Mount Francisco(Silver Lake Wilderness-Adirondacks)

After hiking Huckleberry Mountain in the morning, I decided to head north and hike another small mountain, this one in the Silver Lake Wilderness.  Mount Francisco is located just south of Route 8 in the town of Lake Pleasant and has no trail, meaning it would be a bushwhack hike.  I parked at a small sliver of state land along Route 8, where a yellow gate marks the beginning of an old road to a quarry. I found a herd path that leads directly to the quarry, which is less than 1/10 of a mile from the road. A nice and easy climb up the rim of the quarry provided some interesting views.

Near the top of the quarry, I caught this neat look SE to Indian Head Mountain.

Quarry view east.

An impressive view of  Sacandaga Lake to the NE.

After enjoying the old quarry, I continued on my way south, then SW towards Mount Francisco's southern summit.  The woods were open and inviting the entire way.

Arriving at the 2315 foot south summit, which sits in a clearing.

A short distance SW beyond the summit, I managed to find the open views I was looking for.  Sweeping south facing views from a fairly large swath of open area are the reward for this hike.  Speculator Mountain, Hamilton, Swart and Dugway Mountains form the horizon view.

The views southwest over the valley of Gallop Creek, so named for the 19th century family that farmed there.

There are several different, similar south facing view points as you circle the summit ledges.  Stumbled upon a fire ring at this ledge, where I also managed to find a deer shed.

Zoom views towards one of the vlies of Gallop Creek.

Retraced my steps through the open woods for a nice and easy 2.5 miles RT(all bushwhack), with just under 600 feet of ascent.

Huckleberry Mountain(Wilcox Lake Wild Forest-Adirondacks)

Had the day off and perfect weather to hike in...a rare combination.  Took advantage of this fact by heading north to do some exploring in the Adirondacks.  One particular little mountain that has always intrigued me is Huckleberry Mountain, which overlooks Murphy Lake in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest.  Although not terribly high, with a summit elevation of only 1932 feet, the open rock near the top is calling my name.  Got started by driving to the trailhead for Murphy Lake along Pumpkin Hollow Road, 1.6 miles east off Route 30 in the town of Wells.  Elevation to start was just over 1300 feet.  Heading south on the trail in the early morning light in ideal spring conditions.

The trail was quite wet and muddy in spots, but for the most part was in good shape.  A highlight of the trail was a nice footbridge crossing over Doig Creek at 1.5 miles in.

Looking upstream at Doig Creek.

After a couple of miles, the trail comes near a sprawling wetland section of Doig Creek, created by beaver's long ago.  I poked my head down through the woods to catch a nice peek of Huckleberry's two summits.

Just beyond the wetland, I found a nice spot to leave the trail and cross Doig Creek, beginning my ascent.  The climb was fairly straightforward through deciduous trees.  Unfortunately, the black flies were a bit annoying.  Not biting yet(thankfully), but still annoying. 

I headed almost directly towards the lower summit's steep SW ledges, where I found a series of nice ledges with good views.  Here is a view NW back up the valley I had just hiked.

To the south, beyond the budding trees, I spotted Murphy Lake.

I enjoyed exploring the lower summit's views for a bit before heading over to the high spot, which was fully wooded.

A small drop off the lower summit brought me over to the steep cliff bands that make up the true summit.  I headed slightly east around the ledges to find a way up.  Within a few moments of rock scrambling I found more views SE towards Murphy Lake and the unnamed peak above it.

Nearing the summit area, I encountered several open rocky cliff bands that made for an entertaining climb.

Emerging at an open ledge just off the summit.

Every hiker knows that adrenaline rush you get just before arriving at your vista spot. 

From the wide open rock, I found a flawless view of Murphy Lake.  In the distance, a careful eye can see a peek a boo look at the Great Sacandaga Lake.

A second ledge, a mere few yards away, provided west facing views into the Silver Lake Wilderness. 

Spectacular views from the summit area.  The view SW towards Cathead, Wallace and Three Ponds Mountains.

After enjoying the views, I dropped off the west side of the summit, being careful to find a gentle descent around the steepest ledges.  Once back down off the mountain, I caught this zoom view of the summit ledges from the wetland.

On the trail, I quickly moved along, with the sounds of songbirds serenading the way.

Spotted this painted trillium along the trail as I neared the car.

An awesome little adventure!  6 miles RT with over 1100 feet of ascent total.

Unnamed "Manorkill Hill"(Northern Catskills/Schoharie County)

With a bit of a reprieve in the terrible weather, I decided to do an after work hike in Schoharie County this afternoon.  I wanted to explore a DEP area located just north of the hamlet of Manorkill, in the sleepy town of Conesville.  An unmarked woods road starts just east of the Manorkill Cemetery, and DEP signage is visible at a gate just uphill from the road.  This would be my starting point today, at just over 1500 feet of elevation.

Within a few minutes, I emerged in an extremely large, open meadow. 

Almost immediately, I turned around and was wowed by the vista to the south. 

From the open fields, the northern most Catskills are easily visible, stretching from left to right, Pisgah, Richmond, Ashland Pinnacle and Huntersfield(not pictured here).

Had fun ascending the open fields. As usual, what Catskill hike would be complete with a stoic stone wall.

Once out of the fields and into the woods, I picked up a fairly obvious woods road and followed it north, ascending gradually.

Nearing 2000 feet, the woods are a little further behind, but are wide open and make for great bushwhacking.

After hitting a high point of 1985 feet, I decided to do some exploring, and stumbled across this interesting makeshift shelter.

High up in elevation, the land levels out, forming a bit of a plateau.  I found an extensive soggy, moss filled wetland area up there.

Dropping back down the woods road, I soon emerged back in the lower meadows.  To the south, across the open fields and beyond the stone walls is a great view towards Huntersfield.

I wandered the open fields for a bit, taking in the views and checking out spring's foliage.

With a temperature in the upper 50's, it sure felt more spring like today.  The land is awakening as well, reacting positively to the sun and warmer weather.

More spring blossoms.

As I headed back down through the open fields, a brewing storm nearby told me it was time to get going.

Hiked a little over 3 miles total, with over 500 feet of ascent.

The Windham Path(Catskills)

Got out for a short walk Tuesday morning at the Windham Path on yet another dismal spring day, with cool temps in the low 40's and rain in the forecast.  The Windham Path can be accessed from two separate parking areas and offers up 2 miles of scenic walking near the hamlet of Windham.  One entrance(the main starting point) is right off Route 23, just west and across the street from Old Route 23.  A second trailhead is located to the south, off Route 296.  I started from the main entrance off Route 23.

The trail meanders its way through the mostly open meadows, as well as woodlands and along streams, with views of the surrounding peaks to boot.

Along the trail there are several benches to relax and enjoy the views.  Here is a particularly great seat to soak in the view of nearby Van Loan Hill(L) and Round Hill(R).

Spring is fighting its way forward through a downright cold and nasty stretch of weather recently.  Trees are leafing out and grass is greening up, even with temps running 20-25 degrees below average.  Low clouds and mist obscure neighboring Cave Mountain's upper slopes from across these fields.

A gorgeous covered foot bridge crosses the Batavia Kill and connects to the south trail entrance off of Route 296.

Along downstream at the Batavia Kill.

 A picturesque foot bridge crosses a backwater area of the Batavia Kill.

I followed the trail to the south  and took a moment to catch another quick peek of the Batavia Kill(just off trail).

 The trail skirting the woods along the east side of the fields.

 The lower slopes of Cave's NE ridge can be seen here, draped in fog.

As the trail continues north towards the parking area and rushing traffic along nearby Route 23, a small tributary stream keeps nature close by.

Finished a nice and easy 1.5 mile stroll on an exceptionally cool May day.  Once back in the car, a short drive up in elevation was a not so gentle reminder that winter always holds on tight in the mountains.  Rare May snow and thick fog greeted me as I climbed up and over 2000 feet .  I think I speak for most people when I say that we are all just about done with this cold snap.