First Catskills Snow October 29 2008

Bob Breaking Trail

Snowy Trees Driving Up To Indian Head

My buddy Bob went into the Catskills yesterday to do a overnight up on Indian Head.  Bob lives down in Maryland so he didn’t really know how much snow the Catskills got.  I actually didn’t really know how much snow the Catskills got until he called me with a status report.  I had heard 20 inches in the higher elevations.  Well Bob said to expect up to 30 inches above 3500 feet.  If you are hiking in the hills this weekend be prepared to post hole slowly up the mountains.  I’m sure a lot of this will melt off, but what a start to a great Catskills ice climbing, snowshoeing/hiking, and skiing winter.

Russ Clune, Dick Williams, and Jim McCarthy at Rock and Snow

5.3 crack climbing at the farm

Last weekend was pretty crazy in New Paltz.  Rock and Snow had a round table discussion with all the old Vulgarians coming to talk about climbing in the Gunks back in the 50’s and 60’s.  Jim McCarthy, Hot Henry Barber, Dick Williams, Elain Mattews, Rich Goldstone, Claude Suhl and others that I can’t really recall right now all spoke.  Russ Clune moderated the event and great American climbers like Jim Donini and Lynn Hill also showed up to check out our hero’s talk about the Gunks.  I have to say it was really a treat to see everyone go on about what went on back in those days.  Thanks to Rich Gottlieb and the Rock and Snow crew for letting it all happen.  The leafs are really coloring up the ridgeline right now.  It’s pretty sweet to drive out of town and get the huge view of Skytop and the Trapps with the different hues draped along the hills and cliffs.  Mountain Skills Climbing Guides was busy all weekend with groups on the cliff and lots of half day climbing trips going out on Sunday.  This coming week and weekend are sure to bring more slide shows at Rock and Snow and great fall climbing weather.

High Exposure 5.6+ and Hudson Valley

Charlie and Billy with new friends on High E Ledge

What a fantastic weekend.  The weather could not have cooperated more.  The colors are changing minute by minute.  You can almost see it happen while sitting on the GT Ledge in the Trapps.  The 10th Annual Climbers Film Fest was packed to capacity.  The films were super fun to watch and everyone seemed to have a great time.  The cliffs were packed with leaf peepers, climbers, bikers, hikers, and just about anyone ready to enjoy the beautiful Shawangunk cliff line.  The local farms have some cool corn mazes with lots of pumpkin’s and other fall veggies and fruits to buy.  Apple cider baby!!!  Every guide this weekend had wonderful stories of classic climbing done with clients.  This has certainly been a gift to be enjoying the outdoors this fall in the Gunks.

Azel at the Peterskill 5.6

Doug Ferguson at the Three Vultures pitch 3 belay 5.9

The weather once again has not let us down.  The leaves are really colorful across the Hudson Valley when you look out from the cliff ledges and the dry air has made the climbing in the Gunk’s right now out of this world.  Everyday just keeps on getting better.  We have been hitting the cliff with some great people recently.  Azel from Brooklyn did some great climbing in the Peterskill with his father for Yom Kippur, Simon from London had three great days at the Gunk’s.  If you want to get out don’t wait to long.  The colors are amazing, the temps are still very pleasant,  the farms have great treats at them, and New Paltz has that fall buzz.

Brendan Mealia climbing Faty City Near Trapps 5.10d

Brendan Mealia climbing pitch 1 of Fat City 5.10d

The Fall weather is here.  The leaves are changing nicely and the air is crisp.  Come enjoy the weather while you can.