Annual Feb trip to Preston Ponds

 Another "Annual" trip. I seem to be setting up a routine for each year. Often based on people,other times destination, sometimes both. As I waited in line at the Stewarts just before the trail-head I spotted Joe F who would be joining us on this trip. We had met many years before on a lean2rescue trip. I do not recall which one, but it had been quite a long time ago. The others would be a little late to the trail-head so we were in no rush. The lot was just about full and not plowed very efficiently (meaning maximizing parking), but we were able to squeeze into it. As we loaded up our pulk sleds, the others pulled in. George, Tammy, Matt, Glen and Teresa. Sam was already at Preston, he had come in on Tuesday.

We departed around noon headed to Henderson Lake. We expected wind and it was in the low 20s, so we had our full winter gear for the exposed lake crossing. The snow on the lake was not that deep but it made walking in just microspikes just annoying. As we made our way around the peninsula the winds hit us. Not as bad as we expected, but we were glad we had on our shell. As we approached the landing near the lean-to the winds lessened. We took a break at the lean-to for lunch and to stow our winter shell before the long ascent to Preston. It really is not that bad, but in deep snow and with pulks some of the log bridge crossings and rocks it can be time consuming. the one big hill can be tiresome especially dragging a sled. Mine was loaded with beer and sausage; the necessities.

Tammy led the way as she did not have a pulk. She helped us align our sleds on the logs. At one point I ended up in front following some ski tracks. They ended just past the beaver meadow and rock stream crossing. I was a little ways ahead of the group but I figured breaking trail would slow me down for them to catch up. Having learned my lesson years before, I avoided the deep trench of the main trail and stayed just to its side. The big hill was a workout but not as bad as years before. As I neared the height of land, snowshoe tracks from the other direction. Must be Sam's coming to check on us. At least I did not have to break trail (and navigate) anymore. I only had about 100 yards of uphill left and then the gentle descent to Preston.

Sam's tracks made it easy as did the downhill. A few time the sled hung up on some rocks, but was easy to extract myself. At the shoreline, I took a little break and put on my shell for the next lake crossing. Someone had borrowed the rowboat from the OSI's property and did not return it. It was at the shore filled with snow&ice. I guess a spring trip is in order to return it and make sure it is locked securely. I was just about ready to have a step two  and some movement up the trail caught my eye. Jet, G&T's yellow lab, came running towards me. Soon after was Joe. He and Jet did not pause long and just crossed the lake. I had my step two and headed across. Only a little snow so it was an easy half mile to the cabin. Sam had been here for 4 days so it would be warm and the trail to the outhouse etc... would be tramped down.

Sam met us at the doorway and helped bring all our packs and supplies inside. As we finished the rest of the gang arrived. The next few days was a lot of food, drink and laughter. Some of the crew headed to Duck Hole to begin repairs on the lean-to which was damaged, others stayed behind and worked on other chores. I began the list of supplies and needed work to be done over the next year. Not a huge list, but would be a good reason to return in spring. 

On Monday Glen, Teresa and Joe departed, One more night for George, Tammy, Matt, Sam (and Jet) and I. We had planned on a no-cook breakfast to make a quick departure Tuesday, but we had so much leftover food from dinner, we would make it into a hash. Tuesday AM was just packing up, cleaning and securing the cabin. It was a 3 hour hike in, so a little less on the way out. A short break at the lean-to and then the cars. If it weren't such a long drive I would probably use this trail-head more often. I will have to look at my calendar and figure out when in spring I can make it back up.

Short trip on the FLT-Kimmie Lean-to

 What has become an annual trip with my Fraternity brother Colin, we headed to another lean-to along the Finger Lakes Trail. A few years ago Dan and I had hiked this section of trail and we had planned on staying at the Kimmie lean-to our first night. When we arrived it was occupied and the inhabitant did not seem like he was ok with sharing. The lean-to was also in disrepair and in front was rather soggy. We opted for a campsite a few hundred yards away. In the intervening years, the lean-to has since been reconstructed. Thus this orphaned lean-to along the trail was our chosen spot for me and Colin's trip. 

The parking area was just off the road and would allow us to park legally even if there was snow, we planned on shoveling if needed. Colin arrived before me as I stopped at the store to get some aluminum foil he said he needed. He was just finishing packing up when I pulled in around 10;45. The hike started off heading up hill and would contniue to gain until we were on the hill across from the lean-to. We would then descend steeply to the stream and climb a short ways to the new lean-to. There were new signs on the other side of the stream directing us.

At the lean-to we unpacked and gathered firewood. Plenty of mixed hardwoods and some pine. Temp was in the 30s and the air was still. We started the fire in the steel circle pit commonly used now. Not the greatest for cooking and campfire but I suppose safer. We needed a good bed of coals, so we got it loaded up early. We took a break then gathered some more wood. In the early afternoon we took a short hike up the hill and eventually to an old farm clearing. Along the way remnants of recent logging activity were present. Some new signs from the Land Trust which purchased property adjacent to the State Forest. We circled back around and headed back to camp.

Some more wood gathering, and eventually started dinner. We ate, socialized, reminisced, and enjoyed a few beers. As the sky darkened the stars and planets emerged. It had been a while since the sky was this clear. We knew this meant the temp would drop and we expected it to be low 20s overnight. 

Slept great. The moonlight cast some shadows in front of the lean-to when I awoke in the early morning.  When we finally got up for good the sun was already starting to brightemn the tops of the trees on the hillside across from us. Colin made us both coffee. We sipped our morning brew as the sun lit trees expanded. Eventually we packed up and headed back to the cars where Colin brewed us up another cup fro the ride home. Good time as always. Only a couple miles hiking but with some steep hills, and lean-to #160.