Hunting Hunter

A weekday off from work seemed like the perfect opportunity to hike, until it wasn’t.

The long weekend seemed to provide Jack with a promising mountain escape plan. Drive to the Catskills, and the following morning, get another mountain checked off the 3500 list. He could burn off some of those holiday calories, and scratch the hiking itch that plagued him. He’d retreat from the Catskills until December when the snow was deeper.

Jack’s motorcycle would be less than ideal on the slippery ice coated roads of the Catskills in winter. He’d have to rent an automobile. He called the airport and made a reservation. He would pick up the car Friday afternoon.

Friday morning brought a forecast of snow in New York. It wasn’t the snow that concerned Jack. Strong winds were in the forecast for Friday night into Saturday. The wind, coupled with low temperatures could make for some nasty wind chill, and less than enjoyable hiking.

It was too late to cancel the car at this point. Maybe he could choose another destination?

The mountains of Vermont were too far for his current schedule. New Hampshire’s forecast called for even stronger winds and lower numbers on the thermometer.

Jack decided to roll the dice. He would head to New York, and bring a few more layers in preparation for a windy day.

Friday afternoon, Jack caught a bus to the city. The wind was blowing strongly. He waited outside in the plaza for his connection to the airport. The skating rink was open, and some hardy souls had taken to the ice.

The bus was on time, and he crossed the sky bridge from the terminal to the rental car facility on arrival. It was a quiet day, with empty busses and a deserted airport.

Jack picked up a nice SUV at the garage. It was more car than he needed, but would be better in the snow. He took the car home and loaded his winter boots, gaiters, pack and an overnight bag.

It was almost dark when he began the drive to New York. It would take him more than three hours with the worsening weather. The snow began to swirl in the headlights somewhere near the Massachusetts/New York state line.

The roads were crowded headed south towards New York City, but Jack exited the highway well before it became an issue. The snow became thicker in final miles before he reached the motel. He would experiment this trip by staying at a local “mom and pop” motel not far from the trailhead. Reviews seemed favorable, and Jack didn’t mind staying at a modest, if somewhat dated accommodation. He wasn’t one to “put on airs.”

Jack arrived at the motel just in time. The snow and windy weather was just arriving. He checked in and hauled his gear into the room. He turned in early, and as is the norm, he was awake before 5:00 the next day. Peeking out the window into the predawn darkness, he could see a fresh coating of snow on the car.

When his gear went in to the SUV at 6:00 it was 28F/-2C.

The drive to the trailhead was slow on the freshly plowed roads, and he drove with care. The Spruceton Trail is located on a long, dead end road. He arrived just as the light of day was coloring the sky above the mountains.

Jack was wearing a pair of thermal base layers under his vented hiking pants, heavy wool mountaineering socks, a heavy upper base layer fleece pullover and wool sweater. He covered that with a light windbreaker. He wore a full face mask and hat. He laced his heavy winter boots and pulled his gaiters over the boots. There wouldn’t be snow deep enough for the gaiters, but they added a layer to keep his lower legs warm.

He swung on his winter pack, with two liters of water in the side pockets, and started out in search of the summit. It was 8:00am, and still 27F/-2C. A light snow was falling. There was no wind at all.- to be continued in part 2..