Wolf Pond - Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest - 5/5/13

Wolf Pond in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest is a beautiful place.  It's a quiet place right now, as there is no marked trail to reach the pond.  In the Unit Management Plan (see Appendix J) for Wolf Pond, there are various options that have been laid out for the placement of a trail.  There will also be a lean-to built on the east shore of the pond.

I went in to get a "pre-trail" look at the area.  It's a short one mile bushwhack north from the Blue Ridge Road.  Once at the pond, you are greeted with fabulous views of some of the spectacular high peaks (Redfield, Skylight, Marcy, Haystack and Basin). 

Looking north from the outlet

Leesa and I followed the proposed route around the east shore to the proposed location of the lean-to.

For the most part, the forest density is light and bushwhacking is not too difficult. 

Wolf Pond outlet

A bridge is planned to assist hikers in crossing the outlet.  The recommended trail option will start at the designated campsite where the Boreas River crosses Blue Ridge Road.  If this is the case, the trail will follow Wolf Pond Creek until it reaches the pond.

Once completed, this will be a relatively short hike to a beatiful pond with a lean-to.  A great option for families, or those desiring a short hike.

Does Rev look like a bird dog or what?

Hike Stats:

Hike Distance:  2 miles roundtrip for our bushwhack

Hike Time:  2 hours, including our exploration

Click image to enlarge

Kayaking The Narrows - Lake George, NY - 5/3/13

While our perfect weather pattern was continuing on for the second straight week, I took Friday to paddle the Narrows of Lake George before tourist season brings the motor boats back in force.

I launched from Shelving Rock, having parked at the end of Shelving Rock Road ( lot #6) and carrying the boat 400' to the water.  

I spent the better part of five hours paddling around, stopping at islands to explore.  I think I landed on ten islands, and passed by probably ten others.  My map at the end of this post shows where I went.

The islands are closed to camping until May 16, so I was free to roam.  There was very little breeze, but the black flies weren't overwhelming.  I went from island to island making mental notes of which islands and campsites I liked the best.  I should have brought a pen and paper.  There are so many islands and campsites, it's hard to remember them all.

Case in point.  I've already forgotten where this is...

My favorite site (It takes up this whole peninsula)

After a while of island hopping, I started to get picky about the sites.  Most of them are nice.  They are good size and most have sufficient privacy.  Here are some things to think about that are unique to island camping:

Does the site have a dock?

Is it a private dock or a shared dock?

Is there a tent platform?

Is there easy access for swimming (kid friendly)?

Is the water access sandy or rocky?

Is there a location for diving?

Is the site near a boat channel that gets lots of traffic?

Does the site have protection from the wind of the open water?

Is the island a single-site island, or multi-site island?

How far is the island from shore or the ranger headquarters?

Is the outhouse a small old style privy or one of the larger solar powered composting toilets?

A nice mix of sun and trees

All of the sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.  One thing to keep in mind is that no dogs are allowed on any of the islands, even the day-use picnic islands.  Dogs are also not allowed on boats when boats are tied up to the docks.  All sites are reserved through reserveamerica.com.  Day use permits can be obtained from the ranger stations.  I'm not sure if they can be purchased on-line. 

In general terms, the quieter islands are the ones further to the north.   I've now seen quite a few of the islands and sites.  I've got my favorites.  How about you?

Uncas Island

I was psyched to see a pair of loons out on the lake.  I'm always amazed at how long they can stay underwater.  I bet I've seen them duck under for 3 or 4 minutes at a time.

Loons on the lake!

Hens and Chickens Island

Site #1 on Hens and Chickens Island

That's all one campsite!

Back to open water

It's great to be out on the lake early in the season.  If you are out in a canoe or kayak, be sure to watch for boat traffic if you are out on the open water.  Especially during the summer.  Get out there now!  You'll be glad you did.

My route for the day... (Click image to enlarge)

Paddle Stats:

Total Paddle Distance:  9.3 miles

Total Time:  5 hours (including island exploring time)