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.

Moss Island w/ Eric

Up with Eric - so glad he takes the time for these trips with me. We did the West End. I got up Sno White (5.8) on the 2nd try. Eric didn't make it and got discouraged. I went to try Seduction Crack (5.8) three or 4 times. I almost made it but  was tired when I tried for a dyno. Gotta get it next time.

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 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.

*** First Travel Journal Entry ***

Memorial Day

For my first hike it seems Eric & Kurt will be along. The Middle Settlement lake Loop is 14.5 miles long. It starts about 6.5 miles SW of Old Forge. I'm quite looking forward to it. I've invested a lot of time & money into this and I'm skeptical of Eric & Kurt being able to get along the whole time. I just hope to get out and really be on vacation.