(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.

 

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.

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.

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.

*** 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.