2008 in Review
Jan 5th-6th HA DE RON DA WA
Snowshoe Trip to Middle Settlement Lake. Seasonably warm- low of 29F.
W/ Rich, Todd, Aaron, Chris. Stayed in Leanto. Should have learned
from before! (6.4 miles)
Jan 19-20, 2008 Italy Hill State
Forest. Stayed at “The Outback Inn” Leanto. Temps down to 6*F
Meals: (dehydrated) Sausage and Elbows, Breakfast Casserole (15?
miles)
Chris and Russ
Feb 23-24, 2008 Five Ponds Wilderness
Area. Me, Aaron, and Rich (Chris, and Todd were sick and had to bail)
11am Backpacked from Wanakena Trailhead to Janacks Landing Leanto
(4.2mi). Ate lunch then continued to High Falls Leanto (8.7mi). After
Janacks, we had to break trail (snowshoes in 3-feet of base with a
few inches of new powder). Arrived at High falls at 4:30pm. Collected
wood made fire. Ate smoked sausages for dinner. We were so hungry I
cooked next morning breakfast (sausage hash). We all went to bed at
8pm. Cold night 4.1*F. Broke camp at 8:30 arrived back at trailhead
at noon. (17.4mi)
March 29-30, 2008 Chub Pond in BLACK
RIVER WF. Aarons Sausage Trip. Me, Aaron, Rich, Toby, Chris, Todd,
and Glen. This was Toby's first winter trip and the weather
cooperated. Sunny days and frigid night (4.6*F). 11am Backpack with
snowshoes to Chub Pond (4.4mi). Reading the shelter journal, it
didn't seem like this was a well visited spot. Odd, considering its
beauty and not so difficult terrain. Perhaps the other leanto is more
popular. Collected wood, Aaron carried a dead pine tree across the
frozen lake. It provided plenty of wood. Aaron cooked sausages on
the fire. Sophomoroc humor followed for the next few hours. Clear sky
at night, Capella, Sirius and Betelgeuse were the first stars to
appear directly above the lake. The rest of the constellations filled
in shortly after. Woke up in middle of night to hear coyotes.
Apparently a few decided to check us out and one was keenly
interested in Glen's tent. Hike out began with a steep hill for
3/4mile. At some point after we arrived, a few snowmobiles had packed
down the trail which, until us, was undisturbed snow. 2Nd
2 miles out went very quickly.
May 3rd-4th.
Hiking meetup Group Trip. Another trip to Chub Pond (BLACK RIVER WF).
Glen from March trip along with 5 others. Hi temp on Saturday was 78,
low Sunday AM was 34. Forecast called for rain but we did not get any
until after we went to bed Sat nite. Slight drizzle when we awoke,
Dry hike out except for the ground. Loons were back to the pond.
Dinner was pasta and sausage. B-fast was hash brown, sausage egg
casserole. Slept in hammock first nite of the season. Slept like a
baby!
Friday 23 May-
Monday 26 May: Trip to High Peaks (actually DIX MOUNTAIN WA).
Drove in with
WinterWarlock (Scott) on friday night. We spent the night at the DEC
campground in Wilmington Notch. On Saturday we met Kim (Adventurous)
and Courtney (Leaf) and we climbed Mt Colvin and Mt Blake. It was
exactly 5000ft of elevation (only because Scott held his GPS over his
head at the car to give us the last foot). 15.85miles total. We went
back to the campground and I cooked dinner for Scott, myself and
Seth, Adam who we are planning on climbing a few more peaks the next
day. I cooked NY Strips and Scalloped potatoes. Adam and Seth brought
the beer. The next day I and Scott were to sore to hike the other
peaks (me more than him, that knee problem of mine again...grrr). We
bailed after a mile into the Eastern High Peaks from the Loj. Scott
and I hiked into the Gorge and Wilmington Notch and then did some
fishing in the Ausable River. No luck though Scott caught his forearm
with a fly. We met up with Adam and Seth at the 46R banquet where
Adam got his 46R certificate. Great trip boy is my body sore.
June 7-8, 2008
FLNF. Chris and I left Sat AM and parked off Potomac Rd near Foster's
Pond. We hiked in the 100yds to the campsite. After setting up camp
we hiked to Foster's Pond and then down the Interlocken trail to the
Burnt Hill Trail. We passed the pastures and the radio tower. We met
up again with the Interlocken and continued South. We took the Gorge
trail almost to its Eastern Terminus where we stopped for lunch right
at the property line in the Hemlocks overlooking the gorge. Back up
the trail to the Interlocken and then continued to the Dunham Leanto.
We came back to Fosters via the Interlocken. 10 miles total, 5hours
start to finish. Made a fire, had a summer shower in the rain. Temp
was 92*F (record high was 89*F set in 1955). Ate some sausage over
the fire wrapped in tortilla. Slept soundly in the hammock till 6am.
Came home right after breakfast the the Ovid Diner.
21-22 June 2008.
Hickory Creek in the Allegheny Forest in PA. Me, Glen, and Jen
departed Sat AM. Arrived at the trailhead around noon. After signing
in we hiked to Jacks Run counterclockwise. We had heard thunder
rumblings in the distance but the sky was still clear. We continued
to the 3rd campsite at Jacks Run. After setting up camp we made a
fire and cooked dinner. Soon after we had finished the first of the
rain began. It was light and refreshing. By 9pm we had a torrential
downpour with the full storm. A group of hikers passed through on
their way to another site? Slept soundly in the hammock though there
is a small part of the tarp I need to seam seal a little better.
Started a fire the next morning with wet wood. I surprised myself.12
miles total.
6 july-8july 2008
hiked about 6
miles with Jeff down/back interloken trail.
Went to FLNF for
a solo night. Jeff joined me the next day. It was his into to
sleeping in the wild. He loved it, especially the hammock sleeping.
Cooked brownies, and beef/rice burritos. gentle rain the second
night. It was cooling and refreshing. Caught two largemouth in
Fosters Pond (both about 6in).
11-13 July 2008
WM C WHITNEY WA/Little Tupper lake and
Rock Pond
Chris and I feft
Friday at 7:30am from Rochester. Arrived in 4.5 hours at the Ranger
Station and put-in. Ate lunch and launched kayaks. Paddled around a
bit and checked out site #7. Saw what appeared to be a bald eagle
soaring and fishing. Site #7 had some really cool remnants of old
mansions...specifically fireplaces. No photo (what was I thinking).
We then paddled across the lake over to sites 21 and 22. We then
checked out #10 which we had heard was the best. Well it had a beach,
other than that it wasn't that great. Better than the south shore
sites tho. Made camp and relaxed a bit. Then paddled around the
island and past site #11 on the point. Saw 10 loons. Got a photo of 8
of them all at once. Made foil dinners and biscuits for supper. Boy
were the mosquitoes bad! On Saturday we awoke early. Ate a quick
breakfast and packed up lunch. We paddled the rest of the perimeter
of LTL. Site #12 seemed very nice. Paddled upstream to Rock Pond.
Carried over a few beaver dams and used the portage around the
rapids. Rock pond was gorgeous. Really neat rock formations on the
southern shore beyond the island. The island was an awesome spot for
lunch and appears to be a great camp site. Even the snapping turtle
agreed. He was there to greet us at the landing. The seagulls on the
small island were not to happy as we approached,, so we turned away.
Never found the portage to Hartigans. Paddled back to camp. On the
way out, we passed almost everyone else from LTL going to Rock Pond,
thus we ended up having both Rock Pond and LTL to ourselves. Took
some naps as we had paddled about 12 miles. Made spaghetti with pesto
for dinner. Wind picked up at night. Made the tarps flap in the wind.
Still very windy in the AM. As soon as we started bfast the rain
came. And boy did it come. We were drenched packing up camp. By the
time we put-in and started back to HQ, the rain had stopped. It was
still quite windy which helped us as it was to our backs. We had no
idea of the time we left but it was 9:20 when we got to the car.
26-27 July, 2008 Queer Lake via Cascade Loop in PIGEON LAKE WA
Chris, Paula, Alanna, Becca and I left for
the ADKs at 7am on Saturday. We arrived at trailhead and were off
hiking at 11am. Our goal was to hike to Queer lake via Cascade trail
circumnavigating Cascade Lake, about 7.5 miles. We stopped for lunch
at Cascade Falls about a half hour in. Great little spot. Saw the
site of the old girls camp, tennis courts and old logging camp area.
We continued around Cascade only to miss the turn to Queer Lake
trail. When we reached the other side of Cascade we realized our
error and went back to the turn. This added .6miles to our day. It
was wet going and we received a brief shower on the way to Queer.
Arrived at Queer Lake to find a couple already there. Nice people. We
set up camp, read the shelter log, etc... After dinner we were
greeted by a thunderstorm across the lake a few miles away. No real
rain for us, but a great show in the clouds. All kinds of colors. A
young couple stopped by and eventually made way to camp on the other
point. Saw them again the next day hiking out. At night the storm
passed over us. Rained consistently all night. Rather gently, but
some awesome thunder and lightning quite a distance away. But bright
enough to light up the entire area. With a waning moon almost to the
new, it was very dark at night except for the flashes. I awoke early
and got a fire going. The other couple got an early start and headed
out. Alanna slept in. She crawled out of her tent after we were done
with bfast. Paula had a bum knee and hip so it was decided that we
would possible use a bailout trail for her if necessary. Chris went
with her and we continued around Windhall Lake back to the trailhead.
Paula and Chris were waiting for us. Great trip. Glad to have Becca
with us. Always good to get new friends to backpack with. Total miles
about 14.
6-7 Sept 2008 Panther Pond via Gleasman's Falls in INDEPENDENCE
RIVER WF
Another Meetup Group trip. Alanna, Becca,
Jenise, Kurt, Christine and I departed Rochester at 6AM. Arived at
trailhead and was hiking at 10am. Rain came as we approached
Gleasemans Falls. Still a very nice view. We dubbed the river Beer
Creek as it looked like flowing brown beer, complete with beer foam.
Rain stopped about a mile later and we ate lunch. From the falls to
the footbridge is 4.2 miles on the map. With the NG software it comes
out to only 2. The map is right as we were to find out. Lots of
twists and turns which are to small to show on the map but double the
distance. Rain came again and between it and the wet ferns our feet
got soaked. Arrived at the Panther Pond leanto 3:45 wet and tired. It
began to pour again. We all decied to forego our tents and hammocks
and sleep sardine style in the shelter. I read The Cremation of Sam
McGee after lights out, which was close to 9pm. We slept in till
after sunup and hiked out. 21.6 total miles. Oh, i made mushroom and
barley stew with salami and saffron for dinner.
13-14 Sept Lean2Rescue at Sand Lake Falls in BLACK RIVER WF
I finally got to meet up with this great
crew. Sat AM I met Pete and Doug in Syracuse and we drove to the
trailhead. We used a 4WD vehicle to get to where the canoe was
located. We hauled our gear in the canoe to the put-in 1.3 miles
away. We then canoed 1 mile to the leanto. We spent the rest of the
day putting on a new roof and new floor to the leanto. Sun AM we
finished our work, cleaned up and returned the same way. This time we
were hauling out tons of gear, literally. We estimate that each canoe
was hauling 800+ pounds which we had to drag uphill back to the 4WD
vehicles 2.6 miles away. I have never been so tired in my life. This
was the complete opposite of lightweight backpacking. 2 miles in
canoe, 5.2 miles on land. 7.2 miles total. Oh did I mentioned it
poured Sat night which meant the trail was mush. I was walking in
knee high water and muck some of the time. Time for bed.
4 Oct 2008 Italy
Hill State Forest
Chris and I
returned to camp at the secret campsite we found back in January.
This time we returned via Access Point 7, did the road walk climbed
to the lookout point then down the hill to the valley below ending
with the gradual climb to Italy Hill. We also returned with 5 others.
Glen, Jen, Toby, Alanna and Pam. Pam is new to the group and seems
excited to have found like minded people to explore the outdoors. She
also kayaks, Chris and I invited her to join us on next summer's
paddle to Wm C Whitney. We drank rum and joked around all night.
Slept in the hammock, it was chilly but the poncho windbreak works
well (as long as it stays put). 15 miles total with about 2000 ft
elevation, Oh I ate black bean and riso stew for dinner and breakfast
casserole for b-fast.
11-13 Oct 2008
Columbus Day
Weekend
Cranberry Lake 50
Awoke at 3am to get breakfast and make
the 4 hour drive from Rochester to Cranberry Lake. Last second check
of the weather forecast assured me I was to have a beuatiful weekend.
Met John and Ann at the Emporium Marine at 8:30 am where John and I
drove to the Peavine Swamp TH. Parked my car and we headed to the
Burntbridge TH. Having John shuttle me was a great. I hate
roadwalking. I reminded myself to take a few side trails on the trip
in order to make up the lost distance. Hit the trail at 8:59am and
was at the trail register by 9:17. The weather report was spot on,
sun was shining and was beginning to clear away the morning crispness
in the air. Autumn was definitely here the colors were changing the
leaves were rustling with each step. Passed by a few groups from SUNY
Potsdam at Brandy Creek. Shortly Cranberry Lake came into view.
Cranberry Lake was gorgeous with the glasslike water and autumnal
hues in the background. Dog Pond Loop had some blowdown as reported
but manageable. Some nice campsites along CL. Crossed the creek
before East inlet and turned upstream for a few hundred feet before I
realized the trail went the other way. I retraced my steps and soon
found myself at East Creek. I stopped for an early morning snack and
made my way to Curtis Pond. I ran into another group of SUNY Potsdam
students eating lunch. Some had just finished taking a dip. They said
the water was “very cold”. Took in the views at Curtis and Irish
Ponds. Met up with 2 couples at Piroux Crossing. I cannot remember
their names but I did run into 2 of them again the next day. One
mentioned their daughter was an early finisher of the CL-50 and
reminded me to tell Bill Gleason when I completed the loop. The old
logging road named Otterbrook Trail was very well maintained and an
easy walk. I really got into the “zone” on this part. I mused
that if I made it to Chairrock Flow early enough I may have to
reconsider where I spend the first night. It took me a while to cross
Chairrock Creek, I can't imagine what it would be like during a time
of high water. I decided to stop by and say hi to adkforum's
“Chairrock”. We talked for bit and he showed me around his
property. I got to see the “million dollar view” from his front
yard. Chairrock and I hiked to the Six-Mile Creek trail register. It
was 4pm when we departed ways but not before John took a photo of me
under the trail sign. While on my way to Olmsted Pond and walking
across the beaver dam my knee told me that 20 miles was enough for
the day. I agreed. I decided I would stay at the first campsite.
Met two fisherman on their way out. They told me two other hikers
were camping at the second campsite and the leanto was open. I
thanked them while secretly knowing I was staying at the first “camp
here” disk I saw. I made camp and cooked dinner. 20.3 miles +3166'
elevation -2957'
Slept very well in the hammock. Awoke
in the middle of the night to large splashing sounds. It sounded like
someone was throwing large rocks into the pond. I assumed it was
beavers. The next am I awoke early just so I watch the sunrise. I
drank coffee while watching the sun appear. It looked to be another
gorgeous day. Stopped by and chatted with the other two hikers at the
2nd campsite. They were ADK members from the Albany area.
They saw the campsite from the leanto and decided it was a better
site. (It was). As I approached the leanto I noticed it was occupied
by two other hikers. We chatted for a few moments and then I was on
my way. When I reached the Six-Mile Creek Trail I shed my wind pants
as the day was already beginning to heat up (or was I moving
quickly?). Six-Mile Creek Trail was easy going along the ridge. I
decided to check out the leanto at Cowhorn Pond. I read the shelter
log as I had a snack. Just before Glasby Pond I ran into one of the
couples from the previous day. They were headed to Cat Mountain. They
commented I was making great time. I knew I was hiking faster than
usual, I chalked it up to the lighter pack and being able to go at my
own pace. I was certainly enjoying the scenery as I walked. Along the
High Falls Loop I thought to myself about the last time I was here in
February. The log bridges were much easier to cross this time plus I
could see the trail and the markers. I passed by a couple who were on
a day hike to High Falls. When they asked how much farther, all I
could recall was that in February it was another 3 hours! I chuckled
to myself as I came to the beaver dam within minutes and not hours
like last time and soon made it to the “logs” that crossed the
plains. The logs which took us at least half and hour to traverse in
February were crossed in seconds. Admittedly I took the “low route”
after the initial feeling of “heights” as I started across the
higher more direct log. At High Falls I looked for the tree Aaron
climbed in February but did not find it. Quite a popular spot in the
warmer weather. The leanto was occupied, and at least 3 other groups
were enjoying the falls. On the way back out, I passed by a large
rusting machine left over from the logging days. I didn't remember
this from February. On my way back to the main trail, I passed by the
couple from before that was heading to High Falls, apparently the
wife has already uttered a few F-bombs. The trail was mushy in places
just as I was told. Got to High Rock at 3pm. No one else was there
yet, but at such a popular spot my solitude would be short. I set up
my hammock away from the main area as I knew I would be joined by
others. After eating an afternoon snack and considering a quick dip a
large group suddenly arrived. This was one of the groups I saw at
High Falls. They were Tuscarora, most had never been backpacking
before. I spoke with one of their leaders, Neil, for a while. The
group was from the Niagara area, Syracuse and Messina. They all got
together in the hopes of eventually hiking the Tuscarora Trail in
2013 for the 300th anniversary of when many Tuscaroras
left the Carolinas for New York. A great bunch, some for sure will
get the backpacking bug. The teenagers complained of the days hiking
distance, I assume this was due to the 50# packs they were carrying.
We spent the evening around the campfire and we watched the sunset
give way to the moonrise. I retired first, the group soon followed.
14.1 miles +1362' -1434' elevation
I awoke before sunrise and made some
coffee to again watch the sun make its appearance. I was all packed
up before my new friends ventured out of their tents. As I was about
to leave, Neil and his wife appeared. We chatted a bit and were
greeted by a Grey Jay. (Must have been a sign!) I made my farewells
and hoped we would see each other on the trail again someday. The
trail to Wanakena went quickly and i arrived at the gate and met Mark
L with some friends. He mentioned Chairrock posted about my progress
on the forum. The general store in Wanakena was not yet open, a lady
in front said it had a few more minutes. The roadwalk to the Ranger
School was uneventful. I was at the trail to Peavine at 9:10. Just
under 5 miles to go. I immediately realized I would be finishing the
CL-50 in about 50 hours. A rather interesting coincidence. The
Peavine trail was extremely fast, I guessed it was due to the smooth
surface as compared to some other trails. In fact, I mused how smooth
the High Falls loop was from High Rock to Wanakena. I slammed my toe
hard into a rock that was buried in the leaf litter. I cursed
outloud. Almost 50 miles and no injury until now. I sucked it up and
expected to see a nasty looking toe when I got to the car. I got to
the register at 10:24am and my car 3 minutes later where I changed
into some fresh clothes. Clean clothes on a dirty body, I still
smelled but at least my clothing was dry. On the way home I recalled
the trip in my mind. So glad Chairrock recommended it to me as I
contemplated what to do for this three day weekend. 9.56 miles +621'
-755' elevation
Total miles: 43.9
1-2 Nov 2008
It's winter already trip? AKA will
Farkus freeze to death. Rich, Toby, Farkus and I went to Cowhorn Pond
near Wanakena. Predicted low was 16*F so Chris bailed, smart move. We
started the hike in with snowshoes as recommended by a kindly
gentleman who plowed out a parking spot for us. Snowshoes are slow
going and use a lot of energy. Many parts of the trail were dry, but
some had drifts of 2'. After lunch at the Janacks Landing signpost,
we continued our way to the Cowhorn trail turnoff. We soon ditched
the snowshoes as the trail was easier without. Between Glasby Pond
and the the trail to Cowhorn Junction the streams were swelled and
difficult to cross. Some deep snow in parts too. Wet feet were
guaranteed. We made it to Cowhorn Pond at 3:53, 4.5 hours from when
we hit the trail. I started prepping the firepit while others got
their sleeping stuff arranged. Wood was gathered and dinner was
prepped. After I lit the fire and got the scalloped potatoes cooking
on the alcohol stove, I had Farkus cook the ham steaks. Dinner was
served and I put the dessert on the fire. I tended to dessert while
eating. After 20 or so minutes, warm gooey pineapple upside down cake
emerged. The hot sweet dessert was a great finish. The sun began to
set below the horizon, Rich was already in his sleeping bag, it was
only 5pm. By 6:30 it was dark and we talked about going to bed and
laughed at how early it was. Rich had already ventured in/out of
consciousness. I do not know what time it was but the rest of us
were soon in our bags. We joked and were a little worried that
Farkus' bag would keep him warm enough at night. His snoring through
the night let us know he hadn't frozen to death. At one point, well
into the night he got up and stoked the fire. It was only 11:30. By
morning I was wide awake and the sun had yet to make its appearance.
I fell back asleep. Finally the sun rose and I got up and nursed the
fire back so we could thaw our boots. After some coffee and oatmeal
we packed up and were on our way. The hike out took 3 hours. Mostly
downhill and less weight coupled with the broken trail and no
snowshoes allowed for quicker travel. My thoughts wandered during the
last few miles to the car and I planned my next group dinner,
shepherds pie! Now to figure out what to make for dessert to
accompany it! Total miles 14.8.
28-30 Nov 2008
Due to a late
start and winter conditions, our (Todd and myself) original plan was
scrapped en route and we decided on Dix Mt via Round Pond Trailhead.
We arrived at approx 2;30 to a snow covered parking ot. Fortunately
as we discussed snowshoeing out a parking spot a hunter emerged from
the woods and gave us his spot. Thus began the mile and a half uphill
march with snowshoes. From Rt 73 to Round Pond was basically uphill
and slow going in snowshoes. We had a slight break from the uphill as
we approached Round and then it flattened out until we reached the
run up towards noonmark junction. About halfway up this run, we both
decided there was no way we were going to make it to the leanto at
Boquet River before darkness so we turned off trail to find a
suitable spot to make camp. It was difficult to find a flat spot in
this area, but a large boulder provided just enough room for 2 tents
(barely) and we could build a fire up against the boulder.Wood was
plentiful with feet of our site and we soon were set up with a fire.
Some hot chocolate and grilled kielbasa along with the fire made for
a nice evening. We retired after discussing our plans for the the
next day. We awoke at daybreak and decided to fore go breakfast and
eat it at the leanto. Well, we had to break trail and continue
uphill, it took us 3.5 hours to get to the leanto. Todd had a nap and
I ate breakfast (now lunchtime) and collected wood. Todd awoke after
an hour and made some food and then collected wood. We spent some
time gathering quite a bit and breaking it all up. At the sun set we
started the fire. At around 6pm Todd spotted a headlamp in the woods
and I heard some voices. Soon, Lora Lee and Viriya from Bard College
showed up. Biy were they happy there was a fire and still room in the
leanto. Very nice young people to share the evening with. We joked
that they owed us dinner for making the fire. They did make enough
for 4, but we had our own. Stars came out and we realized it would
be a cold night. The temp was already dropping quickly, plus we were
at 2300'. We awoke to frozen boots and I restarted the fire. Made
coffee and breakfast, broke camp and hiked back out. The hike out was
much faster and less tiringthan the way in. Worn trail and downhill
made it fast. Back at the car and the Noon Mark diner for lunch. The
drive home was just about as difficult as the hike. Traffic and
weather made a 5 hour drive take 6 hours. As tough as it was, it was
still a good trip.
6-7 December 2008. My return to Murphy
Lake aka The Jambalaya Jaunt. Rich, Toby, Aaron and I hiked in to
Murphy Lake in the Wilcox Wild Forest. At the TH, a lady from the
School of Forestry was conducting a survey about the management area
use. All 4 of us participated. She gave us hot chocolate! The hike in
was mostly uphill on snow and ice. This wasn't too much of an issue
except where the frozen stream was like glass. Very slippery. Once at
the campsite, we made camp. Aaron and Toby pitched tents, Rich his
tarp and bivy and me in my hammock (yes I learned from last time).
After collecting firewood and punching a hole in the ice to get
water. A fire was started and dinner began cooking. As per the title,
jambalaya was on the menu. The olive oil was in a semi solid state.
The chicken was still partially frozen as was the hot sausage. I made
a 2 log cooking fire and began cooking. Rich made me some coffee and
soon we had a hot meal. Dessert was hot fruit cobbler. Both dinner
and dessert were great. Toby likes the pineapple upside down cake
better. Arron and I stayed up late (10pm) burning the fire. I awoke
first at 6:30am and restarted the fire. By 7, Rich was up and had
some hot water for my AM coffee. Aaron and Toby emerged shortly and
we slowly packed up. the hike out was very quick as it was mostly
downhill and my pack was 10lbs lighter. Stopped at a diner on the way
home. great trip. 7.6 miles total.
