Colonel’s Chair (All Trails Challenge NYNJTC Map 141)

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 out of old piping from the snowmaking system. 

I took the yellow Colonel’s Chair to the John Robb lean-to on Spruceton. I am starting to understand why so many people like this route to the fire tower. It’s super walkable and has some interesting things along the way, such as a quarry, and other roads to explore. 

I watched sunset at the lean-to and headed back down. Another interesting remnant of times past are these fitness stations. They’re scattered around under the Flyer near the base of Belt Pkway. Each station lists exercises to do. I wonder if they try to advertise that as an outdoor gym when they’re selling condos. 😉

Let’s talk today’s IPA: Mango Bombogenesis DIPA by @chathambrewing I brought an array of the Catskills’ finest IPAs when I was trying to impress an ex’s family. (If you want to make a good impression, getting people buzzed with a beer tasting is a good way to do it.) This was among the beers I brought them, and it came in 2nd to Devils Path IPA. This is made with actual mango purée and you can taste it. It also has a very generous ABV of 8.5. The only downside is that it isn’t hazy, but just drink it from the can and pretend it is.