Old Forge, Bald Mountain, Family Hike

 Finally got in some outside time now that we are done w/ cleaning out Woodsedge apartment. It was much harder than I expected, but the family did a great job toughing it out.

(7.48) Brian's first ever backpacking trip

 

Brian & I hiked from the trailhead to middle settlement Lake, stayed overnight, and returned. It was a much shorter hike that I remember, just about three and a half miles in each direction. We didn't get started until late in the day because of some holdups at home. I don't think we hit the trail until about 4:00 p.m.

 

The trail was much different from my last visit, and even finding the trailhead took several drive-bys. For future reference, it's 1.9 miles south of the Ha-De-Ron-Dah trail access with a large parking area across the street. The drive to the trailhead is right next to the Forest Fire sign (pictured). 

  

There has been a lot of logging also which rerouted things. He wasn't eating and drinking enough on the hike in and had a start of a breakdown about a mile from the lean to, so we took a longer break and I made him eat a cliff bar and drink a lot of water. That changed everything for him and he had a good time.

  

The lean to was occupied so we had to find a nice camping spot not far away. The outhouse was gone so the toilet paper we brought to refill had to be carried back home. 

Very cool moment number one was when we saw a bear cub and her mom coming down a tree in the distance. I pulled out my bear spray, but they were happy to run in the other direction. Very cool moment number two was the 5:38 a.m. wake up with lightning and thunder and rain. Brian said he was scared in his own tent, but he toughed it out like a trooper. The rain didn't last long and we were quickly on the trail back to the van. 

 

I had thought of going two nights and staying at middle Branch Lake, but it was enough for him and his first time.

He remembered to download some office episodes and he watched that at camp while I cooked dinner. The whole point for me was to verify my load out, and make sure Brian had a decent time. We lost the trail once or twice on the way back to the car, but obviously, we kept calm & made it work.

Brian's pack was about 13 lb total. I carried all the food and cooking gear. Brian carried his extra clothes, sleep stuff, shelter, and we each used one trekking pole for the hike. He needed two for his tent and I just brought a tent pole for mine. His pack weight was about 13 pounds. My base was about 12 but I also carried extra water.

On one hand, I think we would have slept better with hammocks. But on the other, how nice it was to be in the tent and able to pack nearly everything into my backpack in a dry tent. I think with a hammock I would need some sort of gear sling or something, otherwise the backpack & other items might be left on the ground or some other place where it would get wet.

 

2019 Memorial Day Weekend - Old Forge, NY

So Annie called me Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon and said, "We're not doing anything this weekend. Why don't we go to Old Forge?" Shocked as I was, I couldn't say "YES" quickly enough! Someone must have cancelled because we got the only available cabin. No cottages were open (kitchen & potty) so we were more rustic than Annie prefers, but it all worked out.

This is the first time we took Belle on an extended trip and we were pleasantly surprised with how well she did. It was awesome to have her along. It did prevent us from going on the lake cruise, but otherwise it was great. We did leave her alone briefly while we took the kids to Calypso Cove.

Friday morning it was a long drive as both the dog & the boys needed to pee a few times. We actually stopped by some cemetery on the outskirts of Rome to pee before getting onto 365 & going through Holland Patent which was surprisingly emotional for me, though I didn't show anything. Weird. Joining Rte 12 & going to Old Forge also brought about many memories - how many times did we make that trip as a family? Funny thing is I remember going up there, I remember the gliders and the park in the center of town, but I don't ever remember eating up there.

The town hasn't changed much. The general store - which we visited Sunday on the way out of town - is still one of the main attractions. Now that we had Belle, it was easy to notice just how many dogs there were in town and how they were in almost every store - both by the store owner & by patrons. It made the whole place feel more welcoming I think.

The Candy Store was a phenomenal hit (see pic of boys w/ candy cigarettes). Lots of old-time stuff from when Annie & I were kids. Right across from it was a working payphone which really threw the kids for a loop. Allison tried to use the coin release so she could get quarters to make a phone call. Brian had to ask what a dial-tone was - I had asked if the phone was working by inquiring about a dial tone. Allison wanted to use 50 cents to call someone local but we didn't know anyone local and she said, "Wait. We're here so we are local." It was a gas!

Our cabin was #6 in Chipmunk Grove and it was nicely situated midway between the bathroom & the lake. Beautiful view of the water in just a few steps and no need to go very far if a toiletry emergency arose. Friday night I made chicken speedie, rice, and there were some fresh cut veggies I had prepped at home. Saturday we ate at Keyes Pancake house which was nice but next time, eat out on the last day so you don't have to do dishes! No real lunch but campfire hot dogs & s'mores on Saturday night. Sunday morning I cooked eggs & bacon. It was a near perfect weekend. Lots of time with the kids playing cards & just hanging out. They did spend a couple hours at the fun park (Calypso Cove). Go-carts were a disappointment but they went on the zip-line multiple times - Annie even went!

a man, his family, an apple, the wild,
and his thoughts. does it get any better?

Weather was great - cloudy, slight breeze, but warm enough for just a sweatshirt or windbreaker. Bugs were non-existent until the day we left. Never had to use sunscreen. The one regret was not getting to hike in the woods, but no everyone had a 2nd pair of shoes and it was very wet up there. Annie doesn't think it would work as a yearly tradition because it would get boring, but I'll keep pushing the issue. I actually think it would be wild to see a movie in their old-time theater.

On the way home we took a really backwoods way to get through from Remsen to Westernville. It was very cool to see the old church, the town, and Woods Valley. It was nice that Catherine had been there recently and put a nice plant on the Nordman gravesite. Weird to think how in a few years, no one will visit that patch of land. None of the rest of us will be buried nearby as far as I know.

But then we had a really cool stop at the Lake Delta Dam. I jogged across the bridge with the kids while looking straight down which still gives me butterflies in my stomach. The kids finally understood what I've been talking about all this time. We didn't get to spend more than 10 minutes there so we couldn't go to the glory hole or anything on the other side, but it was a really cool sight with the water coming over and showing them the river & the old loch. We also stopped by the Elmer Hill Road "house" and Brennan and I climbed a tree briefly. The lady in the old Huntley house had red hair just like Linda! She just looked at us with curiosity and we left after another 10 minutes - I showed kids the cove but didn't make it to the edge by the lake. Next time.

Wrapped the weekend with family Memorial Day on our porch with Evan, nana, & dudey. We picked up Evan on the way home Sunday - van was very cramped! Brought him to Ithaca on Monday night so it was a short stay. At the cabin I slept on the floor on a backpacking pad (NEMO) which was fine - Brennan w/ Annie in double bed, and the others got their own bunk. No way we could have included anyone else, though.

MSL w/ the MI Co

Up at the lean-to w/ Poss, Power, Carmon, Bieling, Gardiner, Perry, and Sherrick.

Learned for the first time up here that there are snapping turtles and leeches in the lake. The turtles are about 2-feet long. We hiked in w/ rucksacks. We will be hiking out soon as Sherrick hurt his ankle. Not was SFC Power wants to do, but figure we have to drive back to Syracuse, get everyone home safely, and then he's got to possibly see a Dr. Better to have some leeway in our schedule in case of anything else going wrong.

We walked to Middle Branch lean-to which has a fantastic view. It was a long & hilly hike. No lean-to at the trail junction. Dragonflies & flies are bad today. I was great in my hammock last night. Need to remember to put one side higher than the other. New stove was great. Water filter was awesome - need to keep it clean.

MSL with Lotar

Did NOT bring: sleep mat, stools, slippers. Really need slippers!

Fell into water just before lean-to. Feet, shoes, socks, and underwear are soaked. Can't do anything to help Lotar because I can't walk around. Saw is working well. Gaiters are priceless! Terramar works great on feet and body. Will find out tonight about sleeping on poncho & liner. Good thing the lean-to was open or I'd be screwed (didn't bring a tent to save weight). Lotar is getting good use of the saw.

Rain fly on backpack worked great until I got dunked. Then had a pool in it but I didn't notice.

I brought extra trash bags as an afterthought and it was a good call since my boots probably won't be dry in time. Thank God I've got extra long johns for the top & bottom. Should have brought extra underwear. Waterproof bags for inside the backpack - in case of dunking - are now required.

PS - I removed all my wet clothing to avoid lowering my body temp, but nothing dried, it just froze, event my boots. What I should have done is keep everything on and work to help the moisture evaporate.

MSL with Kurt (2 of 2)

Bring poncho to cover things, it's not just for you. Get them-a-rest pad. Need better sleeping bag. Froze overnight. Condensation frozen in the morning. SO glad to have stove & thermos. Put things in bivy w/ you if you don't want them frozen (water, lighter). Oatmeal & hot cocoa were fantastic as was instant capuccino. Now it's snowing!

Next time, thick socks no matter what. That way at least if boots aren't a perfect fit, there won't be room for foot to move & create blister. Also bring baby wipes for latrine and a chair / stool for around the campfire.

MSL with Kurt (1 of 2)

Started hike at 1353 hours.

Chilly today! Bit of wind, too. Got to lean-to at 1615. Kurt set up sleeping area and I boiled water for soup & hot chocolate. Also made potatoes w/ canned chicken. Molly McButter is great. Getting dark now. Kurts back & the blisters on my heels are forcing us out the way we cam in. Don't think I'll get any reading done.

Blue Mountain

Hiked Blue Mountain w/ Eric & Lisa. Took 70 minutes on the way up, only 40 minutes to get down. Went the wrong way driving. Remember to take route 30 or 28N! Don't just stay on 28!
Wish C were here.

Black Mountain

Friday - Saturday (5/28-29) Colleen & I went hiking up Black Mountain. Next time, just take the Thruway unless going for the scenery! Took around 4 hours to drive and my brakes go so hot I had to pull over and let them cool before continuing. Nice shopping outlet in Queensbury. Colleen was a blast as usual. Heard some large animals in the night. Next time, be prepared. Bugs weren't bad at all.

Hiking, Climbing, Blue Mountain

Went hiking w/ Colleen on Sunday.

Saturday I went climbing w/ Paul Becker & Jen Friedberg. They went up Jeff Loves Eileen and the route to the left. Didn't get to the top of JLE. Then I did Seduction Crack. I was ONE move from the top, but it was all arm and I was wasted. Still had a good time.

Sunday, hiked Blue Mountain w/ Colleen. Two miles straight up. Beautiful view and quite a workout. Took 1.5 hours up, only 30 minutes to go down!

MSL w/ Colleen Tanner

Up in ADK w/ Colleen. Went swimming in the lake for the first time. Very nice! Didn't sleep well - nothing new there. Cutting across blue trail to save time.

Next time bring running pants, 3rd t-shirt, and other footwear to change into. The ferns and overgrowth were pretty bad once we got to the other side of the lake. My feet were soaked. Good thing I brought dry socks & towel. Water was a nice swim. Lantern was a good addition.

Panther Mountain climbing

Took Eric to Echo Cliff on Panther Mountain near Piseco, NY. Only did one route - West End Brewery. E didn't quite do it all, but I was able to flash it. Crux was 2nd or 3rd move. Whole route was only 7 or 8 moves long. I'll pay more attention next time. It was easy to top-rope with the trees and all. Could be a good route to practice leading and placing pro. I don't know about the other routes. I will be going back! Eric bought climbing shoes so hopefully he's into climbing, too. Maybe Kurt can go with us next time.

MSL solo (2 of 2)

Back in the car now. Did NOT sleep well - R eye sore. Beautiful morning though. A little chilly which kept bugs away at first.

From now on, no need to bring stove unless it's winter. There's enough firewood available. Also, need heat shield for stove - wind had a huge impact on the flame. It took 10 minutes to boil 1 cup of water.

Didn't need the extra socks. Didn't need (or use, actually) the pillow. Gotta bring handkerchief next time. Had to use my t-shirt and then had to wear long sleeve shirt on the way out this morning. I was thinking of heading to Canada Lakes Wilderness Trail, but changed my mind. It looks easy to reach and I want to head home.

MSL solo (1 of 2)

Up at MSL again. Bugs are glad to see me. Remember to bring something to write w/ next time. Platypus bottle is a pain since it doesn't fit the water filter. Mosquito netting is great.

All alone this time since it's mid-week. My R knee hurts, but it's a lovely place. Brought a towel this time and it is nice to have.

If I eat citrus fruits before hiking, will the chemicals in my sweat repel the bugs? Ben's 100 works well, but it's a strong chemical. I'm nervous about just opening up the water.

Next time bring anti-itch stuff. Turtleneck is a great idea.
Cory Cipriani - Dick Zeman

MSL notes

About the last trip, it was COLD! I had a 3/4 sleeping pad, but my feet were chilly. Plus, I had no pillow and was very uncomfortable. Also, from now on, I need to bring 3 T-shirts: one for hiking in, one to sleep in & hike out in, and one in the car for the trip home. I took my first real outdoors poop. Need to remember that there's no toilet seat! I didn't squat all the way, leaned against a rock, and pissed on my pants if you can believe that.

Food was okay. Not too hungry at night, but at lunch I was starved. I have Clif bars and an MRE. Bring more water, too.

MSL again

Up again w/ Eric. Due to late start, staying @ Middle Settlement lean-to instead of Middle Branch. Plus, unsure of existence of Middle Branch lean-to since it's on the map, but not in the book. All day tomorrow so will try to locate it. Eric's right shoulder hurts. My knee is so-so. Feet are great - love these sock liners.

MSL again

Hiked Middle Settlement Lake Loop w/ Eric. 5 hours not going to Grass Pond and Middle Branch Lake. Accidentally went counter-clockwise again!!! Junction is 4 minutes from Copper Lake Road, or 200 paces from stream. Tired.

*** First Backpacking Event 3 of 3***

Woke up around 7:30am. Little or no sleep. Didn't eat too much. Tough hike on the way back - lots of hills. I'm home now. Showered. Fed. Nap time. Next time, less food, less clothing, more water. Long pants & shirt and face bug screen like Kurts. The bugs were the worst part of the trip.

*** First Backpack Event 2 of 3 ***

We went counterclockwise around the lake somehow. We found the outlook, but no lean-to. Pitched camp and filtered water for Kurt & I but Eric was unsure of the safety. Now it's starting to rain. Bugs are terrible so just heading back tomorrow rather than finishing the entire hike.

*** First Backpack Event 1 of 3 ***

Saturday

We went the wrong way - towards Copper Lake. Backtracked to find trail & took 10 minute break. I've got blisters on both heels.