A couple weeks back I flew into Lake Placid with a friend to visit with a Canadian Soaring Club that visits each year in Oct. They come looking to soar in the wave that forms downwind of the mountains. When conditions are right, the wave will extend to over 20,000'. On such days it is quite bumpy down low but becomes smooth as glass once connected with the wave. Oxygen and many layers of clothes are needed in the thin and very cold air aloft.
No wind and wave this day, but good soaring in the thermals up to about 8,000.
http://soarcny.blogspot.com/2012/10/flight-to-lake-placid-ny.html
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Lower Wolfjaw 09-16-2012
Writing this three weeks after the hike, it appears that Lower Wolfjaw was my last mountain for the year. There may be a warm spell ahead this fall, but otherwise Fall and much cooler, wetter weather has arrived with October. This morning as the sun rises the temperature here in the low lands of Central New York is in the just above 40. This weeks' forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds, some showers and even the possibility of nighttime snow.
Fall is my favorite time for hiking. This summer was one of the warmest on record and made for some uncomfortable, sweaty times on the trail. Even into the evenings, the air temperature remained warm enough that a fire wasn't needed or even wanted. The arrival of cooler weather is such a relief. With a couple freezing nights the mosquitoes are no longer a problem around the campsite in the evening. I was able to relax around the fire and enjoy some popcorn in a campground with no bugs and very few other campers too.
I knew ahead of time that there would be few views from the hike up or the summit of Lower Wolfjaw. It has a forested summit with only one limited view looking from to the W through N. There is a nice rock to sit on but during my time at the top it was occupied by a couple hikers eating lunch. I suspect there might have been views in other directions by leaving the trail, but I always try hard not to trample the delicate vegetation.
For the most part, trails in the High Peaks are rocky or muddy and have many tree roots all which force me to keep my attention directed downward as I plan the next couple footsteps. This is fine with me because there is so much that is interesting there. Flowering plants, mushroom and lichen, many very different than what I see in the lowlands.
The low temperature this morning was 30. It was comfortable through the night with a blanket atop my sleeping bag. Taking my time getting out of the bag in the morning I then quickly dressed, brushed my teeth and hopped in the car. Coffee at a Mobile - On the Go gas station in the Village of Keene, to go with a cinnamon bun for breakfast at the St Hubert parking area.
It was still a little cool as I left the car just after 9:00 am. The skies were clear except for a few cap clouds on the mountains. After a mile or so on the gravel Lake Road I reach the Lower Wolfjaw trailhead and cross Gill Brook followed by the East Branch of the Ausable River. From here it is about another mile on the East River Trail along base of LWJ before crossing a small bridge over Wedge Brook. On the other side is the junction of the trail to LWJ and UWJ
By 12:45 I have reached the junction in the col. Turning right I head towards Lower Wolfjaw walking along the southeast face of the hill. At times Giant, Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong and Gothics are visible through the trees but never enough for a good picture.
Fall is my favorite time for hiking. This summer was one of the warmest on record and made for some uncomfortable, sweaty times on the trail. Even into the evenings, the air temperature remained warm enough that a fire wasn't needed or even wanted. The arrival of cooler weather is such a relief. With a couple freezing nights the mosquitoes are no longer a problem around the campsite in the evening. I was able to relax around the fire and enjoy some popcorn in a campground with no bugs and very few other campers too.
I knew ahead of time that there would be few views from the hike up or the summit of Lower Wolfjaw. It has a forested summit with only one limited view looking from to the W through N. There is a nice rock to sit on but during my time at the top it was occupied by a couple hikers eating lunch. I suspect there might have been views in other directions by leaving the trail, but I always try hard not to trample the delicate vegetation.
For the most part, trails in the High Peaks are rocky or muddy and have many tree roots all which force me to keep my attention directed downward as I plan the next couple footsteps. This is fine with me because there is so much that is interesting there. Flowering plants, mushroom and lichen, many very different than what I see in the lowlands.
The low temperature this morning was 30. It was comfortable through the night with a blanket atop my sleeping bag. Taking my time getting out of the bag in the morning I then quickly dressed, brushed my teeth and hopped in the car. Coffee at a Mobile - On the Go gas station in the Village of Keene, to go with a cinnamon bun for breakfast at the St Hubert parking area.
It was still a little cool as I left the car just after 9:00 am. The skies were clear except for a few cap clouds on the mountains. After a mile or so on the gravel Lake Road I reach the Lower Wolfjaw trailhead and cross Gill Brook followed by the East Branch of the Ausable River. From here it is about another mile on the East River Trail along base of LWJ before crossing a small bridge over Wedge Brook. On the other side is the junction of the trail to LWJ and UWJ
Bridge crossing Wedge Brook
Falls 200 yards above the bridge
Beyond the bridge the trail turns straight up the hill towards the col between Upper and Lower Wolfjaw. Walking is still fairly easy for 2/3 of this trail, then it turns up quite steeply. Nothing difficult on the way to the col as there are plenty of roots to grab and footholds to walk up. Visible to the right are cliffs below the summit of Lower Wolfjaw.
By 12:45 I have reached the junction in the col. Turning right I head towards Lower Wolfjaw walking along the southeast face of the hill. At times Giant, Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong and Gothics are visible through the trees but never enough for a good picture.
I reach the summit about 1:30. This is the best view of the day looking SW towards Marcy. I spend a little time resting then head back down at 1:50.
What I'll remember most from this hike will be the interesting life along the forest floor. I've tried to identify some of these. If wrong or you know the names of those without, let me know.
Bearded Tooth
Fringed Wrinkle Lichen
Gem-studded Puffball
Green Reindeer Lichen
Lipstick Powderhorn
Orange Polypore
Tinder Polypore
Usnea Lichen
Wolfs-milk Slime
Heading down I made good time and by 3:30 back to the bridge over Wedge Brook, 3:50 at Lake Road, and back to the car at 5:00.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Nippletop Mountain 08-26-2012
Leaving St Huberts parking at 7 am. There is a very slight chance of afternoon showers but right now the skies are clear but the air is humid. On the drive from Wilmington I passed some areas of ground fog. Very pretty in the morning light. Probably should have stopped for pictures but I'm always feeling anxious to get to the trail head.
I like starting hikes from St Huberts. There is a good sized free parking area that generally is almost empty. Each time I go to The Garden I worry that it will be full. In fact the first time using The Garden I got the last spot!
Usually trailheads start right at the parking area so leaving the car you go right onto a trail into the woods. The first time starting at St Huberts it felt a little strange walking up the road to the Country Club then along Lake Road. Occasionally a car or bus would pass me on Lake Rd stirring up dust but it does give pretty quick access deeper into the hills and returning at the end of the day it was really nice to have an easy flat surface to walk on and make good time. For a good while along the road Gill brook is within sight. It's been dry so there was little water running. I'd like to see this in the early spring with snow melt.
It seemed like I should have reached the trailhead already, so as I was studying the map another hiker stopped and being familiar with the area pointed out that it was only a short distance ahead. He kind of cut things short, excused himself saying he had a long hike ahead and headed off at a walking pace that was about as fast as I jog. I thought to myself, "My God, I wasn't going to keep you here for hours..." Later in the day he passed me on the way back after climbing about 5 peaks. Then I understood his desire not to waste time. (and he was still walking about as fast as I run...)
About an hour and a half up the road I come across the start of the trailhead up to Indian Head, Colvin, Elk Pass and Nippletop and turned up the trail.
At 9:26 passed the junction to Fishhawk Cliffs, Indian Head. Nippletop is 2.4 miles ahead. So far it has been easy uphill walking.
At 10:13 Junction Colvin trail. I'm following the blue signs to Nippletop now 1.9 miles ahead.
Leaving the ponds the trail turns sharply up. There were several areas of bare rock but plenty of cracks or foot sized lips to aid in the climb. Occasionally there were views to the NW and N. At one point I could just barely make out the golf course country club in the distance.
Of course I spend much of my time looking down at the trail planning the next step. So much of what catches my attention is something on the forest floor along the trail.
I like starting hikes from St Huberts. There is a good sized free parking area that generally is almost empty. Each time I go to The Garden I worry that it will be full. In fact the first time using The Garden I got the last spot!
Usually trailheads start right at the parking area so leaving the car you go right onto a trail into the woods. The first time starting at St Huberts it felt a little strange walking up the road to the Country Club then along Lake Road. Occasionally a car or bus would pass me on Lake Rd stirring up dust but it does give pretty quick access deeper into the hills and returning at the end of the day it was really nice to have an easy flat surface to walk on and make good time. For a good while along the road Gill brook is within sight. It's been dry so there was little water running. I'd like to see this in the early spring with snow melt.
Creek near the Flume in morning light.
A dam along Gill Brook. I could see the pipe from this paralleling the road back in the woods.
It seemed like I should have reached the trailhead already, so as I was studying the map another hiker stopped and being familiar with the area pointed out that it was only a short distance ahead. He kind of cut things short, excused himself saying he had a long hike ahead and headed off at a walking pace that was about as fast as I jog. I thought to myself, "My God, I wasn't going to keep you here for hours..." Later in the day he passed me on the way back after climbing about 5 peaks. Then I understood his desire not to waste time. (and he was still walking about as fast as I run...)
About an hour and a half up the road I come across the start of the trailhead up to Indian Head, Colvin, Elk Pass and Nippletop and turned up the trail.
At 9:26 passed the junction to Fishhawk Cliffs, Indian Head. Nippletop is 2.4 miles ahead. So far it has been easy uphill walking.
At 10:13 Junction Colvin trail. I'm following the blue signs to Nippletop now 1.9 miles ahead.
I arrived at the lakes in Elk Pass about 10:45. Skies were still mostly clear with a few CU over the peaks. This is another place that it would be nice to spend time exploring. Along the edge of this small lake there were many interesting plants. Just as I was leaving I spotted some Sundew. If only I had my macro lens and ring flash.
Leaving the ponds the trail turns sharply up. There were several areas of bare rock but plenty of cracks or foot sized lips to aid in the climb. Occasionally there were views to the NW and N. At one point I could just barely make out the golf course country club in the distance.
Of course I spend much of my time looking down at the trail planning the next step. So much of what catches my attention is something on the forest floor along the trail.
By a little after 1 PM the summit is within sight.
Beautiful view from the top!
Resting at the top with me was a young lady and a couple. I listened as she talked about some of her recent hikes in the hills. After a while she continued on leaving me with the young man and woman. While his girlfriend walked away for a few minutes, he approached me and asked if I would take a picture of them using his camera. Of course. He said he had a surprise for her. When she returned, he got down on one knee and proposed to her. What a wonderful moment to witness.
I managed to get a picture with my camera as well, a little after the big moment. Though I hesitated to put this private moment here I will as it will probably be one of the most memorable experiences of my hiking in the High Peaks. I wish the best of luck to these two young people.
Heading back down, the signs of Fall are already visible here in the higher elevations.
Bristly Beard Lichen
Rock Monster?
By 6:15 I'm on Lake Road and back to the car just as the sun is setting.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Esther and Whiteface (08-07-2012)
Vacation arrived and the weather cooperated giving me the opportunity to bring my son David along on a hike in the High Peaks. It has been about 6 years since he last came with me and I was really excited that we would get to do this.
David playing Darts
Try it? I don't think so....
Good food!
Leaving the trail briefly brought us to a lookout and a nice view to the east of the Sentinel Range.
No missing this turn!
Esther from the Esther trail
Colorful marsh area and walkway for crossing.
Plaque atop Esther honoring 15 year old Esther McComb.
On the final ascent to the summit. Looking back past David down the trail along the ridge to the highway we just left.
Summit in sight.
Success! David and me atop Whiteface. David commented on how strange it was to have hiked all those hours only to arrive at a summit crowded with people in sandals carrying a purse. Whether driving or hiking the view from the top is grand!
Looking towards Lake Placid.
Arriving in Lake Placid behind a cold front that carried showers across New York State the day before, the lingering clouds and breeze kept the mid-afternoon temperature a little chilly. Over the next couple hours the airmass dried and the clouds cleared allowing the sun to warm things up enough so that the overnight low remained comfortable.
In the evening David and I relaxed and played darts on a board he brought up with us. David plays frequently. I don't. Though I managed to hit the board (most of the time) the fine control needed to place the darts even close to where I wanted eluded me. As I played my technique and feel started to work itself out and I got better but nowhere near good enough to match David. He killed me every game. It was fun though...
We walked down to the river and arrived in time to watch some guys jumping off the rocks into the gorge formed by the West Branch of the Ausable River. They said you need to go far enough, but not too far as you will end up touching underwater rocks on the far side with your feet. I combined a series of shots in Photoshop.
Back to the campsite for dinner. Tired of hot dogs or subs, I brought a Bremer Frozen Gyros Kit. Quick and easy to prepare. Delicious! Almost like going to the Greek Fest back in Syracuse.
In the morning after coffee and blueberry muffins we made the short drive over to the Wilmington Reservoir trailhead and shortly after 8:00 we started up the trail. Walking was very easy along the first mile and a third to the junction of Flume trail. From there we turn northwest and uphill to ascend Marble Mountain at 2,750'.
Continuing up the trail headed southwest the climb continues fairly steep to a ridge at 3,300'. Here the climb eases and there are occasional views of both Esther and Whiteface. We pass the summit of Lookout Mountain at 4,084'. Though over 4,000' Lookout Mountain fails to meet the criteria for inclusion as one of the 46 High Peaks.
After a short time David and I stop to examine my topographic map. It seems we should have arrived at the trail junction for Esther. Did we pass it already? The trail to Esther is "unmaintained" however enough hikers use it to keep an easily visible herd path. Frequently while hiking I am so busy watching the rocks, roots and mud holes in an effort to walk safely that I've worried a trail junction was missed! Even keeping a good pace, covering distance on these trails takes much longer than expected. We figure we should be there, and 10 feet later rounding a turn there is a cairn right in the middle of the trail marking the Esther trailhead.
Down and back up along the col between Lookout and Esther. The path is narrow with a few chest high ledges to climb over. Nothing difficult as in the ascent of Armstrong and I didn't even need to put my camera away.
We reached the summit of Esther just before noon, joining a couple other hikers resting and enjoying a snack. There isn't much of a view though we could see Whiteface. Since we were probably only a couple hours away from Whiteface we decided to continue on to that peak.
Back on the Whiteface trail we continued upward passing just beyond the top of the ski area chair lift. A little further along the trail arrives at the base of a 60 foot high rock wall built as the foundation for the Veterans Memorial Highway to the summit of Whiteface. Skirting the bottom of this wall the trail turns up onto a pile of rocks that brought us up to the level of the highway. For a few feet we are on the shoulder watching cars and bicycles going by. Then we are climbing again quite steep towards the summit.
Walking along the exposed rocks. At points the yellow stripes marking the trail brings us at times within a couple feet of the eastern edge of the ridge. Too close for comfort. I don't think we would tumble all the way down to Wilmington, but going off the edge would really hurt with all the jagged sun bleached wood below. I wish I had spent some time trying to capture that feeling in a photo.
Headed down we made great time and by 6:00 PM after 3-1/2 hours coming down we were back at the car.
The KOA we stay at was only a little over a mile distant. After a shower we headed into Placid for dinner at Nicola's.
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