_COzetuR8z7Uy-yChDCOSIjHWic7VqLZ64QSlyV24CkvW9ojo/s2048/owl%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNKixnAMi6E1nUPnhEF1B_10r1CZpb8sql_FADTSdEJpFNyy6vsyjy0dU_ItlKcOi8GvbImr_Axe-98ItxP1OcElzYWokVpXAUksShb8tmzuS_jylsfjS5pkCSWaSnfb8IiFWu81jGG_COzetuR8z7Uy-yChDCOSIjHWic7VqLZ64QSlyV24CkvW9ojo/w640-h480/owl%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After enjoying the awesome views, I had to choose a route down, deciding to basically head right down the north slope seeking the path of least resistance. It was a slow go on the very steep descent, losing nearly 1200 feet in 8/10 of a mile. Eventually I made my way back down to Moose Mountain Pond's outlet, which I easily crossed and then followed the marked trail back out. Once back on the trail, I took a moment to revisit Berrymill Pond's outlet-this time bathed in sunshine under blue skies-much different from my morning view.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-l-yVayYbxhd5za6eU21NlUiU16lZH1Mka8Zp9SWcBnAgAxkcHRlTKsKyld0OXIywEOmZbHOx1e0_uGirCjZsrXaamnfxiGTfBN_tkZjx4wBSkYA330NRCxS_XDpXeVzfzljDsQT0Fm0ZB-1K1ZqS85ZHb7wIrRSiHm613N23AT24oltVONvVNgnphQ/s2048/berrymill%20flow%20end%20day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-l-yVayYbxhd5za6eU21NlUiU16lZH1Mka8Zp9SWcBnAgAxkcHRlTKsKyld0OXIywEOmZbHOx1e0_uGirCjZsrXaamnfxiGTfBN_tkZjx4wBSkYA330NRCxS_XDpXeVzfzljDsQT0Fm0ZB-1K1ZqS85ZHb7wIrRSiHm613N23AT24oltVONvVNgnphQ/w640-h480/berrymill%20flow%20end%20day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Arrived back at the car, feeling accomplished but tired, covering 10.2 miles with 1800 feet of total ascent. Amazingly didn't see another soul the entire day.<br /></p><p>Map is below. Red P=Parking Red X's=summits<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bfOAkldsUZiq43FWg4lir6XGSy78d46OsXIc8fuz1Ec0_s28FkNBOsFZu4VgOF40RNLReCAJccXxo4Ew5oxr4_j00A0LVIkoAWndto2o_9OxxiafI4VwFvzfARJ9YxIw7-XwUQJe-jwyOQhxRoB7UYYU3_WS3mk8aGKQS_a7gevXBb26aQT1C_kcioU/s739/map%20owl%20bald.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="609" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bfOAkldsUZiq43FWg4lir6XGSy78d46OsXIc8fuz1Ec0_s28FkNBOsFZu4VgOF40RNLReCAJccXxo4Ew5oxr4_j00A0LVIkoAWndto2o_9OxxiafI4VwFvzfARJ9YxIw7-XwUQJe-jwyOQhxRoB7UYYU3_WS3mk8aGKQS_a7gevXBb26aQT1C_kcioU/w330-h400/map%20owl%20bald.PNG" width="330" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-36808757789508705602023-08-29T13:16:00.175-07:002023-08-30T17:04:19.624-07:00Berlin Mountain via Comstock Hollow Road(Town of Berlin, Rensselaer County)<p>Same mountain-different route. Today's theme was to try to put a new spin on a mountain I've climbed numerous times before, utilizing a new area of State land. The new area connects Berlin State Forest with the Taconic Ridge State Forest from Comstock Hollow Road on the steep west slopes of Berlin Mountain. I drove a little ways down the rough dirt road and parked at a Berlin State Forest DEC sign, where a forest road heads north(Elevation 1230 feet). From there I walked scenic Comstock Hollow Road east for 1.3 miles, with the main Taconic Ridge just ahead in the distance.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrZEbbojcY_bP-eq1wN5o9JwF4_7BBQeX4plzh9o0Aebz09a72k82nfR5IB7CoeKHfxmq-W4lfJjHUl87Xl5LhgctaZyLxHBHq28ncANtdq00GZiO4XdDoU3UiYRd1MFCdNoMGwh6GXkAyrlzMihJ05jFkDupv5ZjgNg2LVIBWm7twFFfjdtia2eAxt8/s6000/comstock%20hollow%20rd.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrZEbbojcY_bP-eq1wN5o9JwF4_7BBQeX4plzh9o0Aebz09a72k82nfR5IB7CoeKHfxmq-W4lfJjHUl87Xl5LhgctaZyLxHBHq28ncANtdq00GZiO4XdDoU3UiYRd1MFCdNoMGwh6GXkAyrlzMihJ05jFkDupv5ZjgNg2LVIBWm7twFFfjdtia2eAxt8/w640-h426/comstock%20hollow%20rd.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>The road is pretty rough but driveable for quite a ways if you have something with high clearance and 4 wheel drive.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL2Q_o2Us0rVTNHw4MLa66nKAcUJFv63NEf77vEWYrBZMFF6PZayMqAl7w_87pRsfLyDrhiNkZ9J__P_MvDbCNCRL9bdnD-rEL-2ENIOvDTXfrSB0Wukl6r4MOn-idBPE7TXkE6Bsg_tqrL4ODC_PWYbVa8xCwDxjsbp7AHmntIIlqmqv42D9aXb0hNc/s6000/road%201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL2Q_o2Us0rVTNHw4MLa66nKAcUJFv63NEf77vEWYrBZMFF6PZayMqAl7w_87pRsfLyDrhiNkZ9J__P_MvDbCNCRL9bdnD-rEL-2ENIOvDTXfrSB0Wukl6r4MOn-idBPE7TXkE6Bsg_tqrL4ODC_PWYbVa8xCwDxjsbp7AHmntIIlqmqv42D9aXb0hNc/w640-h426/road%201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Atfter about 1.3 miles, in a small clearing I found a nice view of one of Misery Mountain's west ridges high above to the south.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaq4G4aosV3nD9ELtBhRfX43WJRLXfGv_p3_E-BppwVJI3dqScjsIuj55bNxtoFzzOEcDgy0Htgdxnz6f-0M-gRy8Mi03hVO1ZAwV31xmRgOnXRvAH8_UvMqtqA5vQAWIy1cJHCZDfyjlTskCXx66FQAtglxsGCS5o_x_o1NCz0Ij24m2jRPMcPjIVXA/s6000/road%20ridge%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaq4G4aosV3nD9ELtBhRfX43WJRLXfGv_p3_E-BppwVJI3dqScjsIuj55bNxtoFzzOEcDgy0Htgdxnz6f-0M-gRy8Mi03hVO1ZAwV31xmRgOnXRvAH8_UvMqtqA5vQAWIy1cJHCZDfyjlTskCXx66FQAtglxsGCS5o_x_o1NCz0Ij24m2jRPMcPjIVXA/w640-h426/road%20ridge%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Just after that clearing, the road drops into an overgrown area of brush and prickers, but an alternative road swings north into the damp woods, I followed this woods road around a drainage and then UP.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C6ZMHEO2f-VTEnQtMAT_zziEsmUK52a_5Sx-KCj9q63dLOWAWFQFeznbzCFOBngju__NIKPtIIRCkod1ZGz1pdXV1vhCGohWuEcNVppjqxgDcCpvL0Ht8XzNJXYhD8v0sbBF9CL-B5V8EdjHTkK0RFNizALSOp-odEVdkTubtu5G3rE0fiHqjQugfJw/s6000/woods%20road.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C6ZMHEO2f-VTEnQtMAT_zziEsmUK52a_5Sx-KCj9q63dLOWAWFQFeznbzCFOBngju__NIKPtIIRCkod1ZGz1pdXV1vhCGohWuEcNVppjqxgDcCpvL0Ht8XzNJXYhD8v0sbBF9CL-B5V8EdjHTkK0RFNizALSOp-odEVdkTubtu5G3rE0fiHqjQugfJw/w640-h426/woods%20road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The woods roads I followed were in remarkably good condition, but as I climbed the wide road petered down into more of a wide foot path.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBVQweC0vnBadfvsCxw-7ISdmQrFP9HXNQ7-i7PD07id5GfdcezD47e6Q-ZOreSkP3n-63MuSmUZDMk_ytLouggoTEYdsaF3_FqYsC6aAnoIkvQown27q-iP36mLm9OiKrjfdTBMguqlXmQdq3wnQmXgwRcu3hVeWcT8ESy184Kpi9V-Qjp0xC1PkFlg/s6000/woods%20road%20turned%20foot%20path.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBVQweC0vnBadfvsCxw-7ISdmQrFP9HXNQ7-i7PD07id5GfdcezD47e6Q-ZOreSkP3n-63MuSmUZDMk_ytLouggoTEYdsaF3_FqYsC6aAnoIkvQown27q-iP36mLm9OiKrjfdTBMguqlXmQdq3wnQmXgwRcu3hVeWcT8ESy184Kpi9V-Qjp0xC1PkFlg/w640-h426/woods%20road%20turned%20foot%20path.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>At just over 2000 feet in elevation, the trail turns sharply in a deep cirque and crosses state lines into Massachusetts. The only signage I could find was a blue forest boundary marker though.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N-M0Z9fUhZQUXpjMU5qBokM4EfE88H7vLve0xlfXuzY4Q3raq8sZlaB2My1yUKFuJetlCVlHfRkLs0Im2UVFp7J3Bt_Lfop7BNovvn6dz9USYykSgaQ0eDtZBQCIr_o-3tl9PzUdCofItsdUeM46p374Gt1jECQM0x_VImQFMIAIHU6igDWbLOO-PLQ/s6000/state%20line.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2N-M0Z9fUhZQUXpjMU5qBokM4EfE88H7vLve0xlfXuzY4Q3raq8sZlaB2My1yUKFuJetlCVlHfRkLs0Im2UVFp7J3Bt_Lfop7BNovvn6dz9USYykSgaQ0eDtZBQCIr_o-3tl9PzUdCofItsdUeM46p374Gt1jECQM0x_VImQFMIAIHU6igDWbLOO-PLQ/w640-h426/state%20line.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once into Massachusetts, the ascent becomes even steeper and more chock full of blowdown and brush, but at around 2330 feet I finally hit the top of the ridge, quickly picking up the well marked Taconic Crest Trail.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdicYUsQ3RLFNJRQK2VhuriVs_PVyCcd0MrXwJ5At8tKaTm0k2YnkxQmKvEpDBOvF6B7YIOh2MQ_wDgp4l2J6--VbTepKJ_jWKR3GgK9wHJ0orOWwtzY2CFspX4RmDleFkoOyNbMhXmG8wpK2XP3yN_H5ZddUz4QlKV4p3J6GWNxuwndwnCi1bPNfCww/s6000/tct.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdicYUsQ3RLFNJRQK2VhuriVs_PVyCcd0MrXwJ5At8tKaTm0k2YnkxQmKvEpDBOvF6B7YIOh2MQ_wDgp4l2J6--VbTepKJ_jWKR3GgK9wHJ0orOWwtzY2CFspX4RmDleFkoOyNbMhXmG8wpK2XP3yN_H5ZddUz4QlKV4p3J6GWNxuwndwnCi1bPNfCww/w640-h426/tct.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once on the TCT, it was easy going, cruising north along the ridgeline, steadily making my way up towards Berlin Mountain.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnVPTh63HsxWJc1ZEwABa5gzx_H3diHaV8cq3KZbqM4Ggt-J4SKGMNYQmqlDmmXMzLlOV5hwXC2ZlnHKYvbZKn210fFgzjrO7KklwJCMZR7AChv7NT8pmDWnpUVBVxByLlzp9xkrK2z-YGiSCe-_YLSAQ18W6RnIgRmcpWFNMyzZn0iRBLprxivkAcQg/s6000/climbing%20to%20berlin.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnVPTh63HsxWJc1ZEwABa5gzx_H3diHaV8cq3KZbqM4Ggt-J4SKGMNYQmqlDmmXMzLlOV5hwXC2ZlnHKYvbZKn210fFgzjrO7KklwJCMZR7AChv7NT8pmDWnpUVBVxByLlzp9xkrK2z-YGiSCe-_YLSAQ18W6RnIgRmcpWFNMyzZn0iRBLprxivkAcQg/w640-h426/climbing%20to%20berlin.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>After passing through open hardwoods and several large swaths of fern glades most of the ridge, the character of the forest changed drastically to dark and coniferous just below Berlin Mountain's summit. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_18Jpu4yoeBRX5iGLL_zu2RsEOg00hpkp_DZMY44sX76cgKHNUdNz8KVX4oOTHFi0Ccv9hGP2wp457zQw48DvoJOdcC6WofISx3O44E8F-JeWCpmR6Ovex-DTEDuURV4YT3YrXsDlEF3Mab4VYhdknFvBa4yxy4ezu4rHVSbrAksvmXNKVaedY3v1UM/s6000/dark%20trail.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_18Jpu4yoeBRX5iGLL_zu2RsEOg00hpkp_DZMY44sX76cgKHNUdNz8KVX4oOTHFi0Ccv9hGP2wp457zQw48DvoJOdcC6WofISx3O44E8F-JeWCpmR6Ovex-DTEDuURV4YT3YrXsDlEF3Mab4VYhdknFvBa4yxy4ezu4rHVSbrAksvmXNKVaedY3v1UM/w640-h426/dark%20trail.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Emerging from the dark conifers to Berlin Mountain's wide open, sunny summit.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkQTGYKsSJwttk4n2xqye6vqvPz4ScRqykZ3H0qaVV40JVNepgE0QfqG9tnuDFet7dmxQsD_Jgy_sAaAFrr7R-YiSdIyLSKYs_YERI8pvu4yg73KfJ2Inc8tlvtaBca_Np4TEcKnX37UbQLnpfBe4Y6F2cldAhzMVzqzlIDS8m9Nqc9PvIqE-uGvLBwo/s6000/emerging%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkQTGYKsSJwttk4n2xqye6vqvPz4ScRqykZ3H0qaVV40JVNepgE0QfqG9tnuDFet7dmxQsD_Jgy_sAaAFrr7R-YiSdIyLSKYs_YERI8pvu4yg73KfJ2Inc8tlvtaBca_Np4TEcKnX37UbQLnpfBe4Y6F2cldAhzMVzqzlIDS8m9Nqc9PvIqE-uGvLBwo/w640-h426/emerging%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Berlin Mountain's 2818 foot summit. This is the highest point in New York outside of the Catskills or Adirondacks.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QTbjqIX_UjB3lMjALF6uL-0JzdrFJBkVBIrxSRqEp04z8kz1JlGei6juCB6Ize7KRknXq9F2FMJUB_Vv4HxZ6nUoyk-Fpj05dTTgZ6YgHN4XhhOM9WeVxYWYfqQpU5XQwrdHF5RBG_jn0eCwdt0A87-h0oEimTyokkDCW7wKTb44Tl04YOo_nacpGqM/s6000/summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QTbjqIX_UjB3lMjALF6uL-0JzdrFJBkVBIrxSRqEp04z8kz1JlGei6juCB6Ize7KRknXq9F2FMJUB_Vv4HxZ6nUoyk-Fpj05dTTgZ6YgHN4XhhOM9WeVxYWYfqQpU5XQwrdHF5RBG_jn0eCwdt0A87-h0oEimTyokkDCW7wKTb44Tl04YOo_nacpGqM/w640-h426/summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The view from the summit used to be better, but tree growth has impeded on this resulting in okay views east towards the Greylock Range.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_vn4j31B1_lM7gUMipXaIdkapGD9iqd1VmUYJaold_N5HTJUen1jKOKAUGbmW9qUsZ8oUKUio9gTIOA_g0ltkRHbOa4GHvGVJVCCa2iB4PQTbzxR1Wayw58LzEEQ3bySfQYcjvqVF0pzAZ0R40SZOd4rft2rsveyZgC1CaNRfcLnzw31R4SD0hf-JQU/s6000/view%20to%20greylock.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_vn4j31B1_lM7gUMipXaIdkapGD9iqd1VmUYJaold_N5HTJUen1jKOKAUGbmW9qUsZ8oUKUio9gTIOA_g0ltkRHbOa4GHvGVJVCCa2iB4PQTbzxR1Wayw58LzEEQ3bySfQYcjvqVF0pzAZ0R40SZOd4rft2rsveyZgC1CaNRfcLnzw31R4SD0hf-JQU/w640-h426/view%20to%20greylock.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>For my descent, I decided to try to follow an old woods road directly west off the summit towards Cowdry Hollow, but quickly lost it and ended up in a sea of ferns.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTPoh7MA6LV5m5R9BSybWrj7r6lfBFMXxAhQRX77riNJB7M1pNX4WNSFm28ijPBVnuo4SYgve60cAvQ3RdwOWa2e7Snz-CqJyvz7VxMZKw5pXQIPp2Lhi9X_ncOW3wRNhzuU44MuaKYpky7JsezIdl22e6taCOSzdIdPjT34BFJ19kOBFXT-j2Y_Np7E/s6000/ferns%20to%20cowdry%20hollow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTPoh7MA6LV5m5R9BSybWrj7r6lfBFMXxAhQRX77riNJB7M1pNX4WNSFm28ijPBVnuo4SYgve60cAvQ3RdwOWa2e7Snz-CqJyvz7VxMZKw5pXQIPp2Lhi9X_ncOW3wRNhzuU44MuaKYpky7JsezIdl22e6taCOSzdIdPjT34BFJ19kOBFXT-j2Y_Np7E/w640-h426/ferns%20to%20cowdry%20hollow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I did my best to find the woods road, but decided instead to simply bushwhack down the mostly open slopes.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1KhXnUz_xABDOHeP6Sm_97Ebz2unGQIkGrVHpZjN-ZYEppm-InpXk4_mKFjBvd1IKHT_Iw5LWgFmcgM-lRoexuviX5QuSosRSw7A57VG0LtK87wFuBxBPsyqRQ6InmEhkUY1LpGNG1TQEAf75cophAnX0unWhtfXuKDMkto4g0tbL66LxY9WbdNtZ5M/s6000/descent.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1KhXnUz_xABDOHeP6Sm_97Ebz2unGQIkGrVHpZjN-ZYEppm-InpXk4_mKFjBvd1IKHT_Iw5LWgFmcgM-lRoexuviX5QuSosRSw7A57VG0LtK87wFuBxBPsyqRQ6InmEhkUY1LpGNG1TQEAf75cophAnX0unWhtfXuKDMkto4g0tbL66LxY9WbdNtZ5M/w640-h426/descent.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>While making my way west down the ridge, I came to a pretty little 2050 foot summit bump filled with more ferns.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcMaoq21v7_hqL2l9-tH2X0R2R2EplvolvQc3osy0MjMmDXPWZkmViQrnkoUNMkhNO_nGgEsXozZ9Sigwt8qqQYOq0pW4Xfe8lHX_NeG-wAUqP1Ik_JFW_8d0vcyp7xf1t9rTo6ptvM-bZ4VI2DJEfIbCVxP-aksRgW_P1usTRGx_35svXMoiSXy9z50/s6000/mini%20summit.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcMaoq21v7_hqL2l9-tH2X0R2R2EplvolvQc3osy0MjMmDXPWZkmViQrnkoUNMkhNO_nGgEsXozZ9Sigwt8qqQYOq0pW4Xfe8lHX_NeG-wAUqP1Ik_JFW_8d0vcyp7xf1t9rTo6ptvM-bZ4VI2DJEfIbCVxP-aksRgW_P1usTRGx_35svXMoiSXy9z50/w640-h426/mini%20summit.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>In a brushy clearing, filled with pricker canes, I was able to find what I would surmise to be a better view with the leaves off west at an unnamed summit bump.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOEtYCIcU6Fril4gMNgt3-N9El4mWVbUMNN4r3VeJSeziw4xUaNxkeee9xNG4pfAJGFlxO57XN411o_QW7JgSpTc7Y0LrJdFfJYbu8Ou88YRzwJ6tigwnzV-mqeCDbB7GdXVMIM9I6EhG0qzq6nXkh-93-XI6QrCIsHLiCkwVo42wcK9rp5CcXqMTNP8/s6000/ridge%20view.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOEtYCIcU6Fril4gMNgt3-N9El4mWVbUMNN4r3VeJSeziw4xUaNxkeee9xNG4pfAJGFlxO57XN411o_QW7JgSpTc7Y0LrJdFfJYbu8Ou88YRzwJ6tigwnzV-mqeCDbB7GdXVMIM9I6EhG0qzq6nXkh-93-XI6QrCIsHLiCkwVo42wcK9rp5CcXqMTNP8/w640-h426/ridge%20view.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A steep drop brought me back down to Comstock Hollow Road, which I followed west all the ay back to my car. A nice and easy 5.5 miles RT, with 1600 feet of ascent.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Map below. Red P=Parking Red tracks=Ascent Blue tracks=descent<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDbSEdiRJTByOLqX9jHWKBsRVGXCRjWae0Se-eHMMx-FEOE2hNeI1QUZxVwylVjsE_G1yGNciytluTMZmNY7ze5ibvUbFmy-blxbFlwDMKRQk3ZeKHlRwk3yApSbtKf65M2ZR-8HN-n9UkIK7d9j9-w6nRZv0Lh7Ma9WeGFj8mk0q4wqp_zpzAdoZXEQ/s708/berlin.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="708" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDbSEdiRJTByOLqX9jHWKBsRVGXCRjWae0Se-eHMMx-FEOE2hNeI1QUZxVwylVjsE_G1yGNciytluTMZmNY7ze5ibvUbFmy-blxbFlwDMKRQk3ZeKHlRwk3yApSbtKf65M2ZR-8HN-n9UkIK7d9j9-w6nRZv0Lh7Ma9WeGFj8mk0q4wqp_zpzAdoZXEQ/w400-h261/berlin.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544794278014200295.post-82041736720110427042023-08-28T10:16:00.003-07:002023-08-28T10:16:31.705-07:00Kinderhook Creek Preserve(Town of Nassau, Rensselaer County)<p>Got out for a short walk for the first time in nearly three months this morning and boy did it feel nice. Visited the Kinderhook Creek Preserve and covered many of the trails that meander throughout these woods under slightly humid conditions, covering a little over 2 miles RT.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAqmuwxw0iUkcnyySGrQshUhZ-pfhgDiGeIexByzoQwm0e6yxaFv3kfpDk4VHGZugdg6UCgtQ1FCV_arUo8ZzjQXTBK1Ocb8sIGmSn1JnIAcBHtSUzLwlEkIO6GtZgSF6vWBwovya6zPDbB9gl-scmdOx_1EqYlH_vhMio7BDCDoubobzFR1-DiMO0Ns/s2048/n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAqmuwxw0iUkcnyySGrQshUhZ-pfhgDiGeIexByzoQwm0e6yxaFv3kfpDk4VHGZugdg6UCgtQ1FCV_arUo8ZzjQXTBK1Ocb8sIGmSn1JnIAcBHtSUzLwlEkIO6GtZgSF6vWBwovya6zPDbB9gl-scmdOx_1EqYlH_vhMio7BDCDoubobzFR1-DiMO0Ns/w480-h640/n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Walking Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07572089122265423545noreply@blogger.com6