I got lazy once again and bailed out on doing the Seward Range in the Adirondacks. Although, I wouldn't have been doing them legally since I don't have a bear canister. That's my excuse this time.
Instead, I took advantage of this beautiful day to check out Bash Bish Falls in Copake and scale Columbia County's high point. Interestingly, to summit the high point of Columbia County consisted of walking entirely in Massachusetts until the last few feet. The high point is a shoulder of Alander Mt about 100 feet below.
The 3 and a half mile walk had many stream crossings on a trail with great footing. The summit of Alander is more reminiscent of being near timberline in the Adirondacks than the much higher and closer Catskill Mountains. The views were expansive. To the west the Catskills dominated the horizon. The beautiful farm land could be seen in the valleys below in all directions. To the south and east Brace and Frissel reigned supreme.
Once back at the car, I decided to head over to Bash Bish Falls. I had been here previously on a bike ride and decided it wasn't very impressive. I think the drought probably had something to do with that. There is no drought to speak of after the massive amounts of rain we've had the past few weeks. And gone were these Falls unimpressiveness. There were impressive indeed. Kaaterskill Falls are much higher, but these Falls raged with such a force it was hard to take your eyes off them. They also lied in this spectacular narrow gorge adding to its splendor. And the paths are set up to enjoy views from above and below.
Is it just me, or is there something erotic about Bash Bish? Something almost obscene? That massive rock head, thrusting forward, the water parted, gushing round the phallus, pooling. But then again, viewed from a little farther away, I see a sasquatch climbing up the river, perhaps to catch fish.
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