Catskill 3500, #13. Twin Mountain

Your's Truly, looking out over the Catskills from the lower summit of Twin Mountain.

Okay. I’m on number 13, lucky 13. I (overly optimistically) thought that I could tackle Twin back in June when I climbed Indian Head but that was dumb. When I got to the trailhead of Twin after descending Indian Head, my legs were butter. Maybe next time.

Okay. It’s next time. This weekend I added Twin to my list. I left Manhattan later than planned and arrived at the Prediger Road DEC parking lot around 1:00PM, much later than I wanted. I had pulled into Tannersville to gas up and realized that I had a flat tire. I located some Fix-a-Flat and that seemed to solve the problem though I knew that I would need to replace the tire as soon as I returned home.

Twin Mountain in the Catskills as seen from the road. Twin is the two summits on the right.
Twin Mountain in the Catskills as seen from the road. Twin is the two summits on the right. Indian Head is on the left (notice how it looks like a face?).
Riding the dirt road to the DEC Prediger Road parking lot.
Riding the dirt road to the DEC Prediger Road parking lot.
The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail trailhead to take you to Indian Head and Twin mountains.
The Jimmy Dolan Notch Trail trailhead to take you to Indian Head and Twin mountains.

The initial hike on the blue blazed Jimmy Dolan Notch trail was nice and calm, ie flat. After a mile or so, that changed and the ascent became quite challenging. The funny thing, I descended this way last weekend from Indian Head and it didn’t seem so vertical. Did I mention that it was yet another humid weekend up in the Catskills? Not as bad as the previous few weekends but still extremely sweaty. Bugs, however, were much less abundant this go-around though I did get a few Zika bites.

Starting out on the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail from the DEC Prediger Road parking lot.
Starting out on the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail from the DEC Prediger Road parking lot.
I've never seen a mushroom as bright and cheery as this.
I’ve never seen a mushroom as bright and cheery as this.
The trek became steep after the initial calmness on the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail.
The trek became steep after the initial calmness on the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail.
More steepness (and rocks) on the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail.
More steepness (and rocks) on the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail.

Topping out gave way to a small clearing and gave a bit of a reprieve in terms of climbing. The Devil’s Path intersected here. Though the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail technically ended, you could continue north off trail for a 100 feet or so and get a nice view from the actual Notch.

The actual Jimmy Dolan Notch. The view is a bit hindered.
The actual Jimmy Dolan Notch. The view is a bit hindered.

I went right on the red blazed Devil’s Path to ascend Twin (going left would take you to Indian Head). The climb became immediately quite steep again. It was grueling all the way to the first of Twin’s two summits. This first one is the lower one, so don’t get fooled into thinking that you’ve peaked. It’s easy to think this because the view is spectacular, right up there with Giant Ledge.

It's a steep climb - approaching the lower summit of Twin Mountain from the east side.
It’s a steep climb – approaching the lower summit of Twin Mountain from the east side.
It's a steep climb - approaching the lower summit of Twin Mountain from the east side.
It’s a steep climb – approaching the lower summit of Twin Mountain from the east side.
Hitting the 3,500 foot mark as I'm approaching the lower summit of Twin Mountain from the east side.
Hitting the 3,500 foot mark as I’m approaching the lower summit of Twin Mountain from the east side.
Yours Truly, looking out over the Catskills from the lower summit of Twin Mountain.
Yours Truly, looking out over the Catskills from the lower summit of Twin Mountain.
A gorgeous view from the lower summit of Twin Mountain.
A gorgeous view from the lower summit of Twin Mountain.

Heading over to the second, and official, summit consisted of a bit of a drop and then back up but it was short and not too difficult. Again, spectacular views. At this point, I took off my pack, sat down, rested my feet, and soaked in the scenery for a good 1/2 hour. Beautiful!

The view from the top of Twin Mountain.
The view from the top of Twin Mountain.
The view from the top of Twin Mountain.
The view from the top of Twin Mountain.
I sat down to soak in the view from the top of Twin Mountain. Taking off my shoes, I noticed a cigarette butt. I was stunned that someone would do this. I went ahead and packed it out with my empty energy bar wrappers.
I sat down to soak in the view from the top of Twin Mountain. Taking off my shoes, I noticed a cigarette butt. I was stunned that someone would do this. I went ahead and packed it out with my empty energy bar wrappers.

Heading back down, I made a rookie mistake and headed on to Sugarloaf. It took me approximately 20 minutes for me to realize my mistake. I was having to descend down some serious verticals and trying to remember if they had been so difficult going up. I pulled out my compass (which I should have done much sooner) and saw that I was heading west when I should be going east. Oops. I had to turn around and climb up all of the rock cliffs that I had just climbed down. To add to the misery, it started sprinkling and now I’d have slippery rocks to contend with but luckily it never rained past a slight sprinkling.

I don't remember having climbed up this.
I don’t remember having climbed up this.
I don't remember passing this. I then realized that I was heading to Sugarloaf. Time to turn back.
I don’t remember passing this. I then realized that I was heading to Sugarloaf. Time to turn back.
Here's where I made my mistake when leaving the summit of Twin. The trail on the left goes back to Jimmy Dolan Notch. The trail on the right goes to Sugarloaf. It's easy to think that it's simply one trail wrapping around the trees.
Here’s where I made my mistake when leaving the summit of Twin. The trail on the left goes back to Jimmy Dolan Notch. The trail on the right goes to Sugarloaf. It’s easy to think that it’s simply one trail wrapping around the trees.

Now that I was heading in the correct direction, I hoofed it all the way back down to the level portion of the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail and set up camp for the night. I pitched the tent, hung the bear bag, and promptly fell soundly asleep. I woke up once around 2:00AM and it was eerily quiet, so much so that I could hear a dead twig hitting the forest floor several hundred feet away.

Setting up the Zpacks Duplex on a nice soft forest floor. The bear bag is off to the left, out of frame.
Setting up the Zpacks Duplex on a nice soft forest floor. The bear bag is off to the left, out of frame.

The next morning, I packed up and hiked the remaining mile or so back to the DEC parking lot. The front tire of the motorcycle was holding up nicely thanks to the Fix-a-Flat. Unfortunately, riding out on the dirt road stressed the tire and it began to go flat again. I didn’t have my plug kit and nothing was open on Sunday mornings, so I made the calculated risk to ride home, checking the tire every so often. I went slow and made it home. The rim looks good. The bike is going into the shop for a new set of tires and a rim inspection. I’ll let you know how that goes.

Filling up with some wonderful, cold spring water. I've stopped carrying my Sawyer filter. I find that the BeFree is so much more convenient.
Filling up with some wonderful, cold spring water. I’ve stopped carrying my Sawyer filter. I find that the BeFree is so much more convenient.
Passing a cairn as I'm approaching the DEC parking lot on Prediger Road.
Passing a cairn as I’m approaching the DEC parking lot on Prediger Road.
The elevation graph from my Garmin GPS showing my ascent of Twin Mountain from the east.
The elevation graph from my Garmin GPS showing my ascent of Twin Mountain from the east.
The Google Earth map showing my ascent and descent of Twin Mountain from the east.
The Google Earth map showing my ascent and descent of Twin Mountain from the east.
Home, with a flat tire.
Home, with a flat tire.

Catskill 3500, #11 and #12. Big Indian and Fir Mountains

A Biscuit Brook waterfall.

This past weekend I decided to knock off two bushwhacks from my Catskill 3500 list. The plan was to backpack up to the summit of Big Indian, cross over east to Fir, and then back down.

I was excited to get away from the humidity of NYC but unfortunately, it was incredibly humid up in the Catskills. I never felt it cool down the whole ride up. Not a good sign.

Upon arriving at the Biscuit Brook DEC parking lot, I de-suited, switched into my hiking clothes, saddled up the backpack, and headed up the road to the Pine Hill West Branch trailhead. Yep, it was super humid. Within 15 minutes, I was drenched in sweat and it was like this the entire trip. Lots of black flies, gnats, and mosquitos also.

Rain was in the forecast, so I wrapped up the backpack in a waterproof trash bag.
Rain was in the forecast, so I wrapped up the backpack in a waterproof trash bag.
Arriving at the DEC Biscuit Brook parking lot. There's a convenient porta-potty for last minute necessities.
Arriving at the DEC Biscuit Brook parking lot. There’s a convenient porta-potty for last minute necessities.
It's a short jaunt up the ride to the blue blazed Pine Hill West Branch trailhead.
It’s a short jaunt up the ride to the blue blazed Pine Hill West Branch trailhead.
The Register Box at the blue blazed Pine Hill West Branch trailhead.
The Register Box at the blue blazed Pine Hill West Branch trailhead.
The first two miles of the Pine Hill West Branch trail is a fairly gentle uphill climb.
The first two miles of the Pine Hill West Branch trail is a fairly gentle uphill climb.
The day was incredibly humid, you can see the moisture hanging in the air.
The day was incredibly humid, you can see the moisture hanging in the air.
One of many stream crossings on the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
One of many stream crossings on the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
There were a few steep sections along the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
There were a few steep sections along the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
Water was extremely plentiful for the initial 4.5 miles of the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
Water was extremely plentiful for the initial 4.5 miles of the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
The 3500 foot elevation marker on the Pine Hill West Branch trail.
The 3500 foot elevation marker on the Pine Hill West Branch trail.

My first destination was the summit of Big Indian Mountain. Technically, it is a bushwhack but coming from Biscuit Brook, 99% of the approach is along the blue blazed trail. A herd path branches off about 4.5 miles past the trailhead and goes off for, at most, 1/4 mile before reaching the summit. I can’t imagine an easier bushwhack.

A herd path suddenly appears that'll take one to the summit of Big Indian Mountain.
A herd path suddenly appears that’ll take one to the summit of Big Indian Mountain.
The herd path to the summit of Big Indian is very well defined and very short, only about 1/4 mile.
The herd path to the summit of Big Indian is very well defined and very short, only about 1/4 mile.
Success! Signing in at the Big Indian Mountain gray bushwhack canister.
Success! Signing in at the Big Indian Mountain gray bushwhack canister.

From there, I continued my journey east towards Fir Mountain. Now began the true bushwhack. The herd path quickly disappeared and I had to rely on my compass to ensure that I was moving in the correct direction. The plan was to make it to the low point where Big Indian and Fir met, and set up camp for the night. Unfortunately, thunder quickly rolled in as I started down Big Indian. A major thunderstorm appeared to be looming. I didn’t want to get caught in it and since I was planning on setting camp soon, I decided to stop and drop. I was on some level ground and wasn’t sure that I’d have better options until the valley which would require me backpacking through the storm.

A herd path going off in the direction of Fir Mountain.
A herd path going off in the direction of Fir Mountain.

Space was very tight and the stakes wouldn’t bite due to the ground being all leaves, but I got the ZPacks Duplex pitched. I hung the bear bag and my sweat drenched clothes and retired for the night just as the rain picked up.

Setting up camp for the night with the ZPacks Duplex.
Setting up camp for the night with the ZPacks Duplex.
Hanging the bear bag to keep all food out of the tent for the night.
Hanging the bear bag to keep all food out of the tent for the night.
A closeup of my homemade waterproof cuben fiber bear bag. No, this is not how I hung it for the night.
A closeup of my homemade waterproof cuben fiber bear bag. No, this is not how I hung it for the night.

Bright and early the next morning, I packed up and headed over to Fir Mountain. Using my compass, I tried to still upon the Catskill Divide ridge as best as possible as it links the two summits. This was a true bushwhack. Every great once in a while, I would come upon a herd path but it never lasted long. The majority of the trip involved pushing through deep brush, thick tree layers, and jockeying over rock ledges. At one point, I fell down into a gully trying to jump across a ravine and had to administer some minor first aid.

Sunday morning. Time to pack up and head east to Fir Mountain.
Sunday morning. Time to pack up and head east to Fir Mountain.
Bushwhacking through some tough terrain on the way to the summit of Fir Mountain.
Bushwhacking through some tough terrain on the way to the summit of Fir Mountain.
Every great once in a while, a herd path would appear. These were very short and very infrequent.
Every great once in a while, a herd path would appear. These were very short and very infrequent.
Bushwhacking through some dense foliage.
Bushwhacking through some dense foliage.
Bushwhacking through some dense foliage.
Bushwhacking through some dense foliage.

It was slow going but I made it to the Fir Mountain gray canister around 12:30pm. It was tricky to find but you have to just keep going up. One thing to note is that there were no water sources. The day before was abundant but not today.

Bushwhack success!!! Signing in at the gray canister at the summit of Fir Mountain.
Bushwhack success!!! Signing in at the gray canister at the summit of Fir Mountain.

After a short rest and requisite photography, I began the descent back to the parking lot. The plan was to go south west until intersecting the Pine Hill West Branch trail near the shelter and then take the blazed trail back to the bike. I followed the herd path leading from the summit for perhaps a half hour but then it disappeared. I was now back to bushwhacking and a noticeable decline in pace.

Encountering a deer as I'm heading south down Fir Mountain.
Encountering a deer as I’m heading south down Fir Mountain.
Coming upon Biscuit Brook. This was a bit of a precarious crossing.
Coming upon Biscuit Brook. This was a bit of a precarious crossing.

The descent was steep and long. After a few hours, I came upon a brook and filled up with fresh water. I moved further down and waded across Biscuit Brook and on to the Pine Hill trail. From there, it was two miles back to the bike.

A Biscuit Brook waterfall.
A Biscuit Brook waterfall.
Intersecting with the Pine Hill West Branch trail after bushwhacking down Fir Mountain.
Intersecting with the Pine Hill West Branch trail after bushwhacking down Fir Mountain.
Heading back on the Pine Hill West Branch trail to the Biscuit Brook DEC parking lot.
Heading back on the Pine Hill West Branch trail to the Biscuit Brook DEC parking lot.

Sunday was a tough day. It took me approximately 11 hours to bushwhack from Big Indian to Fir to the parking lot. Very slow going but exhilarating, nonetheless. I switched out of my drenched clothes and into my bike gear, and headed home excited about the shower soon to be had.

The Register Box is a beautiful sight at the end of two long days of backpacking and bushwhacking.
The Register Box is a beautiful sight at the end of two long days of backpacking and bushwhacking.
The elevation graph of my trek up and down Big Indian and Fir Mountains in the Catskills.
The elevation graph of my trek up and down Big Indian and Fir Mountains in the Catskills.
My trek up and down Big Indian and Fir Mountains in the Catskills according to Google Earth.
My trek up and down Big Indian and Fir Mountains in the Catskills according to Google Earth.

Catskill 3500, #10. West Kill Mountain

Leaving Buck Ridge Lookout on West Kill Mountain in the Catskill Mountain Range in upstate New York.

I finally broke into double digits this weekend, bagging West Kill Mountain, #10 on my Catskill 3500 list.

There was call for a lot of rain this weekend but I managed to have luck on my side. It was pouring in Manhattan early Saturday morning when I woke up. I packed up and then waited. I didn’t want to ride up in the rain and then have to pack away my riding gear wet. Around 9:00am the storm passed, I packed up the bike, and headed north, arriving at the Spruceton DEC parking lot around 12:00 noon. This trip took a bit longer because I had to travel down backroads quite a bit to get to the lot.

I arrived to an empty lot, switched clothes, and saddled up the backpack, which by the way, was a brand new ZPacks Arc Blast. I love my Osprey Exos but I’ve been reading about the Arc Blast (and the cutting edge ultralight products of Joe Valesko) for over a year now and have been wanting to try it out for myself. I was not disappointed and will post a side by side review of the Exos vs Arc Blast when I’ve spent a few more trips with it.

This trip was also the maiden voyage for a Zpacks Duplex tent which blew me away far more than the backpack. I’ve been backpacking with a Hilleberg Unna tent for over a year now but its strength isn’t as a lightweight, hot weather tent. These two new ZPacks additions have taken my base weight down almost five pounds. More to come on these two products in later posts.

The weather was gorgeous the entire day in West Kill. The hike started off on the fairly flat blue blazed Diamond Notch trail that runs along West Kill (kill being a dutch word that means creek), then veered onto the red blazed Devil’s Path which was a consistent steep climb up until a bit past the 3,500 ft marker, and then eased off for most of the rest of the way to the summit (though there were a few steep portions) with a mandatory rest stop at Buck Ridge Lookout for spectacular vistas.

Heading back down, I found some perfect forest floor at 2,400 ft to pitch tent for the night (however, the bear bagging experience was fraught with inordinate amounts of bad luck). The timing was perfect as it began to rain approximately an hour later and rained all through the night and early morning – a great test for the ZPacks Duplex tent which performed swimmingly (and I don’t mean this literally, I stayed completely dry). The rain finally stopped around 7:00am. I packed up and hiked out dry, back to the bike.

Anyway, enjoy the following photos. See you on #11.

Arriving on my BMW R1200GS at the Spruceton DEC overnight lot for the trip up West Kill Mountain.
Arriving on my BMW R1200GS at the Spruceton DEC overnight lot for the trip up West Kill Mountain.
The West Kill Mountain trailhead. I could not find the register box.
The West Kill Mountain trailhead. I could not find the register box.
Diamond Notch Falls of West Kill being enjoyed by numerous hikers and backpackers.
Diamond Notch Falls of West Kill being enjoyed by numerous hikers and backpackers.
Once past the Diamond Notch Falls and now on the red blazed Devil's Path, the hike is a steady uphill climb.
Once past the Diamond Notch Falls and now on the red blazed Devil’s Path, the hike is a steady uphill climb.
Hitting the 3,500 ft elevation marker, always a natural high.
Hitting the 3,500 ft elevation marker, always a natural high.
Once past the 3,500 ft marker the climb decreases in intensity.
Once past the 3,500 ft marker the climb decreases in intensity.
The "Rock Overhang," not the most original of names. It reminds me of one of those traps hunters set to catch their dinner, except this one is human sized.
The “Rock Overhang,” not the most original of names. It reminds me of one of those traps hunters set to catch their dinner, except this one is human sized.
Just playing with some eye-level macro photography.
Just playing with some eye-level macro photography.
Yours truly, completely soaking in the majestic view at Buck Ridge Lookout. BTW, you'll notice that I'm sporting my new ZPacks Arc Blast.
Yours truly, completely soaking in the majestic view at Buck Ridge Lookout. BTW, you’ll notice that I’m sporting my new ZPacks Arc Blast.
A panorama of the Hunter / West Kill Mountain Range and beyond. Stunning and breathtaking, to say the least.
A panorama of the Hunter / West Kill Mountain Range and beyond. Stunning and breathtaking, to say the least. This is from Buck Ridge Lookout, only a short distance from the summit.
A panorama of the Hunter / West Kill Mountain Range and beyond. Stunning and breathtaking, to say the least.
A panorama of the Hunter / West Kill Mountain Range and beyond. Stunning and breathtaking, to say the least. This is from Buck Ridge Lookout, only a short distance from the summit.
The summit of West Kill Mountain. No views here, they're all at Buck Ridge.
The summit of West Kill Mountain. No views here, they’re all at Buck Ridge.
Heading back down. It always seems steeper going downhill. Here, I've tossed down my poles to free up my hands.
Heading back down. It always seems steeper going downhill. Here, I’ve tossed down my poles to free up my hands.
Refilling my water bottles at a water source around 3,100 ft. OMG, this water was amazing and incredibly cold.  You can see the cold sweat on the plastic bottle I just filled. You'll never understand  drinking Dasani ever again.
Refilling my water bottles at a water source around 3,100 ft. OMG, this water was amazing and incredibly cold. You can see the cold sweat on the plastic bottle I just filled. You’ll never understand drinking Dasani ever again.
Setting up camp for the night. I just finished hanging the bear bag. The Zpacks Duplex tent was a breeze to set up, though not pitch perfect on my part this first time. I'm using my Hilleberg Unna groundsheet to avoid packing up a muddy-bottomed tent the next morning.
Setting up camp for the night. I just finished hanging the bear bag. The Zpacks Duplex tent was a breeze to set up, though not pitch perfect on my part this first time. I’m using my Hilleberg Unna groundsheet to avoid packing up a muddy-bottomed tent the next morning.
Here's a nice photo of Sunday morning, after having slept solidly all night throughout the rain storm. The ZPacks Duplex was a palace.
Here’s a nice photo of Sunday morning, after having slept solidly all night throughout the rain storm. The ZPacks Duplex was a palace.
The elevation graph from my Garmin Montana GPS showing the ascent of West Kill Mountain. I don't know what all of those little spikes signify.
The elevation graph from my Garmin Montana GPS showing the ascent of West Kill Mountain. I don’t know what all of those little spikes signify.
Google Earth mapping of the trek to the summit and back of West Kill Mountain.
Google Earth mapping of the trek to the summit and back of West Kill Mountain.
On the bike and heading back to Manhattan. A horse enjoying some time in the sun, watching passers-by.
On the bike and heading back to Manhattan. A horse enjoying some time in the sun, watching passers-by.
West Kill Church with a sign by the cemetery that reads, "So Long". Not sure they realize what they've done. Either that, or they have a macabre sense of humour.
West Kill Church with a sign by the cemetery that reads, “So Long”. Not sure they realize what they’ve done. Either that, or they have a macabre sense of humour.
Margo's Hungarian German Restaurant. This must have been the place to go many, many moons ago.
Margo’s Hungarian German Restaurant. This must have been the place to go many, many moons ago.

My Secret Harriman Spot

My "secret" camping spot in Harriman State Park in upstate New York.

A couple years ago, I “stumbled” upon an amazing overlook in Harriman, perfect for pitching camp and waking up to a great view. It’s provided a great, easy getaway from NYC. Here are a couple photos…

My "secret" spot in Harriman State Park.
My “secret” spot in Harriman State Park.
My "secret" spot in Harriman State Park.
My “secret” spot in Harriman State Park.

Urban Hike: NYC Hudson River Greenway Bike Path

I wanted to go backpacking up in the Catskills this weekend but rain was forecasted quite a bit. I didn’t want to ride up there in the rain, change in the rain, pack up my motorcycle gear wet, and then start backpacking wet knowing that my gear would be wet the entire time. So I compromised. I had to run an errand Saturday morning and figured that I would stay in town and do a pseudo-hike by trekking on the Henry Hudson bike path from 59th street to 200th. As the crow flies, this would probably be a minimum of seven miles. With all the meandering, it was probably close to eight miles albeit with little elevation gain.

I ran my errand and then started the trek home. The rain was coming down hard. Because I was trekking urban, I took my homemade frameless Ray Jardin backpack with an umbrella tucked in the side pocket.

Rainy day hike along the New York side of the Hudson River.
Rainy day hike along the New York side of the Hudson River.
Looking down Pier 1 from inside Pier 1 Café on the Henry Hudson Greenway.
Looking down Pier 1 from inside Pier 1 Café on the Henry Hudson Greenway.
Urban waterfalls along the Henry Hudson Greenway.
Urban waterfalls along the Henry Hudson Greenway.
Hiking past the New York City Marina along the Hudson River Greenway.
Hiking past the New York City Marina along the Hudson River Greenway.
Passing by the rain soaked 96th Street clay tennis courts.
Passing by the rain soaked 96th Street clay tennis courts.
Finally able to get off the asphalt and pound some dirt.
Finally able to get off the asphalt and pound some dirt.
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.
Passing under the Henry Hudson Parkway.
Passing under the Henry Hudson Parkway.
Soccer field at 144th Street, north of West Harlem Pier and the Fairway grocery store.
Soccer field at 144th Street, north of West Harlem Pier and the Fairway grocery store.
Passing by a salt depot by the Northern Riverside Park area.
Passing by a salt depot by the Northern Riverside Park area.
Lots of parties happening in the Northern Riverside Park.
Lots of parties happening in the Northern Riverside Park.
Fishing in the Northern Riverside Park with the George Washington Bridge in the background.
Fishing in the Northern Riverside Park with the George Washington Bridge in the background.
Coming upon a fellow camper along the Henry Hudson River.
Coming upon a fellow camper along the Henry Hudson River.
This confounded me. Rather than simply removing the broken glass, the city leaves it dangerously in place and simply wraps caution tape around it.
This confounded me. Rather than simply removing the broken glass, the city leaves it dangerously in place and simply wraps caution tape around it.
Underneath the George Washington Bridge.
Underneath the George Washington Bridge, Fort Washington Point.
Passing by Inspiration Point near Fort Tryon.
Passing by Inspiration Point near Fort Tryon.
New York City hiking, cars whizzing by less than five feet from the path. Fort Tryon is in the background.
New York City hiking, cars whizzing by less than five feet from the path. Fort Tryon is in the background.
Back home in Inwood, approximately eight miles later. The hike went from 57th Street to 200th Street.
Back home in Inwood, approximately eight miles later. The hike went from 57th Street to 200th Street.

Catskill 3500, #9. Indian Head Mountain

Walking from the Platte Clove parking lot to the Indian Head Mountain trailhead. Does this look like a scene from a jigsaw puzzle or what?

The second mountain this year of my Catskill 3500 journey.

Arriving at the Platte Clove parking lot for the hike up the Catskill's Indian Head Mountain.
Arriving at the Platte Clove parking lot for the hike up the Catskill’s Indian Head Mountain.
Walking from the Platte Clove parking lot to the Indian Head Mountain trailhead. Does this look like a scene from a jigsaw puzzle or what?
Walking from the Platte Clove parking lot to the Indian Head Mountain trailhead. Does this look like a scene from a jigsaw puzzle or what?
Starting out on the trailhead. A pretty simple path.
Starting out on the trailhead. A pretty simple path.
After a bit, the path starts getting rocky.
After a bit, the path starts getting rocky.
After a bit, the path starts getting rocky.
After a bit, the path starts getting rocky.
A very precarious walk along the edge of a cliff.
A very precarious walk along the edge of a cliff.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Coming up on the first vista. Perfect blue skies.
Looking down the steep bit of rocks I just climbed.
Looking down the steep bit of rocks I just climbed.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Coming upon another beautiful vista. There is a perfect rock slab to perch upon.
Let another beautiful view, this one extremely close to the summit.
Let another beautiful view, this one extremely close to the summit.
Let another beautiful view, this one extremely close to the summit.
Let another beautiful view, this one extremely close to the summit.
Let another beautiful view, this one extremely close to the summit.
Let another beautiful view, this one extremely close to the summit.
Heading back down Indian Head Mountain.
Heading back down Indian Head Mountain.
Looking for a spot to camp.
Looking for a spot to camp.
It's been a challenge, I'm tired. Setting up the Hilleberg Unna for the night.
It’s been a challenge, I’m tired. Setting up the Hilleberg Unna for the night.
Garmin Montana GPS elevation graph showing the ascent of Indian Head Mountain.
Garmin Montana GPS elevation graph showing the ascent of Indian Head Mountain.
Google Earth map showing the to and fro hike of Indian Head Mountain.
Google Earth map showing the to and fro hike of Indian Head Mountain.
Heading back to the Platte Clove parking lot, loving the level ground.
Heading back to the Platte Clove parking lot, loving the level ground.
Artist in Residence program.
Artist in Residence program.
Back at the parking lot, the trusty BMW R1200GS had a good night's sleep.
Back at the parking lot, the trusty BMW R1200GS had a good night’s sleep.
Passing by a Confederate Flag on the way home. What are they doing up in Yankee territory?
Passing by a Confederate Flag on the way home. What are they doing up in Yankee territory?

Catskill 3500, #8. Windham High Peak

Your's truly, near the summit of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains. That's Blackhead Range in the background.

It’s been a while. My last hike was back in November 2016. Then a series of motorcycles issues along with a crazy work schedule kept me away until now. Boy, have I missed it. Making it to the top of Windham High Peak this weekend made me realize, “Don’t forget about this!” This wasn’t a difficult hike by any means but it was exhilarating, nonetheless—away from urban life and basking in the fresh air of nature.

Arriving at the Peck Road parking lot for the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Arriving at the Peck Road parking lot for the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Entering the yellow Elm Ridge Trail from the parking lot. Don't forget to sign the register.
Entering the yellow Elm Ridge Trail from the parking lot. Don’t forget to sign the register.
Hitting the junction of the blue Escarpment and yellow Elm Ridge trails.
Hitting the junction of the blue Escarpment and yellow Elm Ridge trails.
After a while, the hike up Windham Hgh Peak becomes much rockier and rooty.
After a while, the hike up Windham Hgh Peak becomes much rockier and rooty.
Nearing the summit of Windham Hgh Peak. That's Blackhead Range in the background.
Nearing the summit of Windham Hgh Peak. That’s Blackhead Range in the background.
At the 3500 feet marker on the way to the top of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
At the 3500 feet marker on the way to the top of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Your's truly, near the summit of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains. That's Blackhead Range in the background.
Your’s truly, near the summit of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains. That’s Blackhead Range in the background.
Looking over the valley from Windham High Peak.
Looking over the valley from Windham High Peak.
Topographic map showing the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Google Earth map showing the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Google Earth map showing the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Elevation graph showing the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Elevation graph showing the ascent of Windham High Peak in the Catskill Mountains.
Lots of rain the night before made for a slippery descent of Windham High Peak.
Lots of rain the night before made for a slippery descent of Windham High Peak.
Setting up camp at 2,850 feet on the way back down from Windham High Peak.
Setting up camp at 2,850 feet on the way back down from Windham High Peak.
Kaaterskill Falls on the way back from Windham High Peak.
On the bike and heading back home to Manhattan, I passed Kaaterskill Falls and had to stop and take a picture.

Catskill 3500, #6 and #7. Hunter and Southwest Hunter (Levitt) Mountains.

Success! Finding the gray canister at the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain (Levitt's Peak).

[Note: I’m writing this post six months later, so I’m a bit sketchy about the details.]

It was a chilly October. I went to work on Friday all packed up, and headed to the Catskills directly after work. I had reserved a spot at the Phoenicia Black Bear Campground and got there after dark. With my headlamp on, I quickly set up the Hilleberg Unna tent amongst the partying and county/western music sounds from neighboring campsites.

It was a chilly night and got down to around freezing but I was comfortable in the Unna and a Sea to Summit Trek !! 18° bag.

The next morning, I awoke to see that I was right next to Esopus Creek. I had no idea. It was quite a nice sight.

Waking up next to Esopus Creek at the Phoenicia Black Bear Campground.
Waking up next to Esopus Creek at the Phoenicia Black Bear Campground.

I packed up and headed to the Spruceton DEC parking lot for Hunter Mountain.

Arriving at the Hunter Mountain DEC parking lot.
Arriving at the Hunter Mountain DEC parking lot.
The trailhead and Register Box of the blue blazed Spruceton Trail.
The trailhead and Register Box of the blue blazed Spruceton Trail.
Meeting a couple other hikers on the way up to the summit of Hunter Mountain in upstate New York's Catskill Mountain Range.
Meeting a couple other hikers on the way up to the summit of Hunter Mountain in upstate New York’s Catskill Mountain Range.
The fire tower at the top of the Catskill's Hunter Mountain.
The fire tower at the top of the Catskill’s Hunter Mountain.
A beautiful view from the top of Hunter Mountain.
A beautiful view from the top of Hunter Mountain.
Panoramic view from the fire tower at the top of Hunter Mountain.
Panoramic view from the fire tower at the top of Hunter Mountain.
The Devil's Acre shelter on Hunter Mountain.
The Devil’s Acre shelter on Hunter Mountain.
Little did I know, I just passed the herd path to the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain.
Little did I know, I just passed the herd path to the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain.
Let the bushwhacking to the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain begin.
Let the bushwhacking to the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain begin.
I see the Southwest Hunter Mountain canister!!!
I see the Southwest Hunter Mountain canister!!!
Success! Finding the gray canister at the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain (Levitt's Peak).
Success! Finding the gray canister at the peak of Southwest Hunter Mountain (Levitt’s Peak).
Bushwhacking back down to the Devil's Path trail.
Bushwhacking back down to the Devil’s Path trail.
Coming down, I stumbled upon an obvious herd path and realized that I took the very difficult way up.
Coming down, I stumbled upon an obvious herd path and realized that I took the very difficult way up.
The Diamond Notch Falls as seen from the Diamond Notch trail as I headed back to the motorcycle.
The Diamond Notch Falls as seen from the Diamond Notch trail as I headed back to the motorcycle.
Heading back to Manhattan on the BMW R1200GS motorcycle. I had to pull over to view the full moon.
Heading back to Manhattan on the BMW R1200GS motorcycle. I had to pull over to view the full moon.
The elevation graph of the round trip hike of Hunter Mountain and the bushwhack of Southwest Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountain Range in upstate New York.
The elevation graph of the round trip hike of Hunter Mountain and the bushwhack of Southwest Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountain Range in upstate New York.
The Google Earth map of the round trip hike of Hunter Mountain and the bushwhack of Southwest Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountain Range in upstate New York.
The Google Earth map of the round trip hike of Hunter Mountain and the bushwhack of Southwest Hunter Mountain in the Catskill Mountain Range in upstate New York.

Catskill 3500, #5. Slide Mountain

Officially hitting the summit of Slide Mountain.
Packing up my Osprey Exos 38 for the overnight journey.
Packing up my Osprey Exos 38 for the overnight journey.
The register box at the Slide Mountain trailhead.
The register box at the Slide Mountain trailhead.
The obligatory selfie at the trail junction.
The obligatory selfie at the trail junction.
The hike up is along a fairly smooth path albeit it long and quite steep at times.
The hike up is along a fairly smooth path albeit it long and quite steep at times.
The hike up is along a fairly smooth path albeit it long and quite steep at times.
The hike up is along a fairly smooth path albeit it long and quite steep at times.
Stunning views on the way to the top.
Stunning views on the way to the top.
Stunning views on the way to the top.
Stunning views on the way to the top.

Officially hitting the summit of Slide Mountain.
Officially hitting the summit of Slide Mountain.
Google Earth map showing the path I took to the top of Slide Mountain.
Google Earth map showing the path I took to the top of Slide Mountain.
Garmin GPS Elevation Graph showing the Slide Mountain ascent.
Garmin GPS Elevation Graph showing the Slide Mountain ascent.

Date of Hike
Date October 7, 2016
Weather Conditions Sunny, Clear, Crisp (48°F – 60°F / 8.9°C – 15.6°C
Summit Slide – 4,180 ft / 1,274 m
Trailhead Overnight Parking Lot
Distance (Round Trip) 9.6 miles / 15.45 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain 1,780 feet / 543 meters
+ Highlights + Beautiful view from the summit
– Great wintertime camping possibilities
– Caveats – None

Catskill 3500, #3 & #4. Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains

The view from Wittenberg Mountain in the Catskill region, upstate New York.

September 25, 2016
Wow, okay. This weekend was a doozy of a hike. My goal was to “bag” both the Wittenberg and Cornell summits. Little did I know how strenuous it would be.

The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail trailhead is located at the Woodland Valley campground, so I decided to set up base camp at the campground. That way I could do a dayhike on Saturday and return to an already set up tent.

I did my usual leave-after-work-on-Friday trip and arrived at the campground well into pitch black (the sun is going down sooner and sooner these days). I set up by the light of my headlamp and tucked in for what was to be a chilly night. 7:30 am the next morning, I was up and on the trail. Just the initial hike to the Register Box winded me. It couldn’t get harder than this, right? Well, upon reaching the first boulder I had to vertically climb up, I knew that I was in for some serious hiking. This was a tough hike with lots of bouldering required and even a rock “crack” to shimmy up. I came upon three separate hikers who had harnesses hooked up to their dogs in order to raise and lower them.

All in all, this was a very tough hike. I’m glad that I only had a five pound daypack and not a 25 pound backpack. The hike began at 1,400 feet and ascended to 3,800 feet, an elevation gain of 2,400 feet to get to the top of Wittenberg Mountain. Hard work but let me tell you, the view was breathtaking. The exhaustion I felt immediately washed away.

Hopping over to the summit of Cornell Mountain required some more exertion but went by fairly quickly. Cornell had some nice views also but not as panoramic as Wittenberg. I did, however, make a couple new friends. I met Dan and Jen, fellow Catskill 3500ers, and tagged along with them on the loooong, rocky descent back to the campground.

Yeah, #3 and #4 of my Catskill 3500 peaks. Enjoy the photos.

Establishing base camp at the DEC's Woodland Valley Campground. My BMW R1200GS and Hilleberg Unna remained onsite for two days while I went off to bag both Wittenberg and Cornell summits.
Establishing base camp at the DEC’s Woodland Valley Campground. My BMW R1200GS and Hilleberg Unna remained onsite for two days while I went off to bag both Wittenberg and Cornell summits.
If you don't want to camp, there is an overnight parking lot at the trailhead of the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide hiking trail in the Catskill Mountains.
If you don’t want to camp, there is an overnight parking lot at the trailhead of the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide hiking trail in the Catskill Mountains.
The 7:30am sunlight filtering through the trees as I hop on to the red-blazed trailhead from the end of Woodland Valley campground. This will lead straight over the summits of Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain (and Slide also).
The 7:30am sunlight filtering through the trees as I hop on to the red-blazed trailhead from the end of Woodland Valley campground. This will lead straight over the summits of Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain (and Slide also).
Just getting to the register box was a chore. I didn't know it at the time but this definitely served as a forewarning as to what to expect.
Just getting to the register box was a chore. I didn’t know it at the time but this definitely served as a forewarning as to what to expect.
Don't get too close to the edge. Hiking along the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail in the Catskill Mountains.
Don’t get too close to the edge. Hiking along the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail in the Catskill Mountains.
A glimpse through the trees while hiking along the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail in the Catskill Mountains.
A glimpse through the trees while hiking along the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail in the Catskill Mountains.
The first bouldering event. Approximately half way up or so, it suddenly became obvious that this hike to the summit of Wittenberg Mountain was going to get harder.
The first bouldering event. Approximately half way up or so, it suddenly became obvious that this hike to the summit of Wittenberg Mountain was going to get harder.
Looking down on the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail and realizing, "I have to come back down this way. What have I done?"
Looking down on the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail and realizing, “I have to come back down this way. What have I done?”

You've got to be kidding. The challenge of the Catskill Mountain's Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail just raised a notch.
You’ve got to be kidding. The challenge of the Catskill Mountain’s Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail just raised a notch.
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Oh yeah, this is why I just beat up my body for four miles and 2,400 feet of elevation gain - the spectacular view from the summit from Wittenberg Mountain. Obviously, a popular destination in the Catskill Mountains.
Oh yeah, this is why I just beat up my body for four miles and 2,400 feet of elevation gain – the spectacular view from the summit from Wittenberg Mountain. Obviously, a popular destination in the Catskill Mountains.
Heading over now to the summit of Cornell Mountain. Yep, more Catskill bouldering.
Heading over now to the summit of Cornell Mountain. Yep, more Catskill bouldering.
The infamous Cornell Crack in the Catskill Mountains. This picture doesn't do it justice. It's much more intimidating in person but if you're the least bit athletic, you can shimmy up it though having a spotter might help.
The infamous Cornell Crack in the Catskill Mountains. This picture doesn’t do it justice. It’s much more intimidating in person but if you’re the least bit athletic, you can shimmy up it though having a spotter might help.
Panorama shot from the summit of Cornell Mountain, one of the 3500 of the Catskill Mountains in New York. That's Wittenberg Mountain in the middle, about 0.8 miles away and where I just came from.
Panorama shot from the summit of Cornell Mountain, one of the 3500 of the Catskill Mountains in New York. That’s Wittenberg Mountain in the middle, about 0.8 miles away and where I just came from.
Heading back to the Woodland Valley base camp in the Catskill Mountains. It's a long five mile descent.
Heading back to the Woodland Valley base camp in the Catskill Mountains. It’s a long five mile descent.
Checking out at the register box on the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail in the Catskill Mountains. Such a beautiful sight! At this point, my leg muscles were mush and my shoulders were sore from the trekking poles.
Checking out at the register box on the red-blazed Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide trail in the Catskill Mountains. Such a beautiful sight! At this point, my leg muscles were mush and my shoulders were sore from the trekking poles.
Passing Steve Heller's Fabulous Furniture in Boiceville, NY as I leave the Catskill Mountains and ride the 2 1/2 hours back to Manhattan.
Passing Steve Heller’s Fabulous Furniture in Boiceville, NY as I leave the Catskill Mountains and ride the 2 1/2 hours back to Manhattan.
Google Earth showing my roundtrip dayhike from the Woodland Valley DEC campground to the summits of Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain.
Google Earth showing my roundtrip dayhike from the Woodland Valley DEC campground to the summits of Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain.

The elevation graph from my Garmin Montana GPS showing the ascent from the Woodland Valley DEC campground to the summits of Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain.
The elevation graph from my Garmin Montana GPS showing the ascent from the Woodland Valley DEC campground to the summits of Wittenberg Mountain and Cornell Mountain.
September 24, 2016

Date of Hike
Date September 24, 2016
Weather Conditions Sunny, Clear, Crisp (48°F – 60°F / 8.9°C – 15.6°C
Summit Wittenberg – 3,800 ft / 1,168 m
Cornell – 3,800 ft / 1,168 m
Trailhead Woodland Valley campground
Distance (Round Trip) 10.1 miles / 16.2 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain 3,400 feet / 1,036 meters
+ Highlights + Beautiful panoramic view from Wittenberg summit
+ Decent view from Cornell summit
– Caveats – Precarious bouldering at times
– Rarely any level ground
– No water sources