A Marvelous Memorial Day Weekened

What a fantastic holiday weekend! Wouldn't you all agree?
(Yes, I know, this post is just a few days past due, but at least I got it done!)

The weekend started out early for us, Thursday evening, and what a better way to start out than with a moose sighting!! I took it as a good omen for the wonderful weekend that was in store for us, as we had such great weather, good company, and an overall marvelous time up at camp.

We arrived just after 7PM, got the car unpacked, camp set up and settled in for a quiet, relaxing night. The peepers were peeping, the air was cool and crisp and it was perfect sleeping weather!

Friday dawned a beautiful sunny day, so we slathered on the bug spray, packed some snacks and set out on an adventure into the High Peaks Wilderness Area to hike Mt. Adams.

Mt. Adams - Friday, May 28th

We've been up Mt. Adams before, in the middle of the winter, but were not fortunate enough to have any views on that cold and blustery day, so we've been aching to go back for the views we have been told of. The fire tower is in a state of major disrepair, and if you read any information on it you will see that it is technically "closed", but they have not removed the stairs so it is climbable, but more on that later.

The trailhead is located south of the Upper Works parking lot, approximately 9.5 miles from the turn off of Blue Ridge Road. It is on the right hand side of the road, just past the old blast furnace.

The trail starts out nice and easy, crossing the Hudson where it is only a small stream on a rather old and rusty looking suspension bridge. It then winds it's way through the woods to Lake Jimmy and another somewhat sketchy water crossing over a custom built log bridge. It still floats, and other than one board near the shore, there is no need for getting the feet wet. The dogs enjoyed the lake for a short swimming adventure and we were on our way.

At 0.7 miles you reach a trail junction that points hikers up Mt. Adams to the left.

At this point you still have 1.6 miles to climb, and a lot of elevation to gain. From this junction, the trail starts out gradually climbing, but quickly gets very steep and very similar to the trails of the high peaks. It was a slow and arduous climb, but we made it, and the view was well worth it!

View from the top of the tower. From right to left the main peaks are Marcy, Colden, and behind the window frame on the far left Algonquin.

As I mentioned previously, the fire tower is in a state of major disrepair, as in, you probably shouldn't climb it, but I did anyway. The stairs are all in tact, but there is no longer any wire mesh around the outsides, no cap at all, and no support wires. So on a windy day, I don't think even I would climb this tower for a view. There is a group of people working on the restoration of the tower. I found this forum thread that states that DEC has given approval of the restoration plan, but getting supplies into the tower may delay some of the work until the fall. At least it is a work in progress. I would hate to see this tower get abandoned, the views are just phenomenal.

After returning back to camp after our jaunt in the woods, we settled in for a nice afternoon of book reading, napping and snacking! A fire was built outside on which we roasted hot dogs over for dinner and enjoyed the starry skies.

One of the best things, in my opinion, about being at camp is getting to stay in bed for as long as I want in the morning! It's wonderful to wake up and laze about listening to the birds chirp, all the time knowing there aren't any pressing matters to attend to (except breakfast perhaps, but that can also wait). It's wonderful, until... the dogs start barking, and you look out the window to see your sister-in-law, her boyfriend and 4 year old son pulling up! (actually, I was excited they were there, but wasn't really expecting them at 9AM on Saturday morning)!

While they unpacked, we eased ourselves out of bed and snacked on some fresh fruit and other breakfast items. The socializing was moved outside where we relaxed and chatted and Braden enjoyed playing in the swamp. Braden (the 4 year old) proclaimed that he wanted to go swimming, so Shawne (the sister-in-law) and I changed into our suits to head into the water with little B. He was reluctant to go in, but Shawne and I went for it and while it was a bit chilly, it was much warmer than previous years at this time, and was rather enjoyable.

After our refreshing swim, and a bit more socializing, Braden and Shawne wandered into their tent for a nap, Greg took off in their canoe, and Jake and I got on our bikes for a ride up to the Great Camp Santanoni. We biked this route back in September when we were at camp, so I took very few pictures this time. To see a detailed account of the ride and the great camp from our fall excursion, check out my post here.

As I said, I took very few photos, but here is one, where Jake is looking rather sleepy, or grumpy, or something other than happy! But hey, at least I have a smile on my face :-)

That's it for the excitement of the weekend. After the ride Saturday we all just hung out and had fun around the campfire. Sunday morning Shawne and Greg packed up and left early, and we weren't far behind.

As always, Good times were had by all! (including Baxter, who is thoroughly enjoying his head scratch in the photo below)

Moose on the Loose

I SAW A MOOSE, I SAW A MOOSE! I can now die a happy girl!

I have a fascination with Moose. Don't ask me why, because I can't give you a logical answer. They just are very cool to me. And I have always wanted to see one in person, in the wild, and specifically in the Adirondacks, and it just so happens I saw one last Thursday on my way up to Newcomb.

Great Camp Santanoni

Nestled in the woods, 5 miles down a dirt road, is the deteriorating Great Camp Santanoni. Built between 1892-93, it was regarded at its time of completion as being the grandest of all such Adirondack camps. To read a detailed history of the camp, check out the Adirondack Architectural Heritage Website here. And when I say deteriorating, I guess I should also add they are in the midst of a massive revitalization of the camp, so it is being cared for. But if you go to visit be prepared for a bit of construction going on around you.

My husband and I have ventured down the Great Camp road twice prior to this visit without ever making it as far as the main camp buildings so we decided that on this past trip to Newcomb we would bring our bikes and cycle the 4.7 miles to the camp. We started at our cabin located near the Lake Harris Campground, so that added an additional 2 miles each way, but it was worth it, as the trip was beautiful.

We passed many hikers along the way, and saw signs of horses, but never ran into any. A few other bikers were also on the road, but it was a bit chilly, so cycling was definitely the cooler option. The first half of the ride in is a fairly steady flat, and slow climb to about the half way point where the road then takes a sharp turn downhill to coast the remainder of the way to the camp. That of course means quite the climb going back out, but it didn't feel as bad as I thought it was going to be. Mentally I was prepared for a long arduous climb from the camp to that mid-point, but it went quickly and without too much complaining on my part :-).

Here are some photos from the journey, enjoy the views I captured along the way!

This is the view east towards Lake Harris when crossing the one lane bridge into the Santanoni Preserve.

This is the Gatehouse, the first building you see when crossing the bridge and entering the Santanoni Preserve.

Trail sign at the sign-in booth.

Sign seen when arriving at the main lodge area.

Inside the Great Room of the lodge. A HUGE fireplace sits in the middle of this room, it was very impressive.

One of the areas of massive reconstruction work. It appears as though they are working on the foundation under this part of the building.

One of the buildings in the farm complex area. I love the stonework of this building, it's very impressive, and in excellent condition.

Jake taking a rest at the farm buildings on the way out.

Me! (also resting on the way back out)

Time sure does fly when having fun...

On our quest to become Adirondack 46r's, my husband and I have shared many great times together. The photos below represent just 2 of those wonderful moments. The first photo is from September of 2002 when we first started our quest to become one of the elite 46r's...

We haven't hiked much since 2003, as life got in the way and 2 years were spent living in Colorado. But we have recently gotten the itch to return to the High Peaks and continue our quest. The photo below is from a hike up Algonquin Peak yesterday, 08/16/09. Although we have already done this one before, we were looking for an adventure, and a little bit of motivation to finish the 11 peaks we have left.

Stay tuned for a few more photos and a bit more description of the hike we took yesterday up Algonquin.

Noonmark Mtn.

While not a hike peak, Noonmark Mt. comes in at an elevation of 3556ft. We have hiked this mountain twice; once in the fall of 2006 and then again on August 9, 2009 (just last Sunday). The hike is amazing, and if you ever get a chance it is a must. The view from the top is gorgeous and one can see the entire Great Range and beyond.

The first time we hiked this we took the Stimson Trail from the Ausable Club Road. This trail is very steep, but has amazing views along the way.

This past trip, we decided to hike Noonmark from the South East via the Dix Mt. trail that starts on Route 73 and the Felix-Adler Trail. This trail is longer, but less steep than the trail from the north, and much less crowded. Round-trip was about 6.8 miles. No views this time, but fun none the less. It definitely gave us the itch to get back to the high peaks!

High Peaks!

Adirondack High Peaks Hiked = 35

Cascade - September 7, 2002; 4098ft

Porter - September 7, 2002; 4059ft.

Giant - September 14, 2002; 4627ft.

Rocky Peak Ridge - September 14, 2002; 4420ft.

Wright - October 6, 2002; 4580ft.

Algonquin - October 6, 2002; 5114ft.

Iroquois - October 6, 2002; 4840ft.

Big Slide - October 12, 2002; 4240ft.

Basin - October 13, 2002; 4827ft.

Saddleback - October 13, 2002; 4515ft.

Dix Mt. - November 16, 2002; 4857ft.

Whiteface - April 26, 2003; 4867ft.

Esther - April 26, 2003; 4240ft.

Dial - May 3, 2003; 4020ft.

Nippletop - May 3, 2003; 4620ft.

Panther - May 10, 2003; 4442ft.

Santanoni - May 10, 2003; 4607ft.

Gray Mt. - May 19, 2003; 4840ft.

Skylight - May 19, 2003; 4926ft.

Marcy - May 19, 2003

Tabletop - August 30, 2003; 4427ft.

Cliff Mt. - October 11, 2003; 3960ft.

Redfield - October 11, 2003; 4606ft.

Colden - October 11, 2003; 4714ft.

Mt. Colvin - November 1, 2003; 4057ft.

Blake - November 1, 2003; 3960ft.

Nye Mt. - November 8, 2003; 3895ft.

Street Mt. - November 8, 2003; 4166ft.

Phelps - November 23, 2003; 4161ft.

Gothics - November 26, 2003; 4736ft.

Armstrong - November 26, 2003; 4400ft.

Upper Wolfjaw - November 26, 2003; 4185ft.

Lower Wolfjaw - June 15, 2004

Sawteeth - June 20, 2004

Marshall - October 9, 2006

Remaining Peaks = 11

Seymour; 4120ft.

Seward; 4361ft.

Donaldson; 4140ft.

Emmons; 4040ft.

Hough; 4400ft.

East Dix; 4012ft.

South Dix; 4060ft

Macomb; 4405ft.

Haystack; 4960ft.

Allen; 4340ft.

Couchsachraga; 3820ft.

As you can see from the list, we did ALOT of hiking in 2002 and 2003. I wish we could get back to that, I was in awesome shape! I will update the list when we get around to finishing them off. But in the meantime I will update with the hikes we do, whether high peaks or not.