Embark - Fall 2020

A D I R O N D A C K A D V E N T U R E G U I D E — FA L L 2 0 2 0

• Fa l l p a d d l i n g a t t h e C a s c a d e l a k e s • C h a m p l a i n A r e a Tr a i l s G r a n d C h a l l e n g e • Pe t e ’s H i l l . . . J u s t b e c a u s e i t ’s t h e r e • E x p l o r i n g t h e H o f f m a n N o tc h Wi l d e r n e s s • P re p a r e f o r c ha ng i ng we a t h e r co n d i t i o n s

©2 02 0 Adiro ndac k D aily E nterp ris e

N orth Country’s Lea der in Ca bins

G a zebos

Pla ygrounds

S heds Philadelphia - 315-642-0209 • Sandy Creek - 315-387-2092 • Marcy - 315-793-0726 View all of the photos, floor plans, and pricing at ncsbarns.com

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

NATURAL WO N D ERS

Cascade Falls near Lake Placid

Fall 2020

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CONTENTS

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Fall paddling

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It’s still not too late for some canoeing and kayaking in the Adirondacks

Gray jays .....................................................................3 Cascade lakes paddling...............................................4 CATS Grand Challenge.................................................5 Gear Guide: Crocodile Gaiters......................................7

State Land A closer look at the Hoffman Notch Wilderness

Mitchell Ponds Mountain............................................9 Northville-Placid Trail Section 4 ................................10 Prepare for fall weather conditions ...........................11 Adirondack Flora: Indian cucumber-root...................12

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

THE LAKE PLACID NEWS and

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Fall hiking Hikers have to be ready for anything this time of year

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: Fall paddling on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid Photo by Andy Flynn 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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Fall 2020

Adirondack Wildlife

Enjoy the boreal forest with gray jays

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Scientific Name: Perisoreus Canadensis AKA: Canada jay, gray jay, camp robber or whisky jack

Habitat:

They generally live in boreal forests as a main habitat, but can often be seen on boreal summits where fir and spruce trees are abundant.

Food source:

These jays have broad diets, eating anything from berries to carrion to handouts from hikers. They also love to steal food from campsites, even while campers are nearby. They are very opportunistic eaters, and the fear of humans is minimal. It is quite possible they will land on the picnic table and eat right with you, hence the name Camp Robber. ¯ Canada jays are dark gray above and light gray below, with black on the back of the head forming a partial hood. ¯ The male and female are generally the same size. ¯ While these jays are a much more social bird than most others, they are one of the quietest. They do vocalize, but not as often as blue jays, and when they swoop on for their food, they are very quiet. ¯ During summer they hoard food in trees to sustain themselves through bleak winters and use sticky saliva to glue small food items to tree branches, kind of like an old man and his beard. Usually can be found above the height of the eventual snow line. ¯ The Canada Jay nests during late winter, incubating its eggs in temperatures that may drop below minus 20 F, I almost laid an egg thinking about that. ¯ A Canada jay was seen landing on the back of a live moose to eat blood-filled winter ticks.

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

A little extra:

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C A S C AD E L AK ES PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Fall paddling

Explore the Upper and Lower Cascade lakes near Lake Placid

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

The waters are still open, and the air is getting crisp, but that doesn’t mean put away your boat. Autumn is a perfect opportunity to get out at least one more time.

The air might have been warm at times, but the nights have been crisp and the water is seeing the effect. But that’s nothing a bit of planning and neoprene can’t overcome, unless you are allergic to it like me — the neoprene, not the planning. Lower Cascade Lake was just the perfect spot to hang out for a half day without the worry of being too far from shore.

The road down to the parking lot between the Upper and Lower Cascade lakes was finally not a small city of picnickers and swimmers — like it is in the summer — and was the perfect spot to start with an easy launch from the shallows. The Cascade waterfall was flowing nicely from a couple days of rain, and it made for an outstanding backdrop.

Of course, there isn’t too much to report when it comes to paddling the Cascade lakes, other than we spent ample time exploring the shoreline at the base of Cascade Mountain. It’s a flatwater paddling destination with a rather decent current at the east end, and there was a typical brisk breeze, which is only beneficial in one direction. So going down to the floating rock and beaver dam, we had current and the wind to our backs, and coming back was a bit more of a fight. But since we were in no hurry, we didn’t fret.

In short, this is an excellent fall paddle for a quick, relaxing time on the water. Be sure to explore both lakes; you will have plenty of time.

Bring a picnic lunch, a brew or some wine and just smell the cool, fresh air, explore the boulders, walk back to the waterfall, have a deep conversation, block out the sound of state Route 73 and just be one with the water.

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Exploring the shoreline

Fall 2020

Champlain Area Trails launches the 2020 Grand Challenge in the age of COVID-19 For the last six years, Westport-based Champlain Area Trails held its Grand Hike — a town-to-town trek of up to 16 miles that pulled hikers from all over the region and even more distant locales for a fun day of hiking in the beautiful Champlain Valley. It was followed by a legendary block party with music and great food.

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in plans to what was a key annual fundraiser for the organization — and the alternative is turning out to be as popular as the original.

The 2020 CATS Grand Challenge offers the opportunity for hikers to cover one or all three routes ranked as easy, moderate or difficult.

Participants can enjoy some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the Champlain Valley, from forests and meadows to spectacular views of the High Peaks, Lake Champlain and Vermont, depending on the selected route. For their achievement, registered hikers receive a limitededition commemorative patch, sure to become the first in a series and a new tradition. ¯ Boquet Ridge Ramble (difficult) — This is the most challenging of the three routes. It is a great route and a fantastic way to experience CATS’ newest trail addition that leads to summit of North Boquet Mountain. The route direction is clockwise, and there are four parking/start options so participants can comfortably spread out, maintain safe distances and have the option of alternative parking in the event that one of the parking areas is full. ¯ Viall’s Crossing (moderate) — The 5.3-mile Viall’s Crossing loop has become a staple in the CATS trail network. Hikers traverse through fields and forests, they will understand why the Champlain Valley is the most biodiverse region in the Adirondack Park. Like the Boquet Ridge Ramble, this is a clockwise route, and there are four parking areas so participants can comfortably spread out, maintain safe distances and have the option of alternative parking in the event that one of the parking areas is full. ¯ Wildway Passage Trail (easy) — Short but incredibly sweet, the Wildway Passage Trail is a 1.3-mile loop that leads through a beautiful forest, crosses streams and traverses the edge of small cliffs. Hike the Wildway Passage Loop, and experience this integral connection of the Split Rock Wildway, an important wildlife corridor linking Lake Champlain to the mountain region. Parking is located at near the south end of Angier Hill Road in Westport.

For the 2020 Grand Challenge, visit www.champlainareatrails.com to get information about the three routes and maps. Complete at least one of the routes, or all three, between Sept. 21 and Nov. 15. This happens to be one of the most beautiful times of the year in the region, as the leaves change to vibrant fall colors. Register your accomplishment, and make a $25 donation for each patch requested and the patches will be mailed.

“The 2020 CATS Grand Challenge is a great way to support CATS and have fun in the process,” said CATS Development Director Derek Rogers. “We invite everyone to help us raise funds for making trails and saving land and receive the first commemorative patch we’ve offered.”

“Given the positive response CATS has received to this first challenge, we will be adding exciting new challenges in 2021,” said CATS Executive Director Chris Maron. “You can sign up on the website to receive additional information.”

Full details on the Grand Challenge, including downloadable maps and directions, are available on the CATS website.

CATS is a nonprofit organization that creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley, with the goal of linking communities, connecting people with nature and promoting economic vitality.

CATS is also an accredited land trust working to conserve natural communities, farmland, clean water, and scenic vistas. Information on future CATS events and activities is available at the CATS website and by following CATS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Call 518-962-2287 for more information.

Fall 2020

Your Guides to the Great Outdoors

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Fall Adventure

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

F O LI AGE SEASO N

Pete’s Hill ... Just because it’s there

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

One of the hardest things about trying to find hiking partners is finding ones who have days off during the week. This week in particular I couldn’t talk anyone into taking the day off to join me on this interesting adventure, so I went alone. I don’t typically hike solo, but once in a while it can be quite freeing.

On an important note, when I do hike by myself I always leave an itinerary with someone at home which includes a detailed map of my location. In fact, I also do the same when I hike in a group, but solo is even more important.

Elm Lake Road can be hit or miss in regard to its condition, but what are the chances — I was in there just after it was getting raked and graded, so it was in rare, great condition. The end of the road was where I expected it to be, better yet just shy of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness.

The Kunjamuk Trail would give me the access I was looking for to reach the base of Pete’s Hill, but I had no idea what condition it would be in, as I was pretty sure it was lightly traveled.

The trail started off in nice fashion and in outstanding condition. No more than slight rolling hills gained me the first 0.9 miles to the Rock Pond / Long Pond Trail. From here I would bear right and start the hike into the Kunjamuk. The Kunjamuk Trail officially starts at this point and continues all the way to Indian Lake, but I would be going only a few miles.

A bit farther along the trail, it turned into a rerouted section, which was not expected. It was obvious that it originally ran too close to the wetland and was flooded more often than not, so it needed to be moved slightly uphill. The next mile or so was a fresh trail, and by the looks of it no more than a season old. It must have taken days of back-breaking 6

work to lay out this well-designed trail. Passing among tall evergreens and the yellows of birch tree foliage, it was pleasing to the eyes and the senses.

The reroute came and went quite fast. At that time I found myself back on the original Kunjamuk Trail, which is now becoming overgrown. The trail is well marked with new disks, so my presumption is they will continue work next year.

Now I was only a hair over a mile from the base of Pete’s Hill; I would be there briefly. The trail, while overgrown in areas, was actually in decent condition overall. There was hardly a lick of mud and only a couple trees down blocking the way. After a well-blended mix of ascents and descents, I was looking up at the slopes of Pete’s Hill.

Standing at a whopping 2,135 feet in elevation, it was only about 200 feet higher than where I was.

The forest from this point was an open bushwhack. The grade was minimal with no trouble finding the summit. A quick lunch break and summit brew on top was in order before I started to descend back to the trail. Sitting there pondering, I got to thinking about who Pete was and why this featureless hill was named after him. If a Pete came up here regularly, was he a hunter? Hiking up for a view? If for a view, where was it? I poked around, and my question, I think, was answered.

Slightly below the summit rested an open area of tall ash trees and a slab rock. While no major view existed now, I would bet it was a decent one several decades ago. Even with the trees, it was open enough for me to see Humphrey Mountain just on the horizon.

The day was coming to a close, and I wanted to get back on the road before it was too late. The trail unfolded in front of me faster than it seemed like on the way in, but it took me nearly the exact amount of time to get back out as it did getting there. I knew the drive would, too.

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Fall 2020

Gear Guide

Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiters

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

I am sure many of you are not new to the gaiter market, not to be confused with the reptile in the movie “Lake Placid.” With autumn in front of us and winter right around the corner, you may find that a nice set of gaiters is a key piece of equipment for your backcountry adventures.

I usually lean toward a rock solid gaiter rather than one made out of thinner materials, mainly due to the fact I do a lot of bushwhacking and they tend to hold up much better.

This always places me back into the Expedition series of the Crocodile Gaiter. I am on my second pair; my last pair lasted me 10 seasons.

That’s like $9 a year.

If you find these nearly bomb-proof gaiters a bit too much, the regular Crocodile Series is just a side step with slightly less burly materials. Details to think about: ¯ What do I want to use it for? ¯ What kind of conditions will I be facing? ¯ What kind of boots will I be wearing? ¯ Do I plan to use crampons? ¯ Do my feet get cold easily?

Pros:

¯ Thicker skin for abrasion resistance ¯ Crampon resistant with Cordura on the inner leg ¯ Warmer by trapping lost heat from your feet, keeping feet warmer ¯ Will last you many seasons ¯ Strong VELCRO closure that doesn’t wear out ¯ Durable, thick instep strap ¯ Roomy for a plastic boot and insulated pants ¯ Waterproof ¯ Windproof

Cons:

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

¯ A bit stiff when new, but they break in after only a couple uses ¯ Slightly more expensive than most their styles and brands ¯ The open seam that holds the instep strap to the gaiter is a snag area for crampon teeth, especially for those who walk with a narrow gait. ¯ Slightly heavier than other models and brands, but still only 12.1 ounces for the pair ¯ These gaiters could be too warm during some instances. Even though they call them “breathable,” they trap a lot of heat generated from your feet.

Discover the low peaks of the Champlain Valley. Short hikes on easy terrain on 60 miles of CATS trails.

Cascade lakes Fall 2020

For our free maps of the Central and Northern Champlain Valley, call 518.962.2287 or visit www.champlainareatrails.com EMBARK ~ Get Up, Get Out

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Hidden Ponds

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

State Land Spotlight

Hoffman Notch Wilderness

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

The Hoffman Notch Wilderness is 38,488 acres in size and is named for the “notch” or valley between the Blue Ridge Range on one side, and on the opposite side two very expansive peaks named Hoffman Mountain and Washburn Ridge.

The area features many scenic ponds, some of which are much more difficult to visit than others and require some bushwhacking skills to achieve. There are also around 15 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. It also offers visitors solitude because its visitor numbers are nowhere near that of other wilderness areas in the Forest Preserve.

Hiking

Hoffman Notch Trail extends 7.4 miles and dissects the wilderness running north and south between Schroon Lake (Loch Muller Road) and North Hudson (Blue Ridge Road). ¯ Big Pond Trail is 5.7 miles and intersection with the Hoffman Notch Trail. ¯ Bailey Pond Trail is 0.8 miles long and leads back to a wonderful secluded pond. ¯ Mount Severance Trail is 1.2 miles and ascends 740 feet from the trailhead to the summit of the mountain. It is an outstanding little peak out of Schroon Lake and the only peak with a trail in the wilderness area. ¯ Jones Hill Trail is currently being worked on and will connect to the Dirgylot Parking Area as part of the North Country Scenic Trail.

Fishing

The Hoffman Notch Wilderness offers plenty of wilderness fishing opportunities, which include the North Branch Trout Brook, Hoffman Notch Brook, Big Pond, North Pond, Bailey Pond and Marion Pond.

Some are much easier to access than others. Bailey and Marion ponds are stocked with brook trout while Big Pond and North Pond are reported to have large quantities of northern pike, but they also contain bullhead.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

As the winter season approaches, keep some of these trails in the back of your mind, but also remember, this area gets much less travel so deep snow can slow progress. The Hoffman Notch Trail and Big Pond Trail provide the best cross-country skiing opportunities for moderate- to advanced-level skiers.

Wildlife

The Adirondacks contain large tracts of wildlife habitat, and the Hoffman Notch Wilderness is no different.

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“Many species of birds and mammals are unique to the Adirondacks or are mainly found here,” states the state Department of Environmental Conservation. “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.”

Examples of wildlife that may be spotted in the Hoffman Notch Wilderness are moose, black bear, beaver, eastern coyote, river otter, white-tailed deer, bald eagle, common loon, osprey, great-horned owl, great blue heron, wild turkey, gray jay, porcupine, red-winged hawk, goshawk, red fox, coyote and chipmunk.

Locations to wilderness area access points

Hoffman Notch Wilderness has five parking areas for access. They are easily reached by using exits 28 or 29 off the Northway (I-87). ¯ Hoffman Notch Trailhead North is on the south side of Blue Ridge Road, which can be accessed using Exit 29. ¯ Dirgylot Hill Access is located at the end of a short gravel driveway on the west side of Route 9 about 1.75 miles north of Exit 28.

This access point has one main trail, lightly marked and is possible access for the North Country Scenic Trail and will eventually lead to Big Pond Trail and Jones Hill. Currently it is an access point for exploration of Hoffman Mountain, Peaked Hills and Blue Ridge Mountain. ¯ Mount Severance Trailhead is located on the west side of Route 9, 0.5 mile south of Exit 28, opposite Alder Meadow Road. ¯ Big Pond Trailhead is on the north side of Hoffman Notch Road. ¯ Hoffman Notch Trailhead South is located at the end of Loch Muller Road.

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Fall 2020

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Fall Adventure

Mitchell Ponds Mountain

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Can a mountain be delicious? If so, I think Mitchell Ponds Mountain might be a gourmet treat.

I mean who knew that this 2,400-foot summit on the outskirts of the Moose River Plains would have such a stellar payoff? Barbara McMartin, that’s who! I was reading her guidebook to the region, and there was a description of the mountain. I had to go. Now, mind you, that was some time ago, and several gray hairs younger, but today was the time I would actually follow through.

A quick invite went out to my bud Jim to see if I could get a bite on a partner for this sure payoff. Jim bit. We met at the corner of Route 9 and Limekiln Road in Inlet and started our drive over to the trailhead.

The Moose River Road is not the friendliest of roads on vehicles with low clearance, so we took our time playing a crude game of tag with all the exposed rocks. The trailhead was actually quite obvious, not what I was expecting after our ordeal with the Sly Pond and Butter Brook Trails last year. The trail’s new sign advertised the fact that it is also for mountain biking and snowmobiling, so if you want to approach the mountain on two wheels this fall, go for it.

Passing through an open field, overgrown with bushes and brambles, we had a great vista of Mount Tom — a future investment of my time.

It wasn’t long before we quickly dropped on a steep slope to cross a snowmobile bridge. This was one like I had not seen before, and I was sure glad it was there; otherwise, it would have been a tough water crossing. We climbed out of the shallow beaver-created abyss and continued climbing, and after even more we crested the height of land along the trail and started a rather lengthy descent to the spur trail for Mitchell Ponds.

We walked up the spur trail a bit to gain a view of the mountain, which from this angle looks like nothing more than a non-impressive ridge; I could see Jim had his doubts. We backtracked to the main trail and followed this around to the access dock on Upper Mitchell Pond.

From here the view was much better, and we could see the cliffs overlooking the ponds. Known as Mitchell Ponds Cliffs, they are located on an unnamed ridge on the opposite side of the mountain we wanted to visit.

From here we would look for a good spot to start our bushwhack.

The forest looked open, but it also looked to be quite wet near the base.

We watched for a “land bridge” that might keep us higher above the muck, but we ended up right on the edge of it. Luckily for us, the dry spell and age of the beaver flow has drained it dry enough to hop from log to log and get across unmarred.

Now, onto the slopes — which were not all that threatening. The grade wasn’t steep, and we only needed to gain a few hundred feet to gain the ridge. Passing over old woods roads, now overgrown to an almost indiscernible state, we ignored their calling to be followed. Gaining the ridge, we could see the light through the trees, beckoning us to see its offerings. We hit the top of the ledge, only about 0.1 miles from the true summit. We went directly for the summit before we started to Fall 2020

take in the views.

Our lunch break came atop a wide area near the summit, just enough room for us to sit comfortably without having that formidable feeling to jump. Resting and soaking in our appreciation of the surroundings, we heard a float plane getting closer. Then there it was, just above us, clearly in sight. It went past and made an abrupt U-turn and slowly dropped and landed on Beaver Lake below us.

After lunch, we decided to check out as much of the ridge as we could muster. Heading east along the ridgeline, we came to view after view, but the travel was horrible. A force of wind had blown up over the cliffs and pushed back hundreds of pole-sized balsam and spruce trees. Uprooted slightly, they rested as skeletons, not far gone from this earth. Stepping on some, going under others, and mostly stepping through many, we gained dozens of viewing platforms along the nearly 0.5 miles of open rock on the south side of the mountain. Some open portions were wide enough to tread, but mostly we had slightly different variations of the last. The float plane took off just before we exited the ridge with our final view of the day looking back on Little Moose Mountain and Cellar Mountain as they stood tall like big brothers.

Our descent was quick and uneventful — as we like them to be.

Now a bit farther down the ridge than where we hit it on the climb, we knew we would end up a bit farther along the trail. This was OK, too.

We enjoy hiking on trails at the end of a day, especially those that get such limited use.

It was now time to get out, and we did, Jim keeping my ear full of stories for the walk out. Back at the car, I couldn’t get the hiking boots off fast enough. I only wish I had remembered a clean shirt, as did Jim sitting next to me.

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WEAR IT 9

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Fall hiking

Northville Placid Trail: Piseco Lake to Wakely Dam

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

This time, I will briefly go over section four of the Northville-Placid Trail from Piseco Lake to Cedar River Flow. It is very important to remember to spot a car at the opposing end or plan to be picked up.

This section of the trail measures out to just under 34.5 miles of rolling terrain where you will have a gain of over 3,100 feet in elevation and a loss of almost as much. The highest point on this section of trail is around 2,690 feet in elevation, which is a nice little elevation.

This advanced section of the NPT will take at least two days, but I would recommend three days as to not rush it and enjoy the amazing backcountry camping locations along the way. This is a most scenic area to wander through, so don’t let it pass by without taking it in.

Below you will find a brief overview of this long section. I apologize for that, but there is just too much to give it full justice. For more indepth information, including mileage, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of the Northville/Lake Placid Trail guide book published by the Adirondack Mountain Club. This guide will give step by step directions along the entirety of the NPT. This section is wilderness. There are no major road crossings, no stores, no coffee shops, no post offices and no cellphone reception.

Please make loved ones aware that you WILL NOT be able to be in contact with them.

The first leg of this section is fairly uneventful to the crossing of the Jessup River, which should not be an issue crossing at any time of the year. There will be a few camping areas along this part of the trail, but it is still early on in the section hike. After another short stent of hiking, you will pass by the trail leading to the Perkins Clearing Easement on your right, which is a good bailout point if you want to call this a section. But you will have to park a car here at this trailhead and walk a bit over a mile to get out. It’s an easy trail, muddy, but easy.

A couple of miles more, you will come to Spruce Lake, which is a lovely sheet of water with ample camping, fishing and user traffic. This is a great spot to camp for the night and breaks this section nicely into a third. After you have rested up from a nice approach from the south, you can plan your next leg that will bring you through a most lovely area, filled with lakes, ponds, streams, footbridges, camping, wildlife, 10

Spruce Lake lean-to

starry skies and a quiet seclusion you can only dream of.

From the north end of Spruce Lake, you will pass by several marshy areas and pass over the shoulder of what is called Otter Lake Mountain on your right. As you drop down off this shoulder, you will start to visit many lakes, ponds and wetlands, way too many to describe here. You should grab a guide and map of the area so you know where you are and what’s coming up, not to mention so you can make the correct turns at all the upcoming intersections.

Cedar Lakes is one of the most popular camping spots, but you will have many to choose from; the guide book and map will be able to tell you where they are.

Once past Cedar Lakes, the undulating hills will be much more apparent, and you will gain a decent amount of elevation before reaching the Cedar River Road. The trail will touch the Cedar River now and again as you get closer to the end of this section. Once at the dirt road, take a right and follow it to Wakely Dam, which is about 1.5 miles away. This is a great spot to camp if you are continuing on, or the place to spot a car, if you were section hiking this portion.

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Fall 2020

THE WEATHER REPORT

Prepare for fall weather conditions, including snow

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Just like all other regions of the world, there are technically four seasons for which people can enjoy the Adirondack Mountains. However, some seasons don’t tend to follow the calendar dates for which the solstice or equinox are defined, weather-wise, I mean.

As for the fall of the year — technically from the autumnal equinox of Sept. 22 this year to the winter solstice on Dec. 21 — many know that winter conditions can come anytime starting regularly in October.

So don’t get caught with the improper gear on your adventures. After all, safe adventures are the best adventures, and having the right gear should not hinder an amazing experience in the mountains.

Paddling

While the water looks yummy and pleasant, it can get very cold fast.

The sun sets earlier, so there is less time for the sun to keep the water heated up, and cold nights accelerate colder water temperatures. Be sure to wear a PFD at all times and maybe a light layer of neoprene as the season ages. Don’t forget year-round paddling gear either. Test the waters as you get into your craft to give you an idea of what being submerged might be like.

Gothics in November

Skiing

It is not unheard of to ski the toll road up Whiteface in October. It might not be good, and you might have to walk a ways, but it happens.

November and December can bring some OK early skiing conditions, but usually not ideal, and generally require some kind of “rock skis” so as to not ruin a good pair.

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Hiking

Noonmark in December

Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation

This is where it can get tough, confusing and even more important to check local conditions. In lower elevations, it could be 60 degrees or warmer, but as you ascend the peaks, the temperatures get cooler and by the time you hit 3,500 feet in elevation, hikers can experience ice, snow, single-digit temperatures and even cooler wind chills.

What do you think about shorts and tennis shoes? The saying goes, you drop 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet you ascend. That’s about right, but I have found it to average closer to 8 degrees, and 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. There is a world of hurt and misinformation out there, not to mention “trolls” that like to offer misinformation.

Traction might be needed as early as the beginning of October, but September snow in the High Peaks is not unheard of. Be sure to pack a hat, gloves, dry socks and serious wind protection if you plan to go out, not to mention all the other essential gear. Your pack will be a bit heavier, but you can handle the added 5 pounds or so.

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EMBARK ~ Get Up, Get Out

11

Adirondack Flora

Indian cucumber-root

By SPENCER MORRISSEY Scientific name: Medeola virginiana AKA: Indian cucumber-root PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

Flowers:

Usually three nodding flowers that give way to berries that are not edible. These berries eventually turn dark purple.

Shape:

There are one to two stacked whirls of leaves which give this a very distinct look. Plants that do not flower will only have one whirl of leaves until it flowers upon its second whirl. Plants can grow up to 2 feet in height, but they average about 12 inches. Some older growth can reach up to 24 inches.

Habitat:

It grows in partial sunlight and in a hardwood forest, and it is not uncommon to grow in large patches of different sizes, or as a stand along plant. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but not wet.

Uses:

The edible root can be used as trail kibble or in salads.

Edible qualities:

The root is white, has a brittle texture and tastes and smells somewhat like a cucumber. The root, or tuber, grows sideways to prevent easy plucking. You have to de-earth carefully around it to get it out.

The plant is brittle as well, making it hard to harvest. Leave a small portion of the tip for regrowth in the next season. Just wash and eat.

Please do not over collect; try a couple and move on.

Paddling the Adirondacks in the fall

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PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

I guess this bedtime story isn’t about what “I did today” but more along the lines of cold, flatwater paddling preparation.

While, yes, it isn’t as cold as springtime paddling, but the fall waters can be just as frigid, and safety should be no less observed. After all, it is technically autumn until Dec. 21.

It is the time of year when the occasional warm weather places a concerning misconception about water conditions. The air can be unseasonably warm, but the water is getting colder due to long, frigid nights. Look at it this way, how long will you feel comfortable swimming in 50-degree water with jeans and T-shirt if you tip over? Dress for the weather, dress for the conditions, and dress for success. This typically comes after a battle on the importance of always wearing a life vest (PFD).

When venturing out on the open water this fall, a life vest could possibly be one of your most important pieces of equipment. The best swimmers are no match for bitter water conditions. Neoprene or a wet suit is also another thought, but these are no replacement for a PFD. A full suit is great, but even socks, pants and a shirt are better than nothing. Dry suits get used frequently in the fall as well, but more often by whitewater paddlers. Paddling gloves are very nice to protect from the splash of the cold water and the cool breeze that can make handling a paddle very cold, especially one with an aluminum shaft paddle.

Leave a float plan. Where will you be? When do you plan to be back? Who will you be with? What gear do you have? Leave a copy of a map. Add any other pertinent information about you and your party with someone. If no one knows where you are, how can someone find you if they need to?

Don’t depend on a cellphone to work when you need it. The Adirondacks are filled with dead zones for cell reception, even more so in the valleys where many amazing paddling destinations are located.

Sunscreen and sun protection: You are out in the open, there is nothing nature can do to protect you out there, and you can still get burned if the air is cool and breezy. It’s just less noticeable until later.

Another great piece of cold water paddling gear is a throw rope.

Most paddlers don’t bring one in the warmer months but when the water is cooler. It’s a safer way to get someone to shore than to dive right in yourself.

Now keep in mind, you should always bring your typical gear for

paddling, such as: ¯ paddle float ¯ bilge pump (just in case you do take on water or flip) ¯ dry bags for gear ¯ GPS and/or map and compass (and know how to use it) ¯ spare paddle for the group (they do break oddly enough, but more often get dropped, and not all of them float) ¯ first-aid kit (one for the group) ¯ snacks ¯ water ¯ cellphone (you might have coverage, in waterproof case) ¯ jacket (waterproof for wind protection, autumn breezes can be very cold) ¯ light (headlamp works or a bow/stern light). Not so much for navigation but so other boaters can see you if you are out in the dark.

Remember to have fun out there. It’s what it’s all about, being safe doesn’t mean compromising having fun, they can go hand-in-hand.

EMBARK ~ Get Up, Get Out

Fall 2020

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

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