Halcott/Balsam w/lunch at home 2/22/05

Fu Jow Pai · Feb 23, 2005

On with the quest to complete the Catskill 35' list in time for the April dinner, I set out Tues. morning with my dogs (2 Jack Russell Terriers) to grab Halcott. About 5 inches of fresh snow, so I donned the snowshoes and lit out. Quickly lost the tracks left on Sat. by Jay and Freddy, but a quick check of map and compass and it was on. Hit the ridge (a real nice open one), then the summitt, found the canister, signed in and followed my trax on back. Thought on the way down, "maybe I should run over to Balsam", as I needed to do that a second time. Only problem was that I had forgotten a couple of pieces of gear, a watch (or any time keeping device for that matter) and sunglasses. The sun hitting the fresh snow was killing me. Got back to the car at 11:30. Then it hit me...I only live 20 minutes down the road. Maybe I can run home, grab the gear and get out again...Best idea ever! Got home realized I had plenty of time, grabbed the gear, threw my wet undergarments in the dryer, had some lunch, cranked some Green Day, and drove back out to McKinley rd. Proceeded to blast up and down Balsam. Fortunately someone had already been through on snowshoes so it was pretty easy going. Got out of the woods at 4:30.
Two mountains in one day with lunch at home. Can't believe I've been living in the Catskills for 3+yrs and this was a first...definitely not a last.

MattC · Feb 23, 2005

I count myself lucky to live within 15 minutes of the 'Gunks and an hour from the Catskills, but you've really got it made. What else do you have left?

Matt

Fu Jow Pai · Feb 24, 2005

Still on the list are Vly and Bearpen (Funky Freddy and I are threatning to take care of those next week), Rusk, Fir, and one more trip up Black Head/Dome. We're lookin' at Vly/Bearpen for ither Monday or Tuesday if you're interested...

askus3 · Feb 24, 2005

Rusk?

I would like to do Rusk on Thursday, March 3. Any possibility?

Fu Jow Pai · Feb 25, 2005

Unfortunately, Thurs. is a work day. Considering doing it on Monday, Feb. 28. Should be about 4-5 hr roundtrip? Does that sound right?

Rik · Feb 25, 2005

Fu Jow Pai
Are you referring to Rusk? When I did it in winter the trail was packed and it took 2 hours 40min. I would think 4 hours would be plenty of time. A lot of people do this and Halcott in the same day.