On Wednesday, January 14th, we visited the Mohonk Mountain house and went cross country skiing. The historic hotel has been in the Smiley family since its construction in 1879 by Albert and Alfred Smiley. The 2,200 acres is conjoined with the 6,400 acres of the Mohonk Preserve. The hotel is located along the Shawangunk Ridge; The Skytop Tower, which sits at the highest point, is visible from main street in New Paltz. There are many trails throughout the preserve, and we took some that led up to the tower, which was constructed in memory of Albert Smiley in 1921. There is also a popular rock scramble called the Lemon Squeeze, that leads up to the tower. Mostly anyone living in New Paltz for over a year has climbed the Lemon Squeeze. You get really beautiful views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley from the tower. The day we went was very beautiful. It is a very relaxing and easy trail up to the top, although it did get very cold and windy. We got some really nice pictures. While taking a rest inside on of the parlors, we were hoping to get some snacks from tea time, but that didn't happen. We'll have to try again. Photos
Signs marking different trails
View from across the lake
Follow the rules!
Views of the Catskills
Roger waxing our skis
Mountain House
Mountain House
View of New Paltz
New Paltz
Inside Sky Top Tower
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I see that you cross country ski and snowboard, which do you like better?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question, but a hard one. It is difficult to compare the two. If you asked "do you prefer snowboarding to downhill skiing", I would say, "definitely yes!". I am HORRIBLE at downhill skiing. I have been snowboarding since I was younger, but didn't get a chance to go the past two years, so when I did go recently, it was painful. The way I feel about it is, when I do it, it is so exciting. But, I don't get to do it enough, so that I can get better. So in that sense, the idea of snowboarding is more fun for me then going (since I don't go a lot). Cross country skiing on the other hand, I just learned this Winter. It is fun and easy (for me), and I guess you can say easier accessible. It is easier to master once you get the hang of it, so in a short time, I was able to enjoy myself. Also, you don't get as tired (or sore. I should say immediately, since the next day you feel it!) so it is a more pleasurable day overall.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with your opinions. I do all three of those and feel the same way. I love snowboarding and skiing, but am not too great at downhill skiing. I find Cross country skiing easy for me, so I'm a lot more relaxed. I would say that I get bored easily with cross country skiing if I'm not on a difficult trail, but I like that the trail lasts longer than if I were to be snowboarding and downhill skiing. I hate having to wait for the lift.
ReplyDeleteYeah, and it is nice when you have a beautiful place to ski and take nice pictures
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy all of the pictures on your blog! It's so nice to see someone enjoying the wonderful winter weather instead of complaining about it. I love skiing, but I think I'd be horrible at snowboarding.
ReplyDeleteHow long have you been skiing for?
I tried downhill skiing when I was little (and was horrible!) and I actually just started cross country skiing this winter break. It is a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is refreshing to see other people who love the cold and out doors as I do. I am definitely want to go and try cross country skiing here it looks so beautiful after looking at all of you pics! I will have to drag my boyfriend along haha.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures were pretty sweet too. That's the one thing I regret, not traveling more while in college
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