Mohonk Preserve Hike: Bonticou Crag, Rock Cliff and Labyrinth Hike - HARD, 20ppl

This is a tough, hard hike - no beginners or slow hikers
This is also limited to 20 which means only sign up if you are serious about coming. NO SHOWS will be removed from the group. Plan ahead. Don't waste a spot someone else could have used.
If you have a poor attendance record, like NO SHOWS in your history, or constantly RSVPing and then dropping out, sorry, you won't be able to come.

WILL CANCEL FOR RAIN OR DRIZZLE - will not make a call until 5:30am Sunday the 14th as weather changes often over night

Approximate Stats: 10 miles and 1600ft elevation gain BUT the hike is not easy, there are rock scrambles, skinny passage ways you need to squeeze through one at a time, and very, steep, rocky sections...NO BEGINNERS

ok, the fun stuff...
The Bonticou crag is rated as one of the toughest rock scrambles in NY. Scramble involves 4 points of contact most of the time. Very challenging, but doable if you are not afraid of heights. The reward is incredible views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley at the top.
After we climb Bonticou, we will be taking a carriage road over to the Rock Cliff trail. Here we will encounter steep cliffs, deep chasms and more rock scrambling. Next up is a walk over to the famous Mohonk Mountain house. An absolutely amazing resort. We will stop for a short break next to the Mohonk lake to refuel while taking in the views of the gorgeous property.
Next up is the Labyrinth trail. This fan favorite is a 1-mile-long rock scramble that goes under, over, and around gigantic boulders that once crashed down from this prominent, white faced conglomerate cliff side. Your journey will take you up angled ladders, between damp rock slabs, and up a 100-foot rock crevice known as the notorious Lemon Squeeze. Note there is a very steep and long ladder climb with a very narrow opening at the top at the end of this trail.
Your trek emerges at the historic tower that boasts 360-degree views of the Hudson Valley, Catskills and overlooks the Mohonk Mountain House.
Note: I have not done this before so BIG shout out to Ed who will lead/assist with the hike and gave me all the plans and details to share
I will try to keep more to my pace then his though hehe ;)

Make sure to answer the questions that come up when you RSVP, if not, I may change your RSVP to NO

Parking and fees:
Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Parking lot
50 Upper 27 Knolls Rd
High Falls, NY
THERE IS A $15 PER PERSON COST TO PARK HERE
(pay when you arrive, don't pay me, or if you do, thanks for the beer, you still have to pay them)

Even though the fee is per person, car pooling is still encouraged
remember the general rules for car pooling: don't offer a ride if you aren't 100% going, make sure to chip in for gas/tolls if you're a passenger, MAKE SURE TO TALK ABOUT PLANS AHEAD OF TIME...not just when and where you are picking someone up, but also if you intend to stay for food/drinks afterwards or not

we plan to go here afterwards:
Bacchus Restaurant, Brewery and billiards
4 S Chestnut St
New Paltz, NY
845.255.8636

This is a LONG drive...plan for like 3.5 hours from Philly
that's why I will make the weather call at 5:30am - to hopefully let you know if we have to cancel before you get on the road

NO GUESTS - all attendees must be IBO members and RSVP so I can be (pretty) sure they read all the details and do not have to depend upon word of mouth (it's free to join; it only takes blood, sweat and tears to continue as a member haha)