PDA

View Full Version : Twin, Indian Head, Plattekill 12/22


Doodles
12-22-2006, 04:43 PM
Set out today for the first winter hikes. Cloudy and intermitent rain drops and NO SNOW. The only signs of winter were the occasional patches of ice. I was hoping the rain would turn to snow on the summits but no such luck.

I set out from Prediger Road at a quick pace with intentions of beating out any heavy rain. I proceeded up to Twin, took a quick break on the first bump then on to the summit. Another break, a few pictures and an about face to head back towards Indian Head.

At the col I passed a hiker who was heading over Twin and Sugarloaf and out to Mink Hollow. A quick chat and we we both on our way. I continued up and over the top of Indian Head and down to the first view point. I stopped here for a quick lunch. Ducked down between the rocks to get out of the wind. After lunch I continued down the trail and got my bearings on Plattekill. My original plans did not include Platekill, but since I was in the neighborhood, I figured I would take the side trip.

I dropped down to about 3000' and left the trail for Plattekill. This was a nice easy bushwack with only a few thick areas. As I climbed the rain was starting to pick up. Some of the rocks were becoming icey, but as quick as it came , it then stopped. I found my way to the summit and took a Northerly bearing for the intersection of the DP and OL trail. I passed a old quarry with some magnificent blue stone on the way down. I hit the DP trail a few hundred feet from the intersection and continued on back to the road.

Just as I got back to the truck the rain had picked up. A good day of hiking. 2 more for the W35, 1 for the HH.

George

Deb
12-22-2006, 07:40 PM
Nice long hike on what wasn't the best of weather days. I was in the area on Wednesday and thought the trails were remarkably dry. The only other time I hiked on the Overlook Trail it was like a streambed.
The only evidence of winter was hoarfrost heaving in places on the trail. Also, there was a near-absence of wildlife except for a few downy woodpeckers and chickadees.