Day 93--Catskills

Took my first trip up to the Catskill Mountains with Ace this weekend. Really much more exciting than I expected. We hiked up Panther Mountain, at 3,720' it is the 14th most significant peak in the range. It is also one of the required winter peaks of the Catskills 3,500 Club, although I'm not too concerned with that. It would be a good goal if I planned on staying here a long time, but I have a feeling this summer I'll be spending lots of weekends in the Greens, Whites, Longfellows, Adirondacks and Taconics and fewer in the Catskills. Anyway. . .

The hike was good. We brought snowshoes and could have used them but they weren't really necessary. Most of the snow on the trail was well packed, although stepping off trail often caused postholing up to my knees or thighs. The peak wasn't easy by any means, but it really wasn't too difficult either. Steep uphill sections followed by long, flat sections. I must say the best part wasn't the summit as much as the hike over Giant Ledge which offered incredible views of the Burroughs Range and the mountains along the Devil's Path.

Ace at the saddle intersection after a very icy climb from the trailhead.

One of the overlooks on Giant Ledge. Pretty outstanding. There were a half dozen more like this.

Looking down. The snow will break your fall, I promise.

Me lookin' handsome on the summit. Is this a new facebook profile shot?

The Burroughs Range from Giant Ledge. The mountain on the right is Slide Mountain, #12 in the Northeast and highest point in the Catskills.

My little attempt at being artsy with my photos. That's Ace walking across the saddle on the way back to the car.

I was really happy with this hike, and I can't wait to get up to the Catskills again for some more action. I also want to do one more BIG peak out here before winter is over. . .I'm thinking Whiteface, Equinox, Mansfield, Killington, Carter, Jay or Algonquin. Any thoughts?

More importantly, however, is that Tory will be in town in less than 2 days. I'd tell you about our plans for the weekend, but I haven't told her yet so I don't think it'd be too fair. Suffice it to say that our plans will not be hampered by the white death currently approaching the metro area. And no, I'm not talking about Whit. I'm talking about the "blizzard".

Well I'd better get ready for bed. Concentrating this week has been hard enough without a lack or sleep.

Song: "More than a Feeling" by Boston

-U