Riff, Raff, and Ruckus at Wolf Pond

While planning for a quick weekend winter trip, my buddy Justin and I were looking to use hard packed snowmobile trails to access the interior of one of the southern Adirondack Wild forests. As the weekend approached the weather forecast called for rain. We opted instead to head farther north to a new trail and lean-to in the Vanderwhacker Wild Forest. The forecast called for snow farther north.

I met Justin at the trailhead. He loaded up his pack, and I my pulk. Our friend Bill had sent us a map image of the flagged trail, so we had an idea of the terrain. It was only a few miles in, but the trail would wind around. We had to break trail, but it was not too bad. We went slow enjoying the changing terrain and views. At one spot on the trail, we walked along a small cliff face which was covered with ice. A section of it shone deep blue. It was quite elegant

We arrived at the campsite a bit after noon. The new lean-to looked great. It was set away from the lake and was surrounding by a coniferous forest. Plenty of dead and down wood around although it was all softwood. We cleaned out a spot for a firepit since one had not been constructed yet. The lean-to was so new, there was still some sawdust inside and no log book to sign.

We collected some wood, ate a late lunch and settled into camp. Soon familiar faces would arrive; Bill and Lexie strolled into camp. It had been just about a year since the last time I camped with them on North Lake.

The remainder of the trip was just sitting around conversing and enjoying being out. Night came, the new moon provided zero light so the forest was dark. Stars would emerge and then clouds would cover them just as quickly. We eventually made it into our sleeping bags. The temp reading on Justin's thermometer was barely above zero when we finally got up. We lazed around in the morning and eventually packed up. I took the lead for the hike out. Justin added to his footage for a quick video.

Winter returns and a full moon -Nelson Lake

After the windstorm Wednesday, which knocked down numerous trees and took out power to much of the Rochester area I headed back to the great north woods.

This was supposed to be a meetup trip to Chub Pond, but everyone bailed due to the forecasted subzero temperatures. Undeterred, I changed the location to Nelson Lake to be my solo destination. A few years ago I helped Lean2Rescue ferry logs across the Moose River upon 2 canoes lashed together as a barge. The following weekend, a different group completed the build. This would be my first time back.

There was a small plowed area at the trailhead a few hundred yards before the parking lot. I loaded up my pack and hiked down the old road past the parking area and up to the railroad tracks. At this point, I would turn north on the tracks to parallel the Moose River on unfamiliar trail. As I crossed over the trestle bridge, I spotted the trail to the right. I would climb a bit, and then turn back South. The markers ended at an old woods road which was easily followed. Signs of trail maintainance were visible as well as snowmobile tracks. Rejoining the river on the opposite side, I was back to familiar trail which turned East. Not long after did Nelson Lake lean-to come into view.

I set up camp, and gathered firewood. It was less than an hour to get here, so I had plenty of time to relax. Which is what I did. Like usual as the sun set, so did I. The full moon rose directly in front of the lean-to and its light reflected off the snow. The night was bright and cold.

I was up before dawn. The hole I had cut in the ice for water had refrozen. Made some cocoa and watched the sunrise. Soon after, I packed up and made the short hike back to my car. No great adventure, just a quiet night in the woods.