Another Catskill Mountain Winter Slog Ja nuary '07

“Arrival times ??

Carpooling ??

Who's doing what and when?”

“I get off of work at 445 on Friday. I can be in the Lehigh Valley by 645-7 and if we carpool, that would get us to the Blackbear CG by 930-10.

Per my conversation with the Blackbear, we can just show up and pick our sites.
last edited: 1/16/07 6:50:16 PM”

“Oh yea, I got sirius satellite radio for my birthday (which is today btw). So bring on the long rides !! Comedy channel is awsome.

I could leave anytime after 4pm.”

“oh dang! happy birthday dude!

awesome about the radio! No more digging for CDs!”

“I'll probably be up there between 9 and 10 on Fri.”

“Since Bearpen and Vly are not on the Catskills maps (they are not in the Catskills Park), I made up a map with some notes on TOPO.

Vly and Bearpen Map

I'll have to jot down the directions to the parking area. It's actually on someone's property but he's very friendly and allows people to park there.”

“First, view the map at full size for better detail. Vly was easy to find. Walk up a logging road until you reach a hunting cabin on the right. Make a left (actually 130 degrees) and hopefully find the herdpath to the summit. If I remember, the path followed yellow state forest boundry blazes to near the summit and the canister.

Normally to get to Bearpen, you would descend Vly, cross the logging road near the cabin, and look for a path to the summit, 316 degrees. However, I got chased off Vly by a thunderstorm and did Bearpen the next day from the other side. That hike was really easy, following a logging road almost all the way to the summit. There is no canister on Bearpen, unless they replaced it last year, so you just meander at the height of land until you start going down.”

“thanks Pennsy.. I posted the fullsize map on the trip page.”

“I think we're definitely ok arriving late Friday night..

no limit, we have a caretaker that is in a white van that will check u in on friday night after you arrive and set up thanks Linda

Phoenicia Black Bear Campground & RV Park
P.O. Box 546
Phoenicia, NY 12464
http://home.hvc.rr.com/catskill/

17 Bridge St.
845-688-7405
----- Original Message -----
From: Rdanner202@aol.com
To: phoeniciacampground@hvc.rr.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 7:31 PM
Subject: Re: campsites in the winter


we're going to get up early Saturday morning and do some hiking. I imagine we'll be back before dinner time (6-7ish). Is that too late to pay? We plan on staying Friday and Saturday night. Is there a limit of people per site?

thanks for you help,

Rob

In a message dated 1/16/2007 4:59:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, phoeniciacampground@hvc.rr.com writes:
Hi, just come on in and pick a site u like we will see u in the morning or that evening thanks Linda

Phoenicia Black Bear Campground & RV Park
P.O. Box 546
Phoenicia, NY 12464
http://home.hvc.rr.com/catskill/

17 Bridge St.
845-688-7405
----- Original Message -----
From: Rdanner202@aol.com
To: phoeniciacampground@hvc.rr.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 11:22 AM
Subject: Re: campsites in the winter


We plan on arriving at around 9-10pm on Friday night. Is that ok? Should I make a reservation?

In a message dated 1/16/2007 11:17:55 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, phoeniciacampground@hvc.rr.com writes:
Hi. 10.00 per person a nite bath houses open fire wood available, just ring the bell at the house in the middle of the campground. thanks Linda owner
Phoenicia Black Bear Campground & RV Park
P.O. Box 546
Phoenicia, NY 12464
http://home.hvc.rr.com/catskill/

17 Bridge St.
845-688-7405
----- Original Message -----
From: Rdanner202@aol.com
To: Phoeniciacampground@hvc.rr.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 10:00 AM
Subject: campsites in the winter


Hi,

I was wondering if you have campsites available in the winter. Do you have winter rates? I have a group of about 6-7 coming. It would be great to stay at your campground. I know there is some free state campsites up the road on 28, but if you have a good rate and availability for a group of my size, I'll camp at your campground.

thanks,

Rob Danner”

“Hmmmm, the link didn't work. It said something about a log-in being required. Maybe you have to link the page the image is on rather than the image itself.

I'll see if I can find the notes I took when I did North Dome, Sherrell, and Halcott and post them.”

“http://image59.webshots.com/59/9/78/35/2853978350034183661GWriQl_fs.jpg?action=&track_pagetag=/page/photo/outdoors/hikingbackpacking/&track_action=/Shortcuts/FullSize

try it now on the trips page.
last edited: 1/17/07 4:58:59 PM”

“Nope a gogo. You're probably logged into Webshots and that's why it's working for you? Here's the message:

The website declined to show this webpage
HTTP 403
Most likely causes:
This website requires you to log in.
What you can try:
Go back to the previous page.

I think you should just post the link to the page the image is on with a note to view it at full size.
last edited: 1/17/07 5:11:39 PM”

“hmmm doesn't work like it used to. I will edit it to be the normal size and everyone will have to click full size.”

“

click fullsize for more hi-def !!

it is now corrected on the trip report page! woohoo ... I am stoked. woot!
last edited: 1/18/07 6:09:57 PM”

“is Halcott on the trail conference maps?”

“yes, map 42 - J4 quadrant.”

“duh... I don't know what I was looking at it. For some reason, when I looked at the map last, I didn't see Halcott, but now it is plain as day. dumbass moment.”

“the current catskillian conditions from the beta I am recvg by email and revwg VFTT, is that there is 3 inches of snow up high and less than that below. Looks like there will be a couple more dustings this week, so I guessing over all, snow will be less than 5 inches for this trip.”

“I'm getting stoked for a wimp-camping weekend! Dayhiking all weekend, yes? So I can bring ALL my wimp-camp goodies, but I think I'll leave the Hotel Bobo at home and maybe bring the VE-25 to play in. I think I'll bring, like, five sleeping mattresses! What's the forecast, do I need to go outside and do some OOnga BOOngas?!? Snow? That would be cool!!!
last edited: 1/22/07 10:58:45 AM”

“whoah mamma... tis gonna be cold Friday night!

Friday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.”

“Whats a VE25 ?? and can you cook with it ?”

“uh... NO! C'mon! yer puttin' me on!!!! You've never seen the VE-25?

Besides, doesn't sound like we're doing ANY cooking this weekend! The Chef likes a break every now and then!”

“The only food I'm bringing is snacks for the hikes. Breakfasts and dinners in downtown Phoenicia for moi. I'll bring a stove but it's going in the daypack for emergencies.

I have Friday off cuz for some reason I thought at one time we were hiking Friday. I might go up there early Friday and scope out our hiking areas. Or, I might drive up to the Dacks, cross country ski all day and hit the CG that night.”

“Or, I might drive up to the Dacks, cross country ski all day and hit the CG that night.”
Pennsy
3:01:53 PM
1/22/07

-you dirty dawg!!!
schusss!

See how great minds think alike, driving home from work I was thinking about throwing the stove in my daypack too,.. but not just for emergencies!

gobblegobble!
last edited: 1/22/07 3:36:47 PM”

“I wonder if you could XC in the Catskills.”

“Less than 5 inches what the hell. That's not even enough to make a good snowman.”

“Friday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 8.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 0.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Sunday: A chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 40%.”

“Yeah, there isn't enuff stuff in the 'Skills to XC ski. :o(
However, there be skiing in the Dacks and I'm very tempted to get up there. High temp in Keene is 1 for Friday so it would be a chilly ski.

Bobo - here's a great link for XC conditions in the NE.
Snocountry.com

If you pack a stove, I'll pack a sleeping bag. We definately should be prepared for anything bushwhackin the mountains in winter.”

“per some posts on the Catskills emailing lists, even crampons aren't needed. everyone is saying they barebooted the entire way on their climbs this past weekend. One guy said he put on his stablizers briefly.”

“today through Sunday night for Phoenicia, NY

This Afternoon: Partly cloudy, with a high near 31. West wind around 7 mph.

Tonight: A slight chance of snow showers between midnight and 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. West wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: A chance of snow showers, mainly between 9am and noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 29. West wind between 5 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of snow showers after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 10. Northwest wind between 5 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17. Northwest wind between 5 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -2. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: Partly cloudy and cold, with a high near 10.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 0.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Sunday: A chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a high near 26. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: A chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 9. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We shouldn't have to worry bouts keepin da Capitols cold and staying warm while we drink 'em, cuz we'll be drinkin 'em in da bar!!! Woohoo! this is going to be fun!
last edited: 1/23/07 11:29:44 AM”

“Weather underground is saying windchill for Sat. morning to be around -15. I'm stopping at Campmor on the way up to get hot hands, so I can tape them all over my body.
Ice cold capitols? I may opt for Irish coffee.”

“we'll be drinking them in a toasty warm bar though that's with in walking distance from our campsites.. although, if it's going to be that friggin cold on Friday night, we may opt to drive.. lol

I'm glad they have fire wood for us.”

“there is supposed to be a really nice view on North Dome. I wonder if we can find it.”

“We'll just go to the top and walk in a circle.”

“Looks like Lostsoul has the Catskill Peak Baggin' Fever, Woohoo!!. If you think Blackhead was cool, Shwackin' in the Catskills is AWESOME!”

“Have a great rip guys wish I was going.”

“thanks LT.. wish you were going.

yo Jackstraw, what is your status?


I'm hoping to be up there by 8-830 on Friday night. I should be getting out of work by 230 on Friday.
last edited: 1/24/07 11:05:24 AM”

“This Afternoon: A slight chance of snow showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Northwest wind between 9 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph.

Thursday: A chance of snow showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. Wind chill values between -5 and 5. Calm wind becoming northwest between 13 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around -6. Wind chill values between -18 and -28. North wind between 14 and 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 11. Blustery, with a northwest wind between 18 and 24 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy and breezy, with a low around 6.

Saturday: A chance of snow showers, mainly after 11am. Partly cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 6. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

--
Brrrrr
last edited: 1/24/07 11:05:47 AM”

“You'll freeze your balls off!!”

“Those cold temps are going to make it tough to leave the bar!”

“yo Jackstraw, what is your status?


Hehehe.. I'm entertaining the idea of going up Tursday night\Friday morning and conquering Blackhead and Blackdome via the BD trail.Then sitting in a bar all afternoon waiting for you mugs. Am I crazy or what?”

“Dude... YOU CRAZY!

see ya there
~NOYCE!!!~”

“Monkee reporting for duty. Still not sure if we can make it...but it sure sounds like fun :)”

“Jackstraw I have the fever now, but after this weekend it may be frostbite.”

“Colder than a .....
Capn Bobo

Bobo's bare nipple on Hough?


heck, those updated weather conditions look outright balmy. I want so bad to xc ski in the Dacks Friday morning but below zero temps with a 20 to 30 below wind chill is pretty nippy.”

“are you still going skiing Friday morning?”

“Jackstraw I have the fever now, but after this weekend it may be frostbite.”
lost soul

Thats OK we'll just get Pennsy drunk and "Borrow" his EV mittens. LOL”

“No way! I'm securing those babies to my wrist. I like the "getting Pennsy drunk" part though.

Yeah, I'm probably gonna go skiing. Brrrrrrrr”

“it's going to be frigid on Friday.

so you guys had fun rock climbing?”

“This Afternoon: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22. Northwest wind between 9 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: A chance of flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1. Wind chill values between -10 and -20. North wind between 13 and 18 mph.

Friday: A chance of flurries. Partly cloudy, with a high near 14. Wind chill values between -11 and -21. Northwest wind between 16 and 20 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values between -6 and 1. Northwest wind between 15 and 18 mph becoming light.

Saturday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 6. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

From NOAA”