Catskill Chris: Mt Marshall

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Mt Marshall

Mt Colden from Flowed Lands

I can recall on at least five occasions that I had plans to climb up Mt Marshall. Each time I bailed on those plans. Today would not be one of those days. My friend Caysey bailed instead after doing Cliff and Redfield yesterday. I had a feeling that may happen. They may be the two hardest of the 46ers. Instead I would walk with one of Caysey's friends Julie and her Chocolate lab, Mike.

Palmer Pond at Sunrise

Gorgeous early morning Adirondack scenery

When I reached the trailhead at the Works just a little after 7, the lot was already full. People already were parking along the road. An ADK group of about 15 were getting ready to head out. Julie and Mike headed out as I still got ready and chatted with Caysey.

The morning was quite cool, most likely in the upper 30s with no humidity. We would have clear blue skies all day. As I headed up the trail, I noticed a sign for Henderson Lake Dam. This is the site of the headwaters of the named Hudson River. I had to check it out. It's a pretty mountain lake that reflects the surrounding scenery nicely. I imagine in a few weeks at peak foliage, this spot will be especially nice.

Henderson Lake

I continued on up the trail and passed the ADK group. Apparently there is also a plane wreck on the mountain which they would be going to. I chatted with a guy who would ultimately leave the group due to its slow pace. I have always enjoyed the club hikes I have been on, but sometimes the pace can be unbearably slow.

After passing them, I could here Mike barking. I met up with Julie and Mike at the Henderson Monument. I would walk with them the rest of the way. Mike likes to bark, but he's probably the best dog I have encountered on the trails. The other dogs and hikers he encounters he leaves alone. Most dogs seem to be bothered by the presence of other dogs. And some are bothered by the presence of other hikers. On both of these Mike is the ideal hiking dog. He also happens to be a 46er.

We reached the cairn for Marshall in about 2 hours. Not bad. The trail was quite dry, but it's not the easiest of approach trails with all the rocks and roots. The cairn is located near one of the numerous lean-tos found along flowed lands. Someday I'll take advantage of these wonderfully located shelters.

The herd path up Marshall follows the Herbert Brook. Marshall is named after Robert Marshall, one of the founders of the 46ers. The brook is named after their guide, Herbert Clark. While folowing the brook Julie and I wondered what the name of the mountain had been when the Marshall Brothers were hiking these mountains. Apparently, it was named after Dewitt Clinton when they climbed this mountain. Later the named changed to Herbert. After Robert Marshall's death, it took upon his name. Interesting stuff.

At times the route was bit difficult to follow as their lacked cairns. I found myself walking up the brook when their was a path to either the right or left of me. Still, though, the route was quite easy. It's not nearly as rugged as Redfield which also follows a brook most of the way up.

Herbert Brook

Mike wondering what's taking so long

Julie and Mike

Mike likes chewing on dead trees

"Hurry it up!"

Near the summit there was a small cliff to negotiate which provided some awesome views of Iroquois. Mike had some difficulty but he managed his way up. After about two and a half hours on Marshall we reached the summit. This would be #40 for me and it would complete a 3rd go round for Julie. She has also completed the Northeast 115 and New England 100 highest. She is also near completion of the Northeast 115 for the winter. All of it is quite a serious undertaking.

Iroquois

#40!

Whiteface and Lake Placid area

Mt Colden

Autumn has arrived!

A pretty leaf

I think Mike enjoyed going downhill a lot better as he did not have to wait as much. We met quite few people along the way. Many people were taking advantage of the blue bird skies. I am so glad we did too.