Keegan Ales is open! (Oh yeah, Bearpen and Vly 3/31/7)

[Tom Rankin]

We lead a group of 10 hikers from beginners to veterans, up first Vly and then Bearpen. The snow was hard enough in the morning for all 10 to bare boot to the summit of Vly. On the way down, some wore stabilicers.

Back to the Cabin for a little break and then up to Bearpen. We followed the roads for most of the way. Beautiful views from all the vantage points! Temps at the top were around 50. Many wore snowshoes on the way down in the increasingly softer snow. Those who did not postholed once in a while.

Nice mellow day, slow pace, very enjoyable!

Also discovered that Keegan Ales is now open! Views and Brews NY now has a new destination!

 

[Peakbagr]

Great trip with Laurie and Tom. Weather was an 11 on the 1-10 scale.
One of the nicest Catskill weather days in a long time.
Laurie and I used the snowshoes the last 0.4 miles to Bearpen's summit and then down on the quickly softening snow until the snow ran out.
With the warm temps and higher sun, snow departing quickly in the Catskills.
Bookah is now 39/100 and gave the day a 4 wag rating.