Three-nights=Three Lean-tos

 Having a four day trip in the middle of a long school break offers me many options. I always have a difficult time trying to make a decision as I seem to try, with futility, to do "everything" on one one trip. I often tell myself during these planning sessions, "just pick something and do the rest on different trips". I had a few lean-tos on my list that either were quite far away on the eastern side of the park or I had orphaned on previous trips. So I decided to use these four days to just "bag lean-tos" and enjoy the spring temperatures. In hindsight, I should have brought my fishing gear if for no other reason but to pass time and assuage any feelings of having missed out on the opportunities.

There was a possibility that Dan would become available towards the end of the trip and he would let me know his destination so I could join him. The weather turning sour later in the week dissuaded him so my final night was just another lean-to on the way home.

On Sunday I took a long drive to the pharaoh lakes region to visit Berrymill Pond, and the final lean-to in this area. The trail is not part of the larger system, so it was orphaned on previous trips. The parking lot was empty except for a single truck near the trail-head. The register did not indicate they were headed in my direction. The trail was less muddy than expected for this time of year. As usual the trail construction closer to the parking area was in much better condition than further in. The trail followed an old roadway for most of the 2 miles to the pond. As it neared a grassy area with a creek running through, the trail detoured around and crossed the outlet of Berrymill twice, once below the falls and again at the top. From here the trail had some snow cover remaining as it was in the shadow of the hills to the South. Soon the trail regained the old roadway. I will need to ask Justin if the grassy area is typically flooded hence the re-route.

As I approached the pond, I could tell this would be a very nice area. The pond itself is almost a series of three ponds with the outlet cascading down a significant drop before meandering to the previously mentioned waterfall. This meant I had climbed up a couple hundred feet in just the last mile. The view of the pond was remarkable. I especially liked the narrows between the last two ponds with the giant stone ledges on either side. I climbed atop the one on the near shore after paddling (in circles) the jon-boat. This is definitely on the list of a place to return in the future.

The next morning I awoke to some frosty ground. The muddy areas on the trail on the way out were a bit stiffer and the hike went quickly. I talked to gentleman at the parking area who was planning on fishing as it was the first day of trout season. He was hoping some of the interior trout ponds would be ice free. I mentioned the main pond at Berrymill still had some ice.

Drove to Taylor Pond where Shannon, Dan and I had spent 4 days a few winter's back and discovered a new lean-to. I would hike in the approx 6 miles enjoying the snowmobile trail without snow. I paused at the first lean-to anticipating lunch, but I was not hungry yet. I noticed a new circular steel fire-pit, the type found in state parks, had been delivered and was next to the large rock fire pit. Not sure why. I continued to the new lean-to, had a late lunch and boiled some water for later. So far I have had very nice weather the two days of hiking and hanging out by the fire. With the clear skies the temps would drop quickly as the sun set. This new spot had plenty of downed trees nearby so firewood collection was easy. 

Another great day and evening with solitude on what is likely a very busy area during the summer. the lake was clearing of ice. but some areas still had significant amounts. I marked the coordinates of the new lean-to so I could share them with Jackson when I return. Another colder night, was just below freezing when I awoke. Some of the shallows in the lake had made some new ice. This would likely be gone by the end of the day. The hike out was crisp, I needed gloves. 

Back at the car I received notice that Dan would be delaying his trip, so I needed to choose a location for my final night. Knowing that the weather was likely to involve snow & rain later tomorrow, I opted for a lean-to along the Racquette River easily accessible and about half way home. I figured this early in the season would be a good time for it before all the canoeists paddled by. At the parking area were two cars. I expected they were just in for the day.

The hike in followed and old road like all the others previously this trip so the hiking was easy. A few wet spots and some lingering ice & snow in the shadowy areas. As I neared the lean-to I spotted two hikers ahead with their dogs. I walked quietly as to not disturb them. they headed straight to the river's edge while I turned up towards the lean-to. On their way back out, they spotted me and stopped to chat. Two local ladies from Tupper Lake. We talked about paddling and the old ski area in Tupper. The dogs were really enjoying each others company, running and chasing each other. After the ladies departed I collected firewood, it was sparse in this area relative to the previous night. The open hemlock and pine woods were nice to walk through. I wandered around a bit, found a spring and dug it out. Very low flow, it will take a while for the sediment to settle.

The sun was shining so I sat in the chair, had a beverage and soaked in the rays. I would spend my time alternating between relaxing and wandering through the woods. Later in the afternoon the spring had settled enough for me to top off my water bottle. South and upstream from here is the infamous Racquette Falls. From the falls it is 30 miles of gentle river for paddling. I read that the river drops 12 feet over that distance.

The night was significantly warmer than the last two. I packed up as soon as I was awake so as to beat the impending rains. I was expecting to get a little wet, but so far the skies looked favorable. I did not rush back to the car trying to enjoy the last few miles of nice hiking before the long drive. The rain and snow started part way home on the drive. I only hiked about 20 miles total over the 4 days, but just being in the warm open woods was nice. Total solitude as well.

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 judgment when it comes to safety; meaning I do not take unnecessary 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 replenish 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 gather 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 of 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. 

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.

Big Time Winter-BRWF

 What was to be a 3 day lean-to trip with a small group ended up being just two of us camped at a designated tent site just off trail. Andy and I made the drive to the Bear Creek parking area. A spot I used to frequent a lot, but have not been to very much in the last few years. The gate was closed so no snowmobile traffic and also no groomed trail. Temp was in the mid 30s and it had been raining all morning. The precip turned to a wintry mix as we arrived. After signing in we hooked up our pulks and donned our snowshoes and began breaking trail. The snow was not deep, but it was like mashed potatoes so tiring. Andy had been ill up until last week, so he was not 100% in condition. I tried to keep it slow, but it was not slow enough. It took us 2 hours to traverse the 2 miles on the road to the trail turn-off.  The trail was soggy here with running water. We opted to make camp at the designated site nearby instead of pushing on another almost two miles up the soggy rough trail.

There was plenty of wood nearby although the rains and now close to freezing temps had all of it wet and icy. It took some work to get a fire going. We had just about given up when it decided to finally catch. Soon we had an ok fire for the evening. Just prior Andy set up his tent, and I my tarp. I also set up a smaller tarp nearby the fire as a smallish lean-to for use to set up our chairs.  Neither of us stayed up too late. 

The night was windy. Enough to burn off all the wood on the fire. We had some snow too. We were expecting big winds, but camped on the leeward side of the ridge probably protected us a bit from the main onslaught. The next day we had a few options but settled on just staying here so as to have a not as far hike out the next day. It was possible we would get considerable snow all day and night. We spent time collecting wood. I re-did my tarp set up to be more enclosed and so my bed would not be on an angle causeing me to slide so much. We did get some snow, at first it seemed like we were getting a lot, but then it stopped and the sun appeared. A few more flurries over the afternoon. 

I had brought my pie iron to cook with. It had been years and a hot ham&cheese would be perfect for lunch. I charred one side of the first one being very out of practice and the fire being quite hot. My second one was only slightly less charred. Bothe were good and hot though and brought back memories of using the pie iron as a scout. Pizza pockets were a favorite as were apple pies. Andy cooked up italian sausage for dinner. We had a lot of food, as we planned on more than just us. The pulks would still be heavy on the way out tomorrow with all the leftover.

As the sun began to set, the moon, stars and planets came into view. Not only did they make for a pretty sky, they also let us know the temp would be dropping over night. We buried ourselves in feather-stuffed gear in our respective shelters and settled in for a long cold night. I was quite warm and the adjustment to the tarp and bed was significantly more comforatble than the previous night's set-up. I slept amazingly well. Some very vivid dreams that made no sense, but made for a pleasant sleep nonetheless. 

I awoke around 6:30 as did Andy. I heard him over by his tent but was not sure if he was up for good so I waited a bit longer. After confirming he was up and packing, I also began my camp breakdown. With the wet gear, I did not pack it all tightly knowing I would be unwrapping everything immediately upoin getting home. I basically put everything in the duffelbag for the pulk except for my quilt and jackets. 

The hike out was a bit easier as the temp was in the mid teens and the 3 inches of snow was light and fluffy insteas of the crud on the way in. We did not race back and instead enjoyed the wintry view of the trail. At one point I had paused waiting for Andy to catch up, when he did he asked if had gotten colder. I replied I was just about to ask you the same thing. Not long after we were back at the car and the thermometer read 11 degrees, so we had dropped another 5 deg. The trip reminded me of why I had spent so much time in this area in the past. I mentioned to Andy that we would come back soon. 

Pharaoh Lake Winter, wait... what?

 My post Xmas trip was planned to be back in the Pharaoh Lakes. There were 4 lean-tos on the main lake that I still need to camp in, the final in the area is an orphan which can be done as a single overnight in the future. As usual I invited others and sent my itinerary to those who might be interested. In years past, TonyO and Justin would join me for a night, Dan & Shannon the entire trip. This time it would be just Shannon and I, with Kalie joining us for the first night. The possibility of TonyO finding us for the final night.

Day 1: Shannon, Kalie and I arrived close to noon at the TH and hiked in the old road to Pharaoh Lake. There was no snow and the trail was a bit muddy with all the recent rains. The week was expected to be rainy for the next few days, with the final night temp dropping low enough to snow. The trail went quickly enough, even with my heavy pack and me not having backpacked much lately. The new bridge needs some steps as it is a big step up and down especially for us shorter folks. Glad the new bridge was installed as the river was quite deep. We sspent the first night at Lean-to #1, spent the most of the afternoon gathering firewood which we knew would be scarce in the area as this is very popular in the summer months. Soon we had a fire and we all relaxed and enjoyed each other's company as well as a few brews (the main reason my pack was so heavy).

Day 2: The day started with a misty rain as expected so we put on our rain gear after a lazy morning. Kalie would be hiking out while Shannon and I would go around the lake to lean-to #5. About halfway there, I took off my rain jacket as it was too warm. Lean-to #5 was one of the double-wide lean-tos on the lake, and would be the third one Shannon and I have shared over the years. The others being Woodhull and Seventh Lake. I will have to do some research to find out if there are any others. Wood was even more scarce on this peninsula but we found enough to have a decent fire. The lake fogged in, and then cleared, then would fog over again. We arrived at the lean-to rather early around 2pm so we had plenty of time to hang out. Was a long afternoon even with spending time gathering wood. Misty rain came in the early evening. this would be typical of each day. Better than the expected rains all day long. We were in bed before hiker midnite. Some "Sleepy Bookshelf" eased us both in a early slumber.

Day 3: We would spend the day exploring all the campsites around the lake as a way to spend more time hiking instead of just sitting at the lean-to. I marked a few nice ones on the map. These would be good for a future canoe trip. Not sure whether it is better to carry in the hornbeck the 4 miles, or hope to find one of the many stashed canoes around the lake. We stopped for lunch at Split Rock lean-to where Dan and I had camped a few years back. We then made our way back around to the eastern shore stopping for a break at wintergreen point and then at lean-to #3. We figured we added a mile or so extra with all of our campsite explorations. I found a large downed piece of maple about 100 yards from the lean-to which I bucked up into 5 large pieces. It was a bit of work not just cutting, but carrying the sections back to camp. At least this would be enough for a very nice warm fire. Again some misty rain came in the early evening and the lake fogged in. The rain subsided enough for us to enjoy the warm fire for a bit. Shannon climbed into bed even earlier than usual. I was not that long after. I had also finished my final beer for the trip. Tomorrow would be a short day, and expected to be the worst weather.

Day 4: Foggy morning. Enough coals in the fire pit I was able to coax it back for a morning fire. With just over a mile to our last campsite, we enjoyed the fire with some coffee. The bad weather so far has not appeared. We were definitely ahead of the game with the forecast for the trip. When we eventually packed up it was close to 10 and we would get to the last lean-to in about half and hour if we walked slow which we did. On our way we stopped at some lookouts over the lake. Across the way at #5 there were two people on the shoreline. We waved and they returned the visual greeting. Secretly I hope it might be Dan and Tony with some extra beer to replenish my now empty pack. Gathering wood here was difficult, I went back to our first lean-to a quarter mile away and brought back some of the wood we had left over from our first night and stowed under the eave to stay dry-ish. Shannon opted for a nap. Someone had cut a large red? pine and left a 16 foot section with an 10inch diameter. With the saw I cut it down to some smaller sections to carry back to camp. This would be the majority of our fuel. It smelled nice while it burned too. The weather really did cooperate the entire trip. Not long after we arrived the misty rain started again. It was off and on all afternoon. A deck of cards left in the lean-to allowed us to play some rummy to pass the time. Another early bed time with the help of the Sleepy Bookshelf.

Day 5: Best night's sleep of the trip for me. Not sure why. When I awoke there was no pitter patter of rain or drippings from the trees as I was accustomed to hearing. When I looked out, I could see why. The rain had turned to snow. A gentle fluttering of snowflakes like someone had recently shook up our snow globe. Some was beginning to cover the ground in the more open areas. All morning the snow would continue although a few times it would be extremely light. As we packed up a solo hiker passed by the lean-to on his way around the lake. We put on our rain gear for the hike out. Glad that it didn;t get cold enough to make the trail and bridges icy. As we approached the parking area a few more hikers were headed in. The lot had even more cars than would account for the people we saw. The ones we missed must have made their way to the western shore before we arrived at the outlet. Was nice putting on some clean clothes at the car for the drive home.