Sunday, March 10, 2024

Storm Watch -Remsen Falls

 I have been wanting to check out the trail to Remsen Falls and the associated lean-to for quite a few years. One aborted winter attempt due to deep snow a couple years ago. This weekend seemed like the perfect time. Winter still, so little traffic from Nick's Campground and no snow so the snowmobile trail will be clear. The night before the trip Dan decided to go fishing instead as the weather forecast was not looking pleasant, and Emily informed me that there was a winter storm watch and cautioned me on my trip. I reassured her that there would be a lean-to and the trail is quite close to busy parts of the park so I should be ok. She has learned to trust my judgement when it comes to safety; meaning I do not take unecessary risks especially on a solo trip.


I planned on leaving early in the AM to ensure i would get to camp and the lean-to before the rain and winds came through. I awoke an hour later than expected, but still early enough. I parked where Dan and I had almost gotten the car stuck in the snow a couple years ago. Signed in at the register and began my almost 7 mile hike to the lean-to. The first few miles were on an old woods road, now a snowmobile trail in winter and part of the Nick's Lake Loop trail. It was easy going and not too muddy. After turning off the loop trail towards the falls, the trail still followed an old roadway for a bit. After it became only a foot trail. Very nice for a few miles and then then more grown in and few markers. The tread was easy enough to follow. A few light sleet showers were the only sounds except for the occasional bird when the sleet ended. The smell of ozone and brief winds hinted at the coming storm. I arrived at the lean-to in under 3 hours with plenty of time to gather dry wood. There was plenty around and previous tenants had left some cut cherry nearby.

I set aside some dry wood inside the lean-to either for tomorrow morning, or for the next visitor and started the fire to get a nice base of coals. I boiled some water to replensih my water bottle later and cooked some bratwurst for lunch. The winds picked up which helped the fire really get going followed by some light sprinkles of rain. The winds and precipitation subsided so I went to gether some more wood. I relaxed, read the shelter log noting how little use this lean-to gets. Saw an entry by Paul D from lean2rescue checking on the condition since the new roof over a decade ago. 

Made some dinner and was all cleaned up before the rain started. It rained all evening and through the night. It must have switched at some point in the early morning as there was dusting of snow when I finally got up in the morning. I lost an hour due to DST, so it was still dark at 6am. I opted to skip the morning fire and just use the stove for coffee.

Packed up and headed down the now wet and sloppy trail. Crossing some fo the creeks was a little more sketchy with the swollen water from the rains. Knowing I had dry shoes and socks waiting in the car, I just trudged through instead of trying to find a natural bridge. It was a very pleasant hike out considering I had expected to be hiking out in a snow or rain storm. 

Friday, February 23, 2024

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 trailhead 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 trailhead 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 ome 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 trailhead more often. I will have to look at my calndar and figure out when in spring I can make it back up.