Embark - Spring 2021

A D I R O N D AC K A D V E N T U R E G U I D E — S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

• Prepare for your spring paddling adventure • Champlain Valley spring wildflowers • Hurricane Mountain Wilderness • Properly storing your winter gear • Siamese Ponds Wilderness

©2 02 1 Adiro ndac k D aily E nterp ris e

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CONTENTS

6

Spring hike

11

A trek into the Five Ponds Wilderness

Spring skiing destinations...........................................3 Spring weather expectations ......................................4 Save your winter gear for next season ........................5 Trek into the Five Ponds Wilderness ............................6 Hurricane Mountain Wilderness..................................8 Fire towers of the Adirondacks....................................9

Flora Spring wildflowers in the Champlain Valley

Stillwater and No. 4...................................................10 Blooms of an Adirondack spring................................11 Dutton Mountain to Venison Mountain.....................12 Prepare for your paddling trip...................................13 A 4-pack in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness ...............14 Destination: Rattlesnake Mountain...........................16

E M B AR K Brought to you by the publishers of the

THE LAKE PLACID NEWS and

14 2

State land A 4-pack in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness

General Manager: Donna Leonard ADE Managing Editor: Peter Crowley LPN Editor: Andy Flynn Designer: Andy Flynn Email: news@adirondackdailyenterprise.com Produced by Adirondack Publishing, P.O. Box 318, 54 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 Cover photo: A spring break on Jay Mountain Photo by Antonio Olivero Although Embark is free, some of you may want to get a subscription if you live outside the circulation area or just want to guarantee yourself a copy. To have a subscription mailed to your home or business, call 518-891-2600.

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Spring 2021

Spring skiing destinations

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Early spring skiing can be just as good as winter skiing, and let’s be honest, winter usually isn’t over in the Adirondack Park on the vernal equinox.

The later into the season you go, however, the more apt you are to find dicey conditions more warranting of a good pair of rock skis and Red Bull awareness. As the rocks and roots start to protrude or come closer to the surface of the leftover corn snow, the more you need to be on your toes and the less areas of opportunity exist.

Below are some spots where you can get some kick and glide action later into the spring season, but again, rock skis should be something to consider so you don’t ruin a perfect base.

Mount Marcy

On this one, you may have to lug your skis up high to get a few turns. If it’s early enough in the season, you could potentially ski all the way up and back, but as the season starts to mature you may need to carry them up to the summit to play around in the residual snow in the bowl. For some, this is totally worth the effort. For others wanting to ski with much less energy expenditures, try the below locations.

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Tupper Lake Country Club

There are many golf courses to choose from scattered about the area, so take your pick, but I like doing a few laps in Tupper Lake.

The groomed trails are in nice condition late and if enough snow persists there is some nice trail skiing as well to get you off the links. It is a free to use location, but I am sure they wouldn’t turn their noses up at a donation. See skitupperlake.blogspot.com for more details. With six trails for mostly the beginner to intermediate, I am sure you can find something for the entire family.

Paul Smith’s College VIC

This is a great go to for cross-country skiing all winter long. With its groomed and ungroomed trails, there is always something to ski for the beginner to advanced skier in you.

The groomed trails tend to last longer than most but ask at the front desk when you check in to see what’s good for that day. Trails are open dawn to dusk and there is a small fee to use and a season’s pass for frequent users. Be sure to grab a map at the visitors center, the trails can be confusing without one.

Cascade and Mount Van Hoevenberg ski centers

These are fee-to-use locations, but the skiing here can be quite good in the early spring. With frequently groomed trails and a variety of terrain, you can come back over and over and find new conditions. Be sure to check their websites for conditions, hours, and details of special events. Pick up maps in the visitors centers.

Continued on page 7

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Photo by John DiGiacomo, Placid Times Photography

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PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

The weather

Spring weather expectations in the Adirondack Park

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Just like all other regions of the world, there are technically four seasons for which you can enjoy the Adirondack Mountains. However, some seasons don’t tend to follow the calendar dates, weather wise.

The vernal equinox was technically March 20 this year, and the summer solstice is technically June 20, but as many of you know, winter conditions can stay around well into spring. So here are some ideas of what to expect if you are heading into the Adirondack woods and waters from April to June. After all, safe adventures are the best adventures, and having the right gear should not hinder your amazing experience in the mountains.

Paddling

While the water looks pleasant, it can still be very cold. Be sure to wear a PFD at all times and maybe a light layer of Neoprene. And don’t forget your year-round paddling gear either. Test the water as you get into your craft to give you an idea of what being submerged might be like (remember that water is warmer around the shore).

cend. That’s about right, but I have found it to average out to be closer to 8 degrees. Yes, 3 degrees can make a difference.

Be sure to check in with area conditions before you venture out, and don’t depend on social media to be your news source.

Traction might be needed as late as the beginning of June in the High Peaks. Be sure to pack a hat, gloves, dry socks and serious wind protection if you plan to go out, not to mention the other essential gear. Yes, your pack will be a bit heavier, but I know you can handle the added 5 pounds or so.

Crossing ice

Simple: Don’t do it. Ice is unpredictable all year long. Why chance it? You just cannot tell how fast the ice is melting and where those thin patches are located.

Trout lilies

Skiing

It is not unheard of to ski into May up high. It might not be good, and you might have to walk a ways with your skis, but it happens. Late March and April can bring some decent skiing conditions, especially if the winters produce a lot of snow. It’s usually not ideal, however, and generally requires some kind of “rock skis” so you don’t ruin a good pair.

Hiking

This is where it can get tough, confusing and even more important to check local conditions. While down low it could be 60 degrees or warmer, when you ascend the peaks, the temperature gets cooler. By the time you hit 3,500 feet in elevation, you could experience ice, snow, single-digit temperatures and colder wind chills. Now what do you think about those shorts and tennis shoes?

The saying goes, you drop 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet you as4

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Spring 2021

Gear guide

Save your winter gear for next year

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Throughout the winter, your gear gets wet then dry, wet then dry, and this process continues right through the season. The more active your season, the more important it is to take care of your gear that takes care of you. While I don’t have all the answers to extend the life of your gear, I would like to get you started in the habit of good gear care.

Snowshoes

There isn’t too much to do to your snowshoes. The best thing you can do is bring them inside to melt away any snow or ice build-up.

Then look for any possible damage from the previous season that can cause a complete breakdown of the equipment and your mental state when you are in the field. Take care of this in the off-season, either yourself or by sending it away to the manufacturer for repair. Crampons can be sharpened using a flat file, but do not sharpen to a sharp point; they just need to be sharp enough to do the job.

Crampons

The same as with snowshoes, it is important to get them dry and check them for damage. Use steel wool to clean off any surface rust that shows up. Crampons can be sharpened using a flat file, but do not sharpen to a point; just sharpen enough to do the job. Sharp points can break down the hardening of the metals. Crampons are best stored in a crampon pouch or bag.

Microspikes

The same as with snowshoes and crampons, it is important to get them dry and check them for damage. Microspikes are best stored in a pouch or bag.

Cross-country skis

Dry out your skis, and remove any ice build-up. To remove any light

Spring 2021

surface rust on the metal edges, you can use a piece of steel wool. I have found that storing them in a ski bag tends to make the metal edges rust more during the off season. Keep them in a dry location to minimize this. Have them tuned in the off season to be ready for the first snow. Anytime you want your skis tuned, I recommend bringing them to a reputable place to get them serviced.

Trekking poles

There is a simple process for maintenance of poles. If you have a one-piece pole, there really is no maintenance, just check for damage.

If you have a two- or three-section pole, simply take them apart to dry and keep them in a warm, dry area whenever possible. If there is any dirt between the sections, wipe them free before you put them back together.

Tent

A four-season tent is the best way to go for winter camping for many reasons, but care for it like any other tent. When you come back from camping, every time, not just for storage, your tent will be wet and, in many cases, still frozen in areas. You should set the tent up inside to let it dry, if you have the space. If you don’t have space, you should at least hang it up. Use the curtain bar in your shower and flip it around to be sure it all gets dry.

Sleeping bag

Down sleeping bags are the same as down outerwear and should be treated as such. Down should only be washed with a down wash, which is free of heavy perfumes or harsh chemicals. Down should also only be washed in a front-loading washing machine to avoid water loading and abrupt movements.

Down can be place in a drier, and it is recommended. Hanging wet

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Continued on page 7

5

HI TC H EN S

Spring hiking

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

This hike is a hidden gem whose trail is starting to come very popular for anyone who wants to take awesome photos or enjoy the Five Pond Wilderness. While this hike requires the visitor to travel along an old woods road for a while, the final trail section to the summit is a fantastic little walk. The views are, by far, some of the finest around.

How to get there

From Tupper Lake, follow state Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 9.5 miles to Route 421 on the right. Follow here past Horseshoe Lake, the road turns into dirt. Continue past the camping areas and the launch for Horseshoe Lake and cross the railroad tracks. Continue for just under 1 mile to a gated dirt road on the left, park here, but not in front of the gate.

From the trailhead, start your 3.7-mile hike along the dirt road. You will pass by some very nice birding opportunities as you hike by Hitchens Marsh, which over the course of the hike appears on both sides of the road. The access road is 2.7 miles in length and very easy to walk with almost no elevation change. As you approach the end, you will pass by the remnants of old houses and structures to your right, and during the correct season, wildflowers will fill your eyes.

The foot trail is here and marked with a DEC sign.

The trail starts out climbing right off on a well-traveled path as it sweeps hard to the southwest along the bottom of the ridge. After a small descent, the it meanders through the open hardwood forest and hooks around the backside of the ridge’s high point before climbing the west side to the open rock spine. Unbelievable views are had from this open rock, and a little exploring along the ridge to the north will find you a plaque and an old carving on the rock.

This hike is best done once the gate on Horseshoe Lake Road is opened; otherwise, you will have a much longer road walk. The gate usually opens sometime in May depending on snow and mud conditions. Contact the local Forest Ranger for more details on the condition of the road and the gate’s current status.

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

OVERLOOK

Trek into the Five Ponds Wilderness

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Spring 2021

GEAR Continued from page 5

down will make the down become bunched up, and that is bad. Dry on a low setting, and place a couple tennis balls or a shoe in with it. The tennis balls or shoe will work the down around while drying and helping it spread back out. If you use a shoe, be sure it is a non-marking shoe to avoid black marks in your dryer or on your gear.

Synthetic sleeping bags are much easier to clean. They should also be put in a front-loading washer only. Synthetic fillers can also bunch up when washed and should be dried in the same manner as a down sleeping bag.

Storage is important and should not be overlooked. All bags should be hung if you have the room or stored flat. I realize this is not an option for many people. You can also store your bags in a large storage sack or laundry bag. It is important not to store them compressed for a long period of time. Extended periods of compression can mat the fillers and over time lose some of its loft and warmth ratings. Also, rodents love sleeping bags; keep the bags in a bin if you can, especially if you are storing them in a basement or an out building.

Backpack

These are simple to care for, but they often get overlooked. If the inside of your pack stays dry, you don’t need to do too much other than hang it up. If the inside of the pack gets wet, all you can really do is empty it and hang it upside down to drip dry. If you feel the sudden urge to wash your pack, it is best to just hand wash it with a cloth and light detergent as needed. Dirt adds character; don’t fuss over it.

Outerwear

Outerwear is best stored folded if you can, in a rodent-free tub for extended periods of time.

Base-layer: Cold water is best to clean your base layers. You can buy a wool wash for the wool or a base wash for both wool and synthetic materials. You can also put them in your regular wash like most people do, but the perfumes in the detergent are said to breakdown the fibers quicker. I have not found this to be the case. The base wash is a bit of a different compound and is typically used for base layers with a lingering odor. Do NOT put in the dryer. Most will shrink. It is best to store folded in a drawer; hanging them for long periods of time cold causes them to stretch out.

Fleece: This should be done to the instructions on the garment. Many brands of fleece like to pill when washed with other materials, especially if the other materials gave excessive buttons and buckles. Velcro is not a fleece’s best friend and can do more damage to your jacket.

Fleece is best washed in a separate load or with other like materials.

Store folded or hanging or in a rodent-free tub.

Waterproof/breathable: It is best to wash these pieces with a deterSKI DESTINATIONS Continued from page 3

South Meadow to Marcy Dam

Want more backcountry-type skiing? This access road into Marcy Dam can hold enough snow to get you a bit further into the ski season.

There isn’t a ton of elevation change over the nearly 4-mile trek to Marcy Dam, but the few there are, are quite fun, and the views are spectacular.

Lake Road

Accessed out of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, this road back to Lower AuSable Lake can be pretty good. The snow stays firm, but it gets stomped down pretty hard by snowshoers, so it can be very icy at time and in certain areas very fast. Hang around the edges and you will find the best snow. It is roughly 4 miles back to Lower AuSable Lake.

Heaven Hill Trails

This small ski trail network off Bear Cub Road in Lake Placid is a beginner’s ski area, and even if the snow isn’t all that grand you can probably get a few laps in before lunch before the snow starts to stick to your scales. With three main loops and several cross-over trails, you can ski there all day and have a relaxing time with friends and family.

Spring 2021

gent designed for this type of clothing. Using regular detergent tends to not rinse off well enough and over time will clog the pores of the jacket making it less breathable. Wash them with like garments and no more than four pieces at a time. For heavily soiled pieces, be sure to rinse off all excess dirt before putting in your washing machine.

Drying can be done on low temperature if needed, but not typically necessary because they tend to dry quickly. Drying on a low temperature can also bring back some of the waterproofing that was manufactured into the material.

Putting waterproofing back into a material can be done with a sprayon or wash-in waterproofing material. Use the spray-on for outerwear that is lined or insulated. Using wash-in waterproofing is perfect for shell jackets or pants. Using wash-in on insulated pieces can cause the pores to get clogged and lose some of the breathability.

Hats, balaclavas and gloves: Depending on the material, washing these is typically easy and can be mixed in with your regular laundry.

Hang dry only to avoid shrinking, and use cold water. Warm water will be OK, but hot water should be avoided unless hey are heavily soiled.

A better option is to pre-soak and hand scrub for heavily soiled gloves, and wash in cold water.

Down clothing: Use the same washing and drying techniques for down clothing as you do for down sleeping bags (mentioned above).

Boots

Boots can be washed best by brushing off excess dirt and then hand washed. To dry your boots, you need to be a bit more careful. Excessive heat is bad for glued seams and leather. Placing them on or near a heater will dry out the glues, which can cause a shoe to break down much quicker. High heat also dries out leather and causes sewed seams to break down and the body to crack.

It is best to remove the foot bed before you start to dry them to allow for adequate air flow. Then you have the option to leave them alone in a dry, warm environment, if you are not in a hurry. If you are in a rush, you can stuff them with newspaper to soak up the excess moisture. You can also purchase boot stacks that simply move warm, dry air into and around the inside of the boots.

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State land spotlight

Hurricane Mountain Wilderness

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Wildlife

The state Department of Environmental Conservation states, “The Adirondacks contain large tracts of wildlife habitat with some boreal, bog, alpine and other unique habitats. Many species of birds and mam8

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

The Hurricane Mountain Wilderness Area is 13,784 acres in size, a large tract of the state Forest Preserve. The majority of the area is mountainous and visible from many miles away, including Vermont.

Hurricane Mountain (3,694 feet) is the most prominent feature of the area and, by far, the most popular destination. The bare rock summit provides a 360-degree view that takes in the High Peaks, Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont. A 35-foot fire tower is located on the summit. The tower is visible from the highway and piercing the sky from many other locations. After a long wait and the fear of having it removed, it is now restored and open to the public to climb.

The wilderness area has a few trails that go through it. Some are listed below.

Hurricane Mountain has three trails.

1) The East Hurricane Mountain trail begins at the end of Hurricane Mountain Lane and is slightly over 2.7 miles from the trailhead.

2) The Hurricane Mountain trail from Route 9N ascends for 3.4 miles from the road to the summit. Much of the trail has been rerouted, making for a less steep and much more scenic trail. This is the most popular route to the peak.

3) The Crow’s Clearing trailhead at the end of O’Toole Road begins a 3-mile trail to the summit. It is more moderate throughout and a lovely route.

For Lost Pond and Weston Mountain (3,115 feet), from Crow Clearing, follow the Hurricane trail for a ways and then the Lost Pond/Weston Mountain trail, which is on the left about 1.1 miles in. The trail is 2.1 miles to Lost Pond and the Biesemeyer Memorial lean-to. The summit of Weston Mountain is another 0.3 mile and 275 feet climb beyond Lost Pond, but the trail is much less used.

Continuing past Weston Mountain brings you along the Soda Range also known as the Nun-da-ga-o Ridge Trail. This is considered a connector trail that attached Weston Mountain to the Big Crow trail and is 3 miles across. There are a great number of views along the ridge offering outstanding views. While the trail is used fairly often, it can be hard to see in certain areas and care should be practiced.

For Little Crow Mountain (2,535 feet), the trail ascends 845 feet and 0.9 mile from the Hurricane Road trailhead to the summit. The trail contains moderate climbs with a few steep sections and a number of scenic views from ledges along the way. Continuing over the summit will bring you to Big Crow Mountain, and the drop to the col is steep.

For the summit of Big Crow Mountain (2,815 feet), climb another 280 feet from the col with Little Crow Mountain. Many scenic views of the surrounding peaks can be found along the way and on the summit. Big Crow Mountain can be reached by itself from the Crow’s Clearing trailhead, which is a steep and steady climb.

All designated primitive tent sites, campsites and lean-tos are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. Designated campsites are marked with a yellow “Camp Here” disc.

Designated tent sites are for tents only. Tents or small campers can use designated campsites. There are no hook-ups for water or electricity at campsites.

Campers who desire more amenities may camp at the nearby Lincoln Pond Campground or Sharp Bridge Campground and take day trips into the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness. Otherwise, the Gulf Brook lean-to is located 1.2 miles from the Crow’s Clearing trailhead with three primitive tent sites located nearby. The Biesemeyer lean-to is located between Lost Pond and Weston Mountain, and one primitive tent site is located nearby.

Hunting and trapping is allowed in the area, so be aware as hunters could be using the area.

The wilderness area is also excellent for snowshoeing. Cross-country skiing is a more limited due to difficult terrain.

mals are unique to the Adirondacks or are mainly found here. More than 50 species of mammals and hundreds of species of birds inhabit or pass through the Adirondacks at one time of the year or another, so it is not unlikely to catch site of wildlife during your trip.”

Be sure to look for moose, black bear, beaver, eastern coyote, river otter, white-tailed deer, bald eagle, common loon, great-horned owl, great blue heron, wild turkey and an abundance of different song birds, reptiles and insects.

Getting there

The boundary road between the Hurricane Mountain Primitive Area and the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area — known as Wells Hill Road in the town of Lewis and Jay Mountain Road in the town of Jay — provide an opportunity to observe the region from vehicles. High clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. The road is not maintained in the winter.

There are three trailheads with parking areas, one trailhead with roadside parking and numerous other locations with roadside parking that provide access the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness.

1) Route 9N trailhead is 6.5 miles west of Elizabethtown.

2) Crow’s Clearing trailhead is located off O’Toole Road in Keene.

3) Hurricane Road trailhead is located along Hurricane Road in Keene.

4) Hurricane Mountain Lane trailhead is located at the end of Hurricane Mountain Lane in Elizabethtown.

5) Jay Mountain/Wells Hill Road, western end, is in the town of Jay. 6) Jay Mountain/Wells Hill Road, eastern end, is in the town of Lewis. There are no trailheads off Jay Mountain/Wells Hill Road.

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Spring 2021

PHOTO BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

Poke-O-Moonshine fire tower

Adirondack fire towers Mountain Elevation County Built Open Adams ..........................3,584 .............Essex .....................1917 ...............Yes Arab..............................2,545 .............St. Lawrence..........1918 ...............Yes Azure ............................2,518 .............Franklin.................1918 ...............Yes Bald (Rondaxe).............2,350 .............Herkimer...............1917 ...............Yes Belfry............................1,820 .............Essex .....................1917 ...............Yes Black.............................2,646 .............Washington ..........1918 ...............No Blue..............................3,759 .............Hamilton...............1917 ...............Yes Cathedral Rock..............1,700 .............St. Lawrence..........1919 ...............Yes Goodnow......................2,685 .............Essex .....................1922 ...............Yes Gore..............................3,583 .............Warren ..................1918 ...............No Hadley ..........................2,675 .............Saratoga ...............1917 ...............Yes Hurricane......................3,694 .............Essex .....................1919 ...............Yes Kane .............................2,180 .............Fulton ...................1925 ...............Yes Loon Lake .....................3,279 .............Franklin.................1917 ...............No Lyon..............................3,830 .............Clinton ..................1917 ...............Yes Owls Head ....................2,780 .............Hamilton...............1919 ...............Yes Pillsbury .......................3,597 .............Hamilton...............1924 ...............Yes Poke-O-Moonshine.......2,170 .............Essex .....................1917 ...............Yes Snowy ..........................3,899 .............Hamilton...............1917 ...............Yes Spruce ..........................2,005 .............Saratoga ...............1928 ...............Yes Stillwater......................2,264 .............Herkimer...............1919 ...............Yes St. Regis........................2,882 .............Franklin.................1918 ...............Yes Vanderwhacker ............3,386 .............Essex .....................1918 ...............Yes Wakely..........................3,744 .............Hamilton...............1916 ...............Yes Woodhull......................2,362 .............Hamilton...............1916 ...............Yes Spring 2021

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Spring hiking

Stillwater and No. 4

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

sides. It was clear that a front was moving in but unclear on the time frame. Of course, it was early June, so it was kind of expected.

The trail has been designed to be easy to moderate, and it was certainly that; we found ourselves standing below the tower in seemingly a flash. Seeing as how we had our four-legged companion Abby with us, we had to take turns on the tower. Abby would have nothing to do with it.

The descent was a fast and furious race to beat the storm. We could feel it coming in, and a few drops of liquid sunshine tapped our shoulders to let us know they were right behind us. We made it to the car just about in time for the skies to open up, even though only for a short period of time. The temperatures dropped 15 degrees in a matter of minutes, and the excess water ran freely into the culverts. Then it was over. The sun was shining once again.

We didn’t hit rain again until much later, after our date with an order of spicy peanut butter wings and a few brews at Screamin’ Eagle in Inlet, and at that point we were in the security of our car and watching the “light show” before us. Here’s to two more fire tower summits under our belts!

No. 4 fire tower

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

The drive for us to the bottom end of Hamilton County takes a bit of time, but we are more than happy to turn on the tunes and suck back an extra cup of Joe to get us there. Our drive up Big Moose Road to Stillwater Road was an adventure unto itself as its condition has seen better days.

We decided to check out the site of the No. 4 fire tower, which happens to be on what is known as No. 4 Mountain. But, honestly, it resembles more of a hill than an actual peak. Still, I’m glad we decided to visit it, even though it didn’t burn off a slice of pepperoni. We arrived at campsite 1 off Smith Road and located the trail to the top of the rise.

We didn’t grab anything but our camera. The hike took us all of about 1 minute and 30 seconds before we were standing at the historic site.

The cement footers and cement stairs of the tower were still in their original location, not that anyone could move them, and the geodetic survey marker was also still intact a bit farther along the path.

After this little visit, we started our drive back to the new Stillwater Mountain trailhead. It wasn’t separated by much, maybe 15 minutes along the rough dirt road. The original trail was abandoned, and this new location was approved to pass through the Big Moose Tract Easement Lands. In fact, the mountain was closed to the public for quite some time.

The trailhead was busy, and parking was almost full. We had to nudge off the side of Stillwater Road, half in a ditch but secure. The trail was a little muddy beneath our feet, mainly due to the newness of the trail and the lack of many years of erosion. The weather had turned to three sheets of humidity, so thick we became drenched from all

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Spring 2021

Adirondack flora

Blooms of an Adirondack spring in the Champlain Valley

By CATS staff

It’s finally spring in the Adirondack Park’s Champlain Valley.

Canada geese will start to fly overhead looking for open water, while we trade skis for canoes and kayaks on our car racks.

Hiking trails at lower elevations thaw out first, followed by packed snow melting at higher elevations, flowing into mountain creeks.

Longer days are having their impact, and the short, bitterly cold winter days in the Adirondacks all seem worth it when a big thaw reveals tiny green buds popping up from the ground. If you’d like to see a pastelflooded forest floor, look no further than a Champlain Area Trails hike.

With no leaves on the trees to block the sun, the shade-less forest floor emerges with color. White trilliums pop up on the CATS Riverside Trail in Willsboro. They are a member of the lily family and one of the first signs of spring in the Adirondacks. It has three petals, three leaves and three sepals. Trilliums pop up in a variety of shades in the forest, from purple to white, and even multi-colored.

As you walk through fields and forests along the Boquet River on the CATS Riverside Trail in Willsboro, you might spot gaywings or fringed milkwort. The bright purple flowers make it easy to spot on the neutral leaf-covered forest floor. The gaywings leaves were used externally by the Iroquois as a wash or poultice to treat abscesses, boils and sores.

If you head over to CATS’ new North Boquet Summit Trail, you’ll have a good chance at catching a Carolina spring beauty. These are tiny, short-lived flowers — so it’s important to catch them before the leaves emerge above and they go to seed. Depending on the weather, you can see them in early May. Make sure to look up as well — deciduous tree buds and blooms can provide a show of color, too. Wherever you roam on a CATS trail this spring, make sure to keep your eyes peeled. Document your findings on iNaturalist, or send us a photo at info@champlainareatrails.com.

With more than 60 miles of trails to explore, you’re bound to find something interesting out there. Happy Trails!

Champlain Area Trails is a nonprofit organization that saves land, makes trails, connects people with nature, and promotes. Information on CATS events, activities, and trails is available at CATS website and by following CATS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To get free copies of the CATS maps, call 518-962-2287, email info@champlainareatrails, or go to its website.

Fringed milkwort or gaywings

Spring beauty

PHOTOS BY CATS

White trillium

Spring 2021

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11

Spring hiking

Dutton Mountain to Venison Mountain

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

I took a recent trek up Moxham Mountain, and because of that hike, I got the idea to see what else this region’s mountains have to offer.

We had this plan to do a two-car traverse through an area none of us were familiar with, so we left nothing to chance and got a bit of an early start. We spotted a car off Northwoods Club Road in a very deep col between Venison and Kellogg mountains. We found a spot near the culvert for Bullhead Brook, which saved us having to cross it later in the day. It had become a river with all the snowmelt during the recent weeks. Then off we were to the other side of the range.

We parked our second car off 14th Road just south of Minerva, which happens to be the same road as Moxham Mountain. We drove past that trailhead and continued for over a mile to a convenient spot across the swollen creek and on state Forest Preserve. Much of this area is private property, but there are a couple of parking spots that accessed us to state land. We found the western most access point, which was perfect because this placed us on the friendlier side of a raging Deer Creek.

We left our snowshoes in the car; I had no desire to wear or carry them. Worst-case scenario, we wallow through what snow was left. It couldn’t be much; the ground, as far we could see, was bare. Immediately the ground was soft under our feet, and we loved it. Even the slight amount of standing spring water was great to see for a change.

After a short steep climb to get above the brook, we were on a mellow hike through some open forest.

With Dutton Mountain just under a mile away, it quickly came into sight on the horizon. We could see from afar that it had ledges with possible viewing opportunities just below the true summit, and we couldn’t wait to be there. Yet another pleasant find was a spring beauty popping up through the decaying oak leaves. It was still closed from its overnight slumber, and it would surely be open before day’s end.

We climbed the steep slopes of Dutton with loose rocks jumbled under us. While many stayed put, others were sent astray toward Jim and Corenne. The rocky slopes opened up to a unique red pine forest, which is not seen as much in the Adirondacks as I would like. An open

12

Deer statue on Venison Mountain

ridgeline offered up views toward Moxham in the foreground. In the distance was the quiet snowy slopes of Gore Mountain with the fire tower glistening in the sunlight. We were yet a quarter-mile from the summit as we worked through an oddly mixed forest of spruce, red pine, white pine and birches — a mix of species not commonly seen together. The summit offered us nothing for additional views and quite honestly would have to be pretty darn good to trump where we just were.

We quickly dropped off the north side of Dutton in search of Venison Mountain. This was the longest portion of the trip at about 1.3 miles. Venison Mountain was nearly the exact same height as Dutton, making the actual summit tough to see once we dropped lower in elevation. The descent was gradual, and eventually we found ourselves in a thick pole stand. The ground was dark sand, almost like it was mixed with ash from a fire, yet surely not. As we exited from this unique forested area, we came to several small pools of muck in a semi-liquid state, which we had to navigate around.

Finally, we were able to ascend Venison. The approach was filled with undulating hills, just teasing us to climb. We could see a rocky shelf just below the summit, this one just to the left of the actual top along with what looked to be an open ridge approach. As we climbed higher, we chose a ridge we felt was the one we saw, although several other small shelves also looked welcoming. We pushed through the rubus that was growing pretty thick in the lightly treed areas. But I had jumped too soon; we needed the next semi-open ridgeline. Jim decided to go to the right and see what he could find, and Corenne and I went left in the direction I felt was more promising. After a little side-hill hiking, I spotted the ledge that had prompted us to be so diligent. I hooted and hollered to Jim, and eventually he heard me and we rendezvoused near the base.

Atop the ledge, we were in awe of the views before us. It felt as though we were in an apple orchard, but really, we were in a mountain ash orchard with a grassy undertone. We spent well over a half-hour here relaxing and having lunch. The true summit was only a few hundred feet away.

At the summit, we found a cairn marking the top as well as a small whitetailed deer statue and some names scribbled on a piece of birch bark; quaint, yet not terribly out of place. We were at a wooded summit on a rocky spine and faced with a crazy steep descent down to Northwoods Club Road.

The terrain was steep, but not as bad as we had anticipated. We found a narrow drainage path, which we jumped into with no delay.

Eventually we had to leave it in order to stay on state land, but that proved to be no inconvenience. We quickly hit the road at the culvert adjacent to where we parked. It was a near perfect descent to end a near perfect day of amazing views and fun terrain.

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Spring 2021

Spring paddling

Prepare for that unpredictable spring paddling trip

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Life jacket or PFD

The personal flotation device or life jacket is as important now as it ever was, but even more so when the exposure to cold water can affect our abilities to swim and tread water. A PFD should be worn at all times. When selecting which one to purchase, make sure it is sized cor-

A dirondack Center for Loon Conservation Art Gifts Books T-shirts Exhibits & More!

Tooley Pond

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

It’s never too early to talk about paddling or start planning trips, especially when it comes to preparedness.

As with many of you, I hated to put my paddle away for the season and hang the kayak in the garage. But now we’re on the other end of winter, and it’s time to start thinking about dusting off the carbon fiber, fiberglass, plastic or whatever you are sporting and start planning for some early season antics.

In short, we need to be more conscious of how we pursue this activity in the spring. The waters of the Adirondacks warm up much slower than the air leads you to believe. Think about it. Every day the ice is off the water, it’s getting warmer, but that is a very slow process with the constant runoff from the snow-capped peaks. It’s not like the fall, which slowly creeps up on boat retirement, but it’s a slow movement in the other direction.

With the proper head on your shoulders, consciousness of safety and the proper gear, there’s no reason we can’t get an earlier start on the season. The most important piece of gear you have is on you at all times is your head. If you think straight, calm and cautiously and plan ahead with good preparation, you are more than halfway there already.

As a side note, this is not a be-all and end-all with cold-water paddling preparedness but something to get you started in the right direction. There are many books on the subject, not to mention the limitless web-based references and chat rooms. If you have never paddled before and feel uncomfortable doing so for the first time, especially in coldwater conditions, I encourage you to take a lesson from a local guide service. Many guide services will offer a two- to four-hour introductory course for a reasonable price. Or take it one step further and go for an American Canoe Association certification.

Paddling is not only one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities in the Adirondack Park but a wonderful way to get a unique glimpse into the wildlife of the region. Be sure to consider the type of water you will be exploring. Big lakes that are less sheltered with trees, tend to have bigger waves and are much harder to navigate. The wind coming off that cold water is frigid. With bigger waves comes splashing. This is where a spray skirt with proper cold-water gear becomes important.

Rivers have a different current from being swelled, and your boat will react differently than it did in the summer. Be cautious of rapids and waterfalls when paddling rivers. In short, have a map and compass and know about the water you will be paddling. Also be cautious of floating debris like logs, trees and even parts of docks that have broken free.

rectly and fitted to your body securely. A type III PFDs, certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, is highly recommended. If you are unclear on a good fit, consult a salesman in a reputable paddle shop before you buy.

Remember, function is a much higher quality than sex appeal.

Continued on page 15

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Spring 2021

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13

State land spotlight

A 4-pack in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Spring can be the season of giving, the giving of hope, the hope of a new day, a new day and a new adventure, an adventure not yet witnessed, the witness of a wonderful world or a world without judgement.

This would be our day as we explored the wilds of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, on foot, between the contour lines. My buddy Jim and I have hiked a great many times, and without hesitation we set our eyes on the beauty and the mountains of Bakers Mills.

Bakers Mills is located in the Warren County town of Johnsburg in the southeastern corner of the Adirondack Park, nestled in some rather large foothills that are impressive in their rocky structure. We met on an early mid-week morning at the Eleventh Mountain trailhead. The air had a crisp feel and a faint smell of rotting leaves as we started our jaunt. The Eleventh Mountain trail, while not a trail over the mountain at all, would gain us quick ground to the base of Diamond Mountain.

We climbed steadily over a trail nearly deluged in running water. The descent on the trail would give us the sobering thought of having to climb it again at the end of the day, under tired legs and high mileage.

We soon found ourselves at the ornate bridge crossing of Diamond Brook looking for an escape route from our entrapment on a trail we were anxious to leave. We remained on the trail for another half-mile until we could pass by the wetland between us and Diamond. With dry feet, we made our way over another creek and into the hardwood forest beyond.

The terrain was starting to get steep, and under no false pretenses we headed right for the steepest part of the mountain. It didn’t look to be a bad decision, but it played out to be a hair-raising climb as the grade steepened drastically and in one area, we were not sure we would be able to proceed. We used tree stems, branches, exposed roots, rock lips, anything we could grab. The moss, while deep beneath us, was unstable and gave way whenever we added weight.

While views unfolded behind us, we didn’t dare adjust our weight to take a gander, finishing the climb uncluttered by the vista until we reached a safe location. The lower ridge and sub-summit of Diamond Mountain was finally under us, and we comfortably took in the views around us, in particular Kettle and Hopkins mountains. The view was breathtaking, and the light glow of the sun on the horizon added a neat contrast of color to an otherwise dull leafless forest.

The USGS marked the summit of Diamond was 0.5 miles away and actually lower than where we currently stood. Of course, this distance was as the crow flies, but we are not crows; well maybe Jim is an old crow, but ... We descended into the shallow saddle and up the gentle slopes of Diamond to a less than welcoming apex. The lack of views left us happy in the fact that we saw the previous ones from the other

summit.

We wasted no time in heading for Big Shanty Mountain. Almost directly west lies this seldom-visited peak resting at 2,350 feet. We had no idea what this peak would bring us, but we were intent to find out.

The descent was gentle, much less than we had expected. That was fine with us. The open forest was welcoming as we made an undisturbed gain on Big Shanty. This climb was also an easy one, and we put it behind us in rapid succession. There were no views, as we somehow suspected. We took a break and continued on.

Our plan was for a third peak on this day, Siamese Mountain. I was concerned on time, and I made that decision at the lean-to on the Sacandaga River. We pushed off the summit of Big Shanty and descended through an open forest, for which a small car could easily travel. The tall, straight hardwoods allowed us to descend to the trail with no hindrance and put smiles on our faces as we would now have plenty of time to visit that third peak. We hit the Old Farm Clearing Trail about a half mile from the lean-to, where we planned a quick bite to eat to reenergize and rest our slightly tired legs.

At the lean-to, we made our game plan and decided it would be most beneficial for time and sanity to use the Siamese Pond Trail to the height-of-land on the shoulder of Siamese Mountain. The forest, thankfully, was open, but we didn’t know what we would find once we left the comfort of the trail. We somehow ended up on the northeastern slopes, on the steepest terrain this mountain could offer. Our legs screamed as we pressed on, up and over small rock outcroppings and mossy slopes. Eventually we reached the ridge and while dense with fir and spruce, we were only slowed by the dead trees stacked like cordwood. We stepped over most, under some, but poked and prodded by all. The ridge narrowed in front of us in a scenic way; it was quite a neat sight.

The summit was wooded, but just below opened up some interesting views to the east, including where we had just come from and where we needed to go. It appeared to be a very long way away. In fact, it was more than 5 miles of legwork before we could enjoy the comfort of a vehicle.

We descended, gained the trail, crossed the bridge over the Sacandaga River, took another quick break at the lean-to and started our saunter back along the trail. We were still deep in wilderness and in conversation, so we must not have been too tired from all the elevation change. Being locked in such intriguing conversation sure does help pass the time on the way out from a long day in the woods. Our exchange, however, did cease once we started climbing back over the shoulder of Eleventh Mountain, only to start again once we caught our breath and started our final leg of the trip.

The sound of Route 8 was a welcome one, as was the sight of the car.

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Diamond Mountain

14

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Spring 2021

PADDLING Continued from page 13

What to wear

Neoprene clothing is a great way to go, or a full wet or dry suit.

Neoprene manages to hold in heat even when wet, and if you’re not allergic, it has a nice comfortable, snug fit. If you are allergic, lean toward a dry suit or other wet suits without the neoprene material.

Neoprene socks are an amazing purchase you will never regret. In the spring, a nice pair of paddling gloves is essential, and I have found that some sort of jacket for wind protection is a nice piece of outerwear to protect you from that wind off the water.

Other Gear

Float plan

Open Water

Use Extreme

Caution

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Spring 2021

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Cellphones

Do not depend on your cellphone as an “emergency out.” While they are great for taking pictures, they are not designed as a flashlight or bow light. It is not the best for navigating either. Think about it. If you use your phone for all of these functions, you are going to kill the battery. Then what are you going to use to make an emergency call?

Carrying an external charger is not the answer. Keep your phone in a dry bag or pouch, and keep it warm to avoid battery loss. Lastly, don’t depend on having coverage for your phone.

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A float plan is essential and should never be left out. This is simply a piece of paper with your plan for the day and your route so someone can locate you, just in case something happens. You probably leave one for hiking, so why not for paddling? A float plan can even be left in your car, but also leave one with a friend or family member. A float plan is not an alternative to safe practices and proper gear. Also be sure to keep emergency contacts in that float plan.

PHOTO BY ANDY FLYNN

Extra needed gear for a safe day on the water, no matter the season, would include: ¯ Map and compass and/or GPS ¯ Dry bags for equipment that you want to protect. Dry storage in many kayaks is not truly 100% dry, but more of a splash guard. While there is a foam bulkhead between the cockpit and storage, this is more of additional flotation and the water seal you may have gotten from the shop soon tends to crack from use, weather changes and everyday banging around. ¯ A skirt is a great piece of paddling material, and I am not talking about a kilt or dress but a seal for the cockpit of your kayak. ¯ At least one person in your group should have a paddle float, a throw bag, a bilge pump, a spare paddle and a first-aid kit. ¯ A paddle leash is another piece of gear most don’t think about, but not all paddles float. If they do, you don’t want it to float away. ¯ Food and water are also important in cold weather to keep morale, energy and body warmth in check. ¯ A bow light is good to have if you are out after dark, or some other type of light source to help you navigate. A high lumen headlamp works well.

15

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Spring hiking

Destination: Rattlesnake Mountain

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

After a couple long weeks on the job, it’s inevitable that we would get out and enjoy nature, which is the best prescription for whatever ails you. On this ridiculously hot and humid day in May, Corenne and I set out for a most attractive hike, one which we’d wandered on before but tend to revisit often.

Rattlesnake Mountain was where we ended up, with the post-hike plan of visiting Ausable Brewing Co. Needless to say, we were excited about both.

We arrived at the trailhead off Route 22, which is just north of Willsboro and south of Keeseville. The trailhead parking had only three other cars in it, most likely due to the thunderstorms in the forecast. The trail stretched out before us, and the forest grove passed us by, offering us glances at spring wildflowers and the sweet smell of a new season. We felt like spectators in Mother Nature’s garden, which I suppose we essentially were, and we were OK with that. Our muscles were taxed from a lack of hiking over the previous two weeks, but we were sure to remedy that impairment today, and hopefully more often from here on out.

Decaying pine needles coated the wide trail, which at one time must have been an old carriage route. After the initial slight descent, we started the steady climb as the trail swung us around a little more to the north and through a shallow pass, which was littered with rocks, some loose and scattered over other rocks.

We quickly came to the foot trail that branches off the old carriage road near the top of the pass. Atop the pass, there were a couple of hikers who missed the turn and questioned their location. We got them started in the right direction, and we all began the much more aggressive climb to the summit. The trail, now narrow, brought us in and out of rock outcroppings, beneath and through narrow shoots through the rock ledges, and over roots and rocks that seemed to sweat from the humidity. Soon the views started to present themselves, as if welcoming us to the show.

The summit ridge didn’t sooth our clammy bodies; it was as still as night. We found a small spot to claim for ourselves and spent the next 45 minutes basking in the sun and watching the family of turkey vultures circle around us. I didn’t think we looked that bad — tired, yes, but on death’s doorstep?

A thunderclap in the distance off to the west got us moving again. It 16

looked as if some kind of rain event was coming in over Whiteface Mountain and right down through the AuSable River Valley. We didn’t rush the descent as we were not afraid of the rain, and as long as we were off the open summit, the light show wouldn’t harm us either.

We felt a drop of rain almost immediately off the ridge and some more fell as we continued down. By the time we reached the flat section of trail, the rain kicked into high gear and coated the forest canopy.

We hardly felt a drop as we passed beneath the hardwoods, but as soon as we broke free back into the open at the trailhead, the rain found us.

It was cooling and refreshing and didn’t change our adventure. Overall, this hike was a nice break from the mental muddle we call the daily routine.

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Spring 2021

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