Hike Doubletop, Graham, & Balsam Lake | Wednesday, March 4, 2020 @ 7:30 AM
We'll hike about 10 miles, over 3 Catskills high peaks: Doubletop (3874'), Graham (3868'), and Balsam Lake (3729'), with a total ascent of about 3300'. Our route includes easy trails, and both easy and challenging bushwhacks.Event Duration: 10 miles, 10 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Difficult; bushwhack Leader(s): Marv FreedmanBring: Wear warm hiking boots, and pack an extra clothing layer. Do not wear cotton. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring lunch, snacks, and 3 liters of water/sports drink. Headlamps are required. Depending on trail conditions traction aids and/or snowshoes may be required.Registration required by March 3rd. Register with leader. See contact info below.Group size is limited to 12, so register early.Dogs allowed: Yes, only with permission of event leaderRegistration and Questions about this event can be directed to: marvfreedman@gmail.com or (609) 731-3318Additional information: Moderate Pace: We must stay together as one group, with each person within easy talking distance of the person ahead and behind. Don't count on moving quickly to stay warm - dress for the weather. I'll do my best to set a steady pace that everyone can maintain all day. Hurry up & wait is stupid when it's warm, and dangerous when it's the cold. Each of you is responsible for anyone behind you. If someone behind you is falling behind, please don't make a fuss, but slow your pace & ask the folks ahead to slow down too. If you experience any difficulties, please tell me before a dangerous situation develops.The last time I led this hike (1/17/20) it took about 8-1/2 hours. Depending on conditions it could take us much longer..Driving Directions: Preferred Option: Bread Alone on Rt 28 in Boiceville (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/JcCPf2FMcW8qT4se9), leaving at 7:45. I plan to arrive at 7:00 when they open & will have a great breakfast (usually avocado toast with eggs). Even if you aren't eating, please arrive by 7:30 so there's time to talk, sign in, etc before we leave at 7:45.Second Option: If Bread Alone is out of your way, you can meet us at the Highmount Post Office, on Galli Curci Rd, just off of Rt 28 (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/SypSSG5hgaPR6hL97). I picked this spot because (unlike the actual trailheads) it has reliable cell service. We'll leave there by 8:15 and will drive to the Dry Brook Ridge Trail Parking Area on Mill Brook Rd. (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/cZwSdcrUVWou5wkB9) This is where our hike will end. We'll leave cars there at about 8:30, and will drive to the Seager parking area at the end of Dry Brook Rd to start the hike.If you're late, drive directly to the Seager parking area (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/mwoMq1ZLHSKwpAUk6). If you get there by 8:45 you might catch us.GPS: Bread Alone: 41.997301, -74.263724; Highmount PO: 42.147254, -74.495306;