Article on Catskill Winter Hiking

[Tom Rankin]

Yep, I'm tooting my own horn here, but I was so excited to see this on the web today, that I felt I just had to share it!

http://www.catskillregionguide.com/articles/article.php?id=979

 

[Jay H]

Nice article Tom! (and nice picture on Wittenberg). I read the article while I was at Hermits place this weekend. I noticed I even have a little mention in it, as I'm Winter#628. Of course, it has since grown since you wrote the article too.

Wittenberg was a bunch of firsts for me, it was my first peak in the catskills, it was my first winter hike in the catskills, it was also my first time that I've used crampons (6 pt Charlet Mosers) anywhere! Previously to the catskills, I did a bunch of peaks in the ADKs, namely Marcy, Algonquin, Colden in the summer.

Jay

 

[hermit]

Hi Tom,
We enjoyed reading the story.

 

[Chip]

Nice job Tom ! Congratulations !

 

[Rick]

Hi Tom, A nice read - Thanks for sharing the link How is Lauries knee now? did she end up having ACL reconstructive surgery?

I still need to get re-started on my Cats, but I am sure once I do, I will start bumping into you and others!!!

 

[Rick]

Jay,
I love that Avatar - How was it done?

 

[Tom Rankin]

Thanks everyone!

Laurie just needed some Physical Therapy, she's fine now.

Jay's Avatar: Doesn't it look like he's wearing a skirt ?

 

[Jay H]

That's not me, but I happen to stumble upon it somewhere on the net. Sure it's an IR camera, of a guy on a black background or at least photoshopped on a black background. Spokes wont produce heat unlike a tire in motion and they're probably thin anyway when moving so the camera wouldn't even pick up a signature.

Plus, the frame is not really a standard double diamond, looks like the downtube and chainstay is a straight line.

Skirts are not allowed where I work

Jay

 

[tonycc]

Nice article!

Question though...

You make this statement in there:

Leavitt, formerly known as South West Hunter

What's up with this?

Tony

 

[Mark Schaefer]

Question though... Leavitt Peak. What's up with this?

For information on the proposed name change to Leavitt Peak. And an update here.

Great article and photos, Tom. I am definitely going to pick up a copy of the magazine. This may well be the first use of Leavitt Peak in published print.

 

[EarthNsky]

I really enjoyed reading your article Tom! I love hiking in all seasons, but winter maybe my favorite. I love when the trees are covered in rim and snow and backed by a cobalt blue sky. I saw that on the Hunter this year and it really knocked me out. The 'skills are rapidly becoming some of my favorite mountains. I'm in the process of going for the all-season 3500 climbs and I'm up to 21 of the 39. I hope to finish this year. I'll probably go for the winter climbs next year. I totally related with your article though!

thanks!

 

[MattC]

Nice piece Tom. I'll pick up a print copy if I see 'em around town somewhere. I like the bit about climbing Blackhead and then going on to Black Dome, Thomas Cole, and getting hooked on winter hiking. Also the pic of the iced trees from that day in January. That was the same day I was climbing Peekamoose and Table w/ Wu, Halite, Rocky Summit and some others. That day was really beautiful, probably the high point of winter conditions in the Catskills this season.

Matt

 

[Tom Rankin]

I really enjoyed reading your article Tom! ...

Now there's an outhouse MichealJ would love!

 

[EarthNsky]

ya'know, come to think of it, the day you hiked Westkill, I was camping at the Diamond Notch lean-to and then headed down to the Devils Path and up to the Devils Acre, but I remember seeing tracks going up towards Westkill.

It's awesome how we all saw the snow and ice on the trees highlighted by the same sky on the same day in the same mountains.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/540568957/1540585409063921405PssjPg

my first introduction to the Catskills was as a little kid at summer camp in Pennsylvania when my cabin counselor read us "My Side of the Mountain". I loved that book and for the longest time I wanted to explore the catskills myself, sans dwelling in a hollowed out tree and eating brook muscles.

I remember going to Montreal about ten years ago and heading up 87 and driving past the Catskills and being in awe of them. I was also in awe of the Adirondacks a little further up. I finally got to hike in the 'skills in 2004 on the Devils Path and I've been returning ever since. My second trip to the skills was on the Burroughs Range Trail and the view from the open ledge on Wittenburg was and still is one of the best views I have ever seen.

 

[imarchant]

Nice article, Tom! I too, would have never started winter hiking if not for the club requirement. Sure glad I started, I'm almost 1/2 way through the W35, after doing my 1st Winter peaks, Vly and Bearpen, with you last year.

 

[bubba]

Tom... good for you!! Nice job. So, there's work promise for you after the Big Blue, huh?? Agree, the photos really added to the piece.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Tom... good for you!! Nice job. So, there's work promise for you after the Big Blue, huh?? Agree, the photos really added to the piece.

I submitted the article to the Editor w/o ever discussing money. After she accepted it, she told me that they pay $.10 per word and $25/picture! So, then I asked her if she thought it needed a few more words here and there!

Here are the pictures I sent the editor (larger format):

http://home.hvc.rr.com/trankin/trees.jpg
http://home.hvc.rr.com/trankin/Author on Blackhead.jpg
http://home.hvc.rr.com/trankin/View from Hunter Firetower.jpg
http://home.hvc.rr.com/trankin/Author on Wittenberg with Askokan reservoir behind.jpg
http://home.hvc.rr.com/trankin/Hunter Summit with firetower and Cabin.jpg
http://home.hvc.rr.com/trankin/Sunrise in the Catskills.jpg

The originals, even bigger, are available on request.