Gertudes Nose-Views and Brews

[MattC]

I got to play tour guide for Rocky Summit and Coldfeet yesterday in the Shawangunks. Coldfeet was looking to do something easy and mostly flat as his knee is acting up again, and this fit the bill well. I also wanted a shorter hike close to home, since I had plans in the early evening. I met both of the guys at a muncipal lot a few minutes from my place in New Paltz around 8 and we headed up to the Ridge.

The Minnewaska gate wouldn't be open until 9, so we killed a little time at a roadside lookout w/ a Catskill vista, and I also showed the guys a little rock garden up in the woods that locals have created over the years. At 9, we headed up to the upper Minnewaska lot and started out. We walked around Lake Minnewaska and headed out to the Nose by way of carriage road and then foot path. For both of my companions, it was their first time in the Gunks, so they wanted to stop a lot, take photos, and marvel at the views of the ledges and into Palmaghatt Ravine. This suited me just fine-watching others experience the Shawangunks for the first time helps me appreciate this special place even more.

Eventually we got to the Nose, and now we had a new vista, out across the Wallkill Valley to the Hudson Highlands. It was sunny and not too cold, but until this point the wind had continued to steal our heat on and off. After lunch, we decided to continue along Millbrook Ridge. This put us in the lee, and we warmed up some in the sun. We went as far as Millbrook Mountain, and then looped back on the carriage way. Once we got to the lake, we finished the hike w/ a loop around the other side.

We were back down in the New Paltz by 4 and headed for the Gilded Otter to "consumate" this Views and Brews hike. As we pulled in, Rocky Summit said "Hey, did that sign say they're closed?" to which I responded "No way, the Otter would never be closed at this time." Sure, enough they were closed. For a private party. Disaster! Coldfeet had driven all the way from Long Island! Fortunately, after talking w/ staff and waiting a few minutes, they let us come in and buy a half-gallon growler of Rail Trail Pale Ale. The three of us went back over to my place, took care of the growler and had a few laughs. Then the guys headed off for their long drives. Glad the both of them could make it up to hike in "my backyard." Great way to spend a beautiful day.

Matt

 

[Kevin]

I almost joined you yesterday without knowing it!

I was debating about places to hike close by and was planning on heading over to Minne to do Gertrude's Nose, but on the way over I thought about an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal recently about the Black Creek Preserve off 9W in Esopus, so I headed over there.

How was the brew from the Otter? I like the hefe they brew for the summer, but it has been a while since I have been there. Personally I love the Bacchaus...

The hike out to Gertrude's Nose is a great one, some amazing views and it almost seems like you are on an island in the sky.

BTW.. The Black Creek Preserve is a little gem... Not a big place, 130+ acres and only 3+miles of trails, but what a nice place. It would be a good place to do some trail running or snow shoeing...

Catch you later!
Kevin

 

[Tom Rankin]

We were back down in the New Paltz by 4 and headed for the Gilded Otter to "consumate" this Views and Brews hike. As we pulled in, Rocky Summit said "Hey, did that sign say they're closed?" to which I responded "No way, the Otter would never be closed at this time." Sure, enough they were closed. For a private party. Disaster! Coldfeet had driven all the way from Long Island! Fortunately, after talking w/ staff and waiting a few minutes, they let us come in and buy a half-gallon growler of Rail Trail Pale Ale. The three of us went back over to my place, took care of the growler and had a few laughs. Then the guys headed off for their long drives. Glad the both of them could make it up to hike in "my backyard." Great way to spend a beautiful day.

We'll let you off on a technicality!

You did do a hike, and you visited the brewery, and you had some of their beer. Close enough!

Personally, I like the IPA, the Rail Trail Pale Ale, the Stout, the Hef and a few others there. I'm mug club member #7!

 

[ROCKYSUMMIT]

Nice TR Matt, and thanks for being the tour guide. Great trip, really enjoyed the views, the weather, and the company. Can't wait till next time, we'll have to spend more time at the Otter!

 

[MattC]

Kevin, I agree about Black Creek Preserve-great little place. It's nice change of pace having the bank of the Hudson as a hiking destination. Also check out Shaupeneak Ridge, which is another Scenic Hudson parcel in the area. It's about 500 or so acres and is a nice little climb, maybe 700 feet up to the top. The lower trailhead is off of Old Post Rd., just a little bit in from 9W. There is also an upper trailhead by Louisa Pond. The trail system consists of a trail up to the ridge, with a short spur to a nice waterfall, a trail around the pond, and other trails around the top of the ridge. There is a river overlook on top. If you hike just about the entire trail systems of both Black Creek and Shapeneak Ridge, you can put together a solid day. It's neat because the one overlooks the river and the other takes you right to the edge.

As for the Otter, the first time I went there a few years back, I was somewhat underwhelmed, but more recently, I've gotta say their beer has been pretty darn good. Being a pale ale fanatic, I've not tried much else there. I'll have to try the stout some cold night this winter. When's it gonna get cold?

Tom, thanks for ruling us "in."

Matt

 

[Mark Schaefer]

Gertrude's Nostril (as some of my friends call it) is a great hike. Lots of reward for a minimum of climbing. The dwarf pitch pines along the cliffs (especially on Millbrook Mt) are always a study of endurance.

The Black Creek Preserve is indeed a gem. XC skiing is also possible, though it is rare that there is enough snow. The Black Creek is a very attractive stream. Some have a vision of establishing a kayak route from Chodikee Lake to the Hudson. There are several small waterfalls along the way, some of which were favorites of John Burroughs and to which I have gotten permission to visit. It would also be nice to have a hiking path along the creek which perhaps could connect to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Slabsides Sanctuary also. Another PoJo article on Slabsides. As Matt mentions the nearby Shaupeneak Ridge preserve is another nice area with a small set of trails to hike.

 

[coldfeet]

Matt...thx for the report...seems like this week was so looong...never have time for myself....will get pics somehow online...

 

[MattC]

Mark, those are great ideas about Black Creek, both the hiking trail and water trail. One day last summer I paddled the creek a mile or so both north and south of Chodikee. Going north I had to eventually turn back due to very thick aquatic vegetation-like trying to paddle through mud. Near where I turned around there was an old decaying fishermans platform. I saw several old beaver lodges in the area as well.

Going south I was turned back where the creek became too shallow and rocky to navigate. The highlight of this part was the pair of beautiful mute swans, who apparently are residents there. As they passed me in the narrow channel, I pulled as far over as possible, knowing they can do some damage if they want. They lined up single file and slowly passed me, not 10 feet away. That was great. Also on this part there were a couple beaver dams. One was already breached and easy to get over, the other I had to get out and walk the boat over.

That creek feels more wild than one might guess, considering where it is. All the dead timber makes it almost feel Adirondack-like in places. Anyway, it's a fine place to visit. One problem with a hiking trail would be that the area I just described around the lake is really wet and flooded, and very thick w/ vegetation. It would be difficult to maintain a foot path along that part of the Creek. Maybe there's a solution, I don't know.

Matt

 

[coldfeet]

got pics up...sorry for delay..

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2194545670065582691uRdXYl