Winter Wonderland

High Point from the Ashokan Resevoir

Burroughs Range from the Ashokan

Overlook from the Ashokan

Southern Catskills from just below the summit of Peekamoose

More of the Southern Catskills

Winter Wonderland

From the summit

Burroughs Range: Rocky, Balsam Cap, Friday

Ashokan High Point

The Ashokan Resevoir

Ice, ice baby, too cold, too cold!

Didn't understand why Reconnoiter Rock is on the map.  Closer inspection reveals the rock is barely in contact with the ground

Ice formation along Peekamoose Road

This would be my first “real” hike this winter since hurting my back. So, in many ways, I regarded this as a test. I knew a Catskill 3500 peak would be a good choice, but was not sure which one to do. The night before, I made a list of all the peaks and a rough estimate of how many times I’ve summated each one. Since Peekamoose received only 2 visits (one of which was in complete darkness), that would be the destination. Of the 35, Peekamoose is my favorite name. This would be a great choice, as it was a beautiful day and I discovered an awesome view point near the summit.

On the way there, I stopped briefly at the Ashokan Resevoir and snapped some photos of the surrounding mountains, which consisted of Peekamoose. The drive along Peekamoose road was a bit slow due to the icy conditions. The parking lot was almost full, so the trail should be broken in nicely. The march up was slow and steady with only a few steep sections near the summit. With the ice storm from the previous day, it was surprising to find as little blow down as existed. I recall an ice storm that made trails unrecognizable. This was a pleasant surprise. On the way over to Table Mt. there would be a few sections that would require getting on hands and knees to crawl under trees and branches that succumbed to the ice.

At the first view point I met a guy on his way down. He told me he was the first one out and broke the trail all the way up. I don’t envy him, although it couldn’t have been as bad as he made it sound as there was an icy crusted layer underneath the 6 inches of powder. At the summit there was a group of hikers who lived near me who recognized my name and associated me with running. Wow, I didn’t know I made that much of an impression as a runner. Although, I’m sure it’s my brother’s names that they recognize.

The summit area and the walk over to Table was an absolute winter wonderland. The snow covered spruce and balsam trees under a backdrop of clear blue skies with the whitest of clouds blowing by, is a sight to behold. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been out in such wonderful conditions.

On the way back to Peekamoose I ventured off on to a side trail near the summit. This proved to be fruitful. It was simply amazing how so much fit into a less than 180 degree view. The entire Devil’s Path was visible from Plateau to Overlook. The Ashokan Resevoir and High Point were in view. The Burroughs Range took up the foreground. Lone, Rocky, Balsam Cap and Friday were viewed up close, one of the few spots where they can be viewed.

Peekamoose will definitely be revisited. The hike down was fairly easy despite regretting to bring along a pair of poles. A couple sections were a bit tricky. The five hour hike was far from exhausting, but I would greatly enjoy the post hike beer afterwards, along with the Super Bowl.