Peekamoose Mountain, Catskills

May 19, 2012
Distance: 7.6 miles
Time: 6 hours
Map: Catskill Trails Map Set
Parking: See directions link
Restrooms: Portapotty in a parking lot on Peekamoose Rd before trailhead parking lot
Notes: Catskill 3500 footer
Post hike dinner: Garden Cafe on the Green, Woodstock
Directions: Peekamoose (and Table) Mountains

We had set out planning to do both Peekamoose and Table Mountains, since they are less than a mile apart. When we were 1/2 mile from Peekamoose, Glen only had a pint of water left. It was warm out, and we were super thirsty climbing up. The grade was moderate, but we were just hot. There were no streams on the trail, so the dogs were running out of water too. I figured I could share my water with the dogs. Glen started out with 3 liters, and I started out with 2 1/2 liters plus about a liter of Gatorade. The dogs had 28 ounces. Normally they just drink out of streams, but today there were no streams, and no puddles. I gave my Gatorade to Glen. We found a small flow of water coming out of a rock, which the dogs could drink out of, and we refilled their bottles. We continued to Peekamoose, but decided not to do Table today, because we could risk running out of water.

It must have been a premonition - I ordered a Katadyn water filter this morning. We don't backpack, so we questioned if we even needed one. We considered a Steripen, or just tablets. But, I like the reliability & safety of a filter, and today we really could have used one. We'll bring it along when we do longer hikes. We got back with 1/2 liter of Gatorade left, so I think we made a good choice not to continue. We were cooler heading down, so luckily less fluids were needed.

Trailhead parking

The trail starts out pretty steeply, and then levels out onto a woods road.

Trek is getting hot

Trek & Reconnoiter Rock which appears to be balancing precariously

First view

Moxie at nicer view

Trek

Trek summit photo - the summit is a boulder with no views

Trek & Moxie at Peekamoose summit

Glen

Lynn

The best views were on a short side trail shortly before the summit

This is the one source of water we found. Water coming out of a rock down into a tiny pool.

At the end of the hike, we crossed the street from the parking lot and went to Rondout Creek. The water was very clear and blue. The dogs were so happy to cool off!

Small waterfall into the creek

I decided to join the dogs. The water was FREEZING cold! It felt lovely. My feet were numb within a minute!

Glen decides to join the fun

Look at the joy on Glen's face from soaking his feet!

Year to date miles: 149.7 miles