Slide Mountain

Peak Bagging in the Catskills, New York

The winding road on my way to the trailhead glittered in the light cast by the headlights. Not a good sign for sure. The glitter was ice. Freezing rain had fallen during the night. Coming out of my motel, I’d scraped the car, and was aware that if it was covered in a fine layer of ice, the road would not have escaped unscathed.

I passed one accident on my way to my lodgings before settling in for the night, and I didn’t want to add name to the police report of car accidents on this weekend in January.

I drove carefully, negotiating the twisted road. The local road crews had done a good job of sanding the route. Still, it was pitch black out here, and at 5:00 am I expected to see deer feeding by the side of the road as they often do before dawn.

A storm was coming. Six to eight inches of snow was forecast, starting by noon. I wanted to be long gone by then when the roads would be treacherous.

An early start placed me at the trailhead for Slide at 6:00 am. First light would be just before 7:00.

Sitting in the passenger seat for more room, I began to gear up, lacing my boots and fastening my gaiters. I started my map app, and turned on my tracking beacon. I didn’t know if I would see anyone else today.

I turned on my headlamp and started hiking. Footprints on the trail where others had been yesterday were clearly visible, and I had no problem following the path.

I had read that Slide was the easiest of the high peaks in the Catskills. It was certainly not long, with a round trip of about 5 miles. I estimated a two hour hike.

The trail is a very gradual ascent, and I made good time to the summit. Sunrise offered a glimmer of blue sky above , but was soon replaced by the overcast of the approaching storm.

I reached the summit and was greeted by fog. As if trapped in a frosted light bulb, I was robbed of the view, and could only “check the box” on the list of peaks. I turned on my heel and made for the car, my mission fulfilled.

I was out of the lot shortly after 9, and on the road home. Thirty – one Cats left!