We've been talking to the propety owner in the Beecher Lake area for some time and rec'd permission to hike.
We whacked Woodpecker's S ridge from this direction and followed it to the top. Nice forest all the way, but with the usual beech whips doing the faceslapping number on us in different places. The top of Woodpecker was reached in no time, but the same beech saplings limited visibility greatly. 2 of our group celebrated their first time on the peak.
With the bright sun hitting the low beeches and obscuring the route ahead, we needed to keep our noses on the compasses as we followed the Wpecker ridge north until intersecting the Millbrook Ridge trail. Headed towards Millbrook, pausing for photos at the ledge ust above the col. Then it was up to Millbrook for the obligatory summit photos for 2 who hadn't yet been there.
The summit of Millbrook is so much different once the 5'-6' Cinnamon ferns have exited the stage. We followed Millbrook's southern ridge thru a beechwood forest of small whips, weaving left and right for openings in the ground canopy. Ralph is like a bloodhound finding the best way thru. Part way down the ridge there was a gorgeous flat bench with sugar maples. We then resumed the descent, our route doing a planned horseshoe around Beecher Lake.
This was a gorgeous day that started cloudy and gloomy, but turned into a 10 by mid morning. We all enjoyed the weather, mountains and each other's company. Our group consisted or Dick and Jo, Ralph and Maddy, Bookah and I. As well as esteemed Catskills expert, Dr Mike Kudish who provided us with an all day botany lesson, patiently answering a steady stream of questions from a rapt audience.
Woodpecker and Millbrook were firsts for Maddy and Dick.
I'm hoping we can gain permission to return this coming winter.
A few of us will have photos up a little later.
We whacked Woodpecker's S ridge from this direction and followed it to the top. Nice forest all the way, but with the usual beech whips doing the faceslapping number on us in different places. The top of Woodpecker was reached in no time, but the same beech saplings limited visibility greatly. 2 of our group celebrated their first time on the peak.
With the bright sun hitting the low beeches and obscuring the route ahead, we needed to keep our noses on the compasses as we followed the Wpecker ridge north until intersecting the Millbrook Ridge trail. Headed towards Millbrook, pausing for photos at the ledge ust above the col. Then it was up to Millbrook for the obligatory summit photos for 2 who hadn't yet been there.
The summit of Millbrook is so much different once the 5'-6' Cinnamon ferns have exited the stage. We followed Millbrook's southern ridge thru a beechwood forest of small whips, weaving left and right for openings in the ground canopy. Ralph is like a bloodhound finding the best way thru. Part way down the ridge there was a gorgeous flat bench with sugar maples. We then resumed the descent, our route doing a planned horseshoe around Beecher Lake.
This was a gorgeous day that started cloudy and gloomy, but turned into a 10 by mid morning. We all enjoyed the weather, mountains and each other's company. Our group consisted or Dick and Jo, Ralph and Maddy, Bookah and I. As well as esteemed Catskills expert, Dr Mike Kudish who provided us with an all day botany lesson, patiently answering a steady stream of questions from a rapt audience.
Woodpecker and Millbrook were firsts for Maddy and Dick.
I'm hoping we can gain permission to return this coming winter.
A few of us will have photos up a little later.
