Strolling in the Catskills

We participated this weekend in an AMC hiking trip to the Catskills, led by Bill and Lennie Steinmetz.  As it does every year, it met all our expectations.  The weather was  moderately cold, and the ground was free of snow, although some of the mountain trails were sufficiently icy that hikers needed to use micro spikes or other traction devices.  Friday was the traditional late happy hour at Lennie's and Bill's log cabin.  On Saturday, we participated in the hike led by Kevin Perry to the tops of Balsam Lake and Graham Mountains.  While the entire trail was icy, there was nice snow at the tops, and on Balsam Lake, at the fire tower, we were so protected from wind by the fir forest, that it felt like we were sunbathing.  The shadow-photo above is of our entire group, courtesy of Lisa.  Here is a link to photos we took on this hike:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/scranton21/sets/72157629191500495/  On Sunday, led by our friend Phil Hunsberger, we hiked up Windham High Peak, and, again, with the sun and lack of wind, we had a very warm lunch at the top.  Here is a link to photos we took on this hike: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scranton21/sets/72157629191523783/   We decided to extend our stay to Monday so we didn't have to drive home right away.  We had some scrumptious dinners, and had our usual breakfast each morning at Sweet Sue's in Phoenicia, where all of us stayed.  Due to trail conditions, this was the easiest Catskills weekend, and we didn't even feel the least stiffness after either day's hike.  It was just a wonderful weekend strolling with friends through the Catskills!