Family fun in the Gunks

Enjoying what the day has to offer

We seem to have a lot of families rock climbing in the Gunks recently.  Whether it’s fathers climbing with sons or uncles climbing with nieces and nephews.  The possibilities are endless. Families seem to be getting in the last  days of summer together before school starts again.  It’s good to see them get closer to each other as the day moves on.  Offering words of encouragement or joking around and just enjoying each other company.  Sometimes that’s what all this is about, just getting back in touch with each other during our hectic lives.  We love showing families our special places to climb.  If you would like to climb with us call 845-853-5450 or email info@mountainskills.biz

Mike climbing Horseman 5.5 at the Trapps

Mike pulling the exposed crux on Maria 5.6+ pitch 3

Windham High Peak trail

I got a call from a mom overseas that she wanted me to take out her 17 year old son on a day and a half overnight.  Seems like a good amount of fun to me, lets make it happen.  I go over a list of over night gear and hiking gear Mike is going to need on a initial phone call.  The weather report couldn’t be any better with a high pressure system overhead and cool weather at night for August.  We meet at Rock and Snow in New Paltz at 9:00am to go over waivers and to get our rock climbing gear for the day.  Mike and I headed up to the Trapps to climb for the day before going to the Catskills to hike Windham High Peak.  Our first route of the day is Horseman 5.5.  I really like the variety of climbing on this route.  The corner is a blast and the exposed traverse is still  heart pounding.  After a tandem rappel back to our packs we head over to climb Frog’s Head 5.6 with Maria’s last pitch at 5.6+ to add some length.  Wow what a link up!!  Each pitch is just amazing.  I short pitched Mike over to the City Light’s bolts and we both tandem rappelled down to our backpacks.

The day of rock climbing was pretty much over at that point since we need to get into the Catskill’s and hike up to the lean to on Windham High Peak 3,524 ft.  I picked this hike because of the views at the top and the ease of getting to the lean to on the approach in.  The lean to is just over a mile from the parking area on Peck Road.  We blasted up to the lean to in no time.  Mike and I both decided to make the push for the summit to get in a really big full day.  Reaching the summit right around nightfall it was time for some food, amazing views and some rest.

The next morning was amazing with not a cloud in the sky and full on view of the Adirondacks, Green, Taconic’s and Berkshires mountain ranges.  After some coffee to warm us up and some more amazing views we headed back down into the quiet forest.  It was really peaceful to be in the woods at that time of the day.  Once we made it back to the car we drove back to New Paltz to meet Mike’s dad.  I have to say the Gunk’s Catskill’s link up was pretty amazing.  If you would like to have a two or three day trip like this call 845-853-5450 or email info@mountainskills.biz

Lovin kids camp

Mountain Skills Climbing Guides has been rockin the kids camps this summer.  These summer camps are a great way for kids to get outside to enjoy some good weather, learn rock climbing in a safe environment, over come fears and to meet some new friends.  We work with may camps in the area as well as put on our own kids rock climbing camps.  Please contact us if you have any questions about setting up trips at 845-853-5450 or email info@mountainskills.biz