Belleayre: Racking Up Miles

One more year as a flatland road warrior, and I’m going to have to rally. I admit it, working full time, having a family, and chasing snow from 200 miles away is tough. This could be my last season balancing all three. Then again, without logistics, who am I? What do I write about? I guess we will see.

early morning drive
Smoothing and soothing Miles

This weekend it actually worked out pretty well. Over the holiday I had three full nights sleep, rising without an alarm. I can’t remember the last time that happened. Then, for Sunday morning, I set my regular Belleayre alarm for 4am. I take an hour to make coffee and hit the road. If I leave for Belle at 5, I’ll arrive at 8, an hour before first chair. With my alarms, I can usually handle one delay, gas or food, and stay on schedule.

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A Walk in the Woods at Plattekill

Thirteen years ago, a noted New York skier, a friend of mine, came up with the idea of recruiting lopper-wielding powderhounds to trim tree lines at Plattekill. He asked me to promote it and recruit volunteers on NYSkiBlog, and I agreed.

Route 28

We had a crew of ten volunteers that first year, and the numbers have grown. Now it seems we can count on 40 to 50 volunteers each year. I believe it’s really the right amount allowing us to split up into groups and spread out.

In my years of writing about Plattekill and promoting the work day, this is my first time contributing with loppers. My landscaping skills are limited compared to some others, but on the upside my enthusiasm runs high.

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Kayaking North South Lake

I used to spend more time at North South Lake than I do now. When my kids were younger, we would go there for weekend camping trips or just to use the lake and beach for a day. It’s a great place to introduce kids to camping.

North South Lake map

In addition to swimming and hiking and canoeing at North Lake, there are all the other great things the Catskills offer in the surrounding area. Hunter Mountain is right up the road.

The trailhead to Kaaterskill Falls is right there and just a little further south is Esopus Creek where you can rent tubes and spend the afternoon floating downstream.

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