More climbing at Chapel Pond, 07/25/2015

Luck was again on our side last weekend up at Chapel Pond, this time at the Beer Walls. Threatening clouds loomed over the mountains at times, but the day stayed dry and other climbing parties for the most part stayed home.

Climbing (and a bit of paddling) at Chapel Pond: 07/18/2015

With a murky start to the day in Saratoga, we took a gamble on the weather and headed up to Chapel Pond. I guess luck was on our side because the clouds broke just as we pulled off Exit 30 of the Northway. I keep a mental short list of 4 or 5 crags in the Chapel Pond / Keene Valley area that are suitable for a family climbing session, and seeing no cars parked for the Gems & Jewels crag as we drove by, I hung a quick U-turn and pulled in.

A bit of climbing...

...and a bit of paddling

Hiking at Moreau Lake State Park: 07/11/2015

Family plans kept us close to home last weekend, but we managed to squeeze in a quick half-day hike at Moreau Lake State Park. Visitors come in throngs for the park's beach and campground, but many are unaware of the park’s wild side – nearly 5000 acres of rugged forest on both sides of a scenic stretch of the Hudson River.

Hopkins Mtn and Mossy Cascade: 07/03/2015

With a 3-day holiday weekend, we knew the popular trails in the Adirondacks would be crowded. Indeed, the Giant Mountain, Roaring Brook Falls and AMR trailheads were packed as we pulled in to the Mossy Cascade pullout along Rt. 73 in Keene Valley. Three or four other vehicles were already parked there, a relatively busy day for this lightly traveled trail that leads to one of the best views in the High Peaks.

The view from Hopkins Mountain, click here for full-size image