Friday 6-17-11 drove up from VA to Spruceton, NY. By noon we were on the trail headed for Rusk Mt. (3680’). We dropped our packs when we arrived at the dry stream bed that goes more than half way up. The climb was quite steep and the recent rains made the going on mostly rock very slippery. Being an unmarked trail we kept track of the heading especially when thick vegetation had us really bushwhacking. After a quick summit snack the thunder and then torrential rain got us underway. It was very hard to backtrack, so we went on compass heading alone, which got us back, but about 100 feet away from our gear. We continued on the Spruceton trail toward Hunter Mt. (4040’), which became quite steep as we reached 3000’. Arriving to the lean-to by late afternoon, we were surprised at the location near a ridge, with an incredible view. With a long day behind us we enjoyed a good meal, good company, then we passed out by sunset.
By 9 AM we were on top of the Hunter Mt. fire tower, with fog obscuring most of our view. The sun finally came out as we arrived to Devils Tombstone lean-to where we laid out our damp clothes on the roof to dry, while we climbed South West Hunter Mt. (3740’). We were pleasantly surprised to find a nice path following a ridge right to the summit. After eating salami and crackers for lunch we gathered our things and headed for West Kill. Martin and Ben (my sons) have come a long way as hikers, finally able to carry their own gear and then some, while keeping a stiff pace. Arriving at Buttermilk Falls we were really tempted to jump into the large pool under the falls. With the cool air temp. and frigid water temp. we opted for a cool drink and our final climb up West Kill Mt. (3880’) instead. The 5 mile round trip was tough and quite steep. The summit is considered one of the best views of the Catskills, and it did not disappoint us. We could even see the Hunter tower that we had come from that morning, and it looked so far away. By late afternoon exhausted and hungry we reached Diamond Notch lean-to where we collapsed after having hiked and climbed about 15 miles.
What a great weekend. Fathers day morning we got up early and hiked out, then on the way home stopped for our usual celebratory meal out, at an old hole it the wall that had excellent food. Thanks Boys
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