T-Max Winter 35er on Windham HP

[MattC]

Terri completed her winter round of the Catskill high peaks today (3/12/06) on Windham High Peak. Not the most challenging peak we've ever climbed, and not the best weather we've ever seen, but a great day none the less. The people made this hike. In addition to Terri and her faithful canine Luke, our crew on the ascent consisted of Hike the 115, Jay H, ERD, Dick and Joanne, Guinness, Harry the K, and myself. Terri and Ed were already a mile in, having stayed at Elm Ridge leanto the previous night. The rest of us met up at Peck Rd. and began at about 8:30 or so. There were a couple of other cars at the end of Big Hollow Rd, just in case we decided to continue on over Burnt Knob and out the other end.

It was a relaxing, easy hike w/ reasonable trail conditions. A fair amount of mud and some ice here and there, but nothing too bad, and the worst was easy to avoid or negotiate. Nobody needed any traction aids, and snowshoes would have been absurd. Very spring-like conditions, but then we had similar earlier during this bizarre season.

It began raining as we approached the summit, got a little heavier while we were up there, and continued until we were headed back down-perfect timing!
We did have some misty views of the Blackhead Range and Escarpment, since all of that is so close, but the view to the north was pretty much nil. We snacked a bit, had a toast to Terri's finish, took a few pics and hit it. We decided to just head back the way we came since the views from Burnt Knob wouldn't be available. At the summit we had picked up Terri's other friend, whose name I'm blanking on all of a sudden. Sorry...

Anyhow, it was a very pleasant return trip, and we were back at around 1. We all adjourned to Tannersville for eats at the Last Chance, of post-Escarpment hike fame. A fine meal was enjoyed along w/ the usual crazy hiking stories flowing like a mountain stream. This was just a nice relaxing day w/ some great friends. Big congrats to Terri, and thanks to all who came so far to hike today. I shudder to think of the total mileage. Dick and Joanne, I'm glad you two made it down and look forward to seeing you again in the Catskills and elsewhere. Great hiking w/ everyone today. In addition to being ADK 46ers, Dick and Joanne are now Catskill 2ers, by the way!

Matt

 

[ROCKYSUMMIT]

Hey congrats to Terri! It's been a very busy winter in the Cats this year.

 

[rhihn]

Matt summed it up quite nicely. First, congratulations to Terri for completing her winter round!

I'll let Joanne speak for herself, but my reaction to the whole day - in addition to thoroughly enjoying it - was that I was in a strange new world. The roads and scenery driving in, the woods, even the color of the mud, are vastly different from what we've experienced in the Adirondacks, which are more "home" to us. Of course, this was only one mountain, and I'm sure the others have their own different character, just as the Adirondack Mountains do. Although we live in the Albany area, we've seldom ventured south for our hiking. I'm not sure why.

Winter is always beautiful, and I can only imagine the beauty of the Catskill woods in the summer (it's a huge stretch to say we had winter conditions!). Trees were largely deciduous, and at one point at least, we were thrust quite suddenly an area of connifers (spruce/pine?), a truly magical area. Beyond that, we had some views of the Blackhead Range - misty, and yet they turned out to be some of the best views of the day, as Murphy's Law was in effect at the summit (rain, clouds). As we reached the summit, my reaction was, "That's it? That's Windham?" It almost didn't seem that we were climbing a mountain, as the ascent was so gradual. We had snowshoes, crampons, and Yak-Traks in our arsenal, but needed none of them, as the only snow/ice was a 50-foot thin line at the summit. Of course I realize that these are strange conditions this year for everyone, and that Windham is smaller than most, and likely atypcial of the rest of the mountains.

It may be a cliche to say things like "great company" etc., but it truly was. Also nice to place faces with names, some of whose posts I have read for years. I hope we get the chance to hike with these folks again!

Matt, thanks so much for including us in your group. I am humbled at the vast experience of you guys! Let us know when we can do it again, and we're there.

Dick

P.S. Our pictures will follow soon.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Tmax, maybe there will still be some snow waiting for us next weekend in the DAX!!! Congrats!

 

[daxs]

TERRI! Congratulations on your winter 3500. Sorry I could not be there but "life" interfered with having fun this weekend. Hopefully my presence was there via the "steriod" sign. I know I was thinking about hiking and your finishing up as I was pushing myself thru a 12+ mile run today. Very warm here in south jersey high 60's yesterday and low 60's today. Suppoed to hit 70"s tomorrw. Are the mice still residents at the Elm Ridge privy?

 

[TMax]

Are the mice still residents at the Elm Ridge privy?

Their bedding is still there in the corner of the privy, but they have vacated! Sorry you couldn't be with us today, but you were definitely there in spirit and in steroid affiliation!

What a great day everyone. Thank you all so much for joining me. You have become my core group of "Goombas"! OK, bear with me for a moment of sappy stuff ...

Guinness... I would put my life in your hands on any trail, from Windham to Denali (hint hint). You are so solid and reliable and a natural leader. Thanks for all your support and advice. And you do look great, welcome back to the trails!

Mcorsar...Even the death marches are enjoyable when walking with you. You are a wealth of information, a great conversationalist, and really take the time to appreciate the "little" things in life.

JayH...I really appreciate it when you "slum" it and hang back to walk with me. You never get frazzled, cranky, or moody! Great features in a hiking buddy! (P.S. The "new" Jerry is very happy in his new home!)

Topofgothics...A long day for a short hike. Thanks for coming, it was good to have a billygoat along! You have taught me tons about how to gratefully accept a supportive hand. (Did we start you on a new list today?)

Harry K...What can I say? Hiking with you is a blast. You have a great sense of humor, a gentle soul, and great taste in music!

Hikethe115...You are one of the most selfless people I've met. You're always concerned about the well-being of others and you're the unofficial "social chair" of the hiking trails. Here's to the MANY hikes we have yet to do together.

OK, sappy stuff over....

Dick and Joanne, it was nice to meet you. I kind of felt like I knew you from looking at your avatar and reading your posts.

It's a little wierd to have done my winter completer on what felt like a Spring day. HarryK hiked in a T-shirt and shorts, but then again, he is a crazy Canadian! Here's hoping we get SLAMMED next winter so I can finish another list in better conditions.

 

[skidoc22]

Congrats

Hey congratulatons on the W35, quite an accomplishment. Sounds like you all had a great time. Hard to believe it's still winter with these conditions. Things are probably different up north at the higher elevations. Guess we'll find out next week.

Mike

 

[Rik]

Congrats Terri on 35W. Sounds like you had a great crew to help you celebrate.

 

[Jay H]

Congrats Terri, I'm glad at least A Jerry Bear could make the winter finish on Windham! I'm happy to hike and at any pace!

matt, you forgot Luke, the Porcupine hunter, in your cast of characters, he deserves a mention!

P.S. Did you forget Luke on the way home? I was following you down Rt 23A and then saw you make a U-turn at the ski shop, I thought you were trying for end-of-season bargains, but I saw you turn around in my rear view mirror? I was thiking that I'm not sure if you got Luke out of Ted's car!

Then I was following Dawn down Kaaterskill Clove til we got to the Thruway and I don't have SleEZy Pass.

Jay

 

[Guinness]

Congats Terri!

Yes, it was a great casual weekend of climbing. It was hard to claim it was winter (I was feeling a bit guilty adding to my list). The lean-to Saturday night was a nice touch. We carried in 18 pounds of firewood and left with none. No critters, great weather and good conversations. What more can you ask for?

"Where would you rather be........"

Ed

 

[Edelweiss]

Hi All-
As Dick promised, here are some pics of yesterday's Windham High Peak hike.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesh...n_speed=1&Uc=tdpb2qu.1xts05ua&Uy=-ysfmya&Ux=0

Joanne

 

[hermit]

Congratulations Terry,
It looks like a good time was had by all.

 

[TMax]

P.S. Did you forget Luke on the way home? I was following you down Rt 23A and then saw you make a U-turn at the ski shop, I thought you were trying for end-of-season bargains, but I saw you turn around in my rear view mirror? I was thiking that I'm not sure if you got Luke out of Ted's car!
Jay

When I saw Dawn in front of me and you pull up behind me some neurons fired and I realized I was headed in the wrong direction! I'm sure glad I hike with a better sense of direction than I drive !

 

[TMax]

Hi All-
As Dick promised, here are some pics of yesterday's Windham High Peak hike.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesh...n_speed=1&Uc=tdpb2qu.1xts05ua&Uy=-ysfmya&Ux=0

Joanne

Nice photos Joanne, Thanks for posting them.

 

[ROCKYSUMMIT]

Nice photos. Looks like a great trip with a great group.

 

[hikethe115]

Terri...congrats again. I'm glad I could be there for your finish. It was a great day. I can't believe how warm it was. Although shorts and a t-shirt at the top was a bit much...but as you said....Krazy Kanadian. Nice meeting you Dick, Joanne, and David. Hope to see you on the trails again. Everyone else...always a pleasure to hike with you and see many of you soon.

 

[mudhook51]

Congrats and welcome to the club!