Tom Rankin
Well-known member
Not at my job, but the last 4 days saw Laurie and I out on the trail for 3 separate work days.
Saturday, opening day for Balsam Lake Mountain. We opened the tower and the cabin, fetched water, did some minor repairs, and got ready for the season with the volunteer crew. Six miles of hiking, great views, and nice to see the crew again. We also shmoozed with Lisa Morgan at Morgan Outfitters in Livingston Manor, a great place for hikers to shop! Nice place for dinner/beer too, at the Lazy Beagle.
Sunday, we did trail work on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. This trail does not get a lot of use, but it has a beautiful lean to only 1.3 miles from the road. Hot, sweaty day, glad to have some nice, cold spring water at the lean to.
Tuesday, we hiked up most of the way to Table to stain the Bouton lean-to. It rained very lightly, almost didn't get wet. The stain was a little messy as I struggled to paint the highest reaches of the lean-to, but it was well worth it to see the finished product. Props to Doug, who cleaned out the outhouse! This hike was an 8 mile round trip. It was also nice to meet and talk with Ranger Dawson.
None of the last 3 days seemed like work, they were certainly better than 8 hours at a desk!
We had a great time all 3 days keeping the Catskills beautiful!
Saturday, opening day for Balsam Lake Mountain. We opened the tower and the cabin, fetched water, did some minor repairs, and got ready for the season with the volunteer crew. Six miles of hiking, great views, and nice to see the crew again. We also shmoozed with Lisa Morgan at Morgan Outfitters in Livingston Manor, a great place for hikers to shop! Nice place for dinner/beer too, at the Lazy Beagle.
Sunday, we did trail work on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. This trail does not get a lot of use, but it has a beautiful lean to only 1.3 miles from the road. Hot, sweaty day, glad to have some nice, cold spring water at the lean to.
Tuesday, we hiked up most of the way to Table to stain the Bouton lean-to. It rained very lightly, almost didn't get wet. The stain was a little messy as I struggled to paint the highest reaches of the lean-to, but it was well worth it to see the finished product. Props to Doug, who cleaned out the outhouse! This hike was an 8 mile round trip. It was also nice to meet and talk with Ranger Dawson.
None of the last 3 days seemed like work, they were certainly better than 8 hours at a desk!
We had a great time all 3 days keeping the Catskills beautiful!