Quick overnight in the Woods (Lake)

 

It has been quite a while since my friend Ian and I have hit the trail. With a weekday night available for a quick getaway for us both we settled on Woods Lake on the NPT. There are a few campsites along the trail side of the lake and another off a spur trail to the west.

The pull-off parking area was recently plowed and a large berm of snow separated us from the trail. We climbed over the snow and followed the red trail which had remnant tracks from other people. Was not difficult travel on the packed trail even with a few inches of snow on the firm base. Off trail was completely different; deep snow even with snowshoes. It was less than a half mile to the campsite. As we neared the previous tracks split off, one towards the lake while the other stayed on the trail. 

We passed two closed campsites before reaching our destination. A few boats were here on the point overlooking the lake. We setup our gear and went scavenging for wood. As previously mentioned, offtrail was difficult. I took my pulk aways back down the trail and scavenged a small amount of wood. The area nearby the campsites was picked clean, evidence of significant camping pressure.

We had enough for a small fire to keep us company. The temps were mild, and warming up. The sky would transition from blue sky to overcast, then a snow flurry and back again. Some winds off the lake chilling, but when they subsided the temps were reasonable. 

The sun set and the temps stayed mild. The moonlight cast shadows on the snow. Quite pretty. Clouds would roll in darkening the woods and then depart.

Eventually we climbed into bed. The changing weather continued all night although it stayed rather warm. 

After some great sleep I arose at first light. Some heat in the firepit signalled potential buried coals which I coaxed back to life. Soon a small fire crackled with the burnt ends leftover from our previous night's campfire. We cooked up some bratwurst for a morning snack. Packed up and headed home.

Preston Pond 2026: Tribute to Tammy

 Met the crew at the Stewarts Shoppe in Long Lake just before ten AM. We caravanned to the Upper Works lot and deployed our gear. Five of us plus a dog, two pulks. We headed up towards Henderson at around 11:30. A bit of a late start. The trail to the lake was broken out and some faint tracks still visible. Some wind out on the lake, but not that bad. Around the turn, I took the lead and broke trail. Mostly crusty snow but a few spots where lighter snow had drifted up. It was Glen, George and I taking turns up the lake. In the deep snow, Jet would hop through it instead of taking the easier way in our wake. 

A short break at the Henderson lean-to. 1:20 minutes to traverse the mostly flat 1.75 miles. This is about the normal time. The next 1.75 miles would be on unbroken trail with deep snow. It was very slow going. At the second bridge (broken) I took the lead. For the next mile and a half it would be me, George and Glen in front. With Jet following George and Glen with a pulk, I would do the majority of the main trail breaking. At spots I was sinking into the deep snow hip deep. Most of the time it was up to my knees. It would take us over 5 hours to reach Preston, and another 20 minutes to across the pond to the cabin. The sun was just below the mountains as we set out onto the pond. The waning twighlight was beautiful. We stopped momentarily to rest and appreciate it. Too tired to dig out my phone to capture it. Looking back, I wish I had. Glen put on his headlamp for the remaining 100 yards up to the cabin. Total of 7 hours to do less than 4 miles!

Once inside we all started on different chores, lighting the woodstove, starting dinner, breaking a trail to the outhouse were the major ones. I had dinner duty. The typical bratwurst and rolls. I also brought some creamy potato soup which was a great way to start and warm us up. The temp was already dropping considerably. We saved dishes for the morning when we could dig out a hole in the creek to get water. 

We all slept in. The sun was out before any of us got out of bed. The kitchen was cold. Ceiling covered in frost. I started some water for coffee. George made breakfast. Only one egg had cracked on the way in. Great filling breakfast.

We were all way to tired to anything other than chores at camp. Glen and Matt dug out a hole in the creek, I broke a trail and dug out our sump hole for waste water. Georgecleaned up our dishes from dinner snd breakfast, Teresa starting shoveling off the roof of the cabin. The stove pipe for ghe kitchen stove was completely buried. We checked the bunk room chimney the previous night before we started the stove in there. Sam arrived today, took him less than half the time. He mentioned it was minus 5*F when he was at the parking lot in the morning. We figured it was in the minus teens up here over night. 

Did some playing around at the cabin in the afternoon. With the kitchen chimney now unburied, we could get this stove lit. As the temperature of the kitchen rose, the now melting frost would drip down. Matt made chili for dinner.

Up a little earlier on Saturday. The snow from the roof is now piled up so high it blocks quite a bit of the sunlight. Sam re-started the kitchen stove and I put on water for coffee. Sam made breakfast. Was not as sunny today. Mostly overcast. After cleanup, Glen got ready to hike out to Henderson to meet up with his friend Aaron. Just before he set out, Carla arrived. She day hiked in with somd resupplies for us including donuts from Stewarts. We all hung out mostly in the bunk room around the stove. 

Glen returned with Aaron. Said it took less than an hour to get to the lean-to on Henderson. Carla said goodbye and headed back out. Glen & Teresa made dinner, chicken & biscuits. After cleanup and relaxing a few of us turned in early. Those who didn't stayed in the kitchen enjoying cigars and bourbon.

Sunday was departure day. Same morning routine as Saturday with the addition of packing up and securing the cabin. Final project before we left was to replace a chimney elbow in the bunk room stove. 

Headed out around 10:30. Back at cars in about 2.5 hours. 

First trip of 2026 -Beaver Pond on the Bristol Hills Branch of the FLT

 The Beaver Pond lean-to is one of the closest to me with the exception of probably Darien Lake. The latter require a (free) permit which puts them out of reach for last minute trips. The weather was giving us a slight warm-up before the plunge again this weekend. So Berns joined me for a quick overnight.

We arrived at the unplowed parking lot. Some tracks from a high clearance vehicle entered and exited the lot. Neither of our vehicles would be able to get, and worse out. We began to shovel hoping once we removed the first few feet of salt-ridden plow snow it would just become lighter. It did not. After at least 20 minutes we had barely made a dent. My mood soured. D noticed a house down the road and decided to see if they would allow us to park in their driveway over night.

He did not return for a while, hinting at a promising result. I continued to shovel, but at a slower pace. Even with the extra time, still little progress was made. D returned with the good news. He spoke with the gentleman at the house. An older guy who had been a canoe guide with a large driveway. With his permission we  dropped our gear at the trailhead, and drove our cars to the house.

After a short walk back to the TH, we started on the trail. It was unbroken and deep. Snowshoes and the pulk sleds were slow going. Only about a mile though to our campsite. After briefly moving through the woods and over some logs through a swamp, we skirted the field to where the trail re-entered the woods. Soon after we csme to a woods lane which had no tresspassing signs clearly indicating it was not the trail. With deep unbroken snow, it took us a minute to see where our footpath continued. Once we regained our trail we followed along a flat area along a plateau. A frozen pond appeared to the north which provided our location on the map. The trail then turned away from the pond. At the top of a steep ravine we could see a frozen stream below, with our trail markers. We took it slow down the steep pitch. Crossed the stream and followed it upstream to the pond. Following the perimeter of the pond we then kept a lookout for the side trail to our campsite. In the distance I spied the lean-to, we followed our trail a fair bit more until we intersected the well marked side trail to the lean-to.

It was only a mile, but a tough one. A short break, then collecting firewood. We spent the afternoon collecting wood with snack breaks. Soon after we lit the fire, Jim arrived. He had mentioned he would try to sneak over for the day. He was also not able to get into the parking area, but he knew someone up the hill. So he parked there, and bushwhacked to the pond until he found our tracks.

We all hung out, Jim tested out his quilt system but finally opted to pack up snd head home. It was right at dusk so he put on his headlamp and would follow his tracks back out.

Berns and I had dinner. We chatted around the fire. The stars were bright. Approaching 10pm we climbed into our downy cocoons for the night. At one point I heard what I thought was a crackling fire. Odd, b/c we had dispersed the wood in the fire so we would not waste it by burning while we slept. I rolled over and sure enough a small section was alight. 

The temp dropped lower that expected by a few degrees, those last few made for a frigid morning. Later I would hear from Jim that it got down to 10degF. We restarted the fire, made coffee and breakfast. 

No rush, but we packed up as time allowed. We had discussed avoiding the steep ravine by taking a shortcut across the pond. The ice was solid until we were mostly across, and then a section of ice had a slushy layer between the ice and snow. A short climb up to the trail we broke the previous day. The trail gradually climbed for most of the way until the field came into view. From here we could see the trail then sloped down along the field to the swampy section. We opted to avoid the log bridging in the swamp as it was difficult with the pulks. D had noticed my pulk always falling off, so he had cut across the swamp. We followed his tracks. 

Back at the road, I left my gear and we walked to our awaiting vehicles. The kind gentleman was not at home so we were unable to thank him in person. Berns left a note. He noticed the sunburn on my face. I had put on sunscreen the day before, but did not think of it this morning. An error I often make in winter.

Lean-to number 179.

Two night trip to Sugar Hill

 Originally I was planning on visiting a series of lean-tos along the Raquette River, accessing them from a nearby trail. The forecast had the temps below zero, so my potential hiking partner was a no-go. Not wanting to spend 3 nights in the ultra cold alone, I opted for a two night trip in the Finger Lakes area with him instead. The temps would be significantly milder with a low in the high teens.

Picked up Dan at his house on Tuesday morning and we drove to the Sugar Hill State Forest, parking at Tower Rd. We loaded our packs & pulks and first climbed the hill to the tower past the horse stalls and camping area. We then descended to the Twin Lean-tos and made camp. Plenty of downed wood in the area which we brought up to the first lean-to.

Had lunch and then took a day hike to the Parks Hollow lean-to where I had Thanksgiving in 2022. Saw my entry in the book as well as Jackson's from June 2024. It has been six months since he passed away unexpectedly. 

After a short break and brief look at the nearby cellar hole we headed back to camp. It would be mostly an uphill hike back. Total about 4-5 miles.

Dinner, campfire and libations followed. Made it well past hiker midnight before we retired. Clear night so temps eould be dropping. No Geminid meteors were sighted. Could hear the wind racing through the hollow all night, but little hit us directly. 

Wednesday morning I restarted the fire and made coffee. Dan slept in later than usual but we had nowhere specific to go today. His breakfast did not agree with him, so we waited until closer to noon before we set out on our day hike to the Van Zandt lean-to. My two maps had conflicting trails and the reason soon became apparent. A trail had been closed and rerouted so my FLT map from 2006 was outdated. Right near the intersection of the new and closed trail I found a massive shed in the area where the deer were scratching for acorns. We followed the new trail which had some ruts from trucks driving illegally on the snowmobile trail (we saw where they by-passed the locked gate). Crossing route 21 and back on trail, total about 2 miles to the lean-to. 

After a break we tried to find another old trail which would connect to a lane that eventually joined the FLT. The old trail was not obvious, so we just headed in the direction of the old woods lane. Just before a creek crossing Dan spotted a blood trail. We followed it for a bit and then noticed human tracks also. Figuring the hunter already tracked down his harvest, we turned back and pressed on across the creek and hit and old woods lane. Followed it a while before we realized it was heading due east and not south as the lane we wanted. Typical for Dan and I to just walk and talk following a man-made trail and not notice we either passed a turn or like time headed in the wrong direction. We took a bearing and turned 90 degrees off the lane and headed uphill to intersect with the FLT. We could have continued on the old lane, but it would have necessitated crossing private property. So the bushwhack was the proper decision.

After crossing route 21 again we soon came across another blood trail, this time accompanied by tracks of a sled. Since it followed the trail, it most likely was a hunter dragging out his kill. The sun was getting low by now, so we headed straight back along the trail to camp. Made dinner and sat by the fire. 

Night time temps were a little warmer than previous night. After coffee & breakfast we broke camp and headed back to the car taking the lower route. Again saw the sled tracks with a few blood spots. Back at the waiting car before 11am. Good trip, great company. RIP Ranger Jackson.

Thanksgiving in the woods 2025

 Another successful Thanksgiving in the woods. Our initial location was likely going to be difficult with the seasonal access road and impending snow, so we switched to plan B. 

Three of us on Thursday: George, Eric, and myself. We set up, gathered wood and enjoyed the snow.

On friday, everyone else arrived throughout the morning and early afternoon. Like usual I cooked turkey in the fire. Everyone else provided different side dishes, appetizers and dessert. Great time as always.

I did not take any photos, the following were taken by Kalie.

Chillin' -Seventh Lake

 Dan and I boated over to the double-wide lean-to on Seventh Lake. Spent 3 nights in the early throes of winter. Dan fished and brought in 6 Rainbow trout. I collected wood and checked out nearby trails and lean-to. 

Wintry mix the first few days; off/on. Saturday the sun emerged so we enjoyed the final day of sunshine before heading back to civilization.

Haderondah loop

 With Shannon & Andy. Weather was great.  Shannon and I hiked in from the Thendara trailhead about 7ish miles to Middle Settlement Lake. When we first started out we passed by a trail crew mining and splitting rocks to  shore up the creeks righ near the footbridges. Made good time to MSL, it has been a long tome since I was here. Lake level was super low. The island was surrounded by grasslands. The shelter log indicated the beaver dam went out in 2023 lowering the water level significantly. Shannon went to her tent for a moment and when she returned, she said a group of Mennonite women were standing behind the lean-to. A dozen of them, not making a sound. They moved on to the campsite around the point. Andy arrived just after dark, he saw our campfire which helped him navigate the sparsley marked path to the lean-to. A little chilly the first night as the wind kept stealing my warmth from the underquilt.

Cool morning made for great hiking weather. We crossed over the outlet and saw where the beaver dam had been. Made our way on the Lost Lake trail towards Pine Lake. Stopped a few times for some breaks. Lost lake was pretty. Passed by a huge beaver dam. The flooded section from 5 years ago was still there, but with the drought, it was just muddy. Had to be careful where we stepped as some spots were quite deep. At the junction to Pine Lake, the inlet was flooded. Andy went to scope out a reroute as the signs indicated. He found a well worn herd path. Shannon and I were talking with a hiker from the Niagara region. He was waiting for the other ten in his group on their way to Middle Settlement. Shannon and I found the herd path, but then lost it right as we crossed the inlet. We were checking out some old stove remnants alongside an uprooted tree. Made a hard left turn through the brush to re-capture the main snowmobile trail with the lean-to only a few hundred yards away.

A canoe was near shore, later on I would check it's seaworthyness only by pushing it out into the shallows and standing in it to see how quickly it would gather water. It will need some patching if anyone wants to really use it. Also no paddle. Lean-to was in good condition. We checked out the site of the old cabin which showed on the old maps. Some concrete and iron were all that was left in the overgrown field. 

The next day we headed to Middle Branch Lake. We stopped at the campsite on Big Otter Lake for a water break soon after we checked out the new bridge. I took the group off trail a short ways to the waterfall/cascade on the South Inlet Creek which eventually feeds into Big Otter. We sat on the rock and had lunch. Someday I would like to fish the pool just below the falls. There appears to be a campsite on the far side. I had recalled this from my visit here with Jim 5 years ago. Getting to it would likely require a wet crossing.

After lunch we hit the wet section which was now completely underwater for over 200 meters. Shannon tried to skirt the edge along the beaver dam. Andy donned his crocs and headed right through the water, he was glad it was an old roadbed with a durable bottom instead of the sometimes squishy muck. I removed my boot liners and socks and waded through. On the other side I poured out the water from my boots, replaced the liners and my socks. Socks were then damp all afternoon, but it was better than really soggy had I left them on.

At Middle Branch I opted to set up a ground set-up with my tarp just for practice. andy and Shannon stayed in the lean-to. We had some laughs about the entries in the shelter log. Apparently the previous night the Menonnite women came upon a couple celebrating their anniversary and witnessed a bit more of nature than they bargained for. 

A great sunset over the lake. Some small showers over night. Just enough to add some moisture to the super dry trail and make my tarp wet to pack up. Rained a bit more on the hike out. We saw the work the trail crew from the first day had completed. Next time here I think I will do the northern loop on the minimal maintenance trails and fish the South Inlet at the falls.

Middle Settlement Lake

Middle Settlement Lake

Middle Settlement Lake 

Morning at Middle Settlement Lake

Beaver Dam on Lost Lake trail

Lost Lake

Lost Lake

Pine Lake

Big Otter Lake

Big Otter Lake

Otter Brook Trail

Middle Branch Lake

MBL at sunset

MBL sunset

Quick trip to McKenzie

 Overnight at Placid lean-to on Jackrabbit ski trail. Short hike in, great weather. A lot of hikers came by. Lean-to needs some work; I sent a message to the adopter when I got home. Lean-to #178 and another area I have not yet stayed in for my "Quest". I am 90% complete, only 5 more areas (out of 49) remain.

Some New Areas for my Quest -solo

Wednesday Aug 13 - Saturday Aug 16

Sunset at Clear Pond

Wednesday Aug 13th

I set out to check off a few new places on my quest to camp overnight in every Wild Forest and Wilderness Area within the Adirondacks. First is the Grasse River Wild Forest. I had been hoping to do this as a canoe trip, but so many other canoe areas seem better so I opted for a easy to hike in spot. Picked up a sandwich and some beverages near Cranberry Lake and headed to Tooley Pond. There is a loop trail here which also climbs the mountain. I noticed some maps showed a side trail to the pond. I wondered if there was a campsite there. My plan B was the drive-up ADA campsite near the parking area.

It had rained all morning so the trail was wet. The ferns and witchopple graciously shared their water with my pant legs. The trail was easy enough to follow, but stayed well away from the water. The terrain on this side of the pond has a relativelt steep drop to the water's edge. I followed a drainage down where the terrain was not as steep. I then hugged the shoreline pushing through the wet understory not finding an old campsite or even a suitable spot. A few game trails eased the burden of bushwhacking, but still nothing. I headed back up the hill and regained the trail which I then followed back to my starting point.

The ADA campsite nearby had a "picnic area" sign, but no "camp here" disk. It was close to lunch time, so I drove to the boat launch area on the pond. A remnant firepit was here, but no disk signifying camping was allowed. I set up a chair and had my lunch enjoying the view of the pond. A westerly breeze kept any bugs away, it also dried out my clothing.

After lunch I moved on to Plan C, Leonard Pond in a different area of the Grasse River area. This was a small parcel not attached to the main section. Not sure how driveable the road will be to the pond, but I could get close as the road also goes to some private land. Worst case, I park on the main road and hike in a couple miles. Turns out the road section was in great shape. Not very wide, so glad others were not coming the opposite way.  I parked at the top of the trail near the intersection with the other dirt road (this one also continued west). The side trail to the pond was only a hundred yards or so. I could have driven in further, but there was no need. The marked campsite appears to get some use. It was small, but definitely suitable for one person. 

I went back to the car to grab my pack but first I would hike down the other dirt road where other roadside campsites were shown on the map. The old dirst road seems to not have been driven in quite a while. The woods along side were quite pretty. Probably more of a snowmobile route now. I approached the first campsite, about half way to the main road. The area was open and the firepit obvious. Did not look like it had been used in quite some time. Looks like a good spot for a larger group with a wall tent. Not much to see here except the woods. Water source might not be available either. I did not see one immediately, but did not look either. 

Immediately after the campsite was a steeper section of the road which has been washed out. Possibly a high clearance vehicle could make it, but I would not want to test it out. I continued on towards the main road. the other campsite is within a quarter mile of the highway, so I was starting to hear vehicles as I approaced. There were some trucks parked at the campsite along with at least one tent. I did not get any closer to inspect. Headed back to my campsite.

There was no breeze here, even right next to the pond so I made a smudge fire and peaked through the overhanging trees to enjoy the view. Could hear some splashes in the pond, likely bass. A few slaps of a beaver tail also broke the silence. The afternoon turned to evening and the air dried out. The clouds also went there way exposing some blue sky. Hopefully the nice weather will last. 

Thursday August 14th

                                                      

Bugs arrived soon after I laid down in the hammock last night. It was warm, so I did not really use the quilt. I awoke to some colors in the eastern sky. I had arranged my hammock closer to shore to catch any breeze and also provide a clearer view of the pond. The colors faded quickly. I packed up and headed to the Cold River.

Suprised to see an almost full lot for a Thursday. According to the register most, if not all, were day hiking the peaks. I was on the trail at 8am. Early start here for me since I usually have a 5 hour drive. The familiar trail passed quickly. I noted blowdown from the spring had been cleared. The path was very dry even with the recent rains. No real mud pits along the horse trail. The drainages where I would often fill up were either trickles or bone dry. I filled up at a decent one just before Calkins Brook. I am looking forward to seeing how much work has been done on the new bridge.

The crew was just packing up as I arrived. We talked for a bit. I guess I  missed Tate by a few days. One of the guys was not a fan of the outhouse. I told him about the  somewhat hidden "executive toilet" for their next trip. The river was low so rock hopping was easily achieved. I stopped on the sand hill for a snack and enjoy the breeze. I re-stocked from the "Pub and Grill". Note: Inventory low.

2 hours more of walking to the Cold River, then another half to the lean-to. I filled up at the spring which is always delightful. At the river the beavers have really started to do some work. Making the trail a mess of water and chewed ends of alders poking up. I found the lean-to empty, but the fire-pit with some trash. Not much, it will burn up quickly in my fire.

Washed my shirt at the river. Will wear it dry and appreciate the A/C it provides while I eat a sausage and cheese lunch and read the log book. I fell asleep for a bit, not on purpose just a result of the sun and sound of the river. Made a small fire to eliminate the trash well before I needed to cook. even after I make dinner, I will allow it to cool. Not really feeling like a hot meal. Beverages are busy cooling.

Around 4pm a trail runner stopped by doing a training run. The 30 mile loop just for training is impressive. I mentioned the beaver flooding up ahead and to be careful of the punji sticks.

Friday August 15th

I fell asleep in the lean-to. The temperature dropped overnight. the chilly air made sleeping with the quilt enjoyable. I slept in until well after sunrise. I love staying here.

Even though I slept in and was not in a rush, I was still packed up and moving at 9am. With the cool night I expected some dew. The humidity must be really low now. Crossed the muddy beaver dam and headed back along the familiar trail. I of course stopped at the spring and the "overlook" opening of the Seward Range. 

While backpacking solo I am always aware of any movement around me and will stop immediately when it happens. This time was no different and the creator of the motion ahead of me came into view. He soon was aware of my presence as I could hear him making a "clicking sound". Not sure if it was annoyance or anxiousness, but I had no desire to find out. He walked slowly ahead of me, taking his sweet time stopping every once in a while to look back. I made some noise hoping it would encourage him to move into the woods to no avail. Eventually the trail widened, and he was far enough to one side that I was able to get around without getting to close. He stayed to his side, but with his tail quills ready. The wide berth I took was enough to get by safely. Was neat to see mr. porky.

The rest of the trail was uneventful. Back at the car by 1:15. My next stop would be the White Hill Wild Forest, but first a quick stop at rhe grocery store for a sandwich and beverages. The road into Clear Pond in this management area was another dirt road used as a snowmobile trail in the winter. The parking area and main trailhead were near the pond, so the road was in decent condition. 

There were two trucks parked at the boat launch campsite along with  a few tents. I parked near the gate and hiked the 150 yards to another site along the pond. A significant amount of ATV tracks in the area, even going around the gate right under the "ATVs Prohibited" sign. My campsite had a significant amount of trash. Otherwide this would be a very nice spot. The kids from the nearby site were fishing and catching frogs. I hung out by the water and enjoyed the view. Hoping for a clear night and maybe see the perseids.

[end of entry]

Clear Pond

 

Cribbing for new bridge at Calkins

view of Seward Range

Cold River in the morning

Leonard Pond

Leonard Pond