N e w s

The week of October 26th began with a sunny but cool Sunday with cloudsand highs in the low 50's. Monday will have times of clouds and sunshine with highs in the high 40's. Tuesday will be rather cloudy and breezy with highs in the low 50's. Wednesday will be cloudy with highs in the low 50's. Thursday will be breezy with highs in the low 50's. Friday will be windy in the morning and mostly cloudy with a couple of showers possible amd with highs in the high 40's. On Saturday it will be cloudy with a shower in spots and highs in the low 50's. Most trails are now damp or wet and some rain this week may make some areas muddy and slippery with the amount of leaves down. The week will be generally cooler with more fall conditions than last week. Some cooler temperatures may leave some icy patches in areas with shade and at high elevations. Daylight will slowly decrease heading toward the winter solstice wuth shorter and shorter days. Packing a working headlamp is always a good idea as it may mean the difference between finishing a hike easily and wandering around in the forest. NEVER assume that conditions at the trailhead are the conditions on the mountain. When the weather conditions are constantly changing, be sure you have dressed appropriately in clothing that will wick away moisture to prevent it from accumulating in your clothing, which can, at the very least, be uncomfortable. Layering should be with non-cotton materials as cotton tends to hold moisture. Keeping hydrated is essential no matter the temperatures since hydrating properly will allow you to hike longer and in greater comfort. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you as local water sources can be unreliable and may be contaminated. Once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Remember, the weather forecast is only a prediction and always contains percentages. Be prepared and have a plan for the most likely and least likely forecast! Are you prepared to stay out overnight on a trail? Conditions in the morning can change drastically by the afternoon. Conditions at the trailhead do not always reflect the conditions on the peaks! Variable trail and weather conditions are a hallmark of these mountains. BE CAREFUL AND BE PREPARED!

Sheila: September 24, 2011 - July 12, 2024

Sheila was with us for more than 12 years. She was a great friend and a fantastic hiking companion. She went with me on all but a handful of hikes in many diverse places. Her first hike was at Frick Pond in December 27, 2011. Her last hike was July 1, 2024 on the Parksville Rail Trail. After that hike, her health began to deteriorate rapidly. When she could no longer breathe properly we called on the staff of the Jeffersonville Animal Hospital to put an end to her suffering. We cannot express are gratitude for the caring and compassionate treatment we received. The end was quick and quiet. Cindy and I stayed with Shiela until it was over. She never seemed in distress. We are heartbroken but knew that what we did was right for our good friend.

Thursday: October 2nd: Trout Pond Clockwise
Monday: October 6th: Parksville Rail Trail
Tuesday: October 7th: Neversink Unique Area: Denton and Mullet Falls
Friday: October 10th: Parksville Rail Trail
Wednesday: October 15th: Beaverkill Campgrounds
Sunday: October 19th: Parksville Rail Trail
Tuesday: October 21st: Hodge Pond Lookouts
Monday: October 27th: Parksville Falls