Tom Rankin
Well-known member
I led a hike for the 3500 Club to these peaks Saturday. We started at the far end and headed West, first on the Diamond Notch trail, and then following the Devil's path to its Western End, in Mink Hollow.
It was below freezing at the start of the hike, with sunshine and little or no wind all day. There was a dusting of snow to an inch in various places along the route. A few spots were icy, and there were a few slips, but no one got hurt.
The Diamond Notch Falls were filled with a fair amount of water. They made a pretty sight for the start of our trip. We crossed the bridge, and started up in earnest. After about 1 3/4 hours, we were at the view point. It was a little hazy, but we could see the Blackhead range, Devil's Path, and a few other peaks to the South. We hung out here for a while, eating and discussing gear with some people who were newer to hiking. I took almost everything out of my pack, and we discussed many of the items that I had brought. It was interesting to hear the discussion. A few years ago, I wondered why people wore gaiters, used poles, and brought all that other gear with them when they hiked!
We saddled up and headed off to the summit, which is only 1 or 2 mintues away. We stopped briefly and then headed down the other side. It was a little wetter on this side. We met Bonnie heading in the other direction. She missed us in the morning and decided to head up to meet us from the West. When we met, she turned around and went with us.
A little later, as we were heading up West Westkill, we met Rik, and his wife and dog. I agreed to try to give Rik a ride back to his car if it worked out.
When we got back to the Western trailhead, 3 of us got rides back to our cars, and the rest left. After I was dropped off at the Eastern end, I changed clothes, ate and drank a little, and then walked to the trail register to sign out. There was Rik! Perfect timing! I gave him a ride back to his car, and we went our separate ways.
It was below freezing at the start of the hike, with sunshine and little or no wind all day. There was a dusting of snow to an inch in various places along the route. A few spots were icy, and there were a few slips, but no one got hurt.
The Diamond Notch Falls were filled with a fair amount of water. They made a pretty sight for the start of our trip. We crossed the bridge, and started up in earnest. After about 1 3/4 hours, we were at the view point. It was a little hazy, but we could see the Blackhead range, Devil's Path, and a few other peaks to the South. We hung out here for a while, eating and discussing gear with some people who were newer to hiking. I took almost everything out of my pack, and we discussed many of the items that I had brought. It was interesting to hear the discussion. A few years ago, I wondered why people wore gaiters, used poles, and brought all that other gear with them when they hiked!
We saddled up and headed off to the summit, which is only 1 or 2 mintues away. We stopped briefly and then headed down the other side. It was a little wetter on this side. We met Bonnie heading in the other direction. She missed us in the morning and decided to head up to meet us from the West. When we met, she turned around and went with us.
A little later, as we were heading up West Westkill, we met Rik, and his wife and dog. I agreed to try to give Rik a ride back to his car if it worked out.
When we got back to the Western trailhead, 3 of us got rides back to our cars, and the rest left. After I was dropped off at the Eastern end, I changed clothes, ate and drank a little, and then walked to the trail register to sign out. There was Rik! Perfect timing! I gave him a ride back to his car, and we went our separate ways.
