Keegan Ales is open! (Oh yeah, Bearpen and Vly 3/31/7)

[TFR]

We lead a group of 10 hikers from beginners to veterans, up first Vly and then Bearpen. The snow was hard enough in the morning for all 10 to bare boot to the summit of Vly. On the way down, some wore stabilicers.

Back to the Cabin for a little break and then up to Bearpen. We followed the roads for most of the way. Beautiful views from all the vantage points! Temps at the top were around 50. Many wore snowshoes on the way down in the increasingly softer snow. Those who did not postholed once in a while.

Nice mellow day, slow pace, very enjoyable! :D

Also discovered that Keegan Ales is now open! Views and Brews NY now has a new destination!

[Peakbagr]

Great trip with Laurie and Tom. Weather was an 11 on the 1-10 scale.
One of the nicest Catskill weather days in a long time.
Laurie and I used the snowshoes the last 0.4 miles to Bearpen's summit and then down on the quickly softening snow until the snow ran out.
With the warm temps and higher sun, snow departing quickly in the Catskills.
Bookah is now 39/100 and gave the day a 4 wag rating.

[mudhook]

What, no snowmobles?
IMO Bearpen is underated when it comes to views, yesterday must have been
fantastic.We found a nice view to the south last week on a short wack up from the old road on that side.

[TFR]

What, no snowmobles?
IMO Bearpen is underated when it comes to views, yesterday must have been
fantastic.We found a nice view to the south last week on a short wack up from the old road on that side.Some old tracks, but no mechanical vehicles all day...

[daLunartik]

I think the views from Bearpen get overlooked/underappreciated due to the "picture framing" at the one view point, and the ATV trails. My first visit was great, and I got some great views (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2301246850090556846mhiwaC), The second time up, we were "chased off" by ATVer's - well, not really chased, but it wasn't the same as a bunch of footbound hikers.

Great to hear that Keegans is open - I love the Hurricane Kitty!

[rockysummit]

Nice report, especially the Keegan Ales update! I've been meaning to stop in there. What's the deal? Do they close for the winter? I'm glad I didn't make a special trip to find them closed...I also agree that the views on Bearpen are well worth the trip.