Here are some links and information regarding the North Country National Scenic Trail.
This came from the DEC Website:
The draft NCNST Plan/GEIS for the Adirondacks will be the subject of 3 public meetings:
Wednesday, December 5th, 6:30-8:30pm, DEC Office, 232 Hudson St., Warrensburg.
Thursday, December 6th, 6:30-8:30pm, Town/Village Office Bldg., 13149 State Route 12, Boonville.
Friday, December 7th, 2-4pm, DEC Central Office, PA-129A, 625 Broadway, Albany
Website with all the information you need including the draft plan: The North Country National Scenic Trail
Also the public comment period ends on 2/15/2008
So if you have issues with this plan you will want to read the draft plan on the DEC website and make sure to make your comments to the contacts specified on the DEC Website
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The North Country National Scenic Trail
This is a trail system that is a east-west version of the Appalachian Trail. This trail beginning in North Dakota and runs currently into the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The next leg of this trail is being planned through the Adirondacks to Crown Point. One of the routes that are being planned is through the West Canada Lake region I am not sure exactly which trail they would like to route this through, but it looks like that the NCNST will cross the NPT at South Lake and go east via the French Louie Trail. There are three other routes being planned and I think that the general feeling is that the State does not want the trail routed through here, but I don't know that from any direct communication.
My feeling on this is mixed. I do not think that this trail will bring in the huge numbers of thru hikers, however, if the NCNST portion that leads into the W.C. Lakes area makes parking and access easier, this may make this remote, glorious area more accessible by others who have no interest in hiking the NCNST. The nice thing about areas like the West Canada Lake area is that it is so difficult to get to so that only those who are more serious outdoors men will work to hike in. Well worth the work. I worry that if the State takes too much of the work out, that this area and areas like the West Canada Lakes will loose their remoteness that make them so special to people who are willing to work to get to them.
Right now the route is up for public comment and I think that after the route will be announced and work will begin. Most of which, I believe, will be from volunteers from the ADK along with the already stretched thin DEC crews.
I will keep and eye on the goings on a little closer and report back as I learn more myself.
My feeling on this is mixed. I do not think that this trail will bring in the huge numbers of thru hikers, however, if the NCNST portion that leads into the W.C. Lakes area makes parking and access easier, this may make this remote, glorious area more accessible by others who have no interest in hiking the NCNST. The nice thing about areas like the West Canada Lake area is that it is so difficult to get to so that only those who are more serious outdoors men will work to hike in. Well worth the work. I worry that if the State takes too much of the work out, that this area and areas like the West Canada Lakes will loose their remoteness that make them so special to people who are willing to work to get to them.
Right now the route is up for public comment and I think that after the route will be announced and work will begin. Most of which, I believe, will be from volunteers from the ADK along with the already stretched thin DEC crews.
I will keep and eye on the goings on a little closer and report back as I learn more myself.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Checks on Letterboxes and the other hunting season waring!!
I check my Col. Williams and Fort George Park Letterboxes today and both were dry and in good shape and look like they had a lot of visitors this year. There was one thing for both of these boxes. They were both left out on top of the ground!! Please re hide in the described hiding spot as good or better than you found it. Fort George Park could have easily been seen by a muggle. I am glad now that I painted the lid black.
While I was doing this I also took my dog for a walk. I cut down toward Lake George and came out at a DEC auxiliary parking lot at a swamp that I used to trap 30 years ago. My dog charged into the water and I ran after him, and noticed that the area he was in was a wet area from a fresh beaver dam and he ran down a beaver run. I instinctively looked down and there it was a leg hold trap. My dog luckily jumped over it. He was coming out and heading right fom the trap. I grabbed it and allowed him to get out and then put the trap back. What the hell was I thinking! It is trapping season in this area and you don't bring dogs next to any backwoods water. Also, walk with you dog on a leash if you are in a no hunting area as there could be traps out there off the trails.
I was an idiot!. I could have caused my dog a bunch of pain, I also disturbed a trapper's set...I had to sorry buddy...I do not trap anymore, but I am pro trapping and hunting. These are the primary methods to control wildlife populations. You may not like it but it is the best way to keep the numbers in check. By doing that trappers help keep wildlife population healthy and keep diseases such as rabies from becoming a concern.
Anyway leash your dog for their safety.
While I was doing this I also took my dog for a walk. I cut down toward Lake George and came out at a DEC auxiliary parking lot at a swamp that I used to trap 30 years ago. My dog charged into the water and I ran after him, and noticed that the area he was in was a wet area from a fresh beaver dam and he ran down a beaver run. I instinctively looked down and there it was a leg hold trap. My dog luckily jumped over it. He was coming out and heading right fom the trap. I grabbed it and allowed him to get out and then put the trap back. What the hell was I thinking! It is trapping season in this area and you don't bring dogs next to any backwoods water. Also, walk with you dog on a leash if you are in a no hunting area as there could be traps out there off the trails.
I was an idiot!. I could have caused my dog a bunch of pain, I also disturbed a trapper's set...I had to sorry buddy...I do not trap anymore, but I am pro trapping and hunting. These are the primary methods to control wildlife populations. You may not like it but it is the best way to keep the numbers in check. By doing that trappers help keep wildlife population healthy and keep diseases such as rabies from becoming a concern.
Anyway leash your dog for their safety.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A little thinking on a rainy NON HIKING day...damn!
This past summer and fall has been wonderful for me as far as getting up in to the high peaks and other parts of the Adirondacks which I love. I have become in better shape, I now have hiking buddies, one who is very gung-ho. They are all my age and have similar issues finding time to go hiking; I think that what I really need to do is begin to make friends with some of the ADK members. This is hard for me as I am a classic introvert. There are functions that our local Glens Fall Chapter has that I should just go to meet people, or just go on one of the organized hikes. But I seem to keep finding and excuse not to. I really don’t like the idea of going up with a group of 8 people that I have not met. I would rather go in a small group of three or four people.
I think that what I am going to do is volunteer for the local work ADK days, and go to the trail work seminar and the leave no trace course that the ADK offers in the spring. These situations are easier for me to meet people, than at a dinner or other function. Something about working next to someone that for me is easier to make a new friend.
To you people who are extraverts being shy really sucks the big one.
I also think that I need to organize my outings more . I am not saying right now that I wish to be a 46r, as if I do I have an obsessive tendency and I do not need to do that right now. With that said I think that I am going to be more efficient with my hiking to ...ummm see more interesting places…yes that’s it. I have 7 high peaks now (it doesn’t count that I hiked Algonquin twice this year) and I want to hike more. I also have 2 sections of the NPT done and I want to do more next year. I am not a winter hiker I think that I will concentrate my efforts this winter on keeping and getting in better shape and in the early spring to take care of the preserves and once mud season is done, hit the trails. All I need is that little thing time.
I think that what I am going to do is volunteer for the local work ADK days, and go to the trail work seminar and the leave no trace course that the ADK offers in the spring. These situations are easier for me to meet people, than at a dinner or other function. Something about working next to someone that for me is easier to make a new friend.
To you people who are extraverts being shy really sucks the big one.
I also think that I need to organize my outings more . I am not saying right now that I wish to be a 46r, as if I do I have an obsessive tendency and I do not need to do that right now. With that said I think that I am going to be more efficient with my hiking to ...ummm see more interesting places…yes that’s it. I have 7 high peaks now (it doesn’t count that I hiked Algonquin twice this year) and I want to hike more. I also have 2 sections of the NPT done and I want to do more next year. I am not a winter hiker I think that I will concentrate my efforts this winter on keeping and getting in better shape and in the early spring to take care of the preserves and once mud season is done, hit the trails. All I need is that little thing time.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Being in the Season
When I graduated from college I took a job as a land surveyor. It started out as an outside job and that is just what I wanted as I was looking for that type of job. One of the features that I liked about working outside was I became more in tune with the environment: Really the seasons. I felt the bite of winter, the explosiveness of spring, the lushness of summer, and the abundance of fall. I lost that for a while.
Summer for me even when I was young always met work and I really didn’t like summers back then or up until 5 years ago. Summer met hard work in hot conditions whether it was in the field as a surveyor or in the inferno of a bread bakery that I worked at for ten years. I first was in a hurry for time to pass as most young people are because I and they seem to be in a hurry to pay their dues so they may attain an artificial goal that they have set for themselves. Then I would wish summer away as it was so hectic and hot. There is a point to this I promise please read on. I found myself watching the seasons go by faster and faster and now at middle age I would like them to slow a bit. I am sure that the feeling of time slipping by too fast is very common among people of our age.
Up until 5 years ago I would look forward to the cooler weather of September and could not wait for my favorite month to come, October so I could enjoy the cool weather, Halloween and all the stuff that goes with being in fall in the Northeast. Until 5 years ago I let this time be too busy, and all of a sudden it would be late October and our Halloween decorations were not put up and we hurried to decorate and then, poof it was Thanksgiving and I remember thinking to myself, “Next year I will enjoy the season more.” Next year came and went and I would repeat this phrase.
When I hit 40 I basically said enough of this crap! I am going to enjoy each an every season regardless of work and whatever became an obstacle in my enjoyment of the outside in the season. How did I do this one of you may ask?
I first took charge of physical self. I started watching what I ate and walked more. It was during these walks, once I was in better shape that I began to pay attention to the entire environment. I noticed the trees; the birds; animals; smells and a plethora of other outdoor stimulations that tickle the senses and made me aware of my surroundings. Besides my physical self I at this time seemed to work on my mental self with regards to immersing myself within my surroundings. One of the actions that I have taken for myself was to become a volunteer for the Lake George Land Conservancy as a Preserve Steward for a local land preserve. I would go up and do work on the trails, or just go up there for some exercise, I make sure that I go up there once a week. This has helped me immerse myself in the seasons again almost the same way I was in tune with my environment when I was a surveyor 15 years ago. I feel the seasons change because I now notice the strength of the sun when it shines on me or notice the different smells of the season. Each season has a smell and feeling to it. Something that outdoorsman, farmers, loggers and the like know and understand. I now, even when I take my Newfoundland for a walk in the neighborhood just simply immerse myself in the moment of the walk; to take in the seasonal sensations and not think about anything; to exist and observe in the moment. I think that this is just another way of living the old saying “Stop and smell the roses.” I would like to add to that stop and smell the roses before your life passes you by.
All I can say is that I am enjoying each season now for what it is. Even when I drive to work I will roll the windows down so I can get a hint of the smells that the world gives to me. That way I am enjoying the world much more.
Summer for me even when I was young always met work and I really didn’t like summers back then or up until 5 years ago. Summer met hard work in hot conditions whether it was in the field as a surveyor or in the inferno of a bread bakery that I worked at for ten years. I first was in a hurry for time to pass as most young people are because I and they seem to be in a hurry to pay their dues so they may attain an artificial goal that they have set for themselves. Then I would wish summer away as it was so hectic and hot. There is a point to this I promise please read on. I found myself watching the seasons go by faster and faster and now at middle age I would like them to slow a bit. I am sure that the feeling of time slipping by too fast is very common among people of our age.
Up until 5 years ago I would look forward to the cooler weather of September and could not wait for my favorite month to come, October so I could enjoy the cool weather, Halloween and all the stuff that goes with being in fall in the Northeast. Until 5 years ago I let this time be too busy, and all of a sudden it would be late October and our Halloween decorations were not put up and we hurried to decorate and then, poof it was Thanksgiving and I remember thinking to myself, “Next year I will enjoy the season more.” Next year came and went and I would repeat this phrase.
When I hit 40 I basically said enough of this crap! I am going to enjoy each an every season regardless of work and whatever became an obstacle in my enjoyment of the outside in the season. How did I do this one of you may ask?
I first took charge of physical self. I started watching what I ate and walked more. It was during these walks, once I was in better shape that I began to pay attention to the entire environment. I noticed the trees; the birds; animals; smells and a plethora of other outdoor stimulations that tickle the senses and made me aware of my surroundings. Besides my physical self I at this time seemed to work on my mental self with regards to immersing myself within my surroundings. One of the actions that I have taken for myself was to become a volunteer for the Lake George Land Conservancy as a Preserve Steward for a local land preserve. I would go up and do work on the trails, or just go up there for some exercise, I make sure that I go up there once a week. This has helped me immerse myself in the seasons again almost the same way I was in tune with my environment when I was a surveyor 15 years ago. I feel the seasons change because I now notice the strength of the sun when it shines on me or notice the different smells of the season. Each season has a smell and feeling to it. Something that outdoorsman, farmers, loggers and the like know and understand. I now, even when I take my Newfoundland for a walk in the neighborhood just simply immerse myself in the moment of the walk; to take in the seasonal sensations and not think about anything; to exist and observe in the moment. I think that this is just another way of living the old saying “Stop and smell the roses.” I would like to add to that stop and smell the roses before your life passes you by.
All I can say is that I am enjoying each season now for what it is. Even when I drive to work I will roll the windows down so I can get a hint of the smells that the world gives to me. That way I am enjoying the world much more.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pooping in the woods...
Pooping and for the ladies peeing in the woods the wrong way I think is the reason the DEC is developing such stringent regulations on camping in the High Peaks to control the human impact on the Flowed Land Corridor. On a recent trip into the campsites around Uphill lean-to I found a lot of unburied toilet paper close to the campsite and even within the campsite proper. Come on people even a dog doesn’t crap or pee where it sleeps. With all the hiking I did this summer and the trail work that I did on the Lake George Land Conservancy’s preserves, I spent a good amount of time on the trails, and 98 percent of the litter I saw was tp.
If you are a newbie to the woods tp is biodegradable, but will be visible for months after it is dropped on the ground. Also, please do your business off the trail. You never know who will be walking around the corner.
I would like to put forth and idea. The hikers of the area will hate it but I think that this idea would be better than what the DEC seems to be doing in the Flowed Lands Corridor, namely limiting where you can camp.
The idea is to make hikers and campers take a hiking course to allow them to purchase a hiking license. This course would be similar to a hunter’s safety course and would be taught by the DEC or approved organizations like the ADK. There are many other items that could be taught that could actually save people lives. I also think that if hikers are more comfortable with the woods they will be a little more comfortable going off the trail to take care of their personal business.
Information that could be covered:
-Proper clothing
-being prepared
-proper gear
-how to poop in the woods
-bear safety
-using a map and compass
And many, many other topic that would be important for the new hikers
If you are a newbie to the woods tp is biodegradable, but will be visible for months after it is dropped on the ground. Also, please do your business off the trail. You never know who will be walking around the corner.
I would like to put forth and idea. The hikers of the area will hate it but I think that this idea would be better than what the DEC seems to be doing in the Flowed Lands Corridor, namely limiting where you can camp.
The idea is to make hikers and campers take a hiking course to allow them to purchase a hiking license. This course would be similar to a hunter’s safety course and would be taught by the DEC or approved organizations like the ADK. There are many other items that could be taught that could actually save people lives. I also think that if hikers are more comfortable with the woods they will be a little more comfortable going off the trail to take care of their personal business.
Information that could be covered:
-Proper clothing
-being prepared
-proper gear
-how to poop in the woods
-bear safety
-using a map and compass
And many, many other topic that would be important for the new hikers
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Wright and Algonquin
Today a friend and myself climbed Wright Peak and Algonquin in the Adirondacks. This was my second time up Algonquin this summer. My buddy hasn't climb Algonquin yet and the first time I climbed it we didn't have an opportunity to climb Wright so this time up I bagged that peak.
One of the things that I was a little concerned about was the tops of the High Peaks above 4500 feet were covered in new snow. We had the right cold weather gear but didn't have any creepers. Actually, there was a little ice on Algonquin, but the snow was only a couple of inches at the top. It did make the peak beautiful and it gave us the feel of the coming winter. Here are some pics.
The Flowed Lands from Algonquin
The Heart Lake Vally in it's Fall splendor
One of the things that I was a little concerned about was the tops of the High Peaks above 4500 feet were covered in new snow. We had the right cold weather gear but didn't have any creepers. Actually, there was a little ice on Algonquin, but the snow was only a couple of inches at the top. It did make the peak beautiful and it gave us the feel of the coming winter. Here are some pics.
The Flowed Lands from Algonquin
Lake Colden
Algonquin from Wright
The Heart Lake Vally in it's Fall splendor
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Skylight!!!!
On Saturday the 20th of September my trail mates and myself went on a little adventure into the Flowed Lands to climb Skylight and Grey peaks in the Adirondack High Peaks. We went in at the Tahawus trailhead and planned on either staying at the Uphill lean-to or the Feldspar lean-to or in one of the campsites around these two shelters. The hike into Lake Colden was not bad, a sight steady climb, and the trail is in good shape. Near Lake Colden we passed a new Lean-to and a new designated campsite.
Lake Colden looking N, early the second day.
At this time we were noticing that all the lean-to's and campsites that we had passed were filled right up and it was at this time that I was a little worried about where we were going to stay.
Now the trail became difficult, especially with backpacks on. While difficult it was rewarding with some of the views that this route afforded us.
In fact some of the gorges were 150 feet deep in spots.
We made camp at a tent site just before the Feldspar lean-to. It was a bit off the trail and we had to move some logs to make room for our tents. We had our site set up, had lunch and headed off to climb Skylight with our light packs. Just before we reached the Four Corners we arrived at Lake Tear of the Clouds. At the outlet we found the cairin that marks the beginning of the trail to Grey Peak.
Outlet of Lake Tear of the Clouds
Skylight was just about .75 mi. ahead and we were on top of the summit before we knew it and we were greeted with spectacular views. Also, there were very few people as it seemed that Marcy had all the rest of the hikers in the region. (We found out from a ranger that most of the hikers actually went up Algonquin Mt.)
Redfield Mt???
Mt Marcy
Mt Colden and the Mac Intyre Range
When we were ready to leave we decided that we didn't have time to do Grey and headed to the camp as it was pushing 4 pm when we started off the mountain.
We arrived hungry and immediately began making dinner. During this time two parties walked up to our site and one asked if there was room and the other, well that SOB just marched right into our site and looked around and said "Well no room for us." and walked out. That pissed me off, but our more experienced hiker said that's the way it is here since the DEC is limiting where and how you can camp. In all that was the only little cloud to a literally cloudless day.
When we were getting ready to call it a night we noticed odd old scratches on the trees, which turned out to be bear claws as they climbed the tree for the bear bags. We use a bear canister. We slept, no incidents, but we slept lightly.
There were a lot of these marks on all the trees in the camp
The next day we hiked out and even though the trail up beat us up a little we had a great time. Another glorious adventure.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Day 4 The Hike Out
All that rain that we had didn't go anywhere before we hiked out. The trail was covered with water. The little dried up stream beds were now fill with 2 and 3 feet of water. My trail companions were very resourceful at keeping their feet dry. There were more industrious than a platoon of SEABEE's and could build a bridge out of thin air. After about 3 miles into our odyssey, I had enough with the high wire bridges and started to slog through the water and once my feet were wet I just marched in a straight line. Guide saw things my way and followed suit, but Trailblazer, must had walked an extra 3 miles to keep her feet out of water.
Even though the extra water made the travel more difficult, it also made the woods more beautiful. We stopped many times to gaze at the small waterfalls that were normally the providence of the spring runoff and not common in mid-August. We also stopped many times to see the huge trees, some 4 and 5 feet in diameter. I have never seen so many trees so large.
We made it out tired and footsore, but very happy. This 4 day trip into the heart of the Adirondacks was a very fulfilling experience for me. One that I will remember and repeat soon.
Even though the extra water made the travel more difficult, it also made the woods more beautiful. We stopped many times to gaze at the small waterfalls that were normally the providence of the spring runoff and not common in mid-August. We also stopped many times to see the huge trees, some 4 and 5 feet in diameter. I have never seen so many trees so large.
We made it out tired and footsore, but very happy. This 4 day trip into the heart of the Adirondacks was a very fulfilling experience for me. One that I will remember and repeat soon.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Day 3 17 Aug 2008 Spruce Lake
I woke up first to a beautiful morning. I really wish I had a fishing pole right at that moment as the lake was like glass and I knew it was full of hungry trout. We petty much had the same routine that we did the previous day, only I felt even better than the day before. We headed out to Spruce Lake along the NPT.
The weather was nice and the trail, though muddy at first dried out and we had an easy walk into Spruce Lake. The woods were as interesting and full of variety as the last two days and I really enjoyed the walk into the lake. Just before we reach the Spruce #3 lean-to we found a couple of boats chained to trees. We wondered how the hell some determined person got these in. We stopped and had lunch at Spruce #3, which was gorgous and would have made for a nice place to camp, but Guide and Trail Blazer wanted to go to Spruce # 1 at the S end of the lake, so we headed S. we made a quick visit to Spruce #2 to check it out and moved on to Spruce #1.
We were very disappointed when we reached Spruce #1 as the Lean-to was set far away from the lake and was built in an area that water would drain if it rained. You could tell by the way the ground looked. We had to make a decision here as we did not like the site but it was 9.5 mi from the trailhead, while not only would we have to back track ¾ mi, but we would have a 10.3 mi walk out and for my footsore companions there were not happy about either choice, but they thought it was best to go back to Spruce #2, which was a nice site, but the lean-to needed work as some of the floorboards have no support underneath. The decision proved to be the most correct one and is a reason why it is good to hike with experienced people.
We didn’t get much sleep that night as, just after dinner and right when we were settling down to a comfortable night in camp, we heard thunder and saw flashes of lightening. The first storm was the most violent and only lasted for 20 minutes, but we had straight-line winds, a lightening strike 150 feet away from the lean-to, ½ hail and torrential rain. We were dry and comfortable in our lean-to. We had a brief respite and we watched trout jumping just off shore. Oh I wish I had a damn pole. About 45 minutes later another round hit, but it was not as intense, but it rained for another 10 hours. We didn’t sleep much, but we were snug as a bug in a rug in our shelter.
The weather was nice and the trail, though muddy at first dried out and we had an easy walk into Spruce Lake. The woods were as interesting and full of variety as the last two days and I really enjoyed the walk into the lake. Just before we reach the Spruce #3 lean-to we found a couple of boats chained to trees. We wondered how the hell some determined person got these in. We stopped and had lunch at Spruce #3, which was gorgous and would have made for a nice place to camp, but Guide and Trail Blazer wanted to go to Spruce # 1 at the S end of the lake, so we headed S. we made a quick visit to Spruce #2 to check it out and moved on to Spruce #1.
We were very disappointed when we reached Spruce #1 as the Lean-to was set far away from the lake and was built in an area that water would drain if it rained. You could tell by the way the ground looked. We had to make a decision here as we did not like the site but it was 9.5 mi from the trailhead, while not only would we have to back track ¾ mi, but we would have a 10.3 mi walk out and for my footsore companions there were not happy about either choice, but they thought it was best to go back to Spruce #2, which was a nice site, but the lean-to needed work as some of the floorboards have no support underneath. The decision proved to be the most correct one and is a reason why it is good to hike with experienced people.
We didn’t get much sleep that night as, just after dinner and right when we were settling down to a comfortable night in camp, we heard thunder and saw flashes of lightening. The first storm was the most violent and only lasted for 20 minutes, but we had straight-line winds, a lightening strike 150 feet away from the lean-to, ½ hail and torrential rain. We were dry and comfortable in our lean-to. We had a brief respite and we watched trout jumping just off shore. Oh I wish I had a damn pole. About 45 minutes later another round hit, but it was not as intense, but it rained for another 10 hours. We didn’t sleep much, but we were snug as a bug in a rug in our shelter.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Day 2 Cedar Lake to South Lake -17 Aug 2008
I woke up early and felt great! The mist on Cedar Lake was just clearing and the loons were still calling to each other from time to time. We actually all got up at the same time, about 6 am, started a fire and began breakfast. Which for me was oatmeal that I packaged myself with brown sugar and salt. I would boil my water and place it in the pot an let it sit until it thickened. This worked well. My trail mates had coffee and croissants. In fact they had a remarkably varied diet. I on the other hand had a remarkably same diet. The oatmeal was fine each morning, but I need to work on lunch.
We were not in a hurry and took our time packing up and simply enjoyed the fine sunny morning. It was at this time that we met our first hiker, a tall Canadian solo hiker who was loaded down and moving fast. He stopped for a moment and warned us about the trail conditions south of Cedar Lakes. He told us that the trail was muddy all the way to Spruce Lake. He moved on and we started on our way South. He was right the trail was muddy, but manageable. One of the things that we enjoyed was how fast the forest and habitats changed. One minute you are in an old growth hardwood, the next you are in an area with stunted spruce, that are densely packed in a lowland wet area. A half mile later it would change again. We would take a moment to notice this and anything else that we saw. That is yet another thing that I really admire about my trail mates; they stop and observe and notice the littlest things. This is something that I really like about being in the woods. It really was nice being with people who were not as worried about getting from point A to point B, and enjoyed the trip as much as the destination.
We reached the trail head for section 5 at a clearing at the West Canada lakes area. This was the location of a DEC interior outpost. All that was left was some rocks marking the foundation. An exciting moment for me was to see and touch a fireplace built the 19th century Adirondack character French Louie, whom I had read he biography as a teenager and I was very happy to walk some of the woods that he trapped and made a living off the bounty of the Adirondacks.
Now a little story. Before we left my two companions made tuna sandwiches with packaged mayo and pre-drained tuna. Now Guide mentioned that they must eat them within 4 hours to be safe. On the trail you can loose track of time and time actually goes by a lot faster than you would think. Trail Breaker yelled back that it was 2:15 and that 4.25 hrs have pasted since the sandwiches were made. Guide said that they could not eat them. Now is that splitting hairs? NO! That was the wise and right decision 10 miles away from anywhere. They were a little cranky for a bit, but had enough other food that it was not even a blip in the day. In fact not very far down the trail we crossed a long bridge across Mud Lake and were all treated to one the best views in the Adirondacks as we looked out onto Mud Lake to the East and South Lake to the west. The tuna was forgotten. A short way past the bridge we found the South Lake Lean-to and this was a beautiful spot. This night I had plenty of energy to go and find a large amount of fire wood and we enjoyed a fine fire that night. While I was gathering firewood Guide went out and picked a mess of fresh wild blueberries that we were going to have with our breakfasts. After dinner we spent the remaining time looking at the birds and enjoying the wonders that this majestic forest was allowing us to enjoy.
We were not in a hurry and took our time packing up and simply enjoyed the fine sunny morning. It was at this time that we met our first hiker, a tall Canadian solo hiker who was loaded down and moving fast. He stopped for a moment and warned us about the trail conditions south of Cedar Lakes. He told us that the trail was muddy all the way to Spruce Lake. He moved on and we started on our way South. He was right the trail was muddy, but manageable. One of the things that we enjoyed was how fast the forest and habitats changed. One minute you are in an old growth hardwood, the next you are in an area with stunted spruce, that are densely packed in a lowland wet area. A half mile later it would change again. We would take a moment to notice this and anything else that we saw. That is yet another thing that I really admire about my trail mates; they stop and observe and notice the littlest things. This is something that I really like about being in the woods. It really was nice being with people who were not as worried about getting from point A to point B, and enjoyed the trip as much as the destination.
We reached the trail head for section 5 at a clearing at the West Canada lakes area. This was the location of a DEC interior outpost. All that was left was some rocks marking the foundation. An exciting moment for me was to see and touch a fireplace built the 19th century Adirondack character French Louie, whom I had read he biography as a teenager and I was very happy to walk some of the woods that he trapped and made a living off the bounty of the Adirondacks.
Now a little story. Before we left my two companions made tuna sandwiches with packaged mayo and pre-drained tuna. Now Guide mentioned that they must eat them within 4 hours to be safe. On the trail you can loose track of time and time actually goes by a lot faster than you would think. Trail Breaker yelled back that it was 2:15 and that 4.25 hrs have pasted since the sandwiches were made. Guide said that they could not eat them. Now is that splitting hairs? NO! That was the wise and right decision 10 miles away from anywhere. They were a little cranky for a bit, but had enough other food that it was not even a blip in the day. In fact not very far down the trail we crossed a long bridge across Mud Lake and were all treated to one the best views in the Adirondacks as we looked out onto Mud Lake to the East and South Lake to the west. The tuna was forgotten. A short way past the bridge we found the South Lake Lean-to and this was a beautiful spot. This night I had plenty of energy to go and find a large amount of fire wood and we enjoyed a fine fire that night. While I was gathering firewood Guide went out and picked a mess of fresh wild blueberries that we were going to have with our breakfasts. After dinner we spent the remaining time looking at the birds and enjoying the wonders that this majestic forest was allowing us to enjoy.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Day 1 Wakely to Cedar Lake
Day 1 15 Aug 2008
We have spotted a car at our end point in Piseco 32.5 miles south and began our treck at the ranger station at the Wakely Dam. For the sake of anonymity one of my hiking partners I will us the name Trail-Breaker because this person was lead on the trail for the entire trip; not only to keep us on the trail but most importantly to remove all the spider webs from the path. The other I will use the name Guide as this person has been to these places and many more in the Adirondacks. I give these names showing the greatest RESPECT to these two awesome people!
As I was saying we started down from Wakely Dam down a dirt road for a little ways before the dirt road turned into a path. This path took us through open hardwoods for the most part. One of the amazing things that we saw was a forest of huge birch trees. Some had a 30” DBH. I have never seen birch trees this large and there was a forest of them! We also saw a great deal of animal sign in the muddy trail during our 9.5 mile hike into the second Cedar Lake Lean-to. We saw coyote tracts, moose scat and a fresh large, clear bear track. The trail was muddy, but the path mostly level with some rolling, but for the most part it was an easy hike in…if I was wearing a 20 pound pack, but oh no I was loaded down, baby…I had everything including the kitchen sink. I made it to the Lean-to in fair shape, but I was shot. No side trips today and now I know why they laughed at me. I barely had the energy to collect wood and at that the fire was small by my standards.
We set up our tents and stowed our gear in the lean-to and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon sitting quietly taking in all the Adirondack beauty that this little place had to offer. That afternoon the Adirondacks were very generous and for that I am thankful. We were entertained for hours by a mother loon teaching a young loon to fly. It was very interesting listening to the juvenile loon try and call like a loon. Trail-Breaker is very knowledgeable on birds and taught me a couple of calls to listen for like a chipping sparrow and geckos. Trail-Breaker also pointed out to me that the birds flitting around an island in the lake were least flycatchers, which would fly out, catch a bug and take it back to a tree and eat the bug and then fly out again…
We spent a nice evening made our freeze-dried meals, which are very good. I also saw where I could have lost 2.5 pounds of weight, I have an old school stove, while my two partners used a Pocket Rocket which weighs 14 oz and cooks all their meals. We sat around the fire and turned in at 9 pm. I was out at 9:01. I was a little worried about the next day as I was very, very tired. I woke a couple of times during the night to loons calling to one another, but I didn’t mind a bit.
I woke up at…
We have spotted a car at our end point in Piseco 32.5 miles south and began our treck at the ranger station at the Wakely Dam. For the sake of anonymity one of my hiking partners I will us the name Trail-Breaker because this person was lead on the trail for the entire trip; not only to keep us on the trail but most importantly to remove all the spider webs from the path. The other I will use the name Guide as this person has been to these places and many more in the Adirondacks. I give these names showing the greatest RESPECT to these two awesome people!
As I was saying we started down from Wakely Dam down a dirt road for a little ways before the dirt road turned into a path. This path took us through open hardwoods for the most part. One of the amazing things that we saw was a forest of huge birch trees. Some had a 30” DBH. I have never seen birch trees this large and there was a forest of them! We also saw a great deal of animal sign in the muddy trail during our 9.5 mile hike into the second Cedar Lake Lean-to. We saw coyote tracts, moose scat and a fresh large, clear bear track. The trail was muddy, but the path mostly level with some rolling, but for the most part it was an easy hike in…if I was wearing a 20 pound pack, but oh no I was loaded down, baby…I had everything including the kitchen sink. I made it to the Lean-to in fair shape, but I was shot. No side trips today and now I know why they laughed at me. I barely had the energy to collect wood and at that the fire was small by my standards.
We set up our tents and stowed our gear in the lean-to and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon sitting quietly taking in all the Adirondack beauty that this little place had to offer. That afternoon the Adirondacks were very generous and for that I am thankful. We were entertained for hours by a mother loon teaching a young loon to fly. It was very interesting listening to the juvenile loon try and call like a loon. Trail-Breaker is very knowledgeable on birds and taught me a couple of calls to listen for like a chipping sparrow and geckos. Trail-Breaker also pointed out to me that the birds flitting around an island in the lake were least flycatchers, which would fly out, catch a bug and take it back to a tree and eat the bug and then fly out again…
We spent a nice evening made our freeze-dried meals, which are very good. I also saw where I could have lost 2.5 pounds of weight, I have an old school stove, while my two partners used a Pocket Rocket which weighs 14 oz and cooks all their meals. We sat around the fire and turned in at 9 pm. I was out at 9:01. I was a little worried about the next day as I was very, very tired. I woke a couple of times during the night to loons calling to one another, but I didn’t mind a bit.
I woke up at…
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Preperation for the NPT
I just returned for one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I just completed a 32 mile stretch of the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) on a four day backpacking trip. This was so big that I will have to write about in sections in order to do it justice. I went on the trip with two incredible people that I would go hiking anywhere with. I think that instead of just being a narrative of the experience I will also write about my feelings and the many, many things that I learned.
Let’s start with the pre trip packing. This is real funny now, but then I was very tense and very worried. I wanted to make sure that I brought everything that I needed. I really did not want to get out there and not have something, especially when hiking with people with such experience. My experience is old school and really one or two night adventures. I had not done anything thing like this before. When I checked the weight of my pack it weighed 65 pounds. I really did not worry about my pack weight when I was in my 20’s. The max weight I was given was 55 pounds. I had to make some cuts. So, the ax, camera, GPS, some of my GORP and a shirt, lowered my pack weight to 57 pounds with 2 qts of water. That is what I had to live with.
You will see and with many chuckles from my trail-mates, I could have lowered the weight a lot more and would have been able to take my camera. That will have to wait.
Next I will write about the trip from Wakely Dam to the Lean-to at Cedar Lake.
One last thing. I had mentioned that there were some side trips around the different places that we were staying, including looking for a geocache in Fench Louie's Cave. My trail-mates just chuckled and said "sure."
Let’s start with the pre trip packing. This is real funny now, but then I was very tense and very worried. I wanted to make sure that I brought everything that I needed. I really did not want to get out there and not have something, especially when hiking with people with such experience. My experience is old school and really one or two night adventures. I had not done anything thing like this before. When I checked the weight of my pack it weighed 65 pounds. I really did not worry about my pack weight when I was in my 20’s. The max weight I was given was 55 pounds. I had to make some cuts. So, the ax, camera, GPS, some of my GORP and a shirt, lowered my pack weight to 57 pounds with 2 qts of water. That is what I had to live with.
You will see and with many chuckles from my trail-mates, I could have lowered the weight a lot more and would have been able to take my camera. That will have to wait.
Next I will write about the trip from Wakely Dam to the Lean-to at Cedar Lake.
One last thing. I had mentioned that there were some side trips around the different places that we were staying, including looking for a geocache in Fench Louie's Cave. My trail-mates just chuckled and said "sure."
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Took a quick run up Black Mt.
Today day was a rare day here in the Southeastern Adirondacks this summer...it didn't rain. I had an opportunity to hike Black Mt from the Lakeside trail and I took it. I used the opportunity to check a letterbox that I planted at the summit, but in July a boxer said that they were unable to locate it.
The air was cool and crisp and the blue sky was only sprinkled with the harmless clouds when I started. I hit this hard as I didn't have a lot of time, plus I wanted to get a good aerobic workout. I made it 3.3 miles up in 1 hr 20 min, without much problem. Actually it took me almost as long to hike down as the rocks were very slippery. I usually don't like to hike this way but since this was such a short hike, and I have a major hiking trip later this summer I needed the workout more than the scenery. HOWEVER! I was able to spend a beautiful and quiet 25 min on the top alone enjoying the views of the Adirondacks and White Mts in stunning solitude.
Also, I am happy to say that the Black Mt Firetower letterbox is sound and in great shape. Infact no one has found it as yet.
The air was cool and crisp and the blue sky was only sprinkled with the harmless clouds when I started. I hit this hard as I didn't have a lot of time, plus I wanted to get a good aerobic workout. I made it 3.3 miles up in 1 hr 20 min, without much problem. Actually it took me almost as long to hike down as the rocks were very slippery. I usually don't like to hike this way but since this was such a short hike, and I have a major hiking trip later this summer I needed the workout more than the scenery. HOWEVER! I was able to spend a beautiful and quiet 25 min on the top alone enjoying the views of the Adirondacks and White Mts in stunning solitude.
Also, I am happy to say that the Black Mt Firetower letterbox is sound and in great shape. Infact no one has found it as yet.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A couple of days in the woods
I had a couple of great days outdoors. Yesterday I took a trip to the Great Sacandoga Lake to do some letterboxing. After stopping at the Saratoga County park in Edinburg to find four of the five boxes of the Seven Narnian Lords, we headed up to the Racquet Lake area and did a little searching up there. Found two more boxes there in the Limpkin Lake area. This region is a real nice part of the Adirondacks that is a great place to visit. We scoped out some future kayaking areas, which are plentiful in this region. I hope to return later this summer to do a little paddling.
The two letterboxes I found in this area were Beaver at Fawn Lake and Bear at Babbling Brook.
Now today I spent a little time hiking 5.25 mi into the Lake Colden from Tahawus at the upper works trailhead. Had a great time hiking in and as you will see the scenery was beautiful. It was a little humid today and me and my hiking partner thought it would be nice to do a little exploring. Saw a bear cub print and there is a monument erected in 1845 to honor the accidental death of a family member during a hunting expedition. I didn’t take a picture of that out of respect.
This is an image looking toward Avalanche Pass from the flowed lands
This is from the Lake Colden Dam.
Mount Colden. Steep Hike in from this side.
A cloud capped Algonquin in the distance.
Old Dam at the upper works
Old Blast furnace. It is bigger than this image indicates. Sorry nothing to give it scale.
All and all a real nice two days in the Adirondacks!!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Algonquin!!!!
Today I did a High Peak, finally! Algonquin Mt near Lake Placid, NY to be exact. Number 2 on NY highest mountains…Marcy is next. I want to talk about a couple of things about this hike as while it was a perfect adventure, it had moments that remind us why we hike prepared and today illustrates the importance of preparation.
The hike itself was wonderful. We began at Heart Lake and hiked up a well marked and well used trail. We started early and we had the trail to ourselves. The trail as you get within 1.5 miles of the peak becomes steep and very rocky. Both boulders and some of the trail is along exposed bedrock greeted each footfall. As you break through the tree line, well before the summit you are treated with spectacular views. The views from the summit are nothing more than stunning. There was a Summit Steward up there, basically keeping you off the fragile alpine vegetation. We sat down out of the wind and ate our lunch and were sitting back to relax and enjoy the scenery. That is when I saw the rain coming and we sat and waited out for a 20 minutes but decided to head back down the now wet and slippery rocks. The hike down was uneventful, but the entire hike was nothing less then wonderful for me.
I was even going to attempt a letterbox that was placed at the summit. However, as we were the only ones up there the Summit Steward kept his eye on us, so it was hard to look for the box. Then we were chased off by the rain. What can you do?
Today gives me an opportunity to discuss a little the importance of being prepared when you are going out and hiking. The weather forecast for today was sunny, warm 80 F with a slight change of showers. Remember that the weather man lies. When you are hiking into the high peaks you have to have rain gear and a fleece jacket. Both are a must. These summits above the tree line are windy and chilly and you can get hyperthermia quickly if you are not prepared. I didn’t bring some gloves and when my hands got wet they really got cold and from now on I am going to pack a light pair of gloves with me. This can happen even in July on a hot and humid day and remember that the weather is always different on the tops of those mountains. Bring extra food, clothes, water, rain gear and anything that you can think of that you may need up there.
Lastly, I didn’t spend a great deal of time trying to describe the scene that I saw up there on that mountain and for good reason. There is and never has been alive a wordsmith, photographer, or canvas artist that can even on an infinitesimal level capture the scenic vista that was laid before me. The feeling of the scene can only be felt and absorbed by your senses first hand. Any description or image is nothing more that a faint shadow of what is reality. Go and hike it and see for yourself!
The hike itself was wonderful. We began at Heart Lake and hiked up a well marked and well used trail. We started early and we had the trail to ourselves. The trail as you get within 1.5 miles of the peak becomes steep and very rocky. Both boulders and some of the trail is along exposed bedrock greeted each footfall. As you break through the tree line, well before the summit you are treated with spectacular views. The views from the summit are nothing more than stunning. There was a Summit Steward up there, basically keeping you off the fragile alpine vegetation. We sat down out of the wind and ate our lunch and were sitting back to relax and enjoy the scenery. That is when I saw the rain coming and we sat and waited out for a 20 minutes but decided to head back down the now wet and slippery rocks. The hike down was uneventful, but the entire hike was nothing less then wonderful for me.
I was even going to attempt a letterbox that was placed at the summit. However, as we were the only ones up there the Summit Steward kept his eye on us, so it was hard to look for the box. Then we were chased off by the rain. What can you do?
Today gives me an opportunity to discuss a little the importance of being prepared when you are going out and hiking. The weather forecast for today was sunny, warm 80 F with a slight change of showers. Remember that the weather man lies. When you are hiking into the high peaks you have to have rain gear and a fleece jacket. Both are a must. These summits above the tree line are windy and chilly and you can get hyperthermia quickly if you are not prepared. I didn’t bring some gloves and when my hands got wet they really got cold and from now on I am going to pack a light pair of gloves with me. This can happen even in July on a hot and humid day and remember that the weather is always different on the tops of those mountains. Bring extra food, clothes, water, rain gear and anything that you can think of that you may need up there.
Lastly, I didn’t spend a great deal of time trying to describe the scene that I saw up there on that mountain and for good reason. There is and never has been alive a wordsmith, photographer, or canvas artist that can even on an infinitesimal level capture the scenic vista that was laid before me. The feeling of the scene can only be felt and absorbed by your senses first hand. Any description or image is nothing more that a faint shadow of what is reality. Go and hike it and see for yourself!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Water is soooo important
I just finished a post on some heavy trail work that I did on my Pilot Knob Ridge Blog, and I thought that it would be a good time to remind people that when they go out on an insanely hot day to bring and drink lots of water. When I was doing this trail work it was HHH and 90 F and I was moving heavy logs and cutting wood with an axe. In 5 hours I drank 4 qt of water and without being too graphic I sweated all, I mean all of it out. Now what is important is all the time I drank my water I was not very thirsty, but I made myself drink. When it is that hot when you feel thirst and you get that headache it is too late you are dehydrated.
I learned my lesson two weeks previous, I had brought only two qt with me and when I ran out I kept going for another 1.5 hrs until I had a headache and my legs began to cramp and I still had a 3 mile hike out. This time I made myself drink and drink a lot and when I ran out I was done with the trail work. 90 deg F and HHH weather is not something you want to mess with.
If I wish to stay in the woods longer next time on a hot day and work the way I did I will have to bring more water or plan my activities around where there is water more than I would if the weather was cooler.
Drink a lot and drink often.
I learned my lesson two weeks previous, I had brought only two qt with me and when I ran out I kept going for another 1.5 hrs until I had a headache and my legs began to cramp and I still had a 3 mile hike out. This time I made myself drink and drink a lot and when I ran out I was done with the trail work. 90 deg F and HHH weather is not something you want to mess with.
If I wish to stay in the woods longer next time on a hot day and work the way I did I will have to bring more water or plan my activities around where there is water more than I would if the weather was cooler.
Drink a lot and drink often.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Battling Black Flies
Its black fly season here in the Northeast and they are annoying. Do not let them keep you from enjoying the outdoors and doing some of your favorite hobbies. I personally have high tolerance and can deal with them, but even I have my limits and have to go to the bug spray. Here is how I apply it. Since I am in the woods I can guarantee you that I am sweating and I don't like bug spray in my eyes. I apply the bug spray to my hat, yes wear a hat, wear a hat, wear a hat, to the back of you neck and on the side of you head including your ears. I don't apply it to my face. I then hit my arms, and even though I wear long pants and gaiters, I still spray there to keep the ticks off. This works fairly well with black flies and misquitos, but not deer flies, you will need a hat to stop them. Hat! Hat! Hat!
Now, even if its hot, you can wear long sleeve shirts, especially those made out of spots fabric that wicks moister away. It really is not that much hotter and you don't have to worry about your arms getting gnawed on.
Wear a bug head net. I am seeing more and more of them and no they are not a fashion statement, and you may look funny, but you won't be choking on black flies so who is the cool one now?!!!
Lastly, they are a pain but you are human and you have the ability to mentally prepare yourself and NOT let this little pest ruin your outdoor adventures.
Now, even if its hot, you can wear long sleeve shirts, especially those made out of spots fabric that wicks moister away. It really is not that much hotter and you don't have to worry about your arms getting gnawed on.
Wear a bug head net. I am seeing more and more of them and no they are not a fashion statement, and you may look funny, but you won't be choking on black flies so who is the cool one now?!!!
Lastly, they are a pain but you are human and you have the ability to mentally prepare yourself and NOT let this little pest ruin your outdoor adventures.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A nice Hike on the Cat
I had a nice adventure on Cat and Thomas mountains in Bolton Landing, NY. I went early as we were expecting bad weather later in the afternoon in the Southeastern Adirondacks. The trail up was covered with the orange newts that are common to the area.
The hike straight up to Cat Mt. was fairly clear and easy. This followed the orange and yellow trail markers. The blue ridge trail was an adventure as there were a lot of trees down on the trail making a rugged trail even more difficult to follow. I had to use my Adirondack senses to find the trail a couple of times so beware. Once this trail is cleared by the LGLC, it will be glorious. Not so much elevation gain, but a nice woods trail. It is not for the novice hiker at this time however.
Had a good time, Cat Mt offers some very scenic views. Oh and I found 4 geocaches up there…just a bonus.
The hike straight up to Cat Mt. was fairly clear and easy. This followed the orange and yellow trail markers. The blue ridge trail was an adventure as there were a lot of trees down on the trail making a rugged trail even more difficult to follow. I had to use my Adirondack senses to find the trail a couple of times so beware. Once this trail is cleared by the LGLC, it will be glorious. Not so much elevation gain, but a nice woods trail. It is not for the novice hiker at this time however.
Had a good time, Cat Mt offers some very scenic views. Oh and I found 4 geocaches up there…just a bonus.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Gas saving tips
Wow! The price of gas is beginning to make everyone rethink what you are going to do when you go boxing or geocaching. In fact it may even prevent many from enjoying these hobbies as much as the wanted to.
I was thinking about this today and here are some ideas that I am going to try to incorporate into my boxing and caching excursions.
Instead of just going after a box or two after work in a location that is more than 30 minutes away, plan on visiting that area when you have more time and do as many or all of the boxes in that area if you can.
Also, maybe you can drive out to an area and park and ride your bike around the area to search for the boxes. This way you will get to know the area a little better and you will get a little exercise to boot.
Plan your outing and trip to be as efficient as possible. Try not to back track
Combine letterboxing or geocaching with other reasons you are traveling to an area. For instance when I took a course at the CIA I had free time in the morning to cache and box and took advantage of it.
I am sure there are many other gas saving tips, please use the comment button on this post to let me know what they are and make this a two way conversation.
I was thinking about this today and here are some ideas that I am going to try to incorporate into my boxing and caching excursions.
Instead of just going after a box or two after work in a location that is more than 30 minutes away, plan on visiting that area when you have more time and do as many or all of the boxes in that area if you can.
Also, maybe you can drive out to an area and park and ride your bike around the area to search for the boxes. This way you will get to know the area a little better and you will get a little exercise to boot.
Plan your outing and trip to be as efficient as possible. Try not to back track
Combine letterboxing or geocaching with other reasons you are traveling to an area. For instance when I took a course at the CIA I had free time in the morning to cache and box and took advantage of it.
I am sure there are many other gas saving tips, please use the comment button on this post to let me know what they are and make this a two way conversation.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sterilite's Ultra-Seal in the Field and testing
Current Container rating PENDING
I used two Sterilites Ultra-Seal containers last week to see how they hold up. I made one modification to them as they have a steam vent on top of the lid. I just used a good outdoor sealing glue to shut it and seal off any possible leaks. This is the only lock type container that I can buy in the local stores right now, that is the size that I prefer to use. Snapware has a larger container, that I actually am using on a remote place, but it is a little large for most of the places I would like to hide.
Anyway at this moment the Sterilite Ultra-Seal has a rating of .....Pending
I used two Sterilites Ultra-Seal containers last week to see how they hold up. I made one modification to them as they have a steam vent on top of the lid. I just used a good outdoor sealing glue to shut it and seal off any possible leaks. This is the only lock type container that I can buy in the local stores right now, that is the size that I prefer to use. Snapware has a larger container, that I actually am using on a remote place, but it is a little large for most of the places I would like to hide.
Anyway at this moment the Sterilite Ultra-Seal has a rating of .....Pending
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Day Off Geocaching and Letterboxing
I played hooky today as I really need a mental health day. So what did I do I went geocaching and letterboxing maintenance. I hiked into Fish Brook Pond today in Fort Ann New York and had a wonderful time. I found two Geocaches, Are We There Yet? GC17MND and A Little light at Bumps GC1786V on the way to way up, but I did run into a multi-cache that I could not find the first part of. O well the day was too nice and I am up here all the time so I will try again.
A while ago I stumbled upon some old topographic maps that are online and you can pint sections of them right off the net. Some were from the 20’s, 50’ and etc. When I was looking at the 20’s map I noticed that there was a building at Bumps Pond, but when I looked at the 50’s map, that building was gone. I being the nerd that I am, figured out the coordinates and went to see if I could find the remains of the building and voila I found a chimney within 75 feet of my GPS coordinate, and of course someone had placed a Geocache in that area. I thought that it could have been a secret find, but it seems that the fire place is a favorite camping spot.
A while ago I stumbled upon some old topographic maps that are online and you can pint sections of them right off the net. Some were from the 20’s, 50’ and etc. When I was looking at the 20’s map I noticed that there was a building at Bumps Pond, but when I looked at the 50’s map, that building was gone. I being the nerd that I am, figured out the coordinates and went to see if I could find the remains of the building and voila I found a chimney within 75 feet of my GPS coordinate, and of course someone had placed a Geocache in that area. I thought that it could have been a secret find, but it seems that the fire place is a favorite camping spot.
.
Chimney at Bumps Pond Just off the trailThere are some interesting sites on the way to Fish Brook, the small kind that are interesting to look at but hard to describe. Like an old beaver pond, a stream flowing along a cliff face and etc. There are a lot of these along this route.
Some differnt sites
I went to Fish Brook to replace my Rubbermaid letterbox container with a Snapware container that will be more weather proof as the Fish Brook Letterbox LbNA #: 24673 is remote and not visited often. In fact to date it only has had one visitor in two years.
When I hiked out I when to my Inman Pond Letterbox LbNA #: 23911 and replaced the container with a lock and lock. I was surprised to find that the box has had a few visitors. One thing about the trail to Inman Pond was there are a few trees down across the trails. Not blocking access, but the DEC trail crews need to do some work in there.
All an all I really had a nice day.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sleeping Beauty
Today was supposed to be rainy, but of course the weatherman was a little wrong and it looked like it was going to clear up by noon. I called a friend and on impuse decided to hike Sleeping Beauty in Fort Ann and circle back via Bumps pond. We had a very nice hike, but saw a lot of blow down on the whole mountain. Also all the trails were very wet.
One of the real little treats is when we reached he summit we were all socked in by fog, but while we were up here it cleared off leaving us we some nice views of he mid-Lake George Region.
A bad day in the woods beats a good day at work
One of the real little treats is when we reached he summit we were all socked in by fog, but while we were up here it cleared off leaving us we some nice views of he mid-Lake George Region.
A bad day in the woods beats a good day at work
Friday, May 2, 2008
Letterbox hiding Advice
When I began letterboxing a couple of years ago, one piece of advice that some letterboxing websites gave was to make sure that you take your time and find a good secure hiding spot. This simple suggestion that on the surface seems easy to follow, but for me and I am going to bet for most beginners, more difficult to put into practice. First, what makes a good hiding spot? I am not talking about the destination spot for the letterbox, but the actual hiding location for it.
1 A place that is hidden from accidental discoveries by muggles
2 One that protects the box from the elements and animals
3 A location that gives the boxer a little seclusion so he/she may box quietly and undisturbed away from curious onlookers.
I am sure that many boxers out there can add to this list but even with just these three items it sometimes can be difficult to satisfy all of the criteria. One little nugget of advice I remember reading was that you need to make your box as small as possible because hiding spots are hard to find and they are right. Especially about the hard to find part.
When I first started to box and made my first plant, I could not get the box planted in the woods, run home and write the up the clues fast enough. My first hide was under a log. Not too bad of a location, but the box did not get much protection from the elements and after the first winter it had a little water in it. Now, the box is in a more secure site and I am using a lock and lock to keep the box dry so far, but it still could be in a better location.
Ok, ok where am I with this? Using my experience I would like to make some recommendations on what you may try when you decide to plant a letterbox.
Number one, either go by yourself or make sure that the people that you are with are as into letterboxing as you are. Two cases in point: First I took my kids hiking to an interesting pond (Inman Pond Lb) and did not see a good hiding place jump out at me and began to search for a spot and as you may expect 10 minutes later they wanted to get moving and I had to literally make a hiding spot, one that I will change this year the next time I go up there. Another example is when I was hiking into a secluded pond (The Fishbrook Lb) with some friends and went to hide the box. Again the same problem, impatience and I found an okay spot, but not one that you want for a box that is not going to be visited that much. And yet again I will be changing the hiding position on that one also.
Next I would say to the perspective hider, be patient yourself and don’t become too focused on planting the box in an exact location. Go to where you want to bring the finder and then begin to search around that area, literally circle the area in an expanding spiral until you find a good hiding spot that meets all the criteria or as many as possible that you have set for the plant. This I just did when I planted my Prospect Mountain Environmental Series last weekend. On my third box I had a lot of trouble finding a spot where I wanted to bring people and with the larger container that I used, made finding a good hiding spot in that vicinity impossible. So, I used the area that I wanted to bring people to as a landmark and found a more suitable location for the plant a little further up the road. That entire process took me about an hour There were potential locations in there target area, like under a log and such, that I could have used, but really were not good locations.
A last little bit of advice is to use containers that are water tight, like Snapware, Lock and Lock and such, and make sure that there are only as big as you need. I personally use the 6x6 boxes or 5x7 sizes deep enough to allow a stamp and the Strathmore 3x5 art pad with a little room for hitchhikers. Yes, if you can, make sure your box is large enough to fit a hitchhiker in it, because some boxer will put them in your box whether it fits or not. (I am beginning to not like hitchhikers anymore.) Also, buy yourself some black spray paint for plastic. And spay a little on the box, especially if there are any bright colors on the box. This will help if an inexperienced boxer finds your letterbox and does not place it back as good as they should. This way with a little camouflage on it will be more difficult to be seen by muggles.
This blog article has gone on longer than I anticipated so I will end it here. So to sum up the important points when planting a box:
1 Be patient
2 Box with real boxers when planting
3 Take the time to find a good secure planting location
4 Be a little more flexible and creative when a target site does not have a good hiding spot.
5 Use only the size box that is necessary for your purposes and camouflage it a little.
1 A place that is hidden from accidental discoveries by muggles
2 One that protects the box from the elements and animals
3 A location that gives the boxer a little seclusion so he/she may box quietly and undisturbed away from curious onlookers.
I am sure that many boxers out there can add to this list but even with just these three items it sometimes can be difficult to satisfy all of the criteria. One little nugget of advice I remember reading was that you need to make your box as small as possible because hiding spots are hard to find and they are right. Especially about the hard to find part.
When I first started to box and made my first plant, I could not get the box planted in the woods, run home and write the up the clues fast enough. My first hide was under a log. Not too bad of a location, but the box did not get much protection from the elements and after the first winter it had a little water in it. Now, the box is in a more secure site and I am using a lock and lock to keep the box dry so far, but it still could be in a better location.
Ok, ok where am I with this? Using my experience I would like to make some recommendations on what you may try when you decide to plant a letterbox.
Number one, either go by yourself or make sure that the people that you are with are as into letterboxing as you are. Two cases in point: First I took my kids hiking to an interesting pond (Inman Pond Lb) and did not see a good hiding place jump out at me and began to search for a spot and as you may expect 10 minutes later they wanted to get moving and I had to literally make a hiding spot, one that I will change this year the next time I go up there. Another example is when I was hiking into a secluded pond (The Fishbrook Lb) with some friends and went to hide the box. Again the same problem, impatience and I found an okay spot, but not one that you want for a box that is not going to be visited that much. And yet again I will be changing the hiding position on that one also.
Next I would say to the perspective hider, be patient yourself and don’t become too focused on planting the box in an exact location. Go to where you want to bring the finder and then begin to search around that area, literally circle the area in an expanding spiral until you find a good hiding spot that meets all the criteria or as many as possible that you have set for the plant. This I just did when I planted my Prospect Mountain Environmental Series last weekend. On my third box I had a lot of trouble finding a spot where I wanted to bring people and with the larger container that I used, made finding a good hiding spot in that vicinity impossible. So, I used the area that I wanted to bring people to as a landmark and found a more suitable location for the plant a little further up the road. That entire process took me about an hour There were potential locations in there target area, like under a log and such, that I could have used, but really were not good locations.
A last little bit of advice is to use containers that are water tight, like Snapware, Lock and Lock and such, and make sure that there are only as big as you need. I personally use the 6x6 boxes or 5x7 sizes deep enough to allow a stamp and the Strathmore 3x5 art pad with a little room for hitchhikers. Yes, if you can, make sure your box is large enough to fit a hitchhiker in it, because some boxer will put them in your box whether it fits or not. (I am beginning to not like hitchhikers anymore.) Also, buy yourself some black spray paint for plastic. And spay a little on the box, especially if there are any bright colors on the box. This will help if an inexperienced boxer finds your letterbox and does not place it back as good as they should. This way with a little camouflage on it will be more difficult to be seen by muggles.
This blog article has gone on longer than I anticipated so I will end it here. So to sum up the important points when planting a box:
1 Be patient
2 Box with real boxers when planting
3 Take the time to find a good secure planting location
4 Be a little more flexible and creative when a target site does not have a good hiding spot.
5 Use only the size box that is necessary for your purposes and camouflage it a little.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sterilite's Ultra-Seal possible letterbox container
This is a food storage container that is the right size for letterboxing and seals like a lock and lock, but has a steam vent. Our local big box only carries this brand now and I cannot find lock and lock or snapware anywhere so I decided to give Sterilite's Ultra-Seal a try. I sealed the steam vent with glue and sealer and I know have two in the field right now.
I just checked on a snapware container that is semi-out in the open on a mountain top and after a tough northeast winter all the contents inside where bone dry and the box seemed in good shape. So right now it receives a 4-Stars rating as I indicate in my side bar. I will let you know how this item fairs. I personally like lock and lock the best.
I just checked on a snapware container that is semi-out in the open on a mountain top and after a tough northeast winter all the contents inside where bone dry and the box seemed in good shape. So right now it receives a 4-Stars rating as I indicate in my side bar. I will let you know how this item fairs. I personally like lock and lock the best.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Prospect Mountain Environmental Series
The boxes are readyAfter about 5 months of thinking of this plant I have finally found the time to plant it.
My goal at the concept was to make it environmentally themed. I made 4 of the five containers from recycled food containers. I also am not going to include a logbook in all of the boxes as I am using the boxes in the series as a way to bring up some environmental point of issue and to help lead the boxer up the trail...like a trail of bread crumbs.
The issue of logbooks in all the boxes of the series was inspired by my doing a 13 box series and realized that when the boxes are just leading you along that a logbook in every box was a little redundant to me. That is why I only put the book in the first box and the fourth box. I place a log book in the fourth box and not the fifth because the fourth box had already been there and I was incorporating it into this series.
My goal at the concept was to make it environmentally themed. I made 4 of the five containers from recycled food containers. I also am not going to include a logbook in all of the boxes as I am using the boxes in the series as a way to bring up some environmental point of issue and to help lead the boxer up the trail...like a trail of bread crumbs.
The issue of logbooks in all the boxes of the series was inspired by my doing a 13 box series and realized that when the boxes are just leading you along that a logbook in every box was a little redundant to me. That is why I only put the book in the first box and the fourth box. I place a log book in the fourth box and not the fifth because the fourth box had already been there and I was incorporating it into this series.
The tunnels at the trailhead
Another issue that came up in a forum was that some boxers would feel a little more comfortable going on a woods trail if there where landmarks and the boxes act as landmarks and a sort of trail marker for the boxer.
This area really changed from last year. When you get south of the second reservoir I immediately saw the damage from last winter's storms. A lot of beech trees were blown over. This will create some young habitat that will attract a lot of different animals.
Nature is the Boss
As I used older food containers, that were a little big, I really had to search to find good hiding spots, in fact I was not able to plant one of the in exactly where I wanted to as I really was searching for secure hiding spots that protected the containers from the elements. I am not as confident with the old food containers as I would be with a lock and lock. I really am a fan of the 6x6 lock-n-lock as they are easier to hide and secure from the elements. This experience helped teach me to find better hiding places for my future plants. I think that I will relocated two of my older plants some time this year.
An empty second reservoirWell anyway I hope that you enjoy this series.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Gull Bay on Lake George
Today I had a trail work day at the Gull Bay Preserve, owned by the Lake George Land Conservancy. This is one that I had never been to before and I had a great day working hard.
I had an opportunity to work with one of the LGLC’s professionals and was given a little training in waterbar maintenance. We also worked a little on a new yellow trail that took us along a ridge with some excellent views of a Blue Heron rookery. There also was some fresh beaver activity. In fact this area just teams with wildlife.
I was working today, but I am looking forward to taking the kids back to this wonderful preserve.
I had an opportunity to work with one of the LGLC’s professionals and was given a little training in waterbar maintenance. We also worked a little on a new yellow trail that took us along a ridge with some excellent views of a Blue Heron rookery. There also was some fresh beaver activity. In fact this area just teams with wildlife.
I was working today, but I am looking forward to taking the kids back to this wonderful preserve.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Prospect Series Ready to Plant
Finally, I am ready to place the Prospect Mountain Environmental Series. I have an assortment of recycled containers and an idea of where and how I am going to place them. All I need is that all important and hard to come by ingredient: time. I am planning on releasing this series within the next three weeks. That will add 4 new boxes to an existing box planted on the back of Prospect Mt in Lake George NY. It also will connect to a separate box that I planted near the summit of Prospect Mt. Making a nice 6 box grab for box baggers.
My goal is to bring boxers up an alternative route to the top of Prospect Mountain that I have hiked all my life. It is up an access route that was use to service the long removed fire tower years ago. I also have another objective that I would like to achieve and that is to give people a cross section of what is going on environmentally in the Adirondacks. There will be splendor and beauty and a little ugliness that is both man made and from nature. I want to make the hiker aware of some of the problems that exist in this region, but make it fun while doing it.
I will post when planted.
My goal is to bring boxers up an alternative route to the top of Prospect Mountain that I have hiked all my life. It is up an access route that was use to service the long removed fire tower years ago. I also have another objective that I would like to achieve and that is to give people a cross section of what is going on environmentally in the Adirondacks. There will be splendor and beauty and a little ugliness that is both man made and from nature. I want to make the hiker aware of some of the problems that exist in this region, but make it fun while doing it.
I will post when planted.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
LGLC Owl Prowl
This last Saturday the LGLC had a program called the Owl Prowl that they originally scheduled at Pilot Knob Ridge, but due to icy trail conditions decided to hold the program at the Cat and Thomas Preserve on the west side of Lake George in Bolton Landing.
Our leader took us in to the preserve at twilight to a few locations that she had called owls before and had us wait off the trail, quietly, while she tried different owl calls. She was attempting to have them call back and hopefully get them to fly in and investigate. She explained that this time of year owls were beginning to pair up and mate for the season and by using certain calls they are more likely to call back.
We stopped at a few spots along the trial from the kiosk to a point about 0.75 miles in. Now while we didn’t have any luck, it gives you a different perspective being in the woods after dark on a clear night. The stars were beautiful and while the moon had not risen yet, the woods were still illuminated by the bright star lit sky. I camp in the late spring and summer and know what it is like to be in the woods after dark, but I don’t go camping in the winter and this experience just reminds me on how different and beautiful the woods look at different times of the day and year.
If you get a opportunity to go on a program run by the LGLC…go you will learn something
Our leader took us in to the preserve at twilight to a few locations that she had called owls before and had us wait off the trail, quietly, while she tried different owl calls. She was attempting to have them call back and hopefully get them to fly in and investigate. She explained that this time of year owls were beginning to pair up and mate for the season and by using certain calls they are more likely to call back.
We stopped at a few spots along the trial from the kiosk to a point about 0.75 miles in. Now while we didn’t have any luck, it gives you a different perspective being in the woods after dark on a clear night. The stars were beautiful and while the moon had not risen yet, the woods were still illuminated by the bright star lit sky. I camp in the late spring and summer and know what it is like to be in the woods after dark, but I don’t go camping in the winter and this experience just reminds me on how different and beautiful the woods look at different times of the day and year.
If you get a opportunity to go on a program run by the LGLC…go you will learn something
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Pilot Knob Ridge
I unexpectedly began my 2008 patrols at the Pilot Knob Ridge click the link in my sidebar for details...still not letterboxing yet...but soon!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
March and still snow bound
I haven't had much opportunity to enjoy the outdoors of late. There is 4 feet of snow on the ground right know and I have had to work on weekends to give my coworkers some vacation time. I also am not well outfitted for winter hiking...so what I am saying is that I have cabin fever real bad and I want the snow to go away.
Now I have been getting together my latest letterboxing project. I am going to turn the two letterboxes I have on the back of Prospect Mountain in Lake George, NY in to a 5 or six box multi place. I am going the theme it with and environmental educating color. This area really runs the gamut of abuse of the environment to nature at it's best and beautiful. I have the stamps carved and mounted and I am getting the containers prepared. I am going to place them as soon as the snow allows me too...sometime in late April????
See you then.
Now I have been getting together my latest letterboxing project. I am going to turn the two letterboxes I have on the back of Prospect Mountain in Lake George, NY in to a 5 or six box multi place. I am going the theme it with and environmental educating color. This area really runs the gamut of abuse of the environment to nature at it's best and beautiful. I have the stamps carved and mounted and I am getting the containers prepared. I am going to place them as soon as the snow allows me too...sometime in late April????
See you then.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A New Year
Another one came and went and for me I think it was a good year. One of the things that I did this year that I haven't done in the past is volunteer some of my time. It felt and feels great. This coming year I am planning on giving more time to the LGLC at Pilot Knob Ridge and I really want the trails there to be something that people really enjoy.
Letterboxing this year will be more finding and less planting. I am going to plant a series up on Prospect Mountain with a theme. What that theme is...well you will have to wait, but I have the stamps done and the containers all ready. I am just waiting for the spring. One thing that I am a little disappointed with letterboxing is the lack of letterboxes in remote locations and the lack of letterboxers who look for letterboxes in remote locations. I don't mean to say that I am down on letterboxing and many boxers have brought me to real special locations, but I will be searching for the mountain top and harder hike boxes this year and let the parks go and grab and go's be. Quality. Geocachers seem to place more in the areas that I want to go...well some will say why don't you geocache??? I will! But geocaching lacks the stamp which is one of the things that keeps me interested in letterboxing.
Letterboxing this year will be more finding and less planting. I am going to plant a series up on Prospect Mountain with a theme. What that theme is...well you will have to wait, but I have the stamps done and the containers all ready. I am just waiting for the spring. One thing that I am a little disappointed with letterboxing is the lack of letterboxes in remote locations and the lack of letterboxers who look for letterboxes in remote locations. I don't mean to say that I am down on letterboxing and many boxers have brought me to real special locations, but I will be searching for the mountain top and harder hike boxes this year and let the parks go and grab and go's be. Quality. Geocachers seem to place more in the areas that I want to go...well some will say why don't you geocache??? I will! But geocaching lacks the stamp which is one of the things that keeps me interested in letterboxing.
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