Dix range 2/26-27 and finishing my W46!

[Guinness]

Calling All Hearty Souls!

I am putting together a group to pull an overnighter on the Dix range and to celebrate my finishing of the W46 . The goal is all five summits, leaving early on Saturday February 26 and coming out on Sunday. The planned route is down to 2 choices, the approach from 73, or the West Mill Brook off Route 9. There will be a group heading into the West Mill Brook on Friday, which makes this the route of choice.

 

[nancy]

Hey Ed
Count me in! Would love to join you on another Dix traverse even if I'll miss the Banff film festival in Saratoga on Saturday night. I'd rather experience adventure than watch it.

I'd like to try the West Mill Brook route. Hoping for a view this time on Grace.

nancy

 

[AlpineSummit]

GREAT Trip

Sounds like a great trip, especially for Winter Crazies

Be sure to tell us all about it when ya get back.
Early Congrats!

 

[Jay H]

Hey Ed, I mentioned it when I saw you this past weekend that I did want to get to the ADKs last year which never happened... The Dix range was on my radar. I am off the 25th (the friday before) but I do have to stick around for most of the day that day. Are you planning on just driving really early on saturday or camping out the night before?

Jay

 

[Guinness]

Hi Jay,

I'll be getting to the West Mill area late Friday night and crash there in my truck. I just might get there early enough to grab a dinner at the Ausable Inn. We will finalize a start time for Saturday as we get closer, but it will be early to take advantage of the day light hours. Hope you can make it!

Nancy and Harry, thanks for your help. This will be a great trip for our group.

 

[Jay H]

I'll try! We'll figure out something. I gather I am somewhere between 4 and 4.5 hours from there. I'm about 4 hours from the AMR trailhead in St. Huberts, but I haven't been up there in so long, I don't recall where the trailheads are. I'll look it up soon. If we can meet up at the Ausable Inn, that would be cool. I can sleep in the back of my Outback too so that would work out.

HarryK, bring the horns.. I forgot to bring mine to the catskills this past weekend. I can bring more for Ed and Nancy too if they wish. I still have a couple around.

Jay

 

[SherpaKroto]

Ed, Good luck! That falls on my mandatory "Marriage Continuation Program" (to coin an Armism) weekend off between trips to BSP and Stowe. I'm hoping that it will be my last "off" weekend before winter is over...

 

[Guinness]

Currently our little group stands at 5! I floated the idea of spotting cars at the trail head on route 73. We start into the range using the West Mill Brook trail and out on the Dix Mt. Trail (46) to route 73. This has the least miles of which half are basically flat land hikes. This route also eliminates having to back track over several summits.

Harry suggested we look at this as a long day hike, and I agree with him. This allows us to move light & fast. There are also several groups heading in to various parts of the Dix range over this weekend. This way we can all help each other out.

 

[shin murnane]

Dix Range

I would love to joy in on the trip, long day or over night. I am brand new to VFTT but have hiked several of the Adk 46. Most of them on my own and in the winter, I figure it is time to share some of my fun w/ others. Let me know if you can use another. I did cross paths w/ HarryK while doing Marshall this fall but I think he is the only one of you that I have had the pleasure meeting.

 

[Jay H]

Just to let you know.. Horns are mandatory on this hike.

Shoot, why doesn't Darren have an evil smiley in the group.. I feel so left out.

Jay

 

[Guinness]

I just might have to change my plans. Originally I was going to carry one can of cold brew for each person in the group to help celebrate my W46. However, this group is growing which means I'll have one very heavy pack on the way up - DAMN. I'll have to think of something else now! Don't worry Harry, we will take care of your thirst and the border guards won't get their hands on it.

 

[SherpaKroto]

I believe that Guinness still comes in kegs (there are some interesting plays on words there - leave them alone!)

You folks would NOT believe the plan that Ed came up with for me summer week in the ADK's. Suffice it to say it will make last summer look like a day at the beach. (Note: He's trying to kill me)

Good luck on the Dixes!

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

Now you've got me thinking. Beer.... good....really COLD beer... really good...

 

[Guinness]

I'll be arriving at the Ausable Inn in Keene Valley for dinner Friday night about 8:00. The weather has some snow falling on Monday, and < 30% possible snow most of the week. I propose a start time of 6:00 - 6:30 from the West Mill Brook parking. We will need to spot cars on route 73 by the trail head. This can be done Friday night, or shuttle them Saturday morning.

Currently my list includes: Nancy, Harry, Jay, Justin and as maybe's: Donna, Sir Edmund, shin murnane, AlG and I know I forgot someone.

 

[Neil]

Harry,
My son and I are going to be staying in the HP area for 4 nights (Fri to Mon) and I am currently looking for a motel/kithenette. So far, all I've found is a suite for 65 USD in Upper Jay but havn't searched for the Keene/ Keene Valley area. I'll PM you when I have something definitive. If it works and you want to share with us then I guess I could stand knocking back a few brews and comparing hikes at the end of the day with you while the steaks cook.
BTW, the hostel in LP and the Jack Rabbit are full.

 

[Jay H]

Be Like Ed!

I just went to Sports Authority and bought a 9.5" tall twin sized Coleman Air Mattress that should fit in the wagon of my outback... LUXURY STYLE!!! I'm too jealous of Ed and his propane heating system, humongous tent and luxurious sleeping arrangements so I went and got this air mattress. I figure with more longer trips, sleeping in my car will be cheap.

Harry, I don't think you'd fit in my Outback knowing how tall you are, but you're welcome to sleep in there if you can't find a place that will keep you.

Jay

 

[shin murnane]

I am planning to tag along as long as there is room for me. I will probably crash in my car or tent Friday & Saturday night. Would also like to meet @ the Ausable Inn on Friday night!!! Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

Looks like this old tramper will be there for the Saturday hike. See you at West Mill Brook (gray Honda wagon; license "MTN HIKER"). -Bob

 

[daxs]

I will be joining the gang for dinner Friday at the Ausable Inn but will be hiking elsewhere on Sat/Sun. I may joining the "carout" for sleeping too as I have no reservation and will be sleeping in my car somewhere on Friday night. Ed , how about a duraflame to burn?

 

[percious]

Good luck Guiness. The Dix's can be a handful! Wish I could join you.

-percious