Colvin and Blake 7'th and 8'th High Peak Ascent

Mt. Colvin and Blake Peak

The 39'th and 43'rd highest peaks in New York State with elevations of 4,057 and 3,960 ft. 

8-5-12 We now know that Blake is not technically over 4,000 ft. in elevation.  But, because it was originally thought to be so, it is on the official 46'r list and therefore must be climbed. The four of us left Speculator at 6 am and started driving to the High Peaks region. We were parked and walking on the road toward the Ausable Club by 7:50 am.

After walking a mile on the Ausable Club road, we got to the trail head and signed in.

From that point we could see the iconic wooden gate which transitioned
the pavement to the dirt road we would walk on
for another several miles.

Eventually we got to the Gil Brook Trail where we ventured off of the road
and onto the trail toward our goals. 

I had been encouraged by others to make sure that we took the side trail to see Fish Hawk Cliffs
and Indian Head on our way. Although it added distance and elevation to the trip,
we were glad we did because it turned out to be the best views of the day.

After that we continued on toward Mt. Colvin.
The elevation gain started to get steep and the rain started to fall.

By the time we reached the Mt. Colvin summit we were pretty hungry and drenched.

After a quick bite for lunch we headed down the col between Colvin and Blake.
There are several places that are rocky and so steep that we would
not have been able to navigate them without man made wooden ladders.

The summit of Blake Peak is unimpressive because it is totally wooded with no views at all.
Even if there were a view; we would not have had one today because of the foul weather.

After Blake it was the arduous task of back down the col
and then up to the summit of Colvin again,
back to the car about 7:30 pm and on to Noonmark Diner for dinner.

All in all, this was another great climb.
It was a great day more because of the company than the views.
Each of us took a couple tumbles because of the weather and slick footing,
but luckily the only real injuries were to Mr. C's feet!