Silver Lake Sketch
August 3, 2016 9:15 pmGot to enjoy some time sketching on Silver Lake today while taking a zero (miles) day tomorrow try and heal up my blisters.
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Signs
August 3, 2016 1:57 pmOne of my concerns while researching the Trans Adirondack Route was the select legal camping in the first 50 miles. My biggest fear was accidentally camping on private lands and getting tossed in the pokey. I do have to say I was happy to find things pretty well marked and had no issues. Seeing the DEC state land sign after miles of hiking and private lands is like a oasis in the desert!
Silver Lake Sunset
August 2, 2016 10:00 pmGot to see the most amazing sunset today at Silver Lake while at the Douglas Campground. Enjoying the trip very much so far!
Douglas Campground – Silver Lake
August 2, 2016 5:50 pmUpon arriving at Silver Lake I was really hoping to get off my feet for a day or two and let the blisters heal. I arrived at Douglas campground and while looking for the office the bathroom. A gentleman greeted me, no doubt noticed the pack and that I was a hiker and told me it was Ok to use the rest room. I had a quick chuckle to myself, thinking that hiker trash, including myself most days would be looking for a bathroom to use
After a moment I explained in was looking for a cabin, tent site or room, he told me he was pretty sure all the cabins were booked up but they may have a room at the “Annex” a old style hotel across from the lake. He said to hold on a moment while he checked with his wife to be sure. After a brief conversation he told me unfortunately they were all booked up. He was very helpful and tried very hard to find a way to accommodate me. He even offered to let me hang my hammock under a outdoor patio they had.
I thanked him but said I’d probably make my way to state lands. While discussing how far that would be his wife telephoned back to let him know they had a cancellation and a room was available.
A very basic room In a very old building with some new renovations. The room has new wood paneling, a bed, dresser, mirror, wooden chair, and fan and a air conditioner. The building makes small gentle noises throughout the day. I believe due to expanding and contracting as my room, which faces east has more trouble locking once the sun makes its way to the other side of the building. The shower is shared down the hall. There is lake access as well.
Union Falls Pond
August 2, 2016 12:00 pmPassed by Union Falls Pond today. Stunning views all around. Also my first look at the High Peaks since beginning the route.
Hummingbird Hum
August 2, 2016 11:00 amI was resting on the bank of the Saranac River when I looked to my right and Saw a hummingbird. It was my first time ever seeing one in real life. To be honest I wasn’t aware they were even present in NY state. Of course I did not have my camera on me. After it left I grabbed my camera and waited for a hour to see another to no avail. While a photograph or video would have been nice, I don’t believe every moment in life needs to be captured and I am certainly grateful I was just able to experience it.
It was drawing nectar from some flowers like the picture below not sure what they are. Allthough i have seen videos of hummingbirds my first time in real life was outstanding, it moved with such grace and beauty.
I also saw a bald eagle, though not my first.
Hummingbird flowers
Curious George & the Saranac River
August 2, 2016 10:00 amCurious George enjoyed some time by the Saranac River. So did I!
Trans Adirondack Day 2
August 1, 2016 8:00 pmI started hiking today around 7am.The Black flies were horrendous at times. Luckily I remembered my bug net. Can’t say I care much for hiking while wearing it though as the steam and condensation from your breath tends to kick back in your face. It also reduces clarify of vision some. The black flies were only bad in a couple of spoty areas though. Usually around low lying water.
I walked about 22 miles today. A bit more than I’d prefer, but the beginning of this route has long stretches in between legal places to camp and private property. So today it was either 10 or 22. I got a early enough start and the weather wasn’t bad and i went for it.
Just about all of today was road walking. It was gray and cloudy all day, threatening to rain but it held out. I’m exhausted and the blisters on my feet have me a bit concerned but 22 miles in humid, gray conditions beats 10 miles in direct sunlight and blazing heat any day.
My feet hurt so bad when I saw the DEC marker denoting legal land at my destination I practicality ran in.
Found a wonderful spot near the Saranac River. After rehydrating I noticed the sky getting darker, so before dinner I set up my hammock. I have to be honest last night I had one of the worst hammock hangs in have ever done in over 50 times or so. The trees I chose were too close together and there wasn’t good clearance on the sides for the rain fly. I hardly slept as I was practically bent in half with my head at my ankles much of the night. So tonight I took extra care to get a good, no perfect hang tonight. Pictures below 🙂
Black Flies
August 1, 2016 11:15 amLittle known fact, northern black flies are direct descents of Lucifer. #truestory
Trans Adirondack Route – Day 1
July 31, 2016 8:00 pmI began the Trans Adirondack Route Route today. I Started in Ellenbuegh Center, just south of the NY/Canadian border around 10:30am. A lot of long hot road walking to start. Nothing too eventful. I signed up for the local Lyon Montain ATV club, Outback Riders.This gives me legal access to hike on the ATV trails the club maintains. I only used them for 5 or so of the 15 miles I walked today but it was a welcome relief from the open blazing hot sun of the road walking.
It’s supposed to rain pretty heavy tomorrow. I can either walk 10 or 20 miles. Part of the problem in the beginning is legit places to camp, so no in-between on the milage. Will see how bad the weather is.
