Haynes Mountain

"Ed, Joe and I took a T-bone stroll up to Balsam then over Haynes on our way out to Eagle and back. After visiting the summit obelisk rock on Balsam we headed over to the view point where we found two young women trying to put up a hammock to enjoy their summit bevs. One of Joe’s high school buddies from years ago, who just happens to be the executive director of the CMC, showed up from Mine Hollow trail. We exchanged group photo taking ops with the two women. The trail over to Eagle was not as well packed down so the snow seemed deeper but not enough to warrant snowshoes. Once back to the 4-way jct we left the micro spikes on for the icy patches on our descent, some obvious while others hidden under leaves. Spring-like at the PA with temp at 45*at 9am and bare ground up to around 3000’ level then more wintry-like on the ridge with a gusty wind. Wrapped up our day with a visit to Woodstock brewing." — Nimblefoot • Feb 10, 2023

"Mid morning start for BLM out of the Mill Brook rd PA running into my friend Yong Ae descending near the summit. Followed by a loop of Balsam with an out and back to the canister on Eagle. Noticed numerous blowdowns, some of which have been down for years, have been cut out but unfortunately new branches or trees have fallen again in the same spot." — Nimblefoot • Aug 8, 2022

"T-boned Eagle and Balsam from McKenley Hollow. Five days ago I was in 6-8 “ of snow on Panther fortunately today it was all gone and the wildflowers, trout lily and red trillium, are popping back up. Didn’t see a soul all day. Brought the silky saw and did some needed maintenance. Blue sky and sun led to stripping down to shorts, boots were overkill should have worn the trail runners. " — Nimblefoot • Apr 25, 2022

"Joined Richard, Susan, Barbara, Sherri and Mimi for a loop of Eagle, Haynes and Balsam. A nice sunny day with temps barely in the double digits and occasional strong winds that gave us rosy cheeks. Whacked to Eagle right out of the gate from McKenley then trails for the rest of the trip. Met a woman out by herself near the summit of Balsam who was curious about my usual bushwhack route off of Balsam. She promptly headed off from the summit obelisk while we celebrated our final peak with group photos. Miraculously we met her again on the trail just down below the leanto. Since we were back to our cars before 2pm Mimi suggested getting another peak. First it was Panther then Halcott for a shorter onesie. No other takers so it just Mimi and I off to the Rt 42 PA eating our sandwiches on the way. We were able to follow tracks to make it easier and got back before darkness so no headlamps were harmed." — Nimblefoot • Jan 10, 2022

"Warm and cloudy day for a quick loop of Eagle and Balsam with Peter. Managed to do the hike without deploying the micros. The snow cover was beginning to melt away on our descent at noon." — Nimblefoot • Dec 29, 2021

"Loop of Eagle and Balsam from McKenley with Peter, Miyon, Mimi, Barbara and Francine. Bushwhack to Eagle then trails the rest of the way. Early light snow on the ground and trees around 3K." — Nimblefoot • Nov 14, 2021

"Getting some peaks for the month of July. Had a nice chat with Asst. Forest Ranger Jasmina just below the summit of BLM as she was heading down. If I got to the summit five minutes earlier I would’ve had a chance to get into the cab of the fire tower." — Nimblefoot • Jul 15, 2021

"Mimi and I hiked BLM in the AM running into many friends who were on the peak to prep the cabin, fire tower cab and grounds for the upcoming volunteer season starting Memorial Day weekend. For the afternoon I headed over to do Balsam and Eagle out of Rider Hollow while she headed to Windham HP." — Nimblefoot • May 15, 2021

"Nice sunny AM for BLM then the day clouded up for a loop of Eagle and Balsam from Rider Hollow. Didn’t see a sole on the trail all day. More wildflowers including Red Trillium are either flowering or about to flower to provide fresh color." — Nimblefoot • Apr 14, 2021

"Ed joined Marguerite and I for a romp of Balsam and Eagle for our single season triangle patch, finishing on Eagle. Heavy dusting of snow on the ground along with some thin ice hiding under the snow or ice." — Nimblefoot • Nov 24, 2020