Wednesday Aug 13 - Saturday Aug 16
Wednesday Aug 13th
I set out to check off a few new places on my quest to camp overnight in every Wild Forest and Wilderness Area within the Adirondacks. First is the Grasse River Wild Forest. I had been hoping to do this as a canoe trip, but so many other canoe areas seem better so I opted for a easy to hike in spot. Picked up a sandwich and some beverages near Cranberry Lake and headed to Tooley Pond. There is a loop trail here which also climbs the mountain. I noticed some maps showed a side trail to the pond. I wondered if there was a campsite there. My plan B was the drive-up ADA campsite near the parking area.
It had rained all morning so the trail was wet. The ferns and witchopple graciously shared their water with my pant legs. The trail was easy enough to follow, but stayed well away from the water. The terrain on this side of the pond has a relativelt steep drop to the water's edge. I followed a drainage down where the terrain was not as steep. I then hugged the shoreline pushing through the wet understory not finding an old campsite or even a suitable spot. A few game trails eased the burden of bushwhacking, but still nothing. I headed back up the hill and regained the trail which I then followed back to my starting point.
The ADA campsite nearby had a "picnic area" sign, but no "camp here" disk. It was close to lunch time, so I drove to the boat launch area on the pond. A remnant firepit was here, but no disk signifying camping was allowed. I set up a chair and had my lunch enjoying the view of the pond. A westerly breeze kept any bugs away, it also dried out my clothing.
After lunch I moved on to Plan C, Leonard Pond in a different area of the Grasse River area. This was a small parcel not attached to the main section. Not sure how driveable the road will be to the pond, but I could get close as the road also goes to some private land. Worst case, I park on the main road and hike in a couple miles. Turns out the road section was in great shape. Not very wide, so glad others were not coming the opposite way. I parked at the top of the trail near the intersection with the other dirt road (this one also continued west). The side trail to the pond was only a hundred yards or so. I could have driven in further, but there was no need. The marked campsite appears to get some use. It was small, but definitely suitable for one person.
I went back to the car to grab my pack but first I would hike down the other dirt road where other roadside campsites were shown on the map. The old dirst road seems to not have been driven in quite a while. The woods along side were quite pretty. Probably more of a snowmobile route now. I approached the first campsite, about half way to the main road. The area was open and the firepit obvious. Did not look like it had been used in quite some time. Looks like a good spot for a larger group with a wall tent. Not much to see here except the woods. Water source might not be available either. I did not see one immediately, but did not look either.
Immediately after the campsite was a steeper section of the road which has been washed out. Possibly a high clearance vehicle could make it, but I would not want to test it out. I continued on towards the main road. the other campsite is within a quarter mile of the highway, so I was starting to hear vehicles as I approaced. There were some trucks parked at the campsite along with at least one tent. I did not get any closer to inspect. Headed back to my campsite.
There was no breeze here, even right next to the pond so I made a smudge fire and peaked through the overhanging trees to enjoy the view. Could hear some splashes in the pond, likely bass. A few slaps of a beaver tail also broke the silence. The afternoon turned to evening and the air dried out. The clouds also went there way exposing some blue sky. Hopefully the nice weather will last.
Thursday August 14th
Bugs arrived soon after I laid down in the hammock last night. It was warm, so I did not really use the quilt. I awoke to some colors in the eastern sky. I had arranged my hammock closer to shore to catch any breeze and also provide a clearer view of the pond. The colors faded quickly. I packed up and headed to the Cold River.
Suprised to see an almost full lot for a Thursday. According to the register most, if not all, were day hiking the peaks. I was on the trail at 8am. Early start here for me since I usually have a 5 hour drive. The familiar trail passed quickly. I noted blowdown from the spring had been cleared. The path was very dry even with the recent rains. No real mud pits along the horse trail. The drainages where I would often fill up were either trickles or bone dry. I filled up at a decent one just before Calkins Brook. I am looking forward to seeing how much work has been done on the new bridge.
The crew was just packing up as I arrived. We talked for a bit. I guess I missed Tate by a few days. One of the guys was not a fan of the outhouse. I told him about the somewhat hidden "executive toilet" for their next trip. The river was low so rock hopping was easily achieved. I stopped on the sand hill for a snack and enjoy the breeze. I re-stocked from the "Pub and Grill". Note: Inventory low.
2 hours more of walking to the Cold River, then another half to the lean-to. I filled up at the spring which is always delightful. At the river the beavers have really started to do some work. Making the trail a mess of water and chewed ends of alders poking up. I found the lean-to empty, but the fire-pit with some trash. Not much, it will burn up quickly in my fire.
Washed my shirt at the river. Will wear it dry and appreciate the A/C it provides while I eat a sausage and cheese lunch and read the log book. I fell asleep for a bit, not on purpose just a result of the sun and sound of the river. Made a small fire to eliminate the trash well before I needed to cook. even after I make dinner, I will allow it to cool. Not really feeling like a hot meal. Beverages are busy cooling.
Around 4pm a trail runner stopped by doing a training run. The 30 mile loop just for training is impressive. I mentioned the beaver flooding up ahead and to be careful of the punji sticks.
Friday August 15th
I fell asleep in the lean-to. The temperature dropped overnight. the chilly air made sleeping with the quilt enjoyable. I slept in until well after sunrise. I love staying here.
Even though I slept in and was not in a rush, I was still packed up and moving at 9am. With the cool night I expected some dew. The humidity must be really low now. Crossed the muddy beaver dam and headed back along the familiar trail. I of course stopped at the spring and the "overlook" opening of the Seward Range.
While backpacking solo I am always aware of any movement around me and will stop immediately when it happens. This time was no different and the creator of the motion ahead of me came into view. He soon was aware of my presence as I could hear him making a "clicking sound". Not sure if it was annoyance or anxiousness, but I had no desire to find out. He walked slowly ahead of me, taking his sweet time stopping every once in a while to look back. I made some noise hoping it would encourage him to move into the woods to no avail. Eventually the trail widened, and he was far enough to one side that I was able to get around without getting to close. He stayed to his side, but with his tail quills ready. The wide berth I took was enough to get by safely. Was neat to see mr. porky.
The rest of the trail was uneventful. Back at the car by 1:15. My next stop would be the White Hill Wild Forest, but first a quick stop at rhe grocery store for a sandwich and beverages. The road into Clear Pond in this management area was another dirt road used as a snowmobile trail in the winter. The parking area and main trailhead were near the pond, so the road was in decent condition.
There were two trucks parked at the boat launch campsite along with a few tents. I parked near the gate and hiked the 150 yards to another site along the pond. A significant amount of ATV tracks in the area, even going around the gate right under the "ATVs Prohibited" sign. My campsite had a significant amount of trash. Otherwide this would be a very nice spot. The kids from the nearby site were fishing and catching frogs. I hung out by the water and enjoyed the view. Hoping for a clear night and maybe see the perseids.
[end of entry]
