I decided that today would be a good day not to work. You see Bob, its not that Im lazy, its that I just dont care.
Weather wasn't great, but Max and I decided to go for a hike. We hadn't done any hiking in the Catskills yet and wanted to get a nice fall hike in before the season was out.
We aren't that familiar with the area, but some input from the Catskill Mountain Club and the official trail book from the Adirondak club lead us to choose the Peekamoose and Table mountain climb. Located just west of Kingston, it was about an hour and a quarter drive to get there.
From the Catskill Mountain Club description:
"Table and Peekamoose Mountains - Start in from the end of Denning Road, for a hike of 3.9 miles one-way to the summit of Table Mountain (elevation gain 1,700'), and another 0.85-mile brings you to the summit of Peekamoose. Alternate approach is 3.9 miles one-way to summit of Peekamoose Mountain, from Peekamoose Road (Ulster Co. Rt. 42)., (elevation gain 2,640'). Enjoy the magic kingdom of the spruce-fir forest that crowns our highest Catskill peaks."
We took the alternate approach and got started about 9:15. It was an ok day, mid-50's but overcast. The climb starts off steep along but smooth and not too rocky. Leaves have begun to fall in the trail, but most of the trees still had their leaves.
The trail is pretty straight and smooth through the first 1/3 of the climb and I was feeling good so we made good time. There were a couple steep, rocky sections in between the flat sections, good for a couple pics of Max.
We got to the top of Peekamoose in about an hour. By that time, we had moved into the cloud cover and alas we would be denied any views.
Moving along the ridge and climbing towards Table mountain, the hardwoods with colorful leaves gave way to pines and other softwoods. The wind began wipping and temperatures dropped. As we climbed higher, visibility lessened. We weren't quite sure when we were at the top.
After about an hour and a half, we leveled off and the trail began to decend. At that point, we decided to turn around and head back.
Overall, a really nice hike. Not terribly technical but not a walk in the park by any stretch either. No above treeline hiking so you know when you are at the top, but we wouldn't want it with the weather today anyhoo.
On the drive back, we saw a couple deer along side of the road just munching away. I threw Max in the back seat and was able to snap these pics.
Not Ferris Bueller quality, but better than a good day at work.
Weather wasn't great, but Max and I decided to go for a hike. We hadn't done any hiking in the Catskills yet and wanted to get a nice fall hike in before the season was out.
We aren't that familiar with the area, but some input from the Catskill Mountain Club and the official trail book from the Adirondak club lead us to choose the Peekamoose and Table mountain climb. Located just west of Kingston, it was about an hour and a quarter drive to get there.
From the Catskill Mountain Club description:
"Table and Peekamoose Mountains - Start in from the end of Denning Road, for a hike of 3.9 miles one-way to the summit of Table Mountain (elevation gain 1,700'), and another 0.85-mile brings you to the summit of Peekamoose. Alternate approach is 3.9 miles one-way to summit of Peekamoose Mountain, from Peekamoose Road (Ulster Co. Rt. 42)., (elevation gain 2,640'). Enjoy the magic kingdom of the spruce-fir forest that crowns our highest Catskill peaks."
We took the alternate approach and got started about 9:15. It was an ok day, mid-50's but overcast. The climb starts off steep along but smooth and not too rocky. Leaves have begun to fall in the trail, but most of the trees still had their leaves.
The trail is pretty straight and smooth through the first 1/3 of the climb and I was feeling good so we made good time. There were a couple steep, rocky sections in between the flat sections, good for a couple pics of Max.
We got to the top of Peekamoose in about an hour. By that time, we had moved into the cloud cover and alas we would be denied any views.
Moving along the ridge and climbing towards Table mountain, the hardwoods with colorful leaves gave way to pines and other softwoods. The wind began wipping and temperatures dropped. As we climbed higher, visibility lessened. We weren't quite sure when we were at the top.
After about an hour and a half, we leveled off and the trail began to decend. At that point, we decided to turn around and head back.
Overall, a really nice hike. Not terribly technical but not a walk in the park by any stretch either. No above treeline hiking so you know when you are at the top, but we wouldn't want it with the weather today anyhoo.
On the drive back, we saw a couple deer along side of the road just munching away. I threw Max in the back seat and was able to snap these pics.
Not Ferris Bueller quality, but better than a good day at work.
