WV Hikers - Wildflower Hike Report

Paul Misko sent this report about the Woodland Valley hikers "Wildflower Hike" last Saturday. Here is what Paul had to say.

"It was a perfect day for a photo hike, with the hazy filtered sunlight, and barely a breeze. Perfect for grabbing some flower photos. There were a lot of downed trees from recent storms to climb over and around, as we visited each patch of blossoms along the way, much like a swarm of bees would do. Along the way we found a deer antler, and someone almost thought they may have possibly heard a bear, but it proved to be inconclusive. Several tips were shared, such as using a small magnifying glass in front of the camera lens to give you more macro capabilities. We eventually returned to civilization without losing a single hiker."

- Paul Misko

Wildflower Hike Rescheduled To This Saturday

The Woodland Valley Hikers outing that was cancelled last week due to weather has been rescheduled for this Saturday. If you are interested in joining the hike please email Paul Misko directly at the address below.

Saturday, May 18th:10:30-3:30.  Wildflower and Photography hike. This is the hike rescheduled from last week. Moderate 3 mile hike near the head of the valley. NO DOGS PLEASE. Space limited so you must register for meeting place and more details at woodvalleybear@gmail.com . Paul Misko

The WV Hikers - Hike to Wittenberg

This just in from Paul Misko about the hike he led last Sunday.

Hike to Wittenberg:
"After the weather forecasts were evaluated, a wise decision was made to change the hike from Saturday to Sunday, which also gave the trail a day to dry out. Sunday provided more sun and less wind, but it was still quite chilly at times. Climbing a mountain is warm work, so the cool weather was welcomed on the way up. We started up the trail near the campsite, which quickly gets steep, and continues that way for quite a while. This rocky trail is difficult even on this dry day, and we still had plenty of muddy patches to skate around. We eventually came to the Terrace Mtn. junction, where we guzzled cups of hot tea and coffee and devoured fresh donuts, while historians Paul and Jay shared facts about the tanning industry, and the Simpson family. It was a real honor having a real live Simpson with us. With bellies and ears full, we began the last leg of the hike, which took us up the old carriage road. The way soon became much steeper, but with teamwork we overcame every obstacle that the mountain threw in our path. Though we could not see the summit, we could hear the wind whipping through the balsams. The occasional ray of sun felt warm and friendly. Finally near the top, hike leader Paul veered off to the side, down and around, until all were sure he was lost, then we suddenly popped out at "Bear Cave". Despite its name, it really isn't a cave, and there is no record of anyone seeing a bear in it. Typical Catskill nomenclature. This is a favorite hangout for porcupines, and some couples have even spent their honeymoon in it. After lunch, Paul brought out several old photos of folks at the cave, some from the 1890's! We then packed up, climbed up to the summit, took another long drought of view, and then began our descent. See any wildlife? Of course! We just missed a possible glimpse of a bear, then quite nearly came close to seeing a mountain lion, and I think someone almost stepped on a weasel. The hike was grand, and later received rave reviews."
- Paul Misko

Slide Mountain Hike

Here is a report from Paul Misko on the hike up to the top of Slide Mountain he led last weekend.

Hello Hikers and well-wishers,
Well, the we did it. We climbed Slide Mtn., the highest peak in the Catskills. First we had to ford the mighty West Branch of the Neversink. On the way up we fought gravity, the weather, altitude sickness, and every bear and mountain lion that came our way. We experienced a 15 degree drop in temp as we summited, and wondered if snow was imminent. Got some clear views both east and west. As we descended, we witnessed many unwise, ill-equipped hikers just beginning their hike up; way too late in the day for such a trek. I'm sure we'll find their bones in the spring.
Paul

The Giant's Ledge

I received this report a few days ago from Paul Misko.

Here is the report from The Woodland Valley Hikers Giant Ledge trip....

The ten of us met at the Giant Ledge trailhead near Winnisook, south of Big Indian. This is a shorter hike than if you came up from Woodland Valley. We knew it would be a hot and humid day, but the well shaded trail made the climb quite tolerable. Along the way, historical info, stories, and pics were shared by Paul Misko and Jay Simpson. After a good hour of hiking, a refreshing stop at the spring prepared us for the last, steep, push to the summit. While passing the former lean-to sight, we obtained a nice view of Slide Mtn, which whetted our appetite for the visual feast that awaited us. Carefully stemming our way up the rocky stairway soon brought us to the flat top of the ledge. The only task remaining was to walk toward the edge of the ledge. (you'll know when you went too far!) After arriving at a vacant viewpoint we quickly relieved our backs of our packs, and began taking in the view. We also began taking in our lunches, and agreed that even the most humble food item tasted pretty good on a hike.

What about getting our just desserts? Someone had the foresight to bring a bag full of Klondike Bars packed in dry ice. Ay Carumba! What a treat that was. There were plenty left over to offer to the many hot hikers that hobbled past our group. The usual response was disbelief to our offer of ice cream in such a place, but those that had faith received their frosty reward. All, including young Henry, had to take a turn in carrying the cooler, but the dividends were paid in many smiles per mile.

After more pics and repacking, we proceeded to check out the remaining viewpoints, including the western one, which gives a nice vista of Winnisook Lodge, and it's tempting lake. We soon began our descent; carefully picking our way through the rocky places, and squishing through the muddy ones, all while watching the sinking sun's light play upon our mountainside. Arriving at the cars ended another day well spent in the Catskills.

- Paul Misko



































If anyone would like to join the Woodland Valley Hiking Group just email me here at wvview.gmail.com and I will pass your request on to Paul.

Election Day Hike Report

Here is a report from Paul Misko, leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers, on the Election Day hike up to Giant Ledge.

Well the Election Day results are in!!! 100 % of those who attended the Woodland Valley Hikers Election Day hike up to Giant Ledge had a terrific time. The four of us met at the trailhead and were surprised at the large amount of snow remaining from the last storm. The hazy sun, along with the effort needed for the uphill grade, soon warmed us up; while the melting snow provided some big puddles to sidestep. Eventually we reached the top and enjoyed our picnic lunches, and the great views. How nice to be away from election predictions and last minute ads. A few chipmunks and birds punctuated our descent, making it decent. It was a great day.

Paul Misko

Election Day Hike

Here is a message from Paul Misko, leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers.

Attention Woodland Valley Hikers! Election time making you crazy? Don't just sit home and pull out your hair. Banish your election day blues by taking a hike up Giant Ledge on Tuesday, Nov. 4th. We'll hike from the shorter Winnisook side , and enjoy a day of great views and good exercise. Good weather forecast must prevail for this hike or it will be postponed. Meet at 11:15 a.m. at the Giant Ledge trailhead on C.R. 47. (Take Rt. 28 west to Big Indian, then turn left on Rt. 47 toward Frost Valley, go 7.4 miles to trialhead on right.) Must bring warm clothes, food, drink, flashlight, rainjacket, lighter, good hiking shoes. Camera and walking stick recommended. Hike is about 31/2 miles, and 5 hours total, and is rated difficult. Please contact me if you plan to go, as details may change!

- Paul Misko

WV Hikers Slide Mountain Hike

Looks like the latest WV Hikers adventure was a great success! Paul Misko sent us a recap.

"Here are some photos from the Woodland Valley Hikers walk up Slide Mtn. this past Sunday. We met at 10:00 a.m. at the trailhead parking lot, where we met author Dave White and his group. Dave and his wife Carol have written several books about hiking in the Catskills and Adirondacks, and have produced the most accurate Catskill Trail Guide available. We combined groups so everyone got to hear my history talk, as well as Dave's many interesting comments on trails and peaks. We hiked up via the longer Curtis-Ormsby trail, which provides an easier grade and is much more scenic. Thanks to clear skies, the views from the summit were fantastic, and the leaves were at their peak. The pictures show the balsam lined trail near the top, the combined group, and a leisurely lunch featuring Camilo's toasted sandwich, which made our limp sandwiches pale in comparison. Even though the cold weather is coming, there may still be a hike or two this year. Think about joining us and sharing a good time on the trails."
Paul Misko

Last Week's Hike

Last Tuesday several of the members of the WV hikers (including myself) took advantage of one of the "Lark in the Park" hikes. It was a rare opportunity to do the Dutcher Trail (also known as the "steps" or "ladies" trail) over the private property of the Winnisook Club. The morning started out very cold but the group was enthusiastic. Peter Manning from the Catskill Center organized everyone and gave us a brief overview of the club and then Barbara Redfield, a year-round resident and descendant of some of the earliest club members, shared some fascinating club history. After that we were off on our climb. We stopped briefly for some photos and to take in the different views, but we made good time to the summit. It was very interesting to see the John Burroughs plaque that was installed at the summit in the 1920s on what is known as "Burroughs Ledge". Over the years the trees had risen to block all the views from the top of Slide but in recent months the rangers have been working to open those vistas back up. For me personally it was the first time that I hiked Slide and got a view at the end. After stopping for lunch and a history discussion (with photos provided by the WV hikers leader, Paul Misko), we descended by an alternate route, the Curtis-Ormsby trail. That trail is a little longer than the more heavily used "jeep" trail up to Slide but I think it is a lot more beautiful. All in all, the views from the top were awesome, the trails gorgeous and the company delightful! It was a great day!!

Many thanks to Peter Manning at the Catskill Center for organizing the hike, Barbara Redfield for sharing some great history, and the Winnisook Club for allowing us access to this wonderful gem of a trail!!

Blogmistress Note: The last 2 photos are courtesy of Paul Misko. Thanks Paul!

WV Hikers - New Hiking Opportunities

Here is a message from Paul Misko leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers -

Attention Woodland Valley Hikers!
Join us on Sunday, October 12th, for a hike up Slide mountain to enjoy some great views and interesting history. Meet us at the Slide Mountain trailhead no later than 10:00 a.m. Bring lunch, plenty of drink, good hiking shoes, rainjacket, sweater, flashlight, and lighter. Camera and walking stick recommended. The hike is about 6 miles, and 5 1/2 hours. No dogs please. Cloudy and/ or cold windy weather postpones to Monday the 13th. Please let me know if you are going with us, and leave contact info so you can learn of changed plans if need be.
It takes just over 1/2 hour to drive to trailhead from Woodland Valley. Take Rt. 28 West to Big Indian, then turn left onto CR 47, toward Frost Valley. Go just over 9 miles to trailhead on left. On your way, you will go through very sharp right turn, then pass Winnisook lake on left, then soon after look for Slide Mtn. trail head sign on left.
Hope to see you there!
Paul Misko

Message from the Blogmistress:
And tomorrow, although it is not a Woodland Valley Hikers activity, there is a unique hike up to Slide Mountain that several of the WVH members will be attending. It is a rare opportunity to do the "step" or ladies trail up to Slide Mountain. This hike is almost entirely over private property so the chances to experience it are few and far between. Here is the info for that.

Tuesday, October 7th - Slide Mountain Ascent: 9AM
Join Barbara Redfield of the Winnisook Club and Peter Manning of the Catskill Center for a discussion on the historic "Dutcher Trail", followed by an ascent to the Catskill Mountains’ highest peak. The day begins at Winnisook Club Lodge with an introduction by Barbara Redfield, a year-round resident and descendant of some of the earliest club members. Barbara will give us an overview of the construction of the Dutcher Trail (also known as "The Ladies Trail" and "The Step Trail"), which is almost exclusively on Winnisook Club property. Peter will then lead a hike up the trail to the summit of Slide Mountain for lunch. After lunch, the hike will descend via the Curtis-Ormsby Trail back to the Winnisook Club. 7-miles roundtrip (6 hours); Difficult; No dogs please; Group size limited to 15, so please pre-register by 10/6 to Peter Manning at 845-586-2611 or pqm7364@hotmail.com. Rain Date (if heavy rain) is October 9th.

Directions: The Winnisook Club is located on Ulster County Route 47, approximately 8-10 miles from the junction of Rte 47 and State Route 28 in Big Indian. The club is a mile after the hairpin turn (Giant’s Ledge Parking Area) at the top of the hill next to the lake). Please park in area in front of an open equipment shed with moss on roof. Street sign: Winnisook Club Road Private. Walk up hill to main lodge.
From the south, take State Route 55 to Curry (west of Grahamsville) and turn north in Curry onto Sullivan County Route 19 to Claryville; turn left at Claryville following sign for Big Indian and crossing Neversink River. Travel 15-20 miles, past Frost Valley YMCA and past Slide Mountain Parking Area (on right). Winnisook land is less than one mile past Slide Mountain Parking Area, at the height of land next to the lake. Please park in area in front of an open equipment shed with moss on roof. Street sign: Winnisook Club Road Private. Walk up hill to main lodge.

The postcard image above is of the "steps trail". It is from the collection of Rolf Reiss.

WV Hikers Inaugural Hike

Here are a few photos from the WV Hikers first hike today. The group included Paul Misko (our fearless leader), Rolf Reiss, Camilo Marquez and myself. We hiked up the Winnisook side of Giant Ledge. The weather was GORGEOUS and we had great views at the top. While we were hiking we ran into another WV resident Julia Rose and her friends making the same trip. Everyone had a great time!! Be sure to watch for announcements about upcoming hikes Paul is planning in the next couple of months. Thanks Paul for putting this group together and making our first outing such fun!!!!

Change in Plans for the Woodland Valley Hikers

Hello Woodland Valley Hikers,
Hurricane Hannah has blown our hike to Giant Ledge out of Saturday and into Sunday. With a later start to let the trails dry up, we are now planning to meet at the Giant Ledge trailhead near Winnisook on Sunday, September 7th, at 12:00 noon. Should be clear skys by the time we summit for some great views. Cooler, breezy day in store. Bring lunch, drinks, rainjacket, flashlight, lighter, good hiking shoes. Camera and walking stick recommended. We're planning to be back to parking lot by 5:00 p.m.
Directions: Take Rt. 28 West to Big Indian. Then turn left onto C.R. 47 toward Frost Valley. Take this road about 7 miles and you will see a parking lot on the right. That is where we will meet. Just for a reference, immediately after the lot, the road takes a sharp right turn up a steep hill.

Please try to let me know if you are coming.
Hope to see you there!!!

- Paul Misko

PS - You can email me here at wvview@gmail.com and I will pass the message on to Paul.