Lone/Rocky 2/27/05

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MattC

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Ulster County, NY Avatar: Chapel Pond From Giant M
3500 Club hike led by ERD. We went in from the Denning TH and were on the state trail through private easement for a mile or so. Then a short descent and across the Neversink, which was quite low. We went upstream a bit so as to avoid the infamous log crossing :eek: that is so well loved by Catskill hikers.

The ice bridge we had hoped for was no more, but we managed to rock-hop with no wet feet. Then it was back and forth across various streams (and the main branch) for 3 miles and change. This was my first time through the lovely Neversink clove and I found it quite enjoyable. There was a moment or two when the long approach became tiresome and I just wanted to start climbing, but this was overwhelmingly out-weighed by the perfect weather, beautiful scenery and great company. The now-inactive beaver meadow made a nice contrast, and the views of Slide's massive shoulder were impressive. Also the nice mix of very young and fairly old hemlocks. Hope the little ones hang on for many decades...

Eventually we were climbing after a quick food break at the base of Rocky. This approach through moderately open hardwoods, and then somewhat denser spruce right before the top, was much easier than the notoriously thick spruce on the other approachs to this peak. Nice stand of birch, more views of Slide behind us while on the slope. Another quick break while signing in and snacking, then off to Lone. We managed to get through the thick spruce fairly quickly and were soon back in open hardwoods, then it was a short climb up to the summit. Another quick sign-in break, then across Lone's summit, which has a nice wild feel. We saw some bobcat tracks (and some Harry Rampe tracks!) on and off for a while.

Good times descending Lone, w/ a couple people opting for Ye Olde Butt-Slide here and there, then another mile and a half or so back along the river to the state trail. It was just getting fully dark as the last of us (including me) stumbled out. We had all been in snowshoes all day, and we had one pair of Sherpas fail towards the end, the repair of which took a few minutes. This had been a really satisfying hike, and it was great to see some recently-made friends (Laurie, John, Diana) and meet one new one (Jerry). Right now my body feels a little like it used to after playing tackle football when I was a teenager! Thanks again to Ted (ERD).

Matt
 
Didn't go across the log bridge??? chicken.. BOCK BOCK BOCK... :)

Just kidding.... Glad you had a good trip... The fisherman's path is quite nice in Winter... Real pretty... It does cross the neversink a bunch of times, but you could always stay on the south side if you wanted too, or if the ice conditions was dicey. My friend and I did that back on Dec 26th when we did Lone/Rocky.

Jay
 
The Neversink is still my favorite area and all the bushwacking you could want.
I was hoping to follow your tracks in
I have to do Rocky BC and Friday but I dont think I will go in from this direction and with the snow coming down there won't be any tracks to follow.
Still no Westkill yet?
Al
 
ajtiv said:
Still no Westkill yet?
Al
Matt told me that he's (wisely) forsaken lists forever. He's going to sacrifice the thrill of hiking Westkill for the freedom and anticipation of hiking any and all random peaks or whatever strikes his fancy at that very moment. Right Matt!? :D :D :D :D

-Dr. Wu
 
dr_wu002 said:
Matt told me that he's (wisely) forsaken lists forever. He's going to sacrifice the thrill of hiking Westkill for the freedom and anticipation of hiking any and all random peaks or whatever strikes his fancy at that very moment. Right Matt!? :D :D :D :D

-Dr. Wu

Absolutely. Now, who wants to hike West Kill some time in the next couple weeks? I've been wanting to climb that mountain for a while, and if it should happen to be on a list, well, there's nothing I can do about that:D

Matt
 
mcorsar said:
Absolutely. Now, who wants to hike West Kill some time in the next couple weeks? I've been wanting to climb that mountain for a while, and if it should happen to be on a list, well, there's nothing I can do about that:D

Matt
::shakes head:: (thought I had him)

:)

Wu
 
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