Rusk 12-26-05

[MattC]

Climbed Rusk today w/ the 3500 Club. Round trip was about 3 and 1/2 hours or so. This was a nice day to do a quick and easy one w/ a late start. I had just driven back from the Capitol Region after visiting family, and I know several others had come up from the NYC/Jersey area. It was drizzling rain from the getgo. This later turned to very wet snow at around 3500'. We all wore snowshoes because the snow would be exhausting to walk in otherwise, but if it wasn't so wet, the 'shoes wouldn't be necessary until the higher elevations. In other words, it's not the depth, but the consistency. We saw some bear tracks that were about a day old. Other than these tracks and the wet weather, the hike was pretty uneventful. The canister could use a pencil, since it was very difficult to write w/ the pen. Also, the end of Spruceton Rd. is a bit muddy and rutted right now. Could get worse as the winter wears on.

Matt

[rockysummit]

Rusk has some nice views of Westkill and Spruceton valley, if you can find the ledges.I hear ya' Matt about the soggy wet conditions.I climbed Plateau on Monday and was soaked from inside-out,outside-in, sideways,crossways...you name it! Sounds like your list's end is in sight,mine too!