Queen of the Catskills

Escarpment Loop from Rock Shelter back to Scutt Rd. (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141) This part of the Escarpment has so much packed into it: Newman’s Ledge, Lookout Rock, Sunset Rock, Artist’s Rock, Catskill Mtn House, Boulder Rock, Split Rock, the Kaaterskill Hotel site, Inspiration Point, Layman Monument, Kaaterskill Falls, and Bastion Falls. Funnest run ever with, apparently, a lot of noteworthy rocks.  I’m really starting to understand the whole trail running appeal, which is amazing to me because I’ve never been a fan of running. But I think I just like pushing my physicality.  There is something about pushing through suffering in all its forms that brings people a satisfaction far more profound than any temporal pleasure.  Without suffering there would be no creativity. Without a problem to fix, we become static and just exist. I think I’ve realized that there is a part of me always striving for something, and without my mistakes in life or twists of fate, I’d ...

Huntersfield It was looking mighty fall-like on the short drive to Ashland. Though the beauty of the drive was interrupted when I came upon a dead fox on the road. This is one of my favorite quick hikes close to home. The foliage was beautiful and it allowed me to get out into the woods without worrying about the impending rain.  I decided to give the @saranacbrewery Clouded Dream IPA another chance. On my first sip, I was once again meh about the taste, but by the end of the can I thought it was fine. 6/10

Stoppel Point via Ducther Notch & Overlook via Overlook Spur Trail & Red and Yellow Trails (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141) I did Stoppel Point first because I was more likely to get parking there, and figured by the time I was done with that peak that the crowds on Overlook would be clearing out enough for me to find a parking spot.  Trails are in perfect condition and while I heard some flies buzzing around, none were intercepted. The summit of Stoppel Point was marked by two huge bear dumps. I’m still trying to figure out what that bear was eating. Looks like cherry pits in his scat. On Overlook, I experienced the most beautiful golden hour and finally saw a rattlesnake near the fire tower. I also explored that short loop at the bottom near the trail register.  As I was walking today, I was thinking about my relationship to NYC, stages of life, and the parable of the prodigal son. In that Bible story a son asks his father for his inheritance, goes off and spend...

Table & Peekamoose: Phoenicia East Branch Trail to Curtis Ormsbee Intersection & Peekamoose Table Trail to Summits (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 143) The Denning lot was nearly full by 11:30 am so I guess I can’t have leisurely mornings anymore if I want to hike.  The water levels seemed to be rising. The trails are in good shape, though one of the footbridges is looking a little sketchy.  While there are steep sections to this hike, there are also a lot of stretches of relatively flat terrain which I run because I just feel that’s most efficient. I’ve never been into running, but I’m starting to understand the meditative quality of doing it on trails.  It kind of reminds me of skiing. You have obstacles coming at you quickly which you have to be present and in the moment to navigate. However, there’s also a component of letting go, not consciously analyzing what you’re doing, and just trusting you can handle what comes your way. It feels like something else is...

Panther Mountain via Fox Hollow Rd. (All Trails Challenge Map 142)  The last time I did Panther from Fox Hollow, I remember it being boring and long, so I went in with two IPAs expecting the worst. However, it ended up being a lovely hike that took less time than expected. Conditions and weather were perfect, and the autumn sun bathed everything in a golden ambient light.  I was thinking a lot about what it means to be in alignment with yourself. I think I’d define it as when our outward actions / behavior are in accordance with our values.  When we have the opportunity to behave in a manner that coincides or exercises these values, then we are rewarded with positive feelings and an intuitive sense that we’re awakening to our truest nature. The outside matches the inside so to speak. So much of life is behaving in a way that takes us out of alignment, and I think that’s why we’re often so depressed.  I also think that’s why solitude is so important. With solitude the...

Colonel’s Chair (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141) On the way up Belt, an @huntermountain employee in a truck stopped to make sure I was prepared to hike alone. I gave a warm and enthusiastic “Hey!!”because I recognized her from the Zephyr lift. But I could tell she didn’t recognize me without my ski garb. It kind of felt like when you think someone is waving at you, and you wave back, and then realize they were trying to signal someone else. I reached the summit of Colonel’s Chair which is the peak the resort is actually on. Hunter mountain is 2 miles away from the summit of the resort. You can see it from upper K27, and if you look closely, you can even see the fire tower.  There is a sculpture garden located at the top. I couldn’t find it this time around, but there is a number you can call and it will give you information on each sculpture, just like in a museum. The statue of Rip Van Winkle, which was finished in 2009, is the most famous one. There is also one that is made ...