It's 10 AM and it's clearing out quite nicely as I continue up Alander Mountain.

The turkey vulture was flying above and around Alander Mountain, soaring on the thermals.

That was my fear as the South Taconic Trail rapidly started to descend. Fortunately, the trail descends a lot, but works it way around the ridge into a relatively flat return home.

This looking south off Alander Mountain, the highest point in Columbia County.

There is a free cabin you can stay at up on Alander Mountain, even in the winter. It has a nice little woodstove, and bunk beds for 6. Looked decent enough, although more people should obey the "Lug It In, Lug It Out" policy of Mass DCR and not leave all their whiskey and rum bottles there. Also, they have posted that alcohol is prohibited on cabin, something that is clearly well followed from the number of empty bottles around.

This sign, made out of tin with holes tapped in it warns hikers that you won't find any more water going up Alander Mountain, with another 500 feet of elevation to gain. This can be a bummer for those staying at the cabin at the top of the mountain.