Catskill Bushwack

The VPo Man was not only with us in spirit, but so were his Lekis.

A pretty pine

Looking at Wildcat from Spruce

A lot of ice on the trees

The MC contemplating on what to do next

Winter!

More of the sun.  It was such a gorgeous day.

It's nice to have a place to go to find winter when it's not there

I know what he's thinking

Smart man, he brought his Thermos

Late afternoon sun

The MC and I made our way to the great bushwacking country of the Catskills.  If winter was not going to come to me, I would go to it.  This would be one of the first times in quite a while that I would be using snowshoes in powder as opposed to a well worn track.  It was just a beautiful day out.  Next year I hope we get some real snow.  If that happens I hope to get out and do some real hardcore snowshoe hikes.  Today, I was reminded of how much I enjoy being in some deep white powder.

Harriet Hill Park

Nice use of old farm land

Blackhead and the Escarpment

This little, but sweet park is located just a bit north of Hudson and its ugly box stores.  Its nice to know you don't have to go far to get away from the racket.  I actually did this with the kids at work to give them a little exercise and some fresh air.

Popolopen Torne

Anthony's Nose and the Bear Mountain Bridge

Looking south down the Hudson

Lots of Revolutionary history in the area

The 1777/1779 trail

The trail inside the gorge.  Irene knocked out the bridge ahead.

More of the splendid Hudson

Some nice slabs of rock

Looking west into Harriman

Another shot of the Bear Mountain Bridge

This bridge was built specifically for easier access to Bear Mountain  State Park

I wanted to cross, but the MC wasn't here to help me build a bridge across

The Indians seem to always have the better names.  Maybe we need to stop naming shit after people.

When I started this blog I mostly did so out of regret for not documenting my previous wilderness experiences. Then having realized most of my Hudson Valley hikes were primarily in the Catskills, I used the blog as an excuse to check out other areas like the Gunks, Harriman and the Hudson Highlands, etc.  I have not been disappointed with the places I've been to.  Today especially, did not disappoint.

There are some trails just north of Bear Mountain that lead to Popolopen Torne from Fort Montgomery.  The trail heading up through a gorge was not entirely enjoyable.  Many road crossings through suburbia.  But once finally away from that, the trail leads to the summit with dramatic views of the area.  The best view is of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge.  Just absolutely stunning.  The summit was a wonderful mix of beautiful slabs of rock and miniature pine trees.  Many times when I'm out I am gripped with thoughts of wanting to stay here forever.  I had those thoughts here.  

Beacon Riverside Trail

Sugarloaf and Storm King

Schunnemunk

Storm King and Black Rock

Newburgh

Mt Beacon

Another contender for best Hudson River town.  Beacon at least warrants a mention.  With plenty of trails near by and an excellent modern art museum (at least that's what I've heard), Beacon can lay its claim to the title.  Today I checked out its Riverside Trail.

It did not disappoint.  If the clouds did not roll in, I can only imagine how much more commanding the views of Sugarloaf, Breakneck and Storm King would be.  From here there were also views of Schunnemunk and Mt Beacon.  Right across the river, Newburgh's (another contender?) waterfront was in view.  I've never thought much of Newburgh, but its waterfront looked quite appealing.  That will have to wait another day.    

Glenclyffe

Surprisingly, Pataki did a lot for conservation 

A cool waterfall

West Point and Taurus

Garrison

Arden Point

Looking south toward Bear Mountain Bridge

A mini bamboo forest

Along Benedict's escape route

Some nice meadows here

Also located in Garrison, Glenclyffe provided nice easy going trails along the river.  The walk to Arden Point provided some great views of West Point, Taurus and some colorful buildings in Garrison.  From here a pretty waterfall could be seen on the other side of the Hudson.  You can watch that here.

I then took the trail that followed Benedict Arnold's escape route.  It had the feel of an old road or carriage trail.  Today it's fairly grown in and I highly doubt there was bamboo in Arnold's time.

Sugarloaf (Garrison)

Castle Rock

This would've been a good shot if not for utility lines

View of West Point.  It really looks like a military installation from here.

Bear Mountain Bridge from summit of Sugarloaf

Love of the mountains!

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf seems a popular name for mountains.  Why is that?  What does it even mean?  This Sugarloaf is only about 10 miles south of the Sugarloaf in between Mt Beacon and Breakneck.

This is a fairly easy stroll.  It does get a bit steep, but not too much.  Much of the walk is on carriage trails.  Castle Rock is in view on the early portions of the walk through some lovely meadows.  You can really feel the colonial history here.  Some old houses near by and plenty of old rock walls.

The summit of Sugarloaf afforded some nice views south of the Bear Mountain Bridge.  But it was a shame the views north were obstructed.  It would have offered the best views of West Point and the huge bend in the river.  Also, Storm King and Breakneck would have been in view.  I like trees, but it'd be nice if a few disappeared!  

Catskills Ice Climbing

CPo man making his way up

A nice shot of the ice

It took some effort to get here

My first experience Ice Climbing wasn't great.  Not bad, but not great.  This time was different, I had an awesome experience.  Maybe because it was in a region I was familiar with. 

It started with a harry bushwhack up the slopes of Plateau.  We then came to the ledges where there was plenty water built up for some exceptional ice climbing.  It's one of the few reliable spots in the Catskills to go.  And god damn, it's physically exhausting.  I found out how weak my left hand is while wielding the ice axe.  I also confirmed my ever-increasing stupidity.  I thought it a bright idea to climb with my camera, until it fell out my pocket and to its death some hundred feet later.  So unfortunately, I don't have fotos of the second set of frozen waterfalls I climbed.  

Rhinebeck

CPo trademark

And another

Moon over Hudson and Rondout Lighthouse

More moon

Catskills rising over the early morning light

Along River Road

This week I got my sorry morning ass and rode my bicycle to work.  Along the way I took some fotos.  There is something to be said for winter cycling.  Cold, crisp, air burning the lungs.  How sweet the winter can be!