Camping/Hiking

Owlshead Fire Tower Hike

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Owlshead Fire Tower 3/20/16 – 5.8 mi. RT

Last weekend Brody and I joined our friends Carrie & Baxter to hike Owlshead Mountain in Long lake. We did this as part of the Fire Tower Challenge. This is the 4^th mountain that Brody and I have completed in this challenge.

With winter conditions we expected the trip to take longer than it did. It was so quick we considered doing Wakely Mountain nearby but with Brody’s foot still healing from a toe nail injury (he had to have most of the nail removed last Monday) we decided not to push it.

The trail itself was pretty easy. The first mile or so is a wide trail with little elevation gain. About half way the trail got steeper and a bit icy. This was my first hike using microspikes, and I’m pretty sure they are the greatest. The top was sunny, warm and clear with great views. The weather had predicted cold and rain so this was a pleasant surprise.

We did not go up the fire tower, because the bottom step was a little rickety and we decided the dogs didn’t need to go up with us. Besides Brody had already given me his standard scare before we even started the hike by getting his leg caught between the rails on the little bridge near the parking lot. I swear there isn’t a single trip where he doesn’t do something like that.

Overall a great little hike for the whole family.

Hadley Mountain Hike

By Jessica

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Hadley Mountain 12/6/15 – 4 mi. RT

Last Sunday was kind of a big day for me. I made it through my first solo hike. I know that to many experienced hikers it seems like a silly thing, but for me it was huge. I’m finding it more and more difficult to find people to hike with so I’m coming realize that I need to just bite the bullet and go on my own. I’m a capable woman, and can handle most situations, so really there isn’t anything that I should be scared of, though both Miss Amy and Chuck might disagree. They worry, but after this trip went well I think they will feel a little better.

Brody and I tackled Hadley Mountain, as part of the Fire Tower Challenge. This is the 3rd mountain in this challenge that I have completed. I chose this one for my first solo hike, because it’s fairly short, and only about 10 minutes from my mom’s house if for whatever reason I need someone to come save me.

When I left my house it was pretty cold and gloomy so I layered up, which I was thankful for in the beginning, but I was stripping off layers as I made my way above the low hanging clouds and into the sun. By the time I reached the summit it was crystal clear and beautiful. I really liked the way that the clouds blanketed the mountains, and I was surprised at the great views that were to be had all around.

The trail itself was great, while there was some ice it was minimal and I was able to avoid using additional footgear. It was fairly steep the entire time, but I was out to get a work out anyway, and it was only 2 miles one way.

Brody had a blast as well. For some reason this crazy dog always wants to climb up the fire towers and then about halfway up starts to whine, I assume because he’s scared but he keeps going up. I think next time I will have to be quick to tie him up at the bottom. The stairs can be sketchy, and he likes to go a little too fast, which makes me a little too nervous, especially when there is no chicken wire to catch a clumsy pup. I’m pretty sure there has not been a hiking trip where he hasn’t fallen at least once. He’s reaching 3 years old I would like to think he will start to wizen up a bit, but so far that doesn’t appear to be happening.

On the way down Brody and I stopped chatted with the nicest German gentleman. In his early 80’s he was just out for a morning hike like us. I was super impressed with his physical prowess for his age. He told us how upsetting it was for him when they told him he had to stop running in his late 70’s. He was seriously impressive and I really hope that I can be in that kind of shape when I am his age. I’d also like to be as happy. I mean really this guy is my new idol.

Other Mountains in the Fire Tower Challenge:

Snowy Mountain Hike

Hiking Blue Mountain

Hiking Blue Mountain in the Adirondacks

By Jessica

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On this particular trip to the Adirondacks my friend Carrie and I had planned to do a totally different mountain but upon driving by Blue Mountain parking lot and seeing it empty we decided to change plans. It’s a rarity that this mountain isn’t swarmed with people and with puppies in tow the less people the better, in my opinion.

It was a fairly easy hike, aside from the ice.

Honestly we were not prepared for as much ice and snow as we had encountered. We knew that it had snowed in the last couple of days up there, but didn’t expect that much of it to stick. The way down included a few spills which could have been avoided with proper gear. #respectthemountain

In the summer this would be a beautiful and easy hike, that’s perfect for families or beginners, but also worth the trip for the a seasoned hiker looking for a quick trip. It’s also right near the Adirondack Museum, so it’s a great addition for a day trip there.

It was 4 miles round trip and we made it in and out in about 2.5 hours (I’m guessing – neither of us really checked the time we came in or out).

The top was a little disappointing since there were a number of antennas and cell towers to obstruct the otherwise beautiful view, and it was a little past peak leaf peeping. We also didn’t go all the way to the top of the town because it was covered in ice and we are chickens. Go ahead and laugh, I am known to fall right over m own two feet I don’t need to do it down a sketchy set of metal stairs.

The hike was good and the company better. I really love hiking, and for me it isn’t all about the views. It’s being in the woods, the candid conversations and getting a little sweat going.

One the way home we stopped at Chrissy’s Café in Indian lake. A hot meal was much needed and really hit the spot. It’s a great little place that serves breakfast and lunch for good prices. Check it out next time you are in the area!

The Honeymoon Finale and Camp Clam Chowder

By Jessica

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A quick overview of our favorite camping spot and an amazing recipe for Camp Clam Chowder.

I have already talked about the first half of our honeymoon in wine country, as well as our trip to Watkins Glen, but those only took up the first half of the week. The second half was spent camping in our favorite spot; a special place that we go to every year (2012, 2013, 2014).

It’s a really beautiful lake that we hike back into and setup camp for the weekend only venturing out for extra supplies at the truck. It’s a little known place that doesn’t get much traffic so most of the time we are completely on our own there, and it’s pretty much bliss. Brody loves it because he gets to have his run of the campsite sans leash or fence. There is also lots of swimming with this little guy.

Lake Champlain on the way back home.

We went later in the year than we usually do so it was a bit colder, which of course calls for tummy warming foods. Some of my favorites are foil potatoes, Hobo Stew, Fire Roasted French Style Onions and camp clam chowder.

This chowder is probably one of the tastiest and easiest things to prepare over the fire. With lots of protein and carbs, it’s great for a long journey. Like any chowder its super filling and warming form the inside out. Don’t let it’s looks fool you, it’s delicious. The only down side for a long trip is lugging in the canned clams, so if you want to make this on a longer trip I would dump the canned clams into a light weight container or Ziploc , just be sure it doesn’t leak because that will turn into a sticky mess.

For the rest of the ingredients I brought the potato flakes, herbs, & spices in a baggy with a whole shallot and a small potato (optional). The shallot and potato were removed and chopped up just before cooking. The bacon was saved from breakfast and just crumbled when ready for use.

Camp Clam Chowder

Prep time: 2 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 12 mins

Serves: 2 Servings

Ingredients

2 strips of bacon, cooked & crumbled
1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil
1 shallot, minced
2 6.5 oz chopped clams in juice
1 vegetable bouillon, crumbled
¼ cup water (possibly more)
1/3 cup instant potatoes
1 teaspoon dried chives

Instructions

Put the bacon in a pan over the fire and cook for 1-2 minutes, the bacon should release some fat.
Add the butter (or oil), shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shallot begins to soften.
Stir in the chopped clams, bouillon, and water. Cook (at boiling temperature) for 2-3 minutes.
Add the potatoes and cook, while stirring until thickened.
Top with chives and serve.

Optional: Cook Foil Camp Potatoes alongside the chowder and add the cooked potato to each bowl.

Watkins Glen State Park & The Gorge Trail

By Jessica

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Watkins Glen State Park located at the base of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York is easily one of the most beautiful place I have ever visited. It was definitely a highlight of our trip to the Finger Lakes for our honeymoon.

The park itself is pretty small, though it does still boast camp grounds, a pool and other amenities along with its famous Gorge trail. There are a total of 19 waterfalls and numerous pools of water created over the centuries by the Glen Creek. The Gorge Trail is impeccably maintained trail that includes cement pathways and stairs, stone and timber bridges and informational plaques. The pathway is carved into the side of the massive cavern and in some places right through the stone wall itself. It’s a pretty easy little hike, though be aware there are a number of stairs.

For more info check out the park’s website.

On this little hike we took our time making our way from the main entrance up the Gorge Trail. Enjoying every site and analyzing the different types of rock, how it must have felt to build the stairs, and bridges, as well as the millions of years it took to develop such a beautiful place. On the way back we started on the Indian trail, crossing at the rainbow falls bridge to make our way up the North Country Trail to the Lilly pond and back across the suspension bridge, before heading down to the Gorge Trail again to exit the park. It was a breath taking, easy going hike that I’m glad we were able to do.

Camping/Hiking

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