Andy Arthur.
Alander Mountain
on September 13, 2009.
Alander Mountain is in the Mount Everest Reservation (what Massachusetts calls a State Forest), and has amazing views both of the western Berkshires and the Taconics. It is truly an amazing and breathtaking mountain to hike up. These are the pictures I took on that particular Sunday in September.
Related Fodder: Alander Mountain, Sunset Rock, Sunset Rock in Winter.
Related Maps: Taconics.
Related Photos: Alander Mountain, Bash Bish.
... locations of photos are estimates that were done using heads-up digitizing.
Huntley Pond.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/320 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 40mm.
Alander Mountain. I think. Or maybe this is Ashley Hill. I don't know for sure, as I didn't take a compass bearing.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009.
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Full Set of Signs. When you get to the Ashley Hill trail, there is a full set of signs there, including some old ones you can't even read. Figures.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 3' 57.06" W 73° 29' 22.2"
)
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/3.0, ISO 400, Focal Length: 51mm.
That's Helpful. Like I needed two signs to know the South Taconic Trail goes two ways. And is this the cut-across trail to the Ashley Hill trail? Who know, because they left that sign out, or it was stolen.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 3' 56.81" W 73° 29' 47.54")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/160 sec, Aperature: f/3.1, ISO 400, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 59mm.
Sure Looks Like Rain. Fortunately, none would come down, as I didn't have my rain coat with me.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 3' 54.68" W 73° 29' 48.77")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1600 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 400, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Clouds at 2:30 PM. It had gotten down right hazy and cloudy by 2:30 PM, as I reached a small hill for some more views of the Catskills and valley below.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 4' 1.16" W 73° 29' 47.94")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/6.3, ISO 400, Focal Length: 105mm.
MA State Land Marker. It's pretty pathetic, and makes New York State Forest signs look humongous.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 4' 34.32" W 73° 30' 18.76")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/3.6, ISO 400, Focal Length: 367mm.
Alander Brook Trail - South Taconic Trail.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 4' 47.57" W 73° 30' 27.18")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/4.5, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
Descending Alander Mountain.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 4' 54.34" W 73° 30' 32.98")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/100 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
State Line Marker. On Alander Mountain, as you start to descend into the valley.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 6.18" W 73° 30' 28.66")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/4.0, ISO 80, Focal Length: 38mm.
Heading Down the Face. The South Taconic Trail descends right down the extended face of Alander Mountain for even more exciting views.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 9.28" W 73° 30' 23.51")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Shitty Toilet Paper. I'm sorry. I have real problem with people littering with either toilet paper or tissues. I understand you might have to go to the bathroom when hiking or camping. Please, do it far off the trails, bury your shit, and take the discarded tissues and toilet paper with you in a plastic bag. Burn it. Don't let it blow in the wind.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 10.28" W 73° 30' 23.11")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/160 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 159mm.
Apple Orchards. I think I drove through this orchards heading through Churchville, on one my long-cuts this morning. Man did they smell wonderful.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 5.46" W 73° 30' 28.51")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperature: f/3.3, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 238mm.
Corn and Hay.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 7.01" W 73° 30' 28.33")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperature: f/3.7, ISO 100, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 380mm.
Barely Make Out Shawgunks.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 7.98" W 73° 30' 28.08")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 69mm.
Hazy Catskills. I just wish it was clearer. Maybe if I come back up here in the fall, although I realise realistically, it's never that clear in the east.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 9.74" W 73° 30' 23.44")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 80, Focal Length: 169mm.
The Valley and Mountains. The western views would have been even more awesome had it been clearer.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 9.74" W 73° 30' 23.44")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 75mm.
Grass Hopper. I see you little guy.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 9.71" W 73° 30' 22.93")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/5.0, ISO 80, Focal Length: 380mm.
Will I Have to Climb Over That Ridge?. 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.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 11.33" W 73° 30' 22.07")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 80, EV -3/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Copake Valley South.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 13.99" W 73° 30' 18.86")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/6.3, ISO 80, Focal Length: 105mm.
South Along Trail.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 11.36" W 73° 30' 20.52")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -3/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Campsite on Alander. This actually might be legal, as it might just barely be over the New York State line, especially if you pitch your tent the proper 150 feet to the west of the trail. The state line runs basically over the middle of the mountain
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 11.33" W 73° 30' 22.07")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Taconic Trail Sign.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 16.51" W 73° 30' 13.39")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/40 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 80, Focal Length: 67mm.
Brace Mountain.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 14.53" W 73° 30' 17.46")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/4.0, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Berkshires.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.38" W 73° 30' 14.98")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/4.5, ISO 80, Focal Length: 189mm.
NY Route 22.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 22.67" W 73° 30' 13.36")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/3.7, ISO 80, Focal Length: 380mm.
Copake Fields.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 22.67" W 73° 30' 13.36")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/3.7, ISO 80, Focal Length: 380mm.
Valley.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.38" W 73° 30' 14.98")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/4.5, ISO 80, Focal Length: 82mm.
Turkey Vulture.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 24.11" W 73° 30' 13.43")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/3.7, ISO 80, Focal Length: 380mm.
Soaring. The turkey vulture was flying above and around Alander Mountain, soaring on the thermals.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 24.11" W 73° 30' 13.43")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/5.0, ISO 80, Focal Length: 380mm.
Copake Lake.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 24.11" W 73° 30' 13.43")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/3.7, ISO 80, Focal Length: 380mm.
Clearing Clouds. Watching the amazing process as the clouds float to the east and things get progressively clearer.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 22.2" W 73° 30' 13.28")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 80, Focal Length: 38mm.
Watching Fog Burn Off. This looking south off Alander Mountain, the highest point in Columbia County.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 14.93" W 73° 30' 17.24")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/4.0, ISO 80, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Mountains Fade Into Fog. Looking to the east, into the Berkshires you can see the mountains fade away into the fog, as it steadly drifts to the east.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 21.01" W 73° 30' 13.36")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/3.6, ISO 80, Focal Length: 317mm.
Waiting for the Fog to Burn Off. I knew there would be some fog that would have to burn off this morning. And much like I expected, it cleared out by mid-morning and would be quite nice.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.99" W 73° 30' 13.79")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 80, Focal Length: 38mm.
Almost to Top. The cabin is not right at the top, but just below it, right off the South Taconic Trail. When you see the sign, you just go another 50 feet, and your on top of Alander Mountain, which runs a 1/2 mile in each direction from here with spectacular views.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.02" W 73° 30' 13.61")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/320 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 75mm.
Cabin with Tools. While I didn't get a picture inside of the cabin because folks where still packing. There is a nice woodstove in their, and lots of cooking tools. There also was partially full bottles of liquor, among other things, but I'm not sure if I would drink it, as it probably would make you blind.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.09" W 73° 30' 12.24")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Alander Mountain Cabin. 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.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.2" W 73° 30' 11.99")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
Clearing Out. It's 10 AM and it's clearing out quite nicely as I continue up Alander Mountain.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 24.72" W 73° 29' 59.89")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
Last Water in Dry Season. 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.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 27.35" W 73° 29' 49.85")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 400, Focal Length: 105mm.
Sign to Camping Area. Usually Mass DCR does a good job signing things, as was the case along the main Alander Mountain trail.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 31.88" W 73° 29' 3.05")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/3.1, ISO 400, Focal Length: 56mm.
Campsite No. 2. This is an alternative campsite you can stay along the trail.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 29.76" W 73° 29' 4.45")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/3.0, ISO 400, Focal Length: 51mm.
Campsite No. 1. This primitive camp-site is 1 1/2 miles from the start of the trail, and is a 40 minute walk according to the photo date stamp from the parking area.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 30.62" W 73° 29' 2.98")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
Starting Up the Trail.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 17.2" W 73° 28' 3.32")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 400, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 94mm.
Rain. When I first arrived at the trailhead for Alander it was socked in a heavy fog / misty rain. And of course I forgot to bring a rain coat.
Alander Mountain on September 13, 2009. (N 42° 5' 12.23" W 73° 27' 44.17")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/400 sec, Aperature: f/3.0, ISO 400, EV -2/3, Focal Length: 51mm.
“The policy of the state shall be to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty and encourage the development and improvement of its agricultural lands for the production of food and other agricultural products.”
— Article 14, Section 4 NY State Constitution