Looking back at 2017

Looking back at 2017 I went on some great hikes, camped in some beautiful spots, and saw some fantastic views.  I enjoyed all of the hikes I went on, whether they were short day trips or longer overnights.  I went on a weeklong trip, both backpacking and canoeing, with my son and the Boy Scouts.  It was the high light of my year.  It was challenging but well worth it, and a trip that we will remember for many years.  My hiking year started with an overnight on Mt Greylock, which has become a tradition.  Enjoy some pictures from throughout the year.

For Easter weekend my friend, Mark, and I hiked from Mt. Greylock to the Vermont border.  It was a great 2 day trip that was the completion of the Massachusetts section of the AT for me.

Approaching the beacon on Mt Greylock

Packing up at Wilbur Clearing

I hiked Bear Mountain in CT with my daughter in May.  Her first time hiking this area.  She really enjoyed the views from the summit.

In June I made my way to the Adirondacks with CRC (Carry a Rock Club) and had a great time hiking.  We hiked in the pouring rain one day and then bright sun the next.  It was a great trip and I can’t wait to go back next June.

August was the big trip to the Adirondacks with the Boy Scouts.

 

Tom and I on top of Gothics

Long Lake

As fall approached my schedule got busy and my trips fewer and far between.  I stayed pretty local and did some short day hikes.  I spent a good deal of time hiking in the Catskills this year.  I really like the area and the trails.  

Heading up Hunter Mt.

Hunter Mt. Fire Tower

Twin Mt.

Heading up Indian Head Mt.

On the way to Sugarloaf

Giant Ledges and Panther Mt.

Back on the South Taconic Trail for a nice fall hike and parts of the Metacomet Trail as well.

Alander Mtn.

 

Metacomet Trail

I enjoy looking back at the pictures of my hikes and remembering them.  They bring back the trail and how I felt that day.  I am looking forward to next year and finding new trails along with returning to old favorites.  My goal for 2018 is to hike more consistently, explore a little farther into the Catskills, and blog at least monthly.

Back on the South Taconic Trail

I headed back to a favorite trail this week, hiking a section of the South Taconic Trail.  I was lucky enough to have a day off with my wife this week and we took advantage of it.  We decided to hike to Alander Mountain from Bash Bish Falls.  We arrived at the parking lot around 9:30am and began hiking.  It was a beautiful fall morning, almost perfect hiking weather.  Bluebird sky’s and cool temps helped to keep us from overheating as we made the climb from the valley floor. We stopped just before the top and had a snack and caught our breath, then we made the final scramble up and the hiking got easier and fun.   

It is a tough climb up for a little over a mile, then the trail levels out and we were able to cruise along nicely.  There were some scattered views out through the trees, looking west over the valley and farther out to the Catskills.  The trail climbs as you approach the summit of Alander Mountain and we started seeing better views.

We could see Mount Everett and Race Mountain as we approached the summit.   After a rest on the summit of Alander, we turned around and made our way back. 

We made good time, better than on the way out, and arrived back at the car just before 3pm.  The descent is knee grinding but went quick.  We hiked just under 7 miles out and back and enjoyed a great fall hiking day.